Thursday, January 31, 2013

Periodontal Disease - What Are The Stages?


Periodontal disease (or gum disease) is a serious and chronic infection of the gum tissue that can result in the breakdown of the tissue as well as the deterioration of bone that surrounds and supports your teeth. This infection process begins when bacteria and plaque form a sticky bio film on your teeth and causes inflammation of the gumGingivitistissue.  Periodontal disease will continue to progress if this is not resolved by maintaining proper dental care and hygiene.Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. Studies show that somewhere between 75% and 95% of all adults are suffering some stage of periodontal disease.
Periodontal disease and dental decay (cavities) are caused by different types of bacteria, and are considered to be two different conditions, however, you can suffer from both issues. Poor oral hygiene promotes the risk of both cavities and periodontal disease. Swollen and receding gums open up the more vulnerable areas of the tooth…The root areas, which, are not protected by enamel and can break down quickly to form root cavities.  On the flip side, In patients with significant decay, the broken down teeth allow for food trap areas which keep gum tissue chronically inflamed.

Gingivitis

Periodontitis
Stages of Periodontal Disease
The first stage of periodontal disease is gingivitis (or simply inflammation of the gum tissues). This is the most mild form of periodontal disease. Symptoms include red, swollen (or puffy) and inflamed gums due to plaque-bacteria build-up. The gums may also bleed easily during brushing or eating of hard foods. During the earliest of stages the periodontal disease process it can be reversed thru proper brushing, flossing and professional dental care to remove the excess bacterial plaque. If the required oral hygiene does not occur, the periodontal disease then progresses  to the next stage. The majority of people with this early form of periodontal disease, do not even know a dental problem exists. This is a crucial period for the patient, as the condition can be reversed (since the bone and connective tissue that hold the teeth in place have not yet been affected) at this point if it is recognized and properly treated. Gingivitis is commonly seen during puberty, pregnancy, times of high stress, and menopause, as hormones can make you more prone to inflammation. As for the rest of the population, poor hygiene is generally the most common cause, followed by medication and certain medical conditions.

Periodontitis

As the periodontal disease progresses it is now becoming harder to treat and control. The difference between gingivitis and periodontitis is that gingivitis only infects the gum tissue that surrounds the teeth while the periodontal disease process also invades the bone that provides support and stability for the teeth. The bacteria eventually invades past the initial the gum line area and destruction begins to the point that gums may begin to separate or pull away from the teeth (taking away support and connective fibers with it). What results are called periodontal pockets. These pockets allow for bacteria to invade below the gum line.  They eventually become loaded with toxic plaque and bacteria that moves and works its way deeper. It begins to erode the bone below the gum line. A patient’s bite will be affected (as the teeth shift or loosen) by the lost support which then affects chewing and other functions.

Advanced Periodontitis

As the periodontal disease process advances, the fibers and bone that provide support for the teeth is destroyed. At least half of the bone support (if not more) will have broken down at this late stage of periodontal disease. It does not grow back naturally. Teeth may begin to loosen. Deep root cleanings and surgical intervention are typical at this stage. This may include cleaning with a periodontal microscope, (Perioscope), grafting of tissue, bone, placement of growth factors, (Emdogain), periodontal antibiotic regimen(Periostat), placement of antibiotics directly into pockets, (Arestin), open flap surgery, and, possibly tooth removal.

How Do I Know If I Have Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease can happen to a person of any age. It is most common among adults. Remember if periodontal disease is detected in its earliest stages it can be reversed so it’s important to see your dentist if you notice any of the following symptoms:
-Gums that are red, puffy or inflamed, or tender.
Periodontitis
X-Ray showing Periodontal Disease Progression
-Gums that bleed easily during routine brushing or flossing.
-Teeth that appear longer due to recession of gum tissue.
-Changes in the way your teeth fit together when you bite or chew.
-Pus coming from between your teeth and gums
-Bad breath odor or bad taste in your mouth.

Treatment of Periodontal Disease

Periodontal Disease
Arestin use in Periodontal Disease
The earliest stages of periodontal disease is reversible. This is accomplished thru proper brushing, flossing, and maintaining a regular schedule with your dentist. A professional cleaning by your dentist or hygienist is the only way to remove plaque and tartar. The hygienist will clean (also called scaling) your teeth to remove the tartar and plaque buildup from above and below the gum line. If the periodontal disease condition worsens, then a root planing procedure may be necessary. Root planing helps smooth irregularities on the roots to make it more difficult for plaque to deposit there. Also makes it easier for you to keep your teeth clean at home. , treatment can also include use of antibiotics.
If you have advanced periodontitis, your gum tissue may not respond to nonsurgical treatments and good oral hygiene. In that case, your periodontitis treatment may require dental surgery. These may include:
-Pocket Reduction Surgery (also called Flap surgery). In this procedure, your periodontist makes tiny incisions in your gum so that a section of gum tissue can be lifted back, exposing the roots for more effective scaling and planing. Because periodontitis often causes bone loss, the underlying bone may be recontoured before the gum tissue is sutured back in place. The procedure generally takes from one to three hours and is performed under local anesthesia.
-Soft tissue grafts. Gum tissue is often lost as part of the periodontal disease process making your teeth appear longer than normal. You may need to have damaged tissue replaced to return your cosmetic appearance back to normal. This procedure can help reduce further gum recession, cover exposed roots and give your teeth a more cosmetically pleasing appearance.
-Bone graft. This procedure is needed when periodontitis has destroyed the bone surrounding your tooth. The bone graft helps prevent tooth loss by holding your tooth in place. It also serves as a platform for the regrowth of natural bone.
-Antibiotics and medicaments – A wide array of antibacterial rinses(Peridex), antibiotics taken in pill form, (Periostat) or localized placement directly into the affected pockets(Arestin), can aide in and promote healing of the affected gum tissue.Periodontitis
-Guided tissue regeneration. This allows the regrowth of bone that was destroyed by bacteria. In one approach, your dentist places a special piece of biocompatible fabric between existing bone and your tooth. The material prevents unwanted tissue from entering the healing area, allowing bone to grow back instead.
-Enamel matrix derivative application. Another technique involves the application of a specialized gel to a diseased tooth root. This gel contains the same proteins found in developing tooth enamel and stimulates the growth of healthy bone and tissue. An example of this is the use of emdogain.
To insure a successful result following periodontal therapy, patient cooperation in maintaining excellent oral hygiene is essential. More frequent professional cleanings can help reduce the likelihood of the periodontal disease ever returning.
By scheduling regular checkups, early stage periodontal disease can be treated before it leads to a much more serious condition. If your periodontal disease is more advanced, treatment in the dental office will be required.
© 2012, Marielaina Perrone DDS. All rights reserved. Henderson Cosmetic Dentist

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

I Have Periodontal Disease...Now What?


Periodontal Disease - is a group of diseases that affect the tissues that support and anchor the teeth. If untreated,periodontal disease results in the destruction of the
Periodontal Disease Marielaina Perrone DDS
See Your Dentist Regularly to Keep Periodontal Disease Away!
gums, alveolar bone (the part of the jaws where the teeth arise), and the outer layer of the tooth root. The earliest form of periodontal disease is called gingivitis. Gingivitis is reversible with proper treatment.
Once a patient is diagnosed with advanced periodontal disease (also called periodontitis), their dentist will recommend procedures above and beyond that of a normal professional cleaning to properly treat and manage the periodontal disease. In the initial stages, most treatment revolves around non surgical intervention but as the periodontal disease progresses surgical treatment is often recommended and required.

Periodontal Disease Treatment

Non Surgical Procedures

-Scaling and root planing. This procedure is a special type of cleaning that removes plaque and tartar from under the gum line and makes the root surfaces smooth. The smoother root surface is thought to promote reattachment of the gum tissue and promote healing. This type of cleaning is the only way to remove tartar from below the gum line. This is usually completed in multiple visits utilizing a numbing anesthetic to make the procedure more comfortable..
-Drug Therapy. In some cases, antibiotics or antimicrobials may be used to supplement the effects of scaling and root planing. In most cases of early periodontal disease, scaling and root planing in addition to continued daily cleaning at home (flossing, brushing , and rinsing) will achieve a satisfactory result of reversing periodontal disease.  A wide array of antibacterial rinses such as Peridex, antibiotics taken in pill form such as  Periostat, or localized placement directly into the affected pockets with an antibiotic such as Arestin, can aide in, and promote healing of the affected gum tissue.
Periodontal Disease Treatment Marielaina Perrone DDS-Periodontal maintenance or supportive periodontal therapy: Following a scaling and root planing, routine specialized  cleanings (every 3-4 months)  to target your periodontal problem area, can minimize the recurrence or progression of periodontal disease.

Surgical Procedures

-Pocket depth reduction procedures: Your dentist or periodontist will open up the affected gum tissue so that periodontal disease causing bacteria and calculus build up can be easily seen and removed. Some cases may require contouring and smoothing of the damaged bone and root surfaces to allow the gum tissue to reattach to healthy bone during the healing phase. The procedure also repositions the gum tissue so that it is easier to keep clean going forward.
-Perioscope cleaning: A deep cleaning requiring a microscope to be placed below the gum line to remove tartar, cement, or other debris.
-Regeneration. Your dentist will treat the affected gum tissue in the same way as in pocket depth reduction procedures, with the additional procedure of using membranes, bone grafts or tissue-stimulating proteins to stimulate the body’s natural ability to regenerate healthy bone and gum tissue. A good example of this is a bone and tissue growth factor calledEmdogain.
-Soft tissue grafts. Your dentist will take synthetic tissue such as Alloderm, or healthy gum tissue from the roof of the mouth (palate) or other areas of the mouth and use itMaintain Dental Hygiene Marielaina Perrone DDS to repair receding gums and cover exposed root surfaces.
-Hard Tissue Bone Grafts.  This procedure is needed when periodontal disease has destroyed the bone surrounding your tooth. The bone graft helps prevent tooth loss by holding your tooth in place. It also serves as a platform for the regrowth of natural bone. The dentist can use your bone, cadaver bone, cow bone, or a lab created calcium based bone matrix material.

Conclusion

If you have been diagnosed with periodontal diseaseplease take the news very seriously. Periodontal disease is a progressive disease that will continue to get worse without treatment. Periodontal disease  leads to tooth loss and oral infections. Your dentist can help you with diagnosis, prevention, better oral hygiene methods and instruction, and proper treatment for your particular needs.  Studies have shown time and again that there is a link between oral health and your general health. Keeping your mouth healthy will lead to better overall health. As always visit your dentist regularly for dental examinations and regular professional cleanings to stave off the onset of periodontal disease.
© 2012, Marielaina Perrone DDS. All rights reserved. Henderson Cosmetic Dentist

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

All On 4 Dental Implants....Teeth In A Day!



Dental implants have changed the face of dentistry over the last 20 years. They have been nothing less than a miracle in the replacement of teeth whether it be a single tooth,
All On 4 Dental Implants Marielaina Perrone DDS
Teeth In A Day – All On 4 Dental Implants
multiple teeth, or as an anchor for a denture. As the technology matures, new advancements and techniques come into play. One of those newer techniques is called All On 4 Dental Implants. This technique allows for the placement of four dental implants (hence the name all on 4 dental implants), and the restoration to be placed on the same day. Patients leave the office with teeth. For this reason all on 4 dental implants are also called “new teeth in a day“.

Who Wants All On 4 Dental Implants?

The patients who choose all on four, do so for many reasons including, poor fitting existing dentures, terrible trauma causingtooth loss, decay or periodontal disease causing progressive tooth loss. The most common patients to choose all on four, are not denture wearers. They are patients who have been fighting an uphill battle for a while and know that they are losing their teeth. These individuals have been trying to hold on as long as possible because they do not want to have any time in their life without teeth, and the thought of a removable denture is not an option.

What are All On 4 Dental Implants

The All on 4 Dental Implants procedure was developed in the mid 1990′s. The all on 4 dental implants system has allowed for a variety of patients who, for various reasons, were not considered good candidates for traditional dental implants to now become candidates.
All On 4 Dental Implants Marielaina Perrone DDS
All On 4 Dental Implants for a New Smile!
The All on 4 Dental Implants procedure uses four dental implants per arch (upper or lower).  The dental implants in the back are placed on an angle to take maximum advantage of the existing bone structure. Special dental implants were developed that could support the immediate fitting of replacement teeth. This treatment is attractive to those with loose dentures or those in need of full upper and/or lower restorations. With the All-on-4 dental implants procedure, qualified patients receive just four dental implants and a full set of new upper or lower replacement teeth in just one appointment. This usually able to be done without dental bone grafts.  The real attraction to the all on 4 dental implants procedure is how quickly permanent dental implants can be placed. This allows patients the ability to leave the same day with a denture that is fixed in place and stabilized by the dental implants.
Traditionally, the  approach to restoring a full arch of teeth (either upper or lower) usually involved dental bone grafts, six or more dental implants, and as much as 18 months of treatment. In that time, the patient would be wearing an interim denture while the dental bone grafts and dental implants heal and integrate into the bone. This can be very expensive, time consuming, and uncomfortable for a patient to continuously go back for treatment.

What Appointments are Needed for All On 4 Dental Implants?

The All on 4 Dental Implants procedure consists of the following visits:
Initial Visit(s) – The initial visit(s) for the all on 4 dental implants procedure is necessary for the dentist to do a proper treatment plan for you. These visits will include gathering pertinent medical history, needed X-rays, dental impressions, photos, and a CAT Scan. The dentist will then be able to review all the information with the patient and develop the proper course of treatment.
Actual All On 4 Dental Implants Procedure Visit – At this visit the patient will undergo the procedure for placement of the 4 dental implants. Following placement of
All On 4 Dental Implants Marielaina Perrone DDS
All On 4 Dental Implants Can Transform Your Smile!
the dental implants, the dentist will place the denture in and the patient will leave in the afternoon with a beautiful set of fixed, functional teeth.
Follow-up Appointments - The patient will need to return to the dentist for occasional dental examinations over the next several days, weeks, and months to ensure comfort and fit. In about 6 months, the patient will return for a final set of dentures. The reason for the 6 month wait is to give the tissues in the mouth time to heal properly, correct anything the patient wishes to change, and to allow the implants to properly integrate into the bone.

Conclusion on All on 4 Dental Implants

More than 100 million people in the United States alone are missing between 11 and 15 of their permanent adult teeth. By the age of 60, almost 70% of these people are completely without teeth and in desperate need of complete oral rehabilitation. This is where the all on 4 dental implants procedure comes in and is able to restore people’s teeth and change their outlook on life.

Achieving Your Best Smile With Cosmetic Dentistry


Cosmetic Dentistry Marielaina Perrone DDSCosmetic Dentistry has evolved over the years to allow dentists to give patients what they crave…..A beautiful long lasting smile that changes their life. In the past, dentists

Cosmetic Dentistry Can Transform Your Smile!
could do minor changes to a person’s smile or more drastic ones using orthodontics. Today, modern cosmetic dentistry techniques and materials allow drastic changes as well as minor ones that can alter a patient’s smile for the better.

Do you believe having a great looking smile can improve your appearance and enhance your social life?

In a recent poll by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) revealed that about 96% of those surveyed agreed that it can. In the same study about 65% of the participants said they were unhappy with one or more aspects of their smiles. Cosmetic dentistry has the ability to change that.

Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures

Cosmetic Dentistry procedures come in all sizes from a one office visit for teeth whitening to a multiple visit complete smile makeover. Let’s take a look at some of the most sought after cosmetic dentistry procedures…
-Teeth Contouring. This might be one of the simplest and easiest cosmetic dentistry procedures of all. It is generally done without anesthesia and can be as simple as filing down a tooth that appears longer or is slightly out of alignment with the others. Most patients are quite surprised at how such a small adjustment can alter their smile for the better.
-Gum contouring. Evening out gum levels can help teeth to look more evenly sized and can make short teeth appear longer.
-Teeth Whitening. In the United States, teeth whitening is the most common cosmetic dentistry procedure performed by dentists. It has been proven by research time and again that people find a whiter smile to be more attractive.  People tend to feel better about themselves when they are happy with their appearance. The teeth whitening procedure can be done at home or in the office. Either procedure is generally very successful, and can give patients a dramatic change to their smile with minimal cost and time invested.
Cosmetic Dentistry Marielaina Perrone DDS
Cosmetic Dentistry Can Fix Even Minor Flaws
-Dental Bonding. While dental bonding is also used to restore teeth damaged by tooth decay it can also be used as a composite veneer to change color or shape, fix chipped teeth, or close small gaps in your smile.Dental bonding is the process in which tooth colored dental materials are bonded to a tooth. This procedure is also a quicker fix and can usually be completed in a single visit easily altering your smile in as little as an hour.
-Replacing old silver restorations. Many of us have a few silver fillings. Replacing silver fillings with new white fillings or porcelain onlays can make your whole smile brighter.
-Porcelain Veneers and Porcelain Crowns. Our smiles are constantly changing over time with wear. Teeth can get worn down, can shift, or maybe you were born with an imperfect smile. Porcelain veneers and porcelain crowns can be a great way to replace lost tooth structure and alter imperfect teeth. These cosmetic dentistry procedures tend to require multiple visits but the results will give you a beautiful smile. Porcelain
Veneers are custom made, ultra thin, tooth colored shells that are adhesively bonded to the teeth. This allows the cosmetic dentist to not only alter color of your teeth, but shape and length as well. Porcelain veneers are sometimes called instant orthodontics. This is because porcelain veneers can change the alignment of teeth if the alignment issues are not too extreme. Porcelain crowns can be used on teeth that either already have crowns or need more extensive work (having large restorations or tooth decay). Both porcelain veneers and porcelain crowns can as used in cosmetic dentistry to give the patient a flawless, more youthful and sexy smile.
-Dental Implants. These are the newest addition to cosmetic dentistry. Dental implants allow cosmetic dentists another option in tooth replacement. Whether it is a singleCosmetic Dentistry Marielaina Perrone DDS tooth or a full mouth restoration, dental implants can fill that need. Missing teeth has long been considered a sign of old age. Having a full set of white teeth screams youth especially when they are bright, white, and sparkling. When a person is missing a tooth they have several options. There are partial and complete dentures (including the all on 4 dental implantssystem), traditional bridges, and dental implants. A dental implant can look and feel just like a natural tooth. It is also easier to keep clean than a traditional bridge. Dental implants are placed directly into bone creating a solid foundation for a natural tooth replacement.
-Bite Reclamation. Over time as we use our teeth we tend to lose some height on our teeth. This loss of height of height is also referred to as loss of vertical dimension. Some other factors that cause this loss include acid reflux or teeth grinding (bruxism). Reclaiming a person’s bite utilizing dental implants and porcelain crowns will increase vertical height which will also remove some of the wrinkles around the mouth. These wrinkles develop as our we age and our mouth’s sag from this loss of dimension. Cosmetic dentistry can fix some of this.

Cosmetic Dentistry Conclusion

Cosmetic Dentistry gives the dentist the ability to give patients the smiles they have always dreamed of. Not everyone wants a complete Hollywood style smile makeover and just want minor issues fixed that have always bothered them. Modern cosmetic dentistry allows for both minor fixes as well as extreme ones. Whichever cosmetic dentistry procedure you choose, please be sure that you keep your teeth healthy by visiting your dentist regularly for dental examinations and professional cleanings.
© 2012, Marielaina Perrone DDS. All rights reserved. Henderson Cosmetic Dentist

Monday, January 28, 2013

What Is Your Dental Age?



We all know someone who does not look their age. Whether it be their hair, lack of wrinkles, or just the way they present themselves. They seem to defy time by stayingLas Vegas Cosmetic Dentist Marielaina Perrone DDS active and being young at heart. On the other end of the spectrum, there are those who are older than their years. This group is plagued by aging skin, may be prematurely grey or balding or just have something about them that seems aged. We say, that life has taken their toll on this group.

“A smile takes but a moment, but the memory of it lasts forever.”

Did you know we also have a dental age? As we age, our teeth will change as well. They can get darker, crack and thin, become worn down from various activities, become elongated, or shift position from periodontal disease, or we can even suffer from loss of teeth.

Changes To Teeth That Make Us Look Older

-Darkening or Yellowing of Teeth. Our teeth will darken over time just from daily life. This can include foods we eat, smoking, and even our choice of drink. Most people associate youth with a bright, white smile. Having a darkened, yellowing smile can often make you appear less attractive to others and older than you actually are.
-Worn Down Teeth. As we age, we lose some of the enamel on our teeth. As the cusps of our teeth wear down from chewing, teeth grinding, nail biting, as well as other habits. This will lead to your bite collapsing a little at a time. This coincided with our skin losing elasticity over time can create sagging skin and wrinkles around the mouth. Wear also happens with aggressive brushing, high acid foods, and cracking or chipping from brittleness.
-Gum Recession. If we do not maintain proper dental care throughout life we can develop periodontal disease. One of the consequences of periodontal disease is gum Las Vegas Cosmetic Dentist Marielaina Perrone DDStissue recession. This exposes more of our teeth making them appear longer than they actually are. “Long in the tooth”. This is another sign people perceive as something an older person would have.
-Missing Teeth. Although tooth loss can occur at any age, missing teeth makes you appear older. Having a full complement of teeth in your smile is far more attractive than one littered with spaces from missing teeth. Missing teeth cause surrounding teeth to shift, and your bite to lose it’s vertical height. Over-closed teeth make your lower face look collapsed, wrinkled, and old.
-Broken or stained dental work. Over time, both crowns and dental fillings may begin to fail and need to be replaced. This is especially true in the front of the mouth where mismatched colors, stained fillings, and chips in teeth are readily apparent when we smile.

How To Recapture A Youthful Dental Smile?

Modern dentistry has developed quite a few procedures to maintain a youthful attractive smile. These include:
-Teeth Whitening. This is quite possibly the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedure today. It is safe and effective and comes in a few forms. These forms include in office whitening, at home whitening (with dentist provided trays), as well as use of teeth whitening strips, and topical gels. All of these methods are quite effective for most people. It has been proven by research time and again, that people find a whiter smile to be more youthful and attractive.  People tend to feel better about themselves when they are happy with their appearance. Teeth whitening can give patients a dramatic change to their smile with minimal cost and time invested.
-Teeth Contouring. This might be one of the simplest and most cost effective cosmetic dentistry procedures of all. It is usually done without the need for anesthesia and can be as simple as filing down a tooth that appears longer or is slightly out of alignment with the others. Most patients are quite surprised at how such a small adjustment can alter their smile for the better.
-Dental Bonding. While dental bonding is also used to restore teeth damaged by tooth decay it can also be used as a composite veneer to change color or shape, fix chipped teeth, or close small gaps in your smile. Dental bonding is the process in which tooth colored dental materials are bonded to a tooth. This procedure is also a quicker fix and can usually be completed in a single visit. This procedure can easily alter your smile in as little as an hour. A very easy way to make your smile youthful looking again.
-Gum contouring and Gum grafting. Evening out gum levels can help teeth to look more evenly sized and can make short teeth appear longer. Gum grafts can fix areas where gum recession has occurred to make everything appear even and natural again.
-Porcelain Veneers and Porcelain Crowns. Over time our smiles change. Teeth can get worn down, can shift, or maybe you were born with a smile that was not quite perfect. Porcelain veneers and porcelain crowns can be a great way to replace lost tooth structure and alter imperfect teeth creating a more youthful appearance. These Las Vegas Cosmetic Dentist Marielaina Perrone DDScosmetic dentistry procedures tend to require multiple visits but the results will give you a beautiful, youthful smile. Porcelain Veneers are custom made, ultra thin, tooth colored shells that are adhesively bonded to the teeth. This allows the cosmetic dentist to not only alter color of your teeth, but shape and length as well. Porcelain veneers are sometimes called instant orthodontics. This is because porcelain veneers can change the alignment of teeth if the alignment issues are not too extreme. Porcelain crowns can be used on teeth that either already have crowns or need more extensive work (having large restorations or tooth decay). Both porcelain veneers and porcelain crowns can as used in cosmetic dentistry to give the patient a flawless, more youthful and attractive smile.
-Dental ImplantsDental implants allow cosmetic dentists another option in tooth replacement to recreate a youthful, attractive smile. Whether it is a single tooth or a full mouth restoration, dental implants can fill that need. Missing teeth or open spaces has long been considered a sign of old age. Having a full set of white teeth screams youth especially when they are bright, white, and sparkling. When a person is missing a tooth they have several options. There are partial and complete dentures (including the all on 4 dental implants system), traditional bridges, and dental implants. A dental implant can look and feel just like a natural tooth. It is also easier to keep clean than a traditional bridge. Dental implants are placed directly into bone creating a solid foundation for a natural tooth replacement.
-Bite Reclamation. Over time as we age, we tend to lose some height on our teeth. This loss of height of height is also referred to as loss of vertical dimension. Some other factors that cause this loss include acid reflux or teeth grinding (bruxism). Reclaiming a person’s bite utilizing dental implants and porcelain crowns will increase vertical height which will also remove some of the wrinkles around the mouth. These wrinkles develop as our we age and our mouth’s sag from this loss of dimension. Cosmetic dentistry can fix some of this.
-Botox and Dermal Fillers. Long the realm of cosmetic surgeons, dentistry has now added these procedures to give what is called a dental facelift. In combination with dental work, removing some of those wrinkles on the face and around the mouth specifically will better frame that beautiful, white, youthful smile.

Dental Age Conclusion

Most of us want to stay young as long as possible. We go to the gym, dye our hair, and try to maintain the cosmetics of a youthful smile.  Maintaining healthy teeth and gums can help you to keep feeling young and health. As always, maintain a regular schedule of dental examinations and professional cleanings for a healthy smile that will last a lifetime.