What happens when you have an underbite_ tim chauvin dental lafayette la

What happens when you have an underbite?

/in /by

No matter how well you take care of your teeth, there are certain dental problems that are caused by genetics and there’s nothing you can do to prevent them. An underbite is one of those issues.

However, just because you can’t prevent an underbite does not mean that you need to live with it for the rest of your life or let your lifestyle suffer as a result.

 

What is an underbite?

An underbite occurs when a person’s lower jaw extends farther out than the upper jaw, creating an overly pronounced and protruding lower jaw. The level of misalignment ranges from barely noticeable to severe.

Even though an underbite is usually caused by genetics, other natural causes include:

  • poor eating and chewing habits
  • mouth breathing as a result of constant congestion or habit
  • thumb sucking
  • an abnormal jaw bone

In many of the cases above, it can be the individual’s tongue resting against the lower jaw and lower front teeth that causes the jaw to move forward over time.

 

What happens when you have an underbite?

  • Appearance: Because underbites are so much less common than overbites, people who have them tend to be noticed more and become self-conscious as a result. A protruding chin adds to this and can lead to people with underbites being ridiculed as children.
  • Articulation Errors. Clear speech is a common problem. Any sound that depends on the teeth could be problematic, such as “s” and “f.”
  • Tough to Smile. A bad underbite could make it impossible to smile with confidence. Lips tend to take on a droopy appearance, and a dominant upper lip hides the upper teeth when smiling. With a more severe underbite it becomes difficult to keep the lips together, causing lip incompetence, changes in your facial profile, breathing and swallowing problems.
  • Chewing Problems. Due to misaligned teeth it could become very difficult to chew your food. One of our patients with a severe underbite problem reported gagging and ended up in the emergency room. Further side effect of chewing with misaligned teeth are excessive enamel wear, tooth chipping, tooth decay, infections and gum disease.
  • Chronic Jaw Pain. As the upper teeth push in under the lower teeth, the pressure on the jaw joint intensifies, which could trigger a TMJ disorder. This in turn could lead to headaches, neck pain, spinal misalignment, and even limping.

As you can see, underbites impact everything from daily activities like chewing and smiling to longer-term physical and mental health. Luckily, there are several treatment options available to bring the upper and lower jaw into alignment.

 

How do you correct an underbite?

  • Upper jaw expander: A device called a Palatal Expander is placed on the roof of the mouth and widened each night as treatment progresses. Over time, this increases the size of the dental arch and brings the upper and lower jaws into alignment.
  • Reverse Pull Face Mask: This resembles the headgear you may have seen on people with braces. It wraps around the head and attaches to metal bands on the back of the upper teeth to pull the upper jaw forward so it’s in line with the lower jaw.
  • Chin Cap: This device wraps around the chin and lower jaw to prevent it from growing and expanding out even further. This is a good option for children or teens whose jaws are still being formed.
  • Braces and veneers: Traditional braces may be used to correct mild underbites. Veneers may also be placed on the upper teeth so that top and bottom teeth align. Again, this is only recommended for non-severe underbites.

 

If none of those options are feasible, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon can perform underbite correction surgery to manually bring your upper and lower jaws into alignment. Braces are typically required after surgery to keep the teeth in alignment while your mouth adjusts to its new configuration. Children are more likely candidates for non-surgical intervention because their jaws are still developing. Once the jaw becomes fully formed in adulthood, it becomes more difficult to correct bite issues.

 

Let Chauvin Dental Help

If you have an underbite, no matter how severe, our team at Chauvin Dental in Lafayette, Louisiana, can help develop a treatment plan that will improve your quality of life and lead to a healthier mouth in the long run.

 

They filled a cavity how!?

/in /by

And other facts about ancient dental practices and hygiene….

If you think that having a cavity filled in a clean, well-lit, dental office stocked with magazines and laughing gas is a miserable experience, at least you aren’t having your cavity filled on a mountainside in Italy some 13,000 years ago.

A few years ago we wrote about how dentistry has its roots (Roots get it? That’s a dental joke…like a root canal) back to Sumeria about 5000 years ago.  

But anthropologists are now finding that filling cavities dates as far back as the Neolithic period.

Discovered in the northern mountains of Tuscany, Italy researchers noted the placement of holes in two incisors in the remains of an individual.

Talk about painful– the study suggests that the Neolithic dentist used a pointed tool (likely a stone) on his or her subject to widen the hole and scrape out the decay. This ancient dentist then used bitumen, a naturally occurring tar that is a form of petroleum to fill the cavity.

It was previously thought that the oldest known use of filling dated back to 6,500 years ago in Pakistan, where researchers found a tooth that had been filled with wax.

 

Did our ancestors have lots of cavities?

Depends on what time period and the place we’re talking about. When anthropologists look at skulls dating before the Neolithic period (before 12,000 years ago) they see relatively healthy teeth. This was a time when all people used for dental hygiene was a toothpick.

Rotten teeth only became a common problem about 10,000 years ago. Why?

Farming. One of the hallmarks of the Neolithic period was improved agriculture that included growing grains that could be harvested and broken down into sugary, complex carbohydrates.

The result was poor dental hygiene. Eating more forms of refined sugars and starches was not the only way people came to have more cavities.

Milling and grinding grains was a rudimentary process. In desert cultures such as Ancient Egypt and the Fertile Crescent, sand grains and grit would find their way into bread. The sand and grit led to worn down enamel, making teeth susceptible to decay.

The result? A lot of mummies with a lot of bad teeth.  

To cope with this relatively newfound problem of tooth rot, the field of dentistry emerged. While people certainly didn’t visit the dentist every six months for a check up, they began practicing basic dental hygiene.

In the Arabian peninsula people began chewing miswak, chew sticks made from the salvadora persica tree. Indeed the tree is now commonly referred to in many Arabic-speaking parts of the world as the “toothbrush tree.” In Sudan, anthropological evidence suggests people chewed or ingested purple nutsedge, a tuber with antimicrobial properties. In China, strongly brewed tea served as an antiseptic mouthrinse after meals.

Overall, it appears that a diet rich in meat and vegetables and less in carbs determined, at least in part, the overall dental hygiene of a population.

These tactics may have prevented further tooth decay but they were certainly no replacement for modern-day dental hygiene.  

If you think you may have a cavity, don’t let a Neolithic dentist drill your tooth. Come see us in Lafayette, Louisiana. We’ll help keep you smiling big!

Super Summer tips for Healthy Teeth _ chauvin dental lafayette la

Super Summer tips for Healthy Teeth!

/in /by

Summertime in the South means fun in the sun, late nights at the ballpark, barbecues and trips to the beach.

Here are 5 tips for keeping your teeth healthy while you enjoy those long summer nights with family and friends.

    • Try to avoid sugary snacks and sugary drinks: When it’s hot outside, it can be tempting to reach for lemonade, soda, a sno-ball, or even a sugary sports drink if you’re spending a lot of time outdoors. Not only are those drinks bad for your waistline, they’re also bad for your teeth. Sugar attaches itself to your teeth, and then the bacteria in your mouth find the sugar and start to eat it. But when the bacteria eat the sugar, it produces an acid that will eventually erode the enamel on your teeth, making them more brittle. Sugary drinks are one of the most common dietary reasons for tooth decay. Dentists recommend moderation and replacing those sugary beverages with water or milk.
    • Drink lots and lots of water: It’s widely known that drinking plenty of water has plenty of health benefits, but did you know that adequate water consumption also helps your teeth? With every sip, your mouth gets cleaner, washing away all the residue and crumbs left in your mouth after a meal. Not only that, water helps to dilute the acid that bacteria creates in your mouth. Drinking water also helps to prevent a dry mouth, and when your mouth is dry and your saliva runs low, you are at a higher risk for tooth decay. You should still brush your teeth twice daily for two minutes and floss regularly, but drinking water will also aid in your healthy smile. If water isn’t your thing, you can also try unsweetened green tea as an occasional substitute. A study concluded that green tea can help fight the bacteria in your mouth that cause tooth decay, and can also help to fight gum disease.
    • Add tap water to your daily water intake: Fluoride is a natural mineral that’s also known as “nature’s cavity fighter.” It fights tooth decay by helping by making your teeth more resistant to the acid that’s produced by bacteria in your mouth. It also helps to reverse early signs of tooth decay. You can find fluoride in most toothpastes, but another good source of fluoride is tap water. Fluoride has been added to water systems for about 70 years specifically to help with tooth decay.
    • Drink through a straw: If you can’t avoid the sugary or acidic beverages, consider drinking them through a straw. Why? Because using a straw lessens the contact these beverages have with your teeth. Professionals also recommend finishing the drink quickly instead of sipping it slowly.
    • Get your summer checkup! Don’t wait until summer is over to schedule your dental check-up. Scheduling you or your children’s appointments at the beginning of summer can go a long way in preventing problems down the road. And hey, our office is has air conditioning–so you know you can always schedule your appointment during the hottest part of the day, rest your feet, and cool off!

 

 

 

Dr. Tim Chauvin and associates have been helping South Louisianans flash their best and brightest smiles for years. Contact their office to schedule your appointment today.

Learning About Athletic Mouth Guards

/in /by

There are many different types of Athletic mouth guards available in the market today, however ensuring you have one that is custom made to fit your own unique mouth structure is highly recommended. With a properly fitted athletic mouth guard, you will be comfortable when wearing it, and you won’t have to worry about causing any injury to the delicate lining of your inner mouth.

Mouth guards are literally mouth protectors and make up an essential part of an athlete’s equipment. The mouth guard is designed to help cushion any direct impact to the facial area. If there is any direct impact due to contact sport sessions, the mouth guard is supposed to help minimize any injuries sustained to the face, such as broken teeth, and cuts to the lips, jaw and tongue.

Athletes who use the athletic mouth guards in Lafayette, usually have a choice of three different styles:

  •  Custom fitted – these are generally made only for the user and by their personal dentist. Although this version may seem a little more expensive, it does ensure the fit is completely comfortable and highly functional as a protective tool.
  • Available stock – these are usually readily available either online or in stores. Although considered to be quite functional, they don’t fit as perfectly as the custom fitted option.
  • Boil and bite – these are usually very basic mouth protectors and are boiled to soften the texture and then bitten into, to create a sort of mold that will function as an adequate protector.

Ideally, you should try to have the custom version if you want the best protection. If you play contact sports, then you need this very important protection. The athletic mouth guards created by Lafayette Dentist Dr. Chauvin all come with high quality standards and are a popular choice for many people.

Dentists often recommend the use of athletic mouth guards for patients who have had some bridge work done or if they are wearing braces. This is a great way to keep their teeth safe if sporting activities are a part of their routines. The athletic mouth guard will act as a protective barrier between the braces and the inside of your mouth. An impact to the facial area while wearing braces can cause a lot of cuts if the mouth isn’t protected.

Caring for your athletic mouthguard

Caring for any athletic mouth guard is quite simple and hassle free. It only requires a few easy to follow steps:

  • Either rinsing before and after use, or brushing with a toothbrush, should adequately keep the athletic mouth guard clean and safe for reuse
  • Storing it in a sturdy container with adequate holes for ventilation is recommended
  • Avoid exposure to direct sunlight and hot water
  • Replace when there are significant wear and tear signs

Athletic mouth guards are fast gaining popularity in Lafayette as most people now understand their usefulness and importance. Need a custom mouth guard? Give us a call!

tooth fairy note

Lessons from the Tooth Fairy

/in /by

tooth fairy noteDoes your child believe in the Tooth Fairy? I’m sure most of us excitedly tucked our lost teeth under our pillows (or in my case mostly notes because losing them seems to be easier) and woke up to a shiny quarter the next morning.  The tooth fairy’s existence is well accepted in America, although these days a quarter doesn’t seem to be the going rate for a tooth anymore. According to the recent 2014 study, the average going rate for a tooth is $5.74, thats a 27% increase from 2013 (geez inflation).  Approximately 81% of home got a visit from the tooth fairy last year and nearly all participants professed either neutral or positive perceptions of the tooth fairy, so apparently the practice lives on.

How did the Tooth Fairy come to exist?

In the times of witches, it was thought that if a witch got your tooth it could gain control over them.  This made disposal of baby teeth a serious matter.  The teeth were typically buried, thrown into a fire, or given to a rodent as quickly as possible. As time went on the fear subsided and a variety of customs emerged. In other parts of the world parents would plant the baby tooth in the garden to encourage growth of the adult teeth.  Even the mighty Viking warriors made necklaces out of baby teeth believing this would bring them luck in battle.

To most people an image of a white-winged female comes to mind, illustrations of the Tooth Fairy over the years.  The tooth fairy in her present common form only came into being in the 20th century.  A three act play for children called “The Tooth Fairy” came out in 1927; the first known written work to use that title was printed in 1947. The legend spread during the 1950’s becoming as commonplace as the Easter Bunny in the United States.  Coincident with this was an increase in commercialization, with tooth fairy banks, pillows, and so forth appearing in the marketplace.

 In early America, money was left as a reward or compensation for the pain of losing a tooth, although it wasn’t until just before the Great Depression in 1927 that a three act play was written using the name of the Tooth Fairy.  Not long after, a story written at the end of the Second World War mentioned the Tooth Fairy. However, she didn’t become popular until about the 1950’s along with the Easter Bunny.  When the baby boomers were being born, both myths really began to take hold.  Some cynics say it has to do with the commercialization of the time period, but we like to think it was just really great timing. 

Using The Tooth Fairy as a Teaching Tool

Here at Dr. Chauvin’s office we encourage parents to talk about the Tooth Fairy’s visits as a way to discuss good oral health even before a child loses their first tooth. After all, there’s nothing that makes the Tooth Fairy happier than healthy teeth! You can alway remind them when they do not want to brush or floss that the Tooth Fairy is only looking for healthy baby teeth, not teeth with cavities. This will help get kids excited about taking care of their teeth. Whether it’s their first, second, or tenth tooth we have a couple of good suggestions to assist in the next tooth fairy visit!

  • Leave a note reinforcing good habits –  A personalized note from the Tooth Fairy could be nearly as exciting for kids as the gift itself. Parents should include tips for important oral health habits that the Tooth Fairy wants kids to practice, such as brushing twice a day, flossing once a day and visiting the dentist twice a year.
  • Give oral health gifts –  Consider opting out of cash and reinforce good oral health habits by providing a new toothbrush with their favorite cartoon character or fun-flavored toothpaste. How about a new book? There are several children’s books about Tooth Fairy adventures that can add to the Tooth Fairy excitement.

 

The tooth fairy is a great way to divert attention it’s still important to scheduling regular checkups. Dr. Chauvin and his team will help your children maintain good oral health and catch small issues before they cause serious dental problems.

Why are people afraid of the dentist?

A guide to dental tools

/in /by

The sound and appearance of dental tools seem downright frightening. When you walk into a dentist’s office, the whirr of a drill or the sharp hook of a device you can’t even describe can send chills down your spine. It can even cause some of us to fear the dentist, which makes for an unpleasant trip each time you have to go. However, there are ways to try to remedy the situation. By knowing what each tool does, you might be less anxious every time the dentist goes near your mouth. Here’s a brief guide to help you understand basic dental tools, and assist in calming your nerves and putting your mind at ease.

Mouth Mirror

This is probably the least scary of all the dental instruments, but it’s important nevertheless. The mouth mirror is a small mirror attached to a metal stick. The purpose of this instrument is two-fold. First, it allows the dentist to view places in the mouth that ordinarily would take an act of physical contortion to see. This makes it easier to find tooth decay or other potential oral problems that would otherwise go undetected. Second, it gives the dentist an easy way to move your tongue or push on the inside of your cheek without doing so with their hands.

Sickle Probe

A sickle probe, also known as a dental explorer, is one of the scarier dental tools, but it’s beneficial in finding signs of cavities or periodontal (gum) disease. This instrument has a long handle with a sharp-looking hook on the end. This is primarily used to explore the pockets between teeth, while also scraping away tartar and plaque. If you have a visible cavity, the dentist may also use the sharp tip to investigate. It may look medieval, but it’s a necessary tool for preventative dentistry.

Scaler

While a sickle probe is effective at removing small areas of plaque and tartar, scalers are more essential for the removal of a greater buildup. Most patients who require scaling have more significant issues with periodontal disease, but everyone experiences some form of plaque buildup. When you eat or drink, tiny particles such as sugars and acids stick to your teeth, and bacteria forms. This harmful bacteria eventually causes tooth decay, and while brushing and flossing help remove most of this plaque, additional removal is sometimes required. A scaler scrapes off excess plaque, and while it’s not necessarily comfortable, it will prevent you from losing your teeth to decay.

Saliva Ejector or Suction Device

Unlike some other dental tools, a saliva ejector is one of the easier to deal with, and many times, the source of a bit of comedy. When a dentist is exploring your mouth, they often need a dry surface. A suction device is a long tube attached to a vacuum that removes saliva from your mouth. You may hear some vacuum sounds and feel the ejector stick to your cheek or tongue, but it’s nothing that should startle you. During treatments that involve the use of water, you may be regularly instructed to close your mouth in order to help the device clear the accumulated water.

Dental Drill

Perhaps the most feared of all tools is the dental drill. The sound of it is enough to send some patients into a frenzy. However, it’s the most effective way to remove tooth decay before filling a cavity. This electric drill spins at over 250,000 rpm while shooting water into your mouth. If the drill didn’t administer water, it would get hot enough to damage the tooth. While the dental drill can feel uncomfortable because of vibrations on your teeth, it’s usually not painful when you receive a local anesthetic.

Dental Syringe

Speaking of anaesthetics, the dental syringe is what delivers the numbing blow to your mouth. They’re a bit longer than a typical needle or syringe so the dentist can hit the correct spot when administering the anaesthetic. As with a shot, the initial injection may cause discomfort for a moment, but this is quickly numbed by the anaesthetic. If you’re a bit squeamish around needles, it’s probably in your best interest not to look at it, but it happens so quickly that it’s nothing you should fear. Many dentists also administer a topical anaesthetic prior to using the syringe, in order to dull the initial needle prick.

Molds

If you need a crown, cap, or mouthguard, your dentist may have to get a mold (or mould) of your teeth. These molds are nothing to fear, however; they’re small frames filled with a soft substance and are placed in your mouth. When you bite down, it provides a perfect mold of your teeth. The molding material doesn’t taste great, but it’s nothing you can’t tolerate for a few seconds, and some dentists even have flavored versions available for kids of all ages.

Now that you know a bit more about the tools that go into routine dental practices, you don’t have to hide under a blanket of fear – or under any blanket for that matter. In the hands of your dental professionals, these tools are harmless, and the ones that sound or look menacing are typically offset by something, such as an anesthetic, that will help you to remain comfortable. You might even impress your dentist by showing how much you know about each instrument.

What is laser dentistry

What is laser dentistry

/in /by

If you’ve never heard of this innovative type of dental care, now is the time to learn. Laser dentistry is a minimally invasive option when you’re facing gum surgery, cavity treatment, or other oral issues. Discuss your laser surgery options with one of our dentists today.

Laser Dentistry: An Overview

Medical professionals use lasers, which are extremely focused light beams, to alter or remove tissue in small amounts. Laser surgery is not limited to dentistry, but many people have never heard of laser dentistry before having it done. Dentists use lasers in a variety of procedures involving the inside of the mouth, be it to remove overgrown tissue, to reshape the gums, or to whiten teeth. Sometimes, laser dentistry is ideal for children who become anxious or afraid when having dental work done.

What Laser Dentistry Can Treat

Most issues laser dentistry treats are related to the gums. Some of these include:

  • Canker sore and cold sore pain treatments.
  • Treating root canal infections.
  • Treating gum disease.
  • Removing gum inflammation.
  • Gum reshaping.
  • Biopsies.
  • Exposing wisdom teeth.
  • Removing throat tissue that causes sleep apnea.
  • Regenerating damaged nerves.
  • Removing benign oral tumours.

Benefits of Laser Dentistry

Dentists choose laser dentistry because of distinct benefits that make the procedures go more smoothly, and also reduce discomfort and healing time for patients.

  • Patients are less likely to require sutures
  • Anesthesia may not be necessary
  • The laser will sterilize the gums, making infection less likely
  • Less damage to gums shortens the healing time
  • Patients lose less blood than traditional surgery

What Happens During Laser Gum Surgery or Other Dentistry?

When you come for your laser dentistry appointment, you might be surprised to discover that the process is very similar to other dentistry appointments, like tooth fillings. You receive anesthesia, though it might not be as much as you’re used to receiving. Some patients who experience anxiety might receive a sedative, too.

During the procedure, you won’t feel any vibrations or discomfort from the laser like you do from the drill. Any bleeding that occurs gets wiped away, just like before. Your mouth will be propped open as the dentist works with the laser to treat your issues.

Post-Operative Expectations

If you’ve ever had gum surgery done without a laser, you can expect that your post-operative experience after laser dentistry will likely be smoother. Because a laser causes far less bleeding than a scalpel, don’t expect the site of your surgery to bleed very much when you get home. You won’t have an open, bleeding wound the way you would with a scalpel procedure.

While you should still follow cleaning and care instructions to the letter, you’re less likely to get an infection. You also won’t typically experience the pain and discomfort associated with scalpel surgery because your post-op irritation is likely to be minor.

The Types of Lasers Used in Dentistry

The two main types of lasers dentists use during laser procedures are hard tissue and soft tissue lasers. Each laser uses a different wavelength that makes it appropriate for cutting into that specific type of tissue. This works because each kind of tissue absorbs wavelengths of light in different ways. By altering the light’s wavelength (and sometimes pulse) scientists have figured out how to craft lasers with light wavelengths compatible with the tissues in your mouth.

Hard Tissue Lasers

A hard tissue laser is used primarily for your teeth. The wavelength of one of these lasers cuts through both water and bone, specifically the calcium phosphate that’s in your bones and your teeth. These lasers can very accurately cut into your teeth, removing small amounts for shaping purposes or in preparation for procedures. Hard tissue lasers are used for:

  • Detecting cavities.
  • Dealing with tooth sensitivity.
  • Preparing teeth for dental fillings.

Soft Tissue Lasers

The soft tissue lasers use a light wavelength that hemoglobin and water absorb easily. Hemoglobin is the molecule found in blood, which makes soft tissue lasers ideal for gum work. Some soft tissue lasers are diode lasers, which is a type of continuous-wave laser.

These lasers are ideal for cutting into soft tissue and sealing the exposed blood vessels at the same time. This is the reason you don’t bleed very much during laser dentistry and why healing is quicker after laser dentistry. Soft tissue lasers are great for cosmetic procedures because you can begin to see results right away. Soft tissue lasers are used for:

  • Lengthening crowns.
  • Dealing with restricted tongue movement.
  • Reshaping the gums to create a more pleasing smile.
  • Removing folds in oral soft tissues caused by dentures.

Whether you’re having laser gum surgery or hard tissue work, expect an easier procedure and a shorter recovery time. Laser dentistry is a convenient solution to many oral and dental problems, whether serious in nature or simply cosmetic. Ask your dentist about laser dentistry the next time you need dental work completed.

What is a periodontist?

/in /by

A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease, and in the placement of dental implants. Periodontists are also experts in the treatment of oral inflammation. Periodontists receive extensive training in these areas, including three additional years of education beyond dental school. They are familiar with the latest techniques for diagnosing and treating periodontal disease, and are also trained in performing cosmetic periodontal procedures.

Periodontists often treat more problematic periodontal cases, such as those with severe gum disease or a complex medical history. Periodontists offer a wide range of treatments, such as scaling and root planing (in which the infected surface of the root is cleaned) or root surface debridement (in which damaged tissue is removed). They can also treat patients with severe gum problems using a range of surgical procedures. In addition, periodontists are specially trained in the placement, maintenance, and repair of dental implants.

During the first visit, the periodontist usually reviews the patient’s complete medical and dental histories. It is extremely important for the periodontist to know if any medications are being taken or if the patient is being treated for any condition that can affect periodontal care, such as heart disease, diabetes, or pregnancy.

The periodontist examines the gums, checks to see if there is any gum line recession, assesses how the teeth fit together when biting, and checks the teeth to see if any are loose. The periodontist will also take a small measuring instrument called a probe and place it between the teeth and gums to determine the depth of those spaces, known as periodontal pockets; this helps the periodontist assess the health of the gums. X-rays may also be taken to observe the health of the bone below the gum line.

WHO SHOULD SEE A PERIODONTIST?

Some patients’ periodontal needs can be managed by the general dentist. However, as more and more patients are exhibiting signs of periodontal disease, coupled with research that suggests a relationship between periodontal disease and other chronic diseases of aging, periodontal treatment may necessitate a greater understanding and increased level of expertise by a trained specialist. Patients who present with moderate or severe levels of periodontal disease, or patients with more complex cases, will be best managed by a partnership between the dentist and periodontist.

dental crown implants

What is a prosthodontist?

/in /by

Prosthodontics is the dental specialty primarily concerned with the restoration and replacement of lost or damaged teeth. Sometimes called the “architects of the smile,” prosthodontists are highly trained specialists with a unique understanding of all the elements that go into a beautiful, functional and natural-looking smile—not just the teeth, but also the gums, lips, and facial features. When it comes to planning and carrying out a full-scale smile makeover, a team of dental professionals is often required; many times, that team is captained by a prosthodontist.

What qualifies a prosthodontist to take on this role? After graduating from college and completing the regular four years of dental school, prosthodontists receive an additional three years of advanced training at a graduate program accredited by the American Dental Association (ADA). Prosthodontists combine this specialized education with countless hours of clinical experience, and can bring their skills to bear on simple or complex restorations. They are one of the nine ADA-recognized dental specialties.

What Do Prosthodontists Do?

As their name implies (“prosthesis” = addition or attachment, “odont” = tooth), these specialists plan and carry out procedures related to the replacement of natural teeth, in part or in full, with biocompatible substitutes. Some of these treatments include:

  • Porcelain Veneers — wafer-thin shells of ceramic material that cover the front surfaces of teeth, providing a dramatic change in appearance. These are bonded to teeth that have been prepared by having a small amount of enamel removed, so they don’t appear too bulky. Long-lasting veneers can change the size, shape or color of teeth, and even close small gaps between.
  • Crowns — artificial covers (sometimes called “caps”) that replace the entire visible surface of a tooth above the gum line. Fabricated of metal, porcelain fused to metal, or all-ceramic (porcelain), crowns are cemented to a prepared tooth with intact roots. They are often needed after a root canal procedure, or to repair fractured, broken or misshapen teeth.
  • Dental Implants — when it’s necessary to replace an entire tooth (both roots and crown), this method is considered today’s gold standard. Implants consist of a titanium metal post which is implanted in the jaw in a minor surgical procedure. This screw-like post becomes fused with the jaw bone, providing a solid anchorage for a lifelike crown. Implants can be used to replace single or multiple teeth, or to support other types of dental restorations, such as bridges or dentures. While implant surgery is usually performed by other specialists, prosthodontists often design and place the implant crowns. Implants are initially the most costly tooth replacement method, but may prove an excellent value in the long run, as they can last a lifetime.
  • Fixed Bridges — this tooth-replacement method uses the existing, healthy teeth (called abutment teeth) on either side of a gap to support one or more artificial teeth. A series of linked crowns is fabricated as a single unit, which is then attached to the prepared abutment teeth. These work like a roadway-bridge foundation to hold up the crowns for the missing teeth in between. Bridges are a time-tested tooth-replacement method, but require special attention to cleaning, and potentially compromise the structure of the otherwise healthy abutment teeth.
  • Dentures — are available in many different types, including full, partial, and implant-supported varieties. They can improve the aesthetics and functionality of an individual who is missing teeth—particularly when the dentures are manufactured to a high standard of workmanship and fitted correctly in the mouth. However, wearing dentures typically requires an adjustment period, and some find them uncomfortable in certain situations.

Reconstructive Dentistry

Carrying out specialized procedures is one part of a prosthodontist’s job; another is designing and detailing each step of a dental restoration, and making sure the work is performed to plan. Whether it’s a “smile makeover” designed to enhance your appearance, or a restoration after trauma or surgery, a prosthodontist can play an important role in treatment. Among the other services they offer, prosthodontists can also perform screenings for oral cancer, and diagnose and treat temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Prosthodontists often work closely with dental laboratories, where highly skilled technicians create lifelike restorations from durable, high-tech materials. They can help ensure that you get well-crafted replacement teeth that will blend into a perfect smile. Their expertise allows them to treat the most difficult and challenging dental problems; that’s the reason why general dentists often refer patients to them for treatment.

braces chauvin lafayette

Keeping Teeth Straight After Braces

/in /by

It’s here – the big day you or your child have been waiting for.  It’s on your calendar: BRACES OFF!

Many people make plans to celebrate or do something special to mark the occasion of the day you get your braces off.

You come in to the office for your debonding appointment. And like magic, your teeth are perfectly smooth.  And perfect!   You look at them in the mirror like old friends.  It’s been a long while since you’ve seen each other.

You worked hard to get to where you are, and the reward is spectacular!  Gorgeous, perfectly aligned teeth that has changed everything – how you look, your self-confidence, and of course a lifetime to enjoy your new, healthiest smile.

And then, it happens.  In the middle of all of this excitement, your orthodontist throws a wet blanket on your celebrations.  He or she wants to talk to you about: retention.  Retainers?  You JUST got your braces off.  This very minute!  And here we go with the talk about retainers, and keeping teeth straight, and ruin your perfectly happy moment.

Why Do I Need a Retainer?

Just because you get your braces off doesn’t mean your teeth are done moving.  The bone remodeling process that has transformed your teeth into the gorgeous smile you have today took time to get started, and will take time to stop.  The pressure from your archwire or aligner trays sent a message to the bone and connective tissue around your teeth to loosen up for a bit, shift, and then rebuild the bone around the teeth in their new positions.  That process happened in tiny increments, in a slow, constant process.  Removing the pressure of the aligner trays or the archwire does not immediately stop teeth movement.  That’s why retainers and the commitment to wear them is so important to making sure you can enjoy your hard work and beautiful results for life.

How Do Retainers Work?

Retainers help to put the brakes on teeth movement, and prevent shifting.  Teeth naturally want to shift in little increments over time.  Retainers send tiny signals to the roots of your teeth to tell them to stay in place, and to keep your teeth properly aligned.  Some retainers are fixed (cemented) into place behind your teeth.  Other types include the Hawley, which is the most common.  The Hawley retainer is made of a metal guide wire and acrylic that is fitted to your mouth.  Both the Hawley and clear retainer trays are removable. What’s most important, however, is that retainers only work if you actually wear them.

How Long Do I Have to Wear Retainers For?

The first 6 months after active orthodontic treatment are especially critical because your teeth are still actively trying to move.  Most orthodontic patients need to wear their retainers for 6 months full time after completing active braces or invisalign treatment, and then the removable retainers at night, for life.

Yes, for life.

Your teeth are incredibly strong, but teeth naturally shift, and the best way – really, the only way – to keep your teeth looking as good in 20 years as they do today, is to wear your retainers.  Remember, the “forever” part is only at night.  During the day, you’ll walk around with your perfect teeth, and no one else will be the wiser – a little like a superhero.  It’s OK, your secret is safe with us.