Dr. Kesteven Dental Care Blog

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You are as you see yourself

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Kesteven Dental Care Studio) — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 15:19:00 +0000

Although times change, human nature does not. Today the same motives prompt us to seek outward portrayal of inner desires through esthetic treatment. But the modern scientific approach dictates that this path to self-assurance must be based on sound dental practice and keyed to total health.

However, the way you see yourself and think others see you has a great deal to do with the way you feel about yourself. If you feel good about your smile, you are far more likely to respond to others using it as a form of communication. A charming smile can open doors and knock down barriers that stand between you and a confident and richer life.

It has been said that "the eyes have it" but recent studies show this is not the case. Dr. Richard C. Burns of the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry in San Francisco, has documented observations that the mouth is the focal point of many emotional conflicts, the first source of human contact and a means of alleviating or expressing pleasure, discomfort or displeasure.

You Deserve It!

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Kesteven Dental Care Studio) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 17:49:00 +0000

Your smile impacts how your feel about yourself!

It is the first and lasting impressions you make on others.

At some point, you have looked in the mirror and wished for a brighter, whiter, more dazzling smile.

Do you have a new job on the horizon, a wedding, graduation, high school reunion or another great reason to treat yourself?

Perhaps you notice a co-worker or friend's teeth as they smile an laugh, wishing you had that kind of confidence in how your teeth looked.

A positive change in your smile will have a dramatic effect, helping you personally, socially and professionally.

As you begin planning for cosmetic dentistry, it is very important to realize that not all dentists are equally qualified. An LVI dentist has received prestigious postgraduate training in the latest techniques in cosmetic dentistry, making them part of an elite group that sets the standard for all other dentist through their training in aesthetic reconstructive dentistry.

Schedule your appointment today, why wait for a stunning new smile!

Headaches? Tell your dentist!

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Kesteven Dental Care Studio) — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 16:00:00 +0000

Headaches are generally classified into several basic types: Sinus, Cluster, Tension and Migraine. You can determine which type you have by discussing it with your physician or dentist. While headaches are typically treated by your physician, improper occlusion (your bite) may play a significant role in certain types of headaches as well as other head and neck pain. One type of headache, tension, is by far the most common - estimated by some to be the cause of as much as 90% of all headaches. Further, they are headaches that often originate in, or pain is referred to, the muscles of your forehead. The muscles of the temple area of the forehead are muscles that play and important part in the posturing and closing of the jaw. If your occlusion (bite) is not right, it can lead to abnormal tension in the muscles - one of the several possible causes of tension type headaches. If the bite is not corrected, the muscles may remain tense for long periods of time. The contracted muscle does not get a chance to rest and soon suffers from poor circulation - thus a lack of needed oxygen and the accumulation of waste products of metabolism. The result can be pain in the form of a headache. New technology now allows your dentist to objectively evaluate the state of these muscles and various other factors that may be affecting your bite.

What is a post?

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Kesteven Dental Care Studio) — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 16:30:00 +0000

A dental "post" is used in instances where the tooth's nerve has been removed. They are not always necessary. Using them depends on how much chewing force will be exerted on the bite and how much tooth structure is left.

Your Natural Teeth - keep them if you can

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Kesteven Dental Care Studio) — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 17:10:00 +0000

Sometimes I look at myself and my friends to measure how we are all aging. I would say that none of us has done anything too drastic to retain our youthfulness. You know we keep our hair nice, try to keep the extra weight off, perhaps a little botox... But it was the loss of a tooth in one of my friends (that I have known since high school) - that really got my attention. It wasn't a front tooth but one on the side, visible when he smiles. It was the first time that I really thought of him as older.

The effects on extracting a tooth that can be saved - reach farther than the cosmetic - it also affects the support of the jaw and losing even just one tooth can result in a collapsed bite.

Never extract your teeth if there is another alternative available.

Bonding - a quick compromise but a poor long term solution

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Kesteven Dental Care Studio) — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 17:07:00 +0000

Composite resin, used for tooth coloured fillings can be useful in treating chipped or crooked or discoloured teeth. This is called "bonding". The treatment usually consists of building the crowded teeth out or creating adjacent teeth with even edges. The result is an illusion of straightness and whitening that can be most pleasing.

Although the result is immediately appealing... it is short term. The composite resin, while an excellent and healthy alternative to "mercury-amalgam" fillings, it is not a designed to be a cosmetic restoration. The resin will quickly pick up stain, depending on your eating, drinking (and smoking) habits. It will dull in time, largely due to the abrasion of toothpaste and use of mouthwash.

There is no better long-term solution than a porcelain restoration, supported with good oral care and regular visits to an excellent dentist and hygienist.

Stained teeth

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Kesteven Dental Care Studio) — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 17:42:00 +0000

One type of surface stain actually gets trapped into the tooth structure because of microcracks. These tiny microcracks are usually caused by either chewing on ice or other hard objects. They are so small they generally go unnoticed until they become stained, usually from food, beverages or smoking. Best advice is never chew on ice! These stains should go away with a professional whitening system.

Can't find a dentist to take out your mercury fillings?

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Kesteven Dental Care Studio) — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 18:14:00 +0000

We had a really nice new patient a couple of days ago. She'd expressed frustration that it was so hard to locate a dentist that would take out all of her old mercury fillings safely.

Now that you have decided to have your mercury removed, you may want assurance that your exposure to mercury is minimal during the removal procedure. By now you know that our office and our team are not “traditional”. There are many extra steps that we take to keep the patient and the team safe from mercury exposure.

- Dr. Kesteven does not slowly grind the mercury filling out of the tooth. The grinding releases mercury vapour. Instead he cuts the filling to be taken out in large pieces.
- We use an air purifier, which omits ions into the air to purify the air. It weighs down the metals in the aerosols, making the mercury easy to remove through suctioning. Along with this, we use a lot of water during the removal to trap the metals to prevent toxic aerosol.
- The suction system is extra high volume suction. It is not a “regular” dental suction.
- We also use a suction instrument called a "Clean-up". The tip is fashioned so that it can tuck over the specific tooth that is being purged of the metal. The suction tip creates a vortex and draws the aerosols away from the mouth and just as importantly, the nose.
- We use a rubber dam as much as possible, not only does it aid in keeping the tooth isolated from contamination during the restoration, but it prevents mercury exposure to the patient, through mouth breathing and swallowing.

Many of the patient protection procedures, that we use, are common sense. However, the technologically advanced instruments designed for safe mercury removal have been hand-picked by Dr. Kesteven and our team because of the effectiveness of them.

Please don’t forget our team works within this environment daily. We have taken the necessary precautions against mercury exposure for not only our patients, but for ourselves.

I hope that these answers help you to make an informed decision. Mercury fillings do create vapour while you chew, drink hot liquids, grind your teeth, etc. It is not bonded to your natural tooth and the leakage allows microorganisms to create more decay under the silver filling, which weakens the tooth. So, from a health stand-point or a decay stand-point, it is important to address the issue sooner than later.

Bridges & Implants can prevent shifting

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Kesteven Dental Care Studio) — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 20:35:00 +0000

When a tooth is missing or has been extracted, other teeth usually shift in only a few years. This change in tooth position can cause all sorts of bite and gum problems. The expense and time involved to correct the condition can be more than the original cost of bridge or implant placement. Therefore, have a missing tooth replaced as quickly as possible after it is taken out.

What is a crown?

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Kesteven Dental Care Studio) — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 20:51:00 +0000

A crown is a cap, cover, or restoration replacing the portion of the tooth exposed in the mouth. A porcelain crown is an all ceramic restoration. A porcelain fused to metal crown(PFM) is made of porcelain and metal. The entire undersurface is usually metal with the exterior being tooth coloured.

The dental facelift

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Kesteven Dental Care Studio) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 15:25:00 +0000

There are many patients who do not need a facelift or other surgical procedures to make them look younger. Dentistry has been the most overlooked profession in its ability to create more attractive and younger looking faces by improving a smile. Dark or discolored teeth can make a person look older than they should look. A simple technique such as teeth whitening is a reasonable and quick alternative to the more costly and time-consuming procedure of crowning.

Facing It! Are you ready for a new smile?

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Kesteven Dental Care Studio) — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 15:21:00 +0000

Not everyone is. Not everyone should have a new smile. I see many people with crooked or spaced teeth who are perfectly happy with their appearance. The self-confidence that many people have regardless of their appearance is admirable. We should all like ourselves. But if we don't like ourselves with the smile we have, then let's get a new one!

Who should do repairs on fractured teeth?

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Kesteven Dental Care Studio) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:26:00 +0000

If you have a fractured bridge or a temporary crown, save the pieces and try to see your dentist as quickly as possible. But unless you have had dental training, never try to make the repairs yourself. If you use a cyanoacrylate-based glue, your dentist may not be able to separate the glue from the tooth in order to reposition it for a more permanent adhesion. Also, some of the glues on the market today can dissolve in your mouth. Instead of trying to work with them yourself, save the pieces to take to your dentist.

Since most fractures happen at the most inopportune times and places, you may not get in to see your dentist immediately. In the meantime, it is advisable to continue brushing as you always have. Of course, you will want to avoid any sensitive areas, but don't totally avoid brushing. Bacteria can build up in the exposed area and aggravate your problem. See your dentist as soon as possible and keep the area as clean as possible until then.

Receding gums

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Kesteven Dental Care Studio) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:41:00 +0000

The next most common complaint after bleeding gums is receding gums. If you have a high lipline, this may become an esthetic problem, especially if you have crowns, because it the tissue receds, then the previously hidden junction of the tooth and crown will eventually become exposed. Even the most natural looking crowns can't stand exposure of that type. What you may find unsightly may be the root of your tooth, which is usually darker than the crown.

If you notice the recession of your gums, whether miniscule or major, the first thing you need to do is see a dental professional, likely a hygienist for a dental cleaning. Don't neglect your cleanings. Allowing bacterial plaque to accumulate around the gumline will only make matters worse. The tissue will only get more sensitive and in time, shrinkage (recession) will occur.

Tips for longer life of your new dental restorations

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Kesteven Dental Care Studio) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:38:00 +0000

Now you are home from the dentist and the freezing is out. You keep looking in the mirror and seeing your new smile. Your tongue doesn't quite recognize the change just yet. Don't expect your newly restored teeth to quickly feel like they have been there all your life. Give them a chance. Your tongue, cheeks, lips and brain need time to adjust to a new situation. It generally takes a week or two. This is especially true if you have had a drastic change, such as closing large spaces. Remember the way it felt as a child to lose a tooth and how your tongue kept creeping over to feel the gap or even when the new tooth started to erupt. Relax and get you mind off your mouth! You can become accustomed to almost anything new.

Are teeth that contain fillings matched with other teeth so they are unnoticed?

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Kesteven Dental Care Studio) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 16:31:00 +0000

Tooth-coloured front fillings may have matched beautifully when they were put in, but they usually only look good for three to five years. Certain foods stain but especially coffee, tea and smoking, cause the fillings to discolour and may require more professional cleaning or more frequent replacement. Later, crowning may be necessary to not only restore, but change the shapes of your teeth for a more attractive smile.

How to Save a Knocked-out Tooth

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Kesteven Dental Care Studio) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 15:10:00 +0000

The handy reference of steps to be taken when you lose a tooth is outlined below by the American Association of Endodontists.

1. Pick up the tooth gently, being extra careful to handle it by its crown and not by its roots.

2. Gently remove any debris from the tooth. Look for fractures in the roots. If there are none, carefully replace it in its socket, or keep the tooth moist in a cup of water or glass of milk, or if no water or milk is available, place the tooth in the mouth next to the cheek.

3. Do not attempt to clean the tooth with hard scrubbing or cleaning agents. You could destroy vital nerve tissue.

4. See a dentist immediately, preferably within thirty minutes of the accident.

Are new crowns better?

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Kesteven Dental Care Studio) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 17:13:00 +0000

If you've been avoiding having your teeth crowned because you don't like the little metal line that sometimes shows at the gum line - there is good news! Dentists now are able to use "state of the art" "no metal" crowns. These all porcelain crowns can be very natural and kind to the gum tissue. The dentist and assistant will want to match the surrounding teeth to make it look the most natural. The key is to find a dentist who is skilled and works with a well trained lab. This will mean the difference between a "chiclet" crown and a blended, natural crown.

Fixed vs. removable bridges

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Kesteven Dental Care Studio) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 14:32:00 +0000

Fixed bridges are preferable to removable bridges because they look and feel better and usually last longer. Removable bridges on the other hand can cause an unnecessary amount of wear and tear on adjacent teeth, but they are frequently selected over fixed brigdges since they are less expensive intitally. In the long run, however, the savings are questionable since a removable bridge has a shorter lifespan.

What about commercial products to lighten your teeth?

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Kesteven Dental Care Studio) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 14:18:00 +0000

There are no commercial products on the market today that can compare to professional dental treatment for correcting stained teeth. In fact, some products can even harm the teeth with excessive amounts of cleaning abrasive. If your teeth have already lost a certain amount of enamel and you use a strong abrasive product, you can severly damage the dentin or exposed cementum, the inner parts of your teeth - which may actually be the cause of some of the staining in your mouth. Exposed dentin or cementum can have a yellowish appearance and some people buy products to try to remove this type of stain only to find after extended use that their teeth become darker and more eroded.

Therefore, never use a commercial product for treatment of stained teeth unless your dentist first prescribes it. There are products that can help certain types of staining, but only under the advice of the dentist. For example, some smokers may get a small amount of reduction of stains by using certain abrasive toothpastes. However, the abrasiveness of this paste or powder can be harmful to the other parts of the tooth and that is why it is essential to first consult your dentist.

Front teeth too long?

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Kesteven Dental Care Studio) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 14:28:00 +0000

Sometimes the two upper front teeth are extra long and produce a "bunny look." It may be that the laterals are too short and make the centrals appear longer. If so, it is possible to lengthen the lateral incisors with composite bonding or porcelain veneers/crowns. Or the central incisors can be reshaped though cosmetic contouring which is simply a process of reshaping the natural teeth through adjusting and polishing.

Untwisting teeth - the objective

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Kesteven Dental Care Studio) — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 20:11:00 +0000

The objective of any corrective therapy is to give a perfect illusion of tooth straightness in relation to a lip position when you speak and smile. The teeth may not in fact be in perfect alignment, but if they give the impression of being so, then the desired goal will have been accomplished.

Such an illusion can sometimes be achieved by menas of cosmetic contouring, a simple reshaping of the teeth by sandpaper (disking) some of the tooth structure. If cosmetic contouring is not possible, then crowning sometimes becomes a viable option, particularily if the teeth are not in perfect condition.

Crowning has limitations for crowded or crooked teeth because the orientation of the tooth to be crowned must be compatibly aligned with the surrounding teeth. If it is not, the crown will still be unable to compensate for this difference in position.

If orthodontics are used, the teeth will eventually become compatibly aligned and sometimes it is the only solution for extremely malpositioned teeth.

Untwisting teeth - There's more than one way

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Kesteven Dental Care Studio) — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 14:25:00 +0000

Living with anything less than beautiful, straight white teeth can frequently be a source of great unhappiness, and crowded or crooked teeth that overlap, protrude or recess in a haphazard fashion can often be perceived as a personal disfigurement. However, it is possible to straighten such teeth.

Contrary to popular opinion, orthodontic straightening is not the only solution to crowded teeth. There may be less expensive and less time-consuming methods if the problem is not too severe. And the available alternatives should be weighed before making a commitment of time and money to orthodontics.

Like your smile and yourself

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Kesteven Dental Care Studio) — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 23:52:00 +0000

Regardless of what anyone else thinks about your smile and overall demeanor, if you feel good about yourself, it's a first step towards self-confidence and a good healthy self-image. Do what is necessary to give yourself the confidence you need to accomplish what you desire, or to feel good about yourself. Being able to cope in a turbulent, complex environment sometimes means having a good, strong sense of self-worth. Taking care of your physical self first can give you this stronger self-concept, something you can build on as a foundation to enhance other areas of your life.

If you are not really pleased with your smile, you may subconsciously avoid smiling as often or widely as you could and should. You may have developed a habit of hiding you smile with your hand (or even your tongue) so as not to reveal how ugly you feel it is! If you have had braces on for a while, you may have tried to hide your braces by not smiling or smiling only half-heartedly. Others try to restrict their lips when smiling or laughing to avoid showing a dark front or side tooth.

Once you have had your cosmetic correction, you may have to practice smiling by looking into a large mirror, then relax your lips and ease into a big smile. Think of something funny so that you really let your lips reveal your teeth. See how much better your smile looks! Repeat this procedure enough so that you will become accustomed to smiling again.

Always remember to smile, it increases your face value.