Welcome back to our four-part article series on the causes, symptoms and treatment options for the disorders that affect the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), the articulating joint between the jawbone and temporal plate of the skull. In our previous article, the second installment of the series, an experienced dentist and orthodontist in Silver Spring MD described the various symptoms of TMD before explaining the various checks dental healthcare specialists do in order to diagnose the condition. In this article and the next, we shall take an in-depth look at the treatment options facing Silver Spring residents with TMD. “Treating TMD is far more complex than simply taking a course of prescribed medication,” explains a Silver Spring cosmetic dentist. “The kind of treatment we recommend also depends substantially on how severe a patient’s condition is. Usually, the best approach is to begin with conservative therapy, which should appease the symptoms. If the symptoms persist, surgery may ultimately be required.” In this article, an orthodontist will explain the non-surgical treatment approaches. In Part 4, the final installment of the series, we’ll look at the surgical options. Most Silver Spring cosmetic dentists agree that the best way to treat TMD is to begin with a combination of conservative therapies. The goal of these therapies is to reduce inflammation and swelling, alleviate pain and eliminate the source of stress or strain aggravating the TMJ. Adjust Your Diet: Refrain from eating hard, crunchy foods (hard candy, crisps, raw vegetables, ice, caramels) and foods that require you to stretch open your mouth to fit. Rather, stick to a softer diet (yogurt, soup, cooked vegetables, mashed potato, fish, etc.) for a few weeks or as recommended by your dentist. Cut smaller bites and chew gently. You’re trying to rest the TMJ and give the swelling and inflammation a chance to subside. Heat and Cold Therapy: Apply an ice pack to your temple for approximately 10 minutes. Your orthodontist will show you how to perform some easy jaw stretching exercises, which you should subsequently do. After stretching, press a warm, moist towel to the same temple region for five minutes. Repeat this procedure two to three times a day. Medication for the Symptoms: The orthodontist in Silver Spring may prescribe you some pain medications (for example, Aleve, Advil or Motrin) to help alleviate the discomfort and swelling associated with TMD. You may also be required to take muscle relaxants, especially if the cause behind your TMD is determined to be teeth grinding and jaw clenching. Nighttime Night Guards and Splints: Wearing a mouth guard at night when you are more likely to grind and clench your teeth prevents the damage these bad habits have on the biting surfaces of the teeth, as well as lessening the stress it puts on the TMJ. A mouth guard or splint (which is worn all the time and not just at night) will also position the teeth correctly, eliminating the joint strain caused by a bad bite. Resting the Jaw: “Simply resting the jaw joint by avoiding extreme movements, eating soft foods and keeping yawning to a minimum, you can give the TMJ a chance to heal, thus reducing pain and inflammation” explains the Silver Spring cosmetic dentist. “Other habits to avoid include resting your chin on your hand or cradling a telephone between your ear and neck. Bad posture can also exacerbate TMD. Sit up straight!” Seek Treatment for Dental Problems: If a bad bite is to blame for your TMD, you may need to seek corrective dental treatment for crooked or missing teeth! Balancing the biting surfaces of your teeth will eliminate any strain on the TMJ caused by a bad bite. Keep Your Mouth Slightly Parted: For as long as possible during the course of the day. This will reduce the pressure on the TMJ and prevent you from clenching or grinding your teeth. Stay Tuned for Part 4 To find out what the Silver Spring cosmetic dentist has to say about what surgical treatment options are available for TMD, stay tuned for the final installment of this four-part article series!
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This article talks about the importance of choosing a cosmetic dentist for dental implants, with specific focus on ‘Smile Design’.There are many different options when it comes to dental implants and choosing the right dentist is most definitely one of the choices you will have to make. You might wonder why it is you can’t just ask your general dentist. Well, if he or she is qualified to place dental implants, then why not? For all intents and purposes, this option is entirely plausible. There are, however, significant benefits to Silver Spring residents choosing a cosmetic dentist to perform the procedure, because ultimately it is all about the smile. So What’s the Big Difference?While general dentists in Silver Spring MD might be trained to perform the dental implant procedure, cosmetic dentists have the qualifications and experience to take it one step further. For a lot of people, functionality is not the only important aspect when it comes to replacing missing teeth: appearance also plays an important role if not THE most important role. You don’t only want to be able to chew your food without difficulty or discomfort; you also want to be able to smile with confidence. The Silver Spring cosmetic dentist is trained to take esthetics into account when designing your new teeth and this includes an extra step in the dental implant process called ‘Smile Design’.
What is ‘Smile Design’?When you go to the hairdresser and ask for a specific style, you have certain expectations about how you will look when you step out of the salon. There is nothing more disappointing than your reflection in the mirror not matching up to the picture in your head. This is why the Silver Spring cosmetic dentist performs a Smile Design consultation before the implant procedure. This consultation ensures that the patient, working closely with the cosmetic dentist, can convey exactly what it is they expect from their procedure and what it is they would like to change about the quality of their smile. Armed with this information, the dentist ensures that you walk out of his or her office with the same smile that you had in your mind’s eye.
How Does Smile Design Work?During your smile design consultation, the Silver Spring cosmetic dentist will chat with you about what you hope your smile will look like after receiving dental implants. Often this consultation includes looking through multiple pictures of smiles until you find the one you are looking for. It is possible for the cosmetic specialist to disagree with your choice, and they might advise you as to want they think would suit you better. Although you should take their thoughts into consideration, the choice is ultimately yours. But whatever you decide, you can be sure that you will climb off of the dentist’s chair with the smile you wanted. The Cosmetic TouchCosmetic dentists place particular importance on physical appearance. Self-confidence plays a major role in how we experience life, and it is for this very reason that cosmetic dentists do what they do. A large portion of one’s self esteem is born from one’s physical appearance: that is why the dentists in Silver Spring MD who have specialized in cosmetic dentistry take particular care in aesthetics. This does not mean that less attention is paid to the functionality of your teeth or the health of your mouth as a whole. Cosmetic dentists are invested in obtaining success with all aspects of tooth replacement, thus making sure that your smile both looks and feels great. This three-part article series explains the 10 mistakes people commonly make when brushing their teeth or choosing the appropriate healthcare appliances. Welcome to the final installment of our three-part article series on the 10 most common toothbrushing mistakes patients tend to make. In our previous two articles, we spoke to dentists in Silver Spring MD who cautioned us against the following common brushing errors: 1. Choosing the wrong size toothbrush, 2. Using hard-bristled toothbrushes, 3. Not brushing for long enough (two minutes is the recommended time) 4. Not brushing frequently enough (three times a day is optimal) 5. Brushing too hard, 6. Brushing too frequently, 7. Using the wrong technique 8. Starting at the same point every time, 9. Neglecting the inner tooth surfaces. Without further ado, let’s take a look at the three final common toothbrushing errors! Common Mistake # 8: Not Rinsing Your Mouth Afterwards “You should rinse your toothbrush thoroughly after every use or else you risk leaving bacteria and food debris on the bristles,” says a Silver Spring cosmetic dentist. “Then, the next time you use your toothbrush, you can put all that bacteria back in your mouth. This is not to mention that old, dried toothpaste. Rinse thoroughly and always replace your toothbrush after a bout of flu or any other viral infection.” Common Mistake # 9: Not Giving Your Toothbrush a Chance to Dry “You should absolutely never leave your toothbrush lying around in a puddle of moisture,” warn dentists in Silver Spring MD. “Your toothbrush should be left somewhere it is able to dry out in between uses. A moist toothbrush provides bacteria with an excellent environment in which to proliferate.” “This is why those toothbrush caps are actually a bad idea, even though they are supposed to keep your brush hygienic. They don’t allow evaporation to take place, which keeps the bristles moist, thus encouraging bacterial activity. Once you’re done with your toothbrush, shake off any excess water and leave it in an aired cabinet, preferably in a glass standing up. This will give it the best possible chance of drying, while being sheltered from any biofilm that might settle on it during the course of the day.” Common Mistake # 10: Holding Onto an Old Toothbrush “You should be changing your toothbrush every three to four months, or at least that’s what the American Dental Association recommends,” say Silver Spring cosmetic dentists. “Actually, the bristles of your toothbrush will provide you with a more adequate understanding of when it’s time to go shopping again! In order to be most effective in keeping your teeth, gums and tongue clean, the bristles of your toothbrush should be straight. Once they start bending and becoming frayed, you should get a new toothbrush.” “If your toothbrushes tend to become frayed really quickly, you are probably brushing too hard and should try to ease up on the pressure. Your toothbrushes (and your teeth) will last longer,” say dentists in Silver Spring MD. “Some newer, nifty brands come with color indicators that will tell you when it’s time to get a new brush.” A Final Note Frequent and thorough brushing is integral to maintaining a high standard of oral health and hygiene. By avoiding the 10 common toothbrushing mistakes and taking the advice laid out in this three-part article series, you can get the very most out of the time you spend caring for your teeth. And healthy teeth make a beautiful smile! In this two-part article series, we take a comprehensive look at dental implants. We explain what they are, how they work, what the treatment entails and what benefits and advantages they come hand-in-hand with. Millions of Americans deal with tooth loss on any given day. This unfortunate situation may be the result of poor dental habits, accidental trauma or general wear-and-tear. Our teeth offer more than just an important visual purpose; we require teeth in order to converse and articulate correctly. Furthermore, our teeth necessitate the very basic but indispensable function of chewing food. This is why when presenting with tooth loss you should consider the best possible solution for replacing your teeth with long-lasting, 100% functional and beautiful teeth. A Silver Spring cosmetic dentist explains that there simply is no better solution for dealing with tooth loss than dental implants. In this two-part article series, we will be providing you with a comprehensive explanation of what dental implants are and what benefits and advantages they offer. Dental Implants: What Are They? Dental implants have come into view as the best resolution modern dentistry has to offer patients who have lost one or more or even all of their natural teeth. These smart devices in effect serve as self-supporting synthetic tooth roots. Dental implants are constructed from the exceedingly resilient, lightweight and non-corrosive metal, titanium. In the 1950’s, Swedish professor Per-Ingvar Brånemark along with his clinical research team discovered that titanium is able to support a biological fusion process termed ‘osseointegration,’ during which bone tissue bonds with the surface of the metal. Discovering this breakthrough has provided the perfect solution for creating a fixed and non-removable tooth root that could remain permanently rooted in the jawbone. It also contributed enormously to the field of orthopedic surgery. Dental Implants: Why Are They Superior? At the end of the day, technology will always be in a process of evolution. Currently, dental implants are at the top of the innovative food chain when it comes to replacing missing teeth. Traditional dentures are fast becoming an option of the past. A dentist in Silver Spring explains that dental implants offer a far more efficient and beneficial solution for the treatment of missing teeth and the placement of new teeth. Dental implants have demonstrated to be far better in function, appearance, comfort, health and lifetime in contrast to other options available, such as traditional removable dentures and dental bridges. The Benefits of Dental Implants • “Your new teeth will work, appear and feel like healthy natural teeth,” says a Silver Spring cosmetic dentist. This means that you can return to life as normal and enjoy your new teeth in exactly the same way that you did your natural, original teeth. • Modern dentistry utilizes sophisticated computer imaging software and 3D virtual scanning technologies that allow oral surgeons to place dental implants using techniques that involve minimal discomfort. This results in incredibly successful surgeries and a much shortened recovery period, too. • “Dental implants are rooted in the bone of the jaw. This means that they do not require support from surrounding teeth and gums like dentures or dental bridges do,” says a Silver Spring cosmetic dentist. “For this reason, dental implants do not typically cause irritation or inflammation, nor do they inflict damage or discomfort on the surrounding teeth or gums.” • Since our teeth play an important role in our articulation and speech, dental implants help in reinstating correct interface between the teeth, tongue and lips during speech. • Your dental restorations will be modeled and crafted to fit perfectly and resemble your natural, original teeth, giving you the confidence to eat and smile with self-assurance. Stay Tuned Join us for the second article of this two-part series where we will be looking a little closer at dental implant treatment. We’ll also provide further reasons why dental implants are the best solution for missing teeth! |
AuthorOur multi-dentist approach means we can provide you with the best options in a single comprehensive plan, and then implement them without you having to leave your comfortable dental chair. When you're finished, you'll get one consolidated statement for each family member and one representative who can answer any questions you may have. Archives
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