http://www.drgladnick.com/Frequently-Asked-Questions Wilmington DE Dentist w/ 30 yrs exp specializing in family and cosmetic dentisty, porcelain crowns, invisalign, veneers, tooth whitening & more Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:58:59 AM PST en-us http://www.drgladnick.com/faq/teeth-husband-joints-veneers/23 Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:58:59 AM PST Start with the main problem- what's causing the excessive wear? Certainly, he is an aggressive bruxer (grinds teeth), but he absolutely must have a dentist familiar with jaw joint diagnosis check the health of both joints prior to rebuilding your husband's teeth. The bite may need to be balanced as well. Veneers will not be strong enough to withstand the heavy chewing forces, so porcelain crowns would be a better choice to restore your husband's smile. http://www.drgladnick.com/faq/crowns-metal-base-gum/16 Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:58:59 AM PST While base metal crowns may cost less, they contain nickel or beryllium which have an allergenic potential and often cause irritated gums. We have had to replace many base metal crowns for patients who come to us for relief from chronic gum irritation. Gold or porcelain are preferable because they are very kind to gum tissue while providing optimal strength and a natural look. http://www.drgladnick.com/faq/teeth-natural-fillings-old/33 Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:58:59 AM PST Modern dentistry is redefining beauty. Damaged and decayed teeth (and dark, old fillings) can now be restored with tooth-colored materials that replicate the appearance of natural teeth. Also, because these materials are securely bonded, dentists can be more conservative while preparing your teeth for filling. Thus, you retain more of your natural, healthy tooth so you look and feel great! http://www.drgladnick.com/faq/veneers-teeth-tooth-bonding/357 Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:58:59 AM PST What is the difference between bonding and veneers? Bonding is a technique that restores chipped, cracked, misaligned, or discolored teeth.& ; An enamel-like resin is sculpted to the tooth to rebuild it.& ; In this way, gaps in teeth can be closed, chips can be built up, and your tooth can be restored to enhance your smile.& ; With the proper care a bonded tooth can last three to five years before it needs to be touched up to correct wear or discoloration.& ; Veneers are thin sheets of ceramic that are also bonded to the teeth but last much longer, usually eight to twelve years.& ; They look like your natural teeth without the imperfections. Your existing tooth surface will need to be prepared, or etched, to accept the veneers which will be extremely durable.& ; The final result is one of a natural, beautiful translucency that will give you a perfect smile. http://www.drgladnick.com/faq/smile-worn-teeth-damaged/32 Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:58:59 AM PST Absolutely-& ;a beautiful smile enhances your overall appearance and charisma, giving you added self-confidence and poise.& ;You see, excessively worn front teeth age a smile (some may even suspect you wear a denture!). They often chip and crack leaving uneven edges.& ;Worn teeth can be lengthened, and chipped or damaged areas corrected using advanced dental materials.& ;Ask your dentist for a smile evaluation or phone us for a complimentary one at (302) 468-6742. http://www.drgladnick.com/faq/tooth-teeth-bite-shifting/35 Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:58:59 AM PST If a tooth is lost, the surrounding teeth and the tooth above can drift or move out of alignment, disrupting your bite relationship. Shifting creates gaps where more food can be trapped which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Muscle-tension headaches, migraines and pain can result from shifting teeth.& ;Your dentist can recommend solutions that recreate strength and beauty while maintaining bite stability. http://www.drgladnick.com/faq/implants-teeth-missing-bone/18 Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:58:59 AM PST YES!!& ;& ;Dental implants are now considered the standard of care for missing teeth. Studies show that after ten years 90% of the implant cases continue to be successful. Unlike bridges, there is no undue damage to adjacent teeth. Why cut two good teeth to replace one missing tooth if you don’t need to? & ;With bridges you still get bone loss in area of the missing tooth-& ;the opposite is true with implants. Implants help maintain bone integrity. Because implants are stronger, healthier, maintain bone, last longer, and are not damaging to adjacent teeth, in most cases they are and should be considered the standard of care in any office. http://www.drgladnick.com/faq/smile-teeth-options-makes/17 Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:58:59 AM PST People of all ages can benefit from the many options to improve the look of their teeth and smile. Part of aging is the change that occurs in your mouth as well as the rest of your body. Appearance can be very important to self-esteem. Teeth may be yellow and worn, or you may have gaps or other unevenness that makes you unhappy with your smile. Many recent techniques to make a more beautiful smile are easy and affordable. Options may include invisalign orthodontics, veneers, non-metal crowns, bonding, whitening, and reshaping your teeth. Check with your dentist to see which is best for you. http://www.drgladnick.com/faq/think-problem-coorked-fine/372 Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:58:59 AM PST http://www.drgladnick.com/faq/teeth-changes-invisalign-appearance/24 Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:58:59 AM PST InvisAlign orthodontics use clear, comfortably thin trays to realign crooked teeth (or close spaces) typically in less than 12 months.& ;If you cannot wait a year,& ;porcelain veneers can beautifully re-create a smile, assuming your teeth are healthy, in just a few visits.& ;Should the changes you desire be minimal,& ;esthetic bonding may also accomplish your makeover. http://www.drgladnick.com/faq/smile-teeth-options-makes/17 Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:58:59 AM PST People of all ages can benefit from the many options to improve the look of their teeth and smile. Part of aging is the change that occurs in your mouth as well as the rest of your body. Appearance can be very important to self-esteem. Teeth may be yellow and worn, or you may have gaps or other unevenness that makes you unhappy with your smile. Many recent techniques to make a more beautiful smile are easy and affordable. Options may include invisalign orthodontics, veneers, non-metal crowns, bonding, whitening, and reshaping your teeth. Check with your dentist to see which is best for you. http://www.drgladnick.com/faq/whitening-agent-will-strips/313 Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:58:59 AM PST The short answer is that whitening strips are cheap, but they will only slightly whiten teeth that are already fairly light in color.& ; Whitening strips are not effective on badly stained teeth, and they can take one to two months before results are seen.& ; A better alternative are custom made whitening trays made by your dentist.& ; These trays will hold the whitening agent in place while protecting your gums from exposure to the agent.& ; The whitening agent is also a stronger concentration and will produce results in a week.& ; Some people see a difference in a couple of days. Trays have the added advantage of reusability.& ; The patient takes them home and can reuse them for touchups. It is important to remember that no whitening agents should be used when undergoing a bonding process as it can adversely affect the efficacy of the adhesive. & ; http://www.drgladnick.com/faq/dentist-does-office-will/119 Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:58:59 AM PST When looking for a dentist we invite you to use this checklist to see whether other professionals in the Wilmington/Newark/Pike Creek area offer the full range of services and individualized care that you will receive at our office.& ; Once you compare, we will gladly make an appointment for you.& ; Simply call us at (302) 468-6742. & ; Questions to Ask When Choosing a Great Dentist & ; Does the Dentist see the patient at every visit (including the cleanings) to assess the condition of teeth, soft tissue and gums and to screen for oral cancer? (Some practices allow the hygienists to work alone when the dentist is not even in the office!! Not a good idea in our opnion.) Are appointment times honored to minimize or eliminate waiting? Is the Dentist available to handle dental emergencies 24/7 ?& ; Yes, that's right, Dr. Gladnick& ; is always available to his patients with emergencies twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. His personal cell phone number is made available to all of his patients.& ; Does the Dentist check in with patients the evening following procedures to assess their level of comfort. Does the office use digital imaging (x-rays) to minimize your family's exposure to radiatiion? Does your Dentist have the latest technology in handpieces to assure a quiet, comfortable& ; experience for you? Does your Dentist have a dedicated, enthusiastic staff who will confer with any insurance compnay to make sure that your procedures are being covered at an optimal level? Will your child feel comfortable and happy because the entire staff takes the time to make going to the Dentist a happy experience?& ; This happens every time in our office.& ; Does the dental practice offer entertainment while you are being treated?& ; We provide sitcoms, movies, music- you name it! Is the office bright, clean and up-to-date? http://www.drgladnick.com/faq/joints-jaw-temporomandibular-teeth/10 Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:58:59 AM PST Your problem may be caused from a misalignment of your lower and upper jaws. In dentistry this is called TMD or temporomandibular dysfunction. Some of the more common symptoms may include popping and clicking of one or both of the temporomandibular (jaw) joints located in front of each ear. Also included are stiff muscles of the neck and face, difficulty in opening or closing the mouth, and frequent headaches. Your jaw joints are complex ball and socket joints with a disc in between the bones that acts like a shock absorber. This joint complex can become damaged due to teeth grinding, stress, clenching, poor posture, worn or misaligned teeth, or traumatic injury such as a whiplash. If you suffer from any of these symptoms, you can call this office or any dentist who has training in joint pathology. http://www.drgladnick.com/faq/teeth-headaches-muscles-lower/14 Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:58:59 AM PST The possible causes of headaches are numerous. Sometimes headaches can be caused by the upper and lower teeth not fitting together properly. A poor bite can disrupt the normal activity of the jaw joints and muscles creating muscle pain and headache. By wearing a comfortable, removable appliance that is custom-made to fit the teeth, many times the pain can be eliminated. The appliance allows the lower jaw to assume its most relaxed, physiologic position and allows the muscles to rest. Balancing your bite and/or aligning your teeth often provide long term relief. http://www.drgladnick.com/faq/swallow-tongue-teeth-problem/34 Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:58:59 AM PST Tongue thrusting can be a huge problem causing spacing in between teeth, “bucked” teeth, and an open bite (where the front teeth don’t come completely together upon closure). Tongue thrusting can be caused by breathing problems associated with allergies, enlarged tonsils, narrow jaws and some dental malocclusions. Ask your dentist to evaluate your child’s swallow or phone us at (302) 468-6742. http://www.drgladnick.com/faq/free-teeth-tooth-decay/12 Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:58:59 AM PST Here are six steps to stay free of tooth decay. 1: Good home care, that is parent assisted brushing and flossing. 2: Fluorides topically and in water. 3: Limited snacking because frequent consumption of starchy foods like crackers, breads, and sweets lead to tooth decay. 4: Sealants in teeth with pits and grooves. 5: Mouthguards in sports like football, baseball, basketball, soccer, hockey, skateboarding, and gymnastics. 6: Regular dental visits to a dentist.& ;Additionally, if your children are wearing braces, they still need to have regular cleanings. & ; http://www.drgladnick.com/faq/baby-teeth-milk-erupts/13 Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:58:59 AM PST By the time your baby is born, 20 'baby' or primary teeth have already begun forming under the gums. The first teeth usually erupt in six months to a year and unfortunately, tooth decay can begin as soon as eruption starts. Never allow your baby to fall asleep with a bottle that contains milk (even breast milk), formula, fruit juices, or sweetened liquids. Never dip a pacifier in sugar or honey. Start oral care early. Wipe your baby’s gums with a clean gauze pad after each feeding and begin brushing with water as soon as the first tooth erupts. Visit your dentist before your child’s third birthday. Besides checking for decay and other conditions like thumb sucking, your dentist can counsel you on optimizing your baby’s nutritional needs to protect his/her dentition. http://www.drgladnick.com/faq/during-hormonal-changes-oral/28 Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:59:00 AM PST Women have hormonal changes as they reach puberty, during menstruation, pregnancy, menopause, and from oral contraceptives. Hormonal changes, especially those occurring during the teenage and childbearing years, increases the harmful effect that bacterial dental plaque can have on the gums. During menopause, increased sensitivity, altered taste sensations or a reduction in saliva can occur. A decrease in saliva is associated with increased tooth decay. Regular dental visits, good hygiene, and a balanced diet are essential for women at any stage of life and especially during periods of hormonal changes. http://www.drgladnick.com/faq/sealants-only-dentists-teeth/15 Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:59:00 AM PST Dentists place sealants only on healthy teeth which are likely to become decayed in the future – most frequently hard to reach molars with naturally deep anatomy.& ;PRR’s& ;are minimally invasive fillings placed when very early cavities infiltrate the grooves of the chewing surfaces – but only on teeth already affected with the germ- laden decay process. Most dentists would prefer to protect the natural enamel of the tooth structure BEFORE it begins to decay using sealants and fluoride.& ; http://www.drgladnick.com/faq/sealant-decay-help-surfaces/30 Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:59:00 AM PST eeth that have deep depressions and grooves on their biting surfaces are prime candidates for developing decay. The surface of the tooth is first cleaned off and then the sealant is bonded to the tooth (all accomplished without anesthetic). The sealant acts as a barrier protecting the tooth from plaque, sugars, and acids which cause decay. Although thorough brushing and flossing helps keep your teeth clean, the bristles cannot remove everything from the deep grooves on the biting surfaces. Sealants help to protect these susceptible areas by “sealing out” plaque and food. Sealants are an excellent way of helping to prevent decay, usually lasting several years before reapplication is needed. http://www.drgladnick.com/faq/rays-digital-determine-diagnosis/22 Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:59:00 AM PST Ask for digital x-rays –they emit tiny amounts of radiation.compared to conventional x-rays.& ;I am in favor of x-ray use, not abuse.& ;There are many reasons for taking x-rays.& ;Not only do they visualize decay,& ;they are also used to determine bone levels, detect abscesses and growth discrepancies.& ;I would compare x-ray usage with the concept of routine blood work.& ;Their purpose is early detection and diagnosis of pathology.& ;Remember, most big expensive, time consuming, nerve racking procedures such as crowns, root canals, gum disease and extractions started as a small spot on an x-ray that was never taken. Our office is equipped with both intraoral and extraoral digital x-rays. & ; & ; http://www.drgladnick.com/faq/rays-digital-reveal-teeth/27 Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:59:00 AM PST & ;Dental x-rays (digital or conventional) are extremely helpful in detecting diseases of the teeth, surrounding gum and bone.& ;They can reveal small cavities between the teeth that cannot be seen visually.& ;Infections in the bone, abscesses, cysts and other abnormalities can be detected with x-rays.& ;However, the new computer based digital x-rays reveal more diagnostic information than film-based images, at one-tenth the x-ray absorption, with amazing clarity. Our office prefers digital x-rays because of these benefits for our patients http://www.drgladnick.com/faq/teeth-will-disease-clean/20 Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:59:00 AM PST Periodontal disease affects over 80% of the population. There is no cure for it, but it can usually be stabilized with good oral hygiene and regular dental hygiene visits. It is critical that the areas of periodontal disease be meticulously cleaned by the patient. Often, the teeth are so crowded that it is almost impossible to keep them clean. In these cases, orthodontics (straightening the teeth) will move the teeth into position where they will be easier to maintain and clean. Almost always, the teeth with periodontal disease are the hardest ones for the patient to keep clean. I think your dentist has made a wise suggestion. http://www.drgladnick.com/faq/smile-teeth-six-four/25 Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:59:00 AM PST The quick answer is, yes. The more appropriate answer would be that it depends on the desired results and the situation. This is a common mistake made by both patients and dentists. The smile usually does not show “just four or six teeth”. More often than not, the smile shows anywhere from eight to twelve teeth. Depending on the situation and the outcome desired, this is often the amount of teeth needed to allow such a transformation. This is where additional training and knowledge of “smile design” is so important. Imagine having four or six beautiful teeth and the rest not so beautiful? Prior to any smile enhancement being performed simply pick up a mirror, smile and count! http://www.drgladnick.com/faq/tooth-pain-often-chewing/26 Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:59:00 AM PST Pain associated with chewing pressure, or pain on releasing after biting down, is often indicative of a cracked tooth. Cracked teeth can result from very large fillings with weakened supporting walls, trauma, extensive wear from grinding or clenching, or eating ice. Full coverage placement of a crown restoration is often indicated to encircle the tooth and prevent the flexing of these walls that causes pain. If the crack runs towards the nerve of the tooth, root canal therapy maybe needed. If you find yourself avoiding an area, or chewing only on one side, let your dentist know. http://www.drgladnick.com/faq/patients-ulcers-help-canker/342 Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:59:00 AM PST There are several steps that you can do to alleviate the discomfort of aphus ulcers.& ; First, avod direct sunlight and foods containing nuts, raisons, jello, chocolate, whole grains and wheat germ during the duration of the ulcer, as these foods actually feed the virus that has infected them!& ; It may help to eat fish, chicken, pork, and lean beef, as well as drinking milk.& ; In addition, take Bitamin B,& ; zinc, Vitamin D, and selenium. As a preventative therapy, take 500mg of Lycine daily at the first sign of "tingling" which some patients feel in the prodromal stage.& ; Some patients also report some relief using Viadent Mouth Rinse, an herbal derived mouth product. A homeopathic remedy called Calendul Tincture placed topically on the ulcer (DO NOT SWALLOW) also sems to help some patients' ulcers to heal more quickly. For resistent cases, there is an effective anti-viral prescription medication called Acyclovir to be taken five times daily for seven days.& ; Lastly, most of my patients experieince instant relief with a prescription that is topically applied in the office callled laurel sulfate.& ; Hopfullu these remedies will help you to control your canker sores, instead of your canker sores comtrolling you! & ; http://www.drgladnick.com/faq/diabetes-disease-gum-does/374 Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:59:00 AM PST People with diabetes are more likely to develop gum disease and lose teeth - but this does not have to happen!& ; Like all infections, gum disease may cause blood sugar to rise and make diabetes harder to control.& ; To prevent this from happening to you, be vigilant about brushing and flossing, and maintaining proper nutrition.& ; http://www.drgladnick.com/faq/gums-disease-only-health/373 Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:59:00 AM PST Anyone can get gum disease (periodontal disease) at any age.& ; Some of the common signs that you may be a candidate are bleeding gums, bad breath, or a red, puffy look to your gums.& ; If you have any of these symptoms see your dentist as soon as possible.& ; So what can you do to avoid gum disease?& ; First and foremost, daily brushing and flossing are essential to maintaining the health of your gums.& ;& ; Secondly, making sure that you have an adequate amount of Vitamin C is important - at least 500 mg/day. Stress can also contribute to periodontal problems. Making sure that you follow the tenents of a healthy lifestyle, i.e. proper rest, diet, excellent home dental care, and exercise will help you to maintain your overall health - including that of your gums! http://www.drgladnick.com/faq/teeth-front-habits-pacifier/341 Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:59:00 AM PST A pacifier, if it must be used, is easier for the parent to stop than if the child sucks his/her thumb. Either habit should be discouraged prior to the eruption of any permanent front teeth, around six years of age. Both habits can cause the top front teeth to flare forward and the bottom front teeth to be forced back, changing the bite and appearance of the teeth and face. The constant pressure to the roof of the mouth can result in a high, narrow palate. eventually causing crowded permanent teeth. http://www.drgladnick.com/faq/tooth-provide-sucking-lead/223 Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:59:00 AM PST About six months after the erruption of the first tooth, it is a good idea to call our office for a fisrt visit.& ; This sis th ebest time to begin preventative dental care.& ; Did you know that cavities are almost completely preventable.& ; We can provide valuable information on nutrition and feeding practices that may lead to early tooth decay.& ; We can also discuss teething, pacifier use and thumb/finger sucking. http://www.drgladnick.com/faq/fluoride-water-their-only/224 Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:59:00 AM PST Fluoride is a mineral that occurs naturally is all water sources including the ocean, in lakes, and in some underground wells.& ; Parents and caregivers should consult with their dentist on the most appropriate water to use in their area to reconstitute infant formula.& ; Breast milk is widely acknowledged as the most complete form of nutrition for infants. Dietary fluoride supplements are available only by prescription and are intended for children only in areas that do not have an optimal amount of fluoride in their drinking water.& ; http://www.drgladnick.com/faq/patients-ulcers-help-canker/342 Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:59:00 AM PST There are several steps that you can do to alleviate the discomfort of aphus ulcers.& ; First, avod direct sunlight and foods containing nuts, raisons, jello, chocolate, whole grains and wheat germ during the duration of the ulcer, as these foods actually feed the virus that has infected them!& ; It may help to eat fish, chicken, pork, and lean beef, as well as drinking milk.& ; In addition, take Bitamin B,& ; zinc, Vitamin D, and selenium. As a preventative therapy, take 500mg of Lycine daily at the first sign of "tingling" which some patients feel in the prodromal stage.& ; Some patients also report some relief using Viadent Mouth Rinse, an herbal derived mouth product. A homeopathic remedy called Calendul Tincture placed topically on the ulcer (DO NOT SWALLOW) also sems to help some patients' ulcers to heal more quickly. For resistent cases, there is an effective anti-viral prescription medication called Acyclovir to be taken five times daily for seven days.& ; Lastly, most of my patients experieince instant relief with a prescription that is topically applied in the office callled laurel sulfate.& ; Hopfullu these remedies will help you to control your canker sores, instead of your canker sores comtrolling you! & ; http://www.drgladnick.com/faq/diabetes-disease-gum-does/374 Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:59:00 AM PST People with diabetes are more likely to develop gum disease and lose teeth - but this does not have to happen!& ; Like all infections, gum disease may cause blood sugar to rise and make diabetes harder to control.& ; To prevent this from happening to you, be vigilant about brushing and flossing, and maintaining proper nutrition.& ; http://www.drgladnick.com/faq/gums-disease-only-health/373 Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:59:00 AM PST Anyone can get gum disease (periodontal disease) at any age.& ; Some of the common signs that you may be a candidate are bleeding gums, bad breath, or a red, puffy look to your gums.& ; If you have any of these symptoms see your dentist as soon as possible.& ; So what can you do to avoid gum disease?& ; First and foremost, daily brushing and flossing are essential to maintaining the health of your gums.& ;& ; Secondly, making sure that you have an adequate amount of Vitamin C is important - at least 500 mg/day. Stress can also contribute to periodontal problems. Making sure that you follow the tenents of a healthy lifestyle, i.e. proper rest, diet, excellent home dental care, and exercise will help you to maintain your overall health - including that of your gums! http://www.drgladnick.com/faq/root-teeth-infection-gums/31 Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:59:00 AM PST If your gums are infected, it is necessary to treat the infection first by carefully removing the bacteria, calculus, and toxins that have accumulated below the gumline and on the root surface.& ;Without this root planning treatment, the infection will worsen, destroying the bone that anchors the teeth.& ;& ; This procedure can be done painlessly, and the reward – healthy gums – is definitely worth it! Once your infection has been treated, your dentist or hygienist can do a better job cleaning your teeth.& ;Periodic evaluations (every 3-4 months) will maintain healthy gums. http://www.drgladnick.com/faq/teeth-jaw-muscles-will/225 Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:59:00 AM PST Absolutely! Earaches of this nature may be due to the intense contraction of the jaw muscles as you clench your jaw or grind your teeth while you are sleeping. The muscle that connects to the ear will suffer as well as your jaw and teeth! Sometimes a bite adjustment or a comfortable night guard, especially contoured to your teeth, will completely alleviate your disconfort. & ; & ; http://www.drgladnick.com/faq/smile-worn-teeth-damaged/32 Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:59:00 AM PST Absolutely-& ;a beautiful smile enhances your overall appearance and charisma, giving you added self-confidence and poise.& ;You see, excessively worn front teeth age a smile (some may even suspect you wear a denture!). They often chip and crack leaving uneven edges.& ;Worn teeth can be lengthened, and chipped or damaged areas corrected using advanced dental materials.& ;Ask your dentist for a smile evaluation or phone us for a complimentary one at (302) 468-6742. http://www.drgladnick.com/faq/teeth-natural-fillings-old/33 Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:59:00 AM PST Modern dentistry is redefining beauty. Damaged and decayed teeth (and dark, old fillings) can now be restored with tooth-colored materials that replicate the appearance of natural teeth. Also, because these materials are securely bonded, dentists can be more conservative while preparing your teeth for filling. Thus, you retain more of your natural, healthy tooth so you look and feel great! http://www.drgladnick.com/faq/teeth-shade-match-communicate/21 Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:59:00 AM PST Shade tabs of colored teeth are used to match natural teeth.& ;Both the dentist and the lab technician have these tabs and use them to communicate the shade.& ;We use digital photos of the patient’s smile and the teeth to further communicate the shade. Aesthetically inclined dentists will map out the many different shades and translucencies within a tooth for the best possible match. http://www.drgladnick.com/faq/solutions-used-office-dentist/29 Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:59:00 AM PST Heavens, no!& ;The whitening solutions purchased over the counter at the drug stores are diluted, weaker solutions used in the dental office. The difference is that there is no professional monitoring or maintenance with a product sold over the counter, thus the concentrations cannot by law be as strong for fear of harm to a consumer. The solutions used by the dentist are of stronger percentages and concentrations, and are routinely monitored by the dentist and office. While these in-office solutions are not harmful to the teeth or gum tissue, if monitored and used properly, they render a far more profound and longer lasting result. http://www.drgladnick.com/faq/dark-central-incisor-porcelain/11 Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:59:00 AM PST Restoring a single, dark central incisor to match an adjacent natural central incisor is one of the most difficult challenges for a cosmetic dentist. Bleaching can lighten a dark tooth but usually the results are sub par. A porcelain veneer can mask a dark tooth but special techniques are needed to avoid the color showing through because of the transparent nature of a porcelain veneer. Some newer all porcelain crowns can completely block out the dark color and look very natural. Often we need to restore both central incisors to get a perfect color match. Each case is unique. http://www.drgladnick.com/faq/veneers-teeth-tooth-bonding/357 Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:59:00 AM PST What is the difference between bonding and veneers? Bonding is a technique that restores chipped, cracked, misaligned, or discolored teeth.& ; An enamel-like resin is sculpted to the tooth to rebuild it.& ; In this way, gaps in teeth can be closed, chips can be built up, and your tooth can be restored to enhance your smile.& ; With the proper care a bonded tooth can last three to five years before it needs to be touched up to correct wear or discoloration.& ; Veneers are thin sheets of ceramic that are also bonded to the teeth but last much longer, usually eight to twelve years.& ; They look like your natural teeth without the imperfections. Your existing tooth surface will need to be prepared, or etched, to accept the veneers which will be extremely durable.& ; The final result is one of a natural, beautiful translucency that will give you a perfect smile. http://www.drgladnick.com/faq/dark-central-incisor-porcelain/11 Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:59:00 AM PST Restoring a single, dark central incisor to match an adjacent natural central incisor is one of the most difficult challenges for a cosmetic dentist. Bleaching can lighten a dark tooth but usually the results are sub par. A porcelain veneer can mask a dark tooth but special techniques are needed to avoid the color showing through because of the transparent nature of a porcelain veneer. Some newer all porcelain crowns can completely block out the dark color and look very natural. Often we need to restore both central incisors to get a perfect color match. Each case is unique. http://www.drgladnick.com/faq/smile-teeth-options-makes/17 Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:59:00 AM PST People of all ages can benefit from the many options to improve the look of their teeth and smile. Part of aging is the change that occurs in your mouth as well as the rest of your body. Appearance can be very important to self-esteem. Teeth may be yellow and worn, or you may have gaps or other unevenness that makes you unhappy with your smile. Many recent techniques to make a more beautiful smile are easy and affordable. Options may include invisalign orthodontics, veneers, non-metal crowns, bonding, whitening, and reshaping your teeth. Check with your dentist to see which is best for you. http://www.drgladnick.com/faq/temporaries-teeth-nice-veneers/19 Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:59:00 AM PST Temporaries are typically required after preparing teeth for veneers or crowns. I usually try to make my temporaries close in size, length, and color to the proposed permanent teeth. This gives us a “dress rehearsal” and allows the patient to try the changes before fabricating the final porcelain restorations. The technician uses the temporaries as a blueprint for fabricating the final restorations, as changes can be made easily to the temporaries. The temporaries usually look really nice- but not as nice as the permanent teeth!