The Cosmetic Dentistry Process

September 20, 2011 admin Cosmetic Dentistry, Featured Articles
Cosmetic dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry process

Cosmetic dentistry involves a lot of external or superficial changes that many think only apply to the surface or appearance of the smile. Patients should know that there is definitely more to cosmetic dentistry than just what you see as many treatments require a lot of change beneath the surface. So in this sense a cosmetic dentist is one who restores and enhances teeth to allow for function to follow form and vice versa. Today’s cosmetic dentists are driven by minimally invasive techniques and have a heavy focus on facial beauty and symmetry. Our advancements in technology allow us to provide patients more achievable results than ever often with better outcomes than ever thought imaginable.

The cosmetic dentistry process starts with the patient describing what they dislike about their smile. Once the dentist knows what the patient would like to change they can make the appropriate suggestions to remedy the opinion the patient has of himself. The ability to take something that may be as simple as a smile and dissect it into areas where it can be improved is where the cosmetic dentist expertly blends art and science. The factors that come into this stage of the process concern the teeth, gums, lips, alignment, spacing and bite, jaw relationships and oral health. All of these factors have to be in line with how they can be changed to improve the appearance of the patient and taken into context with the overall appearance of one’s entire face.

The end result of these efforts must incorporate the artistic vision that is shared between the patient and dentist to create a favorable outcome. The client must have reasonable expectations as explained by the dentist and be able to explore their options because everyone has differing budget requirements. At the end the before and after pictures that are taken represent a transformation that is not only cosmetic or aesthetic but also hits on a personal level and makes a difference in the patient’s life.

To start the process of your cosmetic dentistry treatment call Dr. Wiesse today.

 

No comments

Sleep Apnea at-home Treatments

September 14, 2011 admin Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea

Sleep apnea at-home treatment

Sleep apnea is a common problem that affects millions of children and adults in the United States and the world.  Most cases of sleep apnea can be treated with conservative treatments that you can do in your own home before seeking professional medical help.  Sleep apnea not only affects the way that you sleep but can also have lingering effects that may lead to more serious health problems.  Sleep apnea has been connected to cases of high blood pressure, heart disease, erectile dysfunction, daytime sleepiness, impairment of concentration, and memory loss.  It has even been attributed as the number one cause of car accidents.

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

  • Loud snoring
  • Morning headaches
  • Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat
  • Daytime sleepiness
  • Gasping during the night
  • Irritability
  • Personality changes
  • Decreased sex drive
  • Impotence

At-home Sleep Apnea Treatment

Luckily for most patients there are many at-home self-help remedies that have been shown to reduce the effects of sleep apnea.  These treatments are all conservative and are generally the first step in seeing if your problem can be alleviated.

Exercise and Weight Loss- most sufferers of sleep apnea are overweight and have excess weight in their neck.  This extra weight can obstruct the breathing passage so even a 10% weight loss can reduce the number of sleep apnea events according to WebMD.

Avoid Alcohol, Tobacco and Sleeping Pills- these products can make the airway more likely to collapse during sleep and can increase sleep apnea events. The combination of these products and sleep apnea can be lethal.

Sleep on Your Side- many patients only experience sleep apnea when they sleep on their backs.  Sleeping on your side is encouraged to keep the throat open and limit the effects of sleep apnea. The use of pillows or other devices that reinforce this may be helpful.

Be Weary of your Sinus Problems- people who experience sinus or congestion problems are more likely to have sleep apnea.  Nasal sprays may help to reduce snoring and improve airflow for more comfortable breathing.

If the above at-home treatments don’t work or you are already experiencing more severe effects of sleep apnea seeking professional help is advised.  Beautiful Westchester Smiles offers sleep apnea treatment and Dr. Wiesse can diagnose and treat your sleep apnea so that you can get a good night’s rest.  Contact us today to get a professional sleep apnea evaluation.

 

 

No comments

Invisalign and its Health Benefits

September 8, 2011 admin Cosmetic Dentistry, Invisalign
Invisalign

Invisalign Health Benefits

At Beautiful Westchester Smiles we provide our patients with the opportunity to improve their smiles with great treatments such as Invisalign. Invisalign is a teeth-straightening product that utilizes a set of clear aligners to shift teeth into place. In addition to the aesthetic benefit straightening your teeth has, aligning your teeth can also have health benefits as well. The American Dental Association agrees that straightening your teeth can actually significantly affect your overall oral health. Learn more about how you can improve your smile and reduce your risk of other oral health issues with this great product.
For starters misaligned teeth can create many problems beyond just an unattractive appearance. Teeth that are too crowded or have excessive spacing can cause swollen gums. Swollen or red gums are also a sign of gum disease which can lead to tooth loss as well as other oral health diseases. Straight teeth help the gums fit more securely around the teeth and make them easier to clean as well.
Compared to traditional braces Invisalign makes it much easier for you to clean your teeth. With braces the brackets and wires hinder your ability to effectively clean your teeth which can lead to the accumulation of bacteria and cause plaque buildup. The buildup of plaque can lead to gum disease which can result in tooth loss or tooth decay. Invisalign are removal so dental care is a breeze. Simply remove the aligners, brush and floss your teeth normally and then put the aligners back in place.
In addition to the above health benefits Invisalign can also help to prevent abnormal tooth wear due to misaligned teeth. For patients with a crossbite, Invisalign works to align the upper and lower jaws and can prevent chipping, periodontal problems and bone loss. For patients who suffer from painful jaw and joint problems because of underbite Invisalign can help the teeth to function properly again. Finally, for those who suffer from overbite Invisalign can help prevent the fracturing or chipping of front teeth that occurs because of this problem.
To learn more about Invisalign contact our office today.

No comments

Sleep Apnea Dangers and Treatment

August 29, 2011 admin Archives, Featured Articles, Sleep Apnea
sleep apnea

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is often confused with a serious case of snoring but statistics reveal that the sleep disorder effects nearly 12 million Americans.  Although the disorder is most common in people over 40, it can affect people of all ages.  High risk factors are people who are overweight, male, African-American or Latino.  Sleep apnea is even fairly common in children, affecting as many as one in 10.  If left untreated, the disorder can result in the following health problems:

  • Depression
  • Diabetes
  • Stroke
  • Heart failure and heart attacks
  • High blood pressure

Some of the most common symptoms of sleep apnea include:

  • Daytime sleepiness/fatigue
  • Morning headaches
  • Snoring
  • Difficulty getting up in the morning
  • Irritability
  • Dry mouth or sore throat in the morning

Studies have shown that over half of the 12 million Americans who suffer from sleep apnea are overweight.  In addition to being overweight other highly correlated risk factors include smoking, high blood pressure, and other risk factors that are associated with heart failure or stroke.  A common factor here is that people who are in overall poor health may be victims of sleep apnea but conservative treatments like weight loss can reduce the impact of sleep apnea for most patients.

At Beautiful Westchester Smiles we treat sleep apnea with SomnoMed MAS.  This system positions your jaw in such a way that it prevents it from collapsing and promotes healthy breathing habits.  The system is proven in clinical tests is recommended by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.

If you or a loved one suffers from sleep apnea it can affect the entire household and more importantly their overall health.  To learn more about sleep apnea or the SomnoMed MAS system visit our website for more information.  Contact us today for more information or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Wiesse.

 

No comments ,

Dental Implants and their Benefit to Tooth Loss

August 29, 2011 admin Archives, Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Implants, Featured Articles, Restorative Dentistry

dental implants

Dental Implants

Dental implants are a fairly common procedure we perform here at the cosmetic dentistry office of Dr. Wiesse.  They are used to replace teeth that are missing and to restore the structure in your face.  Besides the aesthetic benefit of dental implants did you also know that not replacing missing teeth can have significant long-term effects on your oral health?  It’s true, not replacing missing teeth can affect your smile and lead to additional tooth loss and even gum disease.

Missing teeth make you look older and can alter the shape of your face.  When we lose teeth our remaining teeth shift to fill the space which leads to an increased accumulation of bacteria which can lead to gum disease.  This shifting can also result in bite problems because the gaps affect the way your mouth closes.  This in time can lead to TMJ.  In addition to these issues of tooth loss the jaw bone where the tooth once lay begins to deteriorate.  The longer you wait to have your tooth replaced, the greater the bone loss.  Longer time periods also make it more difficult to place any dental restoration such as a dental implant.

If you have lost a tooth it is best to replace it as soon as possible.  Dental implants will retain the characteristics of your healthy mouth and prevent jaw bone loss, the shifting of teeth, and the risk of gum disease.  They also help you to maintain your aesthetic appearance, your ability to chew and eat normally and without limitations, and your oral health.  You can learn about other benefits of dental implants and the dental implant procedure on our website.

It is important to remedy the effects of your lost tooth as quickly as possible to avoid further damage and to prevent the onset of other oral health problems.  To learn more about dental implants contact us and schedule a consultation.  For a video on dental implants, follow the link.

 

No comments , , ,

What Problems can Veneers Correct?

August 29, 2011 admin Archives, Cosmetic Dentistry, Veneers
Dental Veneers

What can veneers fix?

Many of our patients come in the office looking for quick fixes to their dental problems and are pleased to find out that dental veneers are the answer to all their problems.  At our Westchester office we frequently use veneers to fix teeth that are discolored, worn down, chipped or broken, misaligned, uneven, have gaps in them, and are misshapen.  Veneers are popular because they create celebrity-like smiles quickly and easily.  In addition to the speed of the treatment, veneers look and feel natural and are stain resistant.

If you have unattractive teeth there is a good chance that dental veneers can correct your problems.  Whether you have worn enamel, poor genetics, or have sustained a great deal of wear and tear veneers may be the solution to your dental issues.  All people are susceptible to some kind of dental problem as the protective layer on our teeth, the enamel, becomes worn down, gets duller, and becomes discolored.  Age, genetics, and our diets all play a part into what can contribute to a less favorable appearance.  The good news is that Dr. Wiesse can help restore your smile with veneers.

Veneers are ultra-thin shells of tooth-like material that cover the front of your teeth to improve the appearance and function of your teeth.  They are adhesively bonded to your teeth to give the appearance of a completely natural smile that people will notice.  A great deal of the treatment involves the expertise of Dr. Wiesse combining his expertise of blending art and science to create a smile that is beautiful and healthy.  If you are interested in this procedure please set up a consultation with our cosmetic dentistry office to see if you are eligible for this treatment.  1-800-397-3647

Veneers are typically more expensive than other cosmetic dentistry treatments but have several advantages in that the quickly transform your smile and give you permanently bright, white teeth.  If the cost is a factor or if you’d like to consider other treatments take a look at teeth whitening, Invisalign or other orthodontic treatments.  Take a look at our smile gallery for evidence of our great work! Also, check out this video on veneers.

 

No comments

Welcome to our blog!

August 29, 2011 admin Archives, Cosmetic Dentistry

Thank you for visiting the new dentistry blog of Dr. Wiesse of Beautiful Westchester Smiles.  Check in periodically for updates on cosmetic dentistry procedures, oral health information, office specials and promotions, and other relevant dentistry information.  For information about our procedures, please visit our website.  For more information regarding cosmetic dentistry and to find out about the ACE Dental network, visit the ACE Dental resource website.

We are also connected on multiple social media channels for those wishing to stay involved in the exciting world of cosmetic dentistry and dental science.  Check out our dedicated ACE YouTube Channel, ACE Twitter and ACE Facebook page for general cosmetic dentistry information.  For specifics regarding our dental practice, follow us on Twitter and Facebook.  As patients, we want you to have the best information regarding your dental health and will continue to provide the resources and professional care you come to expect from our practice and the ACE Dental organization.

Stay tuned for more blog posts by following us on Twitter and Facebook as we will update you when we have beneficial news to share with you.

 

No comments
  Recent Entries »