Finding a Dentist in Orlando: Comprehensive Care and Cosmetic Dentistry

Finding a dentist in Orlando can be like trying to find the best fried catfish. It takes a bit of research and maybe even a drive outside of the city limits.

Cosmetic dentistry can mean a total smile makeover, but it can also involve conservative treatments that improve the color, shape, size, and alignment of teeth. Veneers are one example.

Comprehensive Dental Care

Having a comprehensive dental care dentist means you can have your preventive, restorative and cosmetic treatments completed in one place. This makes it easy to keep up with your oral health, even if you have a hectic schedule.

A comprehensive Dentist Orlando will take the time to carefully examine a patient's oral health and look for any signs of broader health issues that might be present. This allows them to work in conjunction with a patient's primary care physician and alert them to any warning signs of more serious health conditions that might need to be addressed.

They can also help patients develop healthy lifestyle habits to improve their oral health, such as dietary recommendations that will reduce the risk of gum disease. There are many factors that can contribute to the development of gum disease, such as genetics, tobacco or excessive alcohol consumption, bruxism (teeth grinding), and poor diet. With regular visits, and good hygiene practices, these factors can be minimized.

Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry is a branch of professional oral care that focuses on improving the appearance of teeth, gums, and mouth structures. The treatment is often elective, but can also offer restorative benefits. A general dentist may be able to provide cosmetic treatments, but a specialist in the field will have taken extra training, extensive real-world experience, and a refined, artistic touch.

A wide range of procedures are available, including teeth whitening, dental bonding, veneers, and tooth and gum contouring. The most common procedure is teeth whitening, which can brighten the appearance of stained or discolored teeth. Other options include composite bonding, crowns, and veneers.

Unlike restorative Dentist Orlando, which aims to alleviate symptoms and restore function, cosmetic treatments are designed to enhance the overall aesthetics of your smile. As such, they can boost your confidence and help you feel more comfortable about smiling. While not everyone is a candidate for cosmetic treatment, many patients find that the results are well worth the investment.

Teeth Whitening

A variety of professional and over-the-counter products lighten teeth by removing surface stains. These include cleansers, abrasives, and bleaches that react with chromogens to reduce their color. More severe or complex stains require in-office whitening to reach their desired end point.

A whitening shade chart will help your dentist determine the current tooth shade and estimate how many shades lighter your smile may become after treatment. During the appointment, your dentist will debride (clean) your teeth with an ultrasonic scaler and hand tools to prepare them for a whitening agent. He or she will also remove any existing restorations such as fillings and bonding materials before applying the whitening agent.

Your dentist will either apply a hydrogen peroxide gel to your teeth or use a device that emits a halogen, LED, or laser light to activate it. Studies show that a light tool increases the effectiveness of whitening gel. Your dentist can also make custom whitening trays for you to take home, which are typically less expensive than in-office whitening.

TMJ Treatment

Many patients who experience chronic pain do not realize that their aches and headaches may be caused by TMJ disorder. This is a condition that can cause jaw pain, tenderness, clicking or popping sounds, difficulty chewing, and even inexplicable neck and shoulder pain and back pain.

To diagnose TMJ, your dentist will take a look at your bite and the condition of your jaw joints. They will also take X-rays to get a better view of the structures inside your mouth.

Conservative and reversible treatments are typically used to help you cope with TMJ symptoms. These include applying heat or cold packs, using a splint to stop teeth grinding at night, and counseling on how to avoid habits that exacerbate TMJ symptoms like gum chewing, finger biting, or clenching your jaw. If conservative treatments do not relieve your pain, your Dentist Orlando may recommend TMJ surgery. This is a minimally invasive procedure that involves inserting needles into the joint to irrigate it and remove damaged tissue.