Braces and other orthodontic work are usually associated with adolescence. In fact, many teenagers have braces placed to ensure their teeth with be straight when they reach adulthood. But more and more adults now choose to have their teeth straightened to improve the look of their smile. To discuss your options for straightening your smile, please contact our orthodontist in Fort Worth.
Options for Adult Orthodontics
One of the biggest concerns for adults who choose to have their teeth straightened is how braces will look. Some adults feel they will be overly self-conscious of the look of traditional braces, and so choose to avoid having orthodontic work done. However, there are options that are not as obtrusive as traditional braces. Among these are lingual braces, ceramic braces and Invisalign.
Lingual braces are braces that are placed on the back, or the lingual side, of the teeth. These types of braces will not work for all types of orthodontic work, so it is important to consult with an orthodontist to see if lingual braces are a viable option.
Porcelain braces are made of tooth-colored materials instead of metal, making them less obvious during treatment. Invisalign is a different approach that uses plastic aligner trays rather than traditional braces to move the teeth into their proper position.
Advantages of Invisalign
Invisalign offers numerous advantages over traditional braces in addition to being practically invisible. The aligner trays can be removed during meals or for special occasions, though they must be kept in the mouth for at least twenty-two hours each day. The trays are also more comfortable than traditional braces, without the possibility of irritation that often occurs with the wires and bands of braces.
Invisalign trays are custom made based on digital images that represent how your teeth are now and how you wish them to look after treatment is completed. Each tray moves your teeth a small amount, until your final goals are achieved. With Invisalign, you are never too old to have that perfect smile.
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Dental crowns are used for various types of treatment, both cosmetic and corrective. Different types of crowns are used for different treatments, depending upon the type of issue being addressed and the location of the tooth. If you need a crown in Fort Worth, please call our office for an appointment. We’ll let you know what type of crown is appropriate for your particular needs.
Types of Crowns
There are three basic types of dental crowns:
- Metal crowns
- Porcelain crowns
- Metal crowns covered with porcelain
Traditionally, metal crowns have been used to treat cracked teeth or teeth that have been treated with a root canal. However, more and more patients and dentists are choosing porcelain crowns, instead. Porcelain crowns are color-matched to look completely natural, restoring your smile without adding the visible changes of a metal crown. Porcelain crowns are also less likely to cause discomfort due to exposure to cold or heat. Metal crowns with porcelain covering them are also natural looking, but provide more strength, making them a good option for molars, which experience high levels of stress.
Choosing the Right Crown
Depending upon the location of the tooth and the reason why you are having a crown fitted, your dentist might recommend a specific type of crown. For molars, metal crowns or porcelain-covered crowns are often the better option, since the metal is more able to withstand the everyday wear and tear of chewing. However, porcelain crowns are also strong and durable, and can be a good choice for back teeth. For front teeth, porcelain crowns provide a durable tooth surface without changing the look of the tooth.
Dental crowns are usually used to cover teeth that have experienced severe decay, to keep a cracked tooth intact, or to protect a tooth that has undergone a root canal. Your dentist will discuss the options with your and determine the best type of crown to use for your particular treatment. Whether this is a metal crown or a porcelain crown, your crown will help keep your tooth strong and healthy for many years to come.
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For those who fear visiting the dentist, even routine care can be difficult. Sedation dentistry can help you overcome your anxiety and make you feel more relaxed and comfortable during your dental appointments. Our sedation dentistry team in Fort Worth will help make sure your dental visits are stress-free.
How Sedation Dentistry Works
Sedation dentistry does not involve general anesthesia. During your dental appointment, you will be completely aware and able to respond to the dentist’s questions and instructions. Before the appointment, you will be given a mild sedative, or you can opt to use nitrous oxide during your time in the dentist’s chair. This will allow you to be completely relaxed and anxiety-free.
Although it might seem like a good idea to be unconscious during your dental work, especially if your dental anxiety is acute, general anesthesia carries a number of risks. With sedation dentistry, you can alleviate your anxiety without encountering any of these risks. Sedation dentistry with a sedative or with nitrous oxide is extremely safe, comfortable and effective.
Advantages to Sedation Dentistry
With sedation dentistry, time seems to go more quickly, and the dentist can work quickly and efficiently to care for your teeth. This can be particularly advantageous if you have gone a long period of time without regular dental care. You might need to have teeth filled, crowned, or even removed if you have not seen the dentist in a number of years. In fact, anxiety about how much dental work you believe you need to have done might be part of the reason you have avoided the dentist in the first place.
Since you will be relaxed and free of anxiety, in many instances, dental work that would require multiple visits can be performed in a single trip to the dentist, alleviating stress, tension and inconvenience.
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Braces and other orthodontic work are usually associated with adolescence. In fact, many teenagers have braces placed to ensure their teeth with be straight when they reach adulthood. But more and more adults now choose to have their teeth straightened to improve the look of their smile. To discuss your options for straightening your smile, please contact our orthodontist in Fort Worth.