At SArt of Dentistry Institute in Irvine CA, we are sometimes asked about Xylitol gum. What is it, exactly? Can a type of gum chewing really help prevent cavities?
Xylitol is a natural sweetener that was first discovered in birch tree bark, but is also found in many fruits and vegetables. Unlike most other sweeteners (natural or synthetic), xylitol is actually beneficial for your teeth. Clinical studies have established that xylitol impedes the growth of the bacteria that initiates decay. It also diminishes plaque and strengthens tooth enamel.
Xylitol has other benefits, as well. Because it is low on the glycemic index, many patients with diabetes enjoy it as a healthy alternative to sugar. For those who live with frequent dry mouth, xylitol gum or mints can stimulate saliva production while preserving against cavities.
Is xylitol gum as effective as brushing your teeth and seeing the dentist regularly? Absolutely not! If you cannot brush your teeth after a meal, chewing xylitol gum for five or ten minutes is probably a good idea. However, you should still brush your teeth thoroughly (with a soft brush) after meals and get twice-yearly exams and dental cleanings. At Art of Dentistry Institute in Irvine CA, our goal is to keep your smile healthy and beautiful for life by preventing dental problems before they start. Patients from Santa Ana, Newport Beach, and Laguna Beach come to us for general and cosmetic dentistry. Contact us today!
This message from Art of Dentistry Institute in Irvine CA looks at one of the miracles of modern dentistry: the dental restoration. Let’s pretend you are a biomedical engineer working in the field of dentistry before the introduction of dental restorations.
The men and women of your generation who have missing or damaged teeth want to repair or replace them with a man-made substitute. You have been hired to find or create a material that can be used to create fillings, crowns, and dental bridges.
It must be bondable to living tooth structure as well as other materials necessary for specific appliances. It must be biocompatible with the soft tissues in the mouth as well as tooth enamel, dentin, and bone. It can’t create allergic reactions in the wearers. It must be corrosion-resistant to the chemicals in saliva, foods, and beverages. It must resist infection regardless of ever-present bacteria in the mouth. And it can’t contain toxic chemicals that could be absorbed into the bloodstream.
Of course, we know that such a thing exists because dental restorations have been around for a long time. Nowadays, there are numerous materials used alone or in combination including porcelain, ceramic, and metals such as gold and silver amalgam.
Though the metals are extremely strong and malleable, they don’t meet some patient’s esthetic requirements and are used mainly for back teeth. At Art of Dentistry Institute in Irvine CA dental crowns are a versatile restoration. We can even place them in a single office visit! People from Santa Ana, Newport Beach, and Laguna Beach come to our office for complete restorative dentistry. Contact us today!
Did you know that your teeth and your bite are as unique as your fingerprints? That’s why dental problems can’t be fixed by a one-size-fits-all solution. There is a wide variety of options available for correcting unsightly teeth. For most patients, accidents, tooth decay, and age contribute to a less than stellar smile. Tooth coverings are used to correct cracked, chipped, or missing teeth. But, how do you know which covering is best for your cosmetic dental needs?
Dental Onlays
Dental onlays, also known as partial crowns, are used to treat cavities, cracks, or broken teeth. They work by covering one or more of the cusps on the biting surface. Onlays are the best choice when the tooth can’t support a dental filling but doesn’t need a full crown. Ideal candidates include people with:
Cavities
Cracks
Chips
Damage that could be treated with fillings
Old fillings that need to be replaced
Dental onlays come in a variety of materials, but the best choice is porcelain. Porcelain onlays mimic a natural tooth appearance, are highly durable, and are resistant to staining.
Dental Crowns
Dental crowns can restore the shape, size, strength, and/or appearance of teeth. A crown is used to camouflage an unsightly tooth by encapsulating the entire visible portion of the tooth. The crown can be supported by either a natural tooth root or a dental implant. Ideal candidates include people with:
Decay too severe for a filling, inlay, or onlay
Cracks
Chips
Misalignment
Discoloration
The need for additional structural support
Dental crowns differ from veneers in that they cover the entire tooth rather than only the front portion. Crowns can be made from varying materials, and the best choice depends on the individual needs of the patient.
Partial dentures are a removable replacement for missing teeth. Partial dentures are used when some of the patient’s natural teeth remain, whereas complete dentures are used when all the teeth are missing. Partial dentures are beneficial for replacing missing teeth, and they also prevent the surrounding teeth from shifting out of their correct position. Partial dentures provide a natural-looking correction to one’s smile.
Schedule your consultation with Dr. Hawary of the Art of Dentistry Institute today. Dr. Hawary can evaluate the state of your teeth and help you decide the best option for you depending on your cosmetic wishes. Dr. Hawary and his staff are eager to help you regain your unique, vibrant smile. Contact us today by call 949-955-3366 or fill out our online contact form here.
Full mouth rehabilitation, also called full mouth reconstruction or rejuvenation, is different from a full smile makeover in that it is a necessary procedure. It involves restoring every tooth in a person’s mouth with the primary goal of improving oral health.
Ideal candidates for full mouth rehabilitation may relate to one or more of the following:
TMJ (temporomandibular joint) syndrome
Consistent headaches or migraines
Clicking in the jaw
Lock jaw
Missing teeth
Worn, broken, cracked, or chipped teeth
Crooked teeth
Jaw dispositioning
Restoring Your Smile’s Beauty and Function
While a full mouth rehabilitation is not technically a cosmetic procedure, Art of Dentistry Institute focuses on both the beauty and function of the entire mouth with every treatment we provide. Tooth-colored fillings and porcelain crowns are just a couple of cosmetic dental treatment options that ensure a more vibrant, natural-looking result. Other procedures used in full mouth rehabilitation might include:
Persistent headaches or migraines can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. In some cases, they may be caused by bruxism (clenching or grinding the teeth) or they may be the result of TMJ. A full mouth rehabilitation will address these concerns and will often alleviate headaches.
Resolving Gum Disease
Gum disease is another issue addressed with full mouth rehabilitation to ensure that the reconstructed teeth have a healthy foundation. Scaling and root planing may be sufficient to correct any damage, or you may require soft tissue or bone grafts to build up the gums and underlying jaw bone.
Straightening Teeth
Crooked teeth can be a source of pain and discomfort and can also increase the risk of tartar buildup and gum disease. Correcting the bite with braces, Invisalign, or porcelain veneers will make the smile more beautiful as well as healthier and pain free.
The Art of Dentistry Institute has been perfecting the beauty and functionality of smiles for years. If you are interested in any of the procedures offered at our Irvine practice, please schedule a consultation by calling 855-427-8337 or by filling out our online contact form for more information.
Your smile can help you look young and vibrant again!
When it comes to fighting the natural aging process, many people consider plastic surgery procedures to turn back the hands of time before they consider cosmetic improvement for their smile. However, our smile ages right along with the rest of our facial features and is one of the key components to looking youthful. Chips, cracks, discoloration, and thinning enamel show the wear and tear our smiles have endured over time and can make us appear years older than we are. The Art of Dentistry Institute offers many treatments that will defy the aging process to give you a young and vibrant-looking smile that significantly improves your look.
Get a “Lift”
Plastic surgery isn’t the only option to give your face a “lift.” Porcelain Veneers or bonding can provide support to the cheekbones and can even soften nasolabial folds to give you a much younger appearance.
Straighten Up
Straightening your teeth with Invisalign® can provide a significant improvement to your appearance. In some cases, aligning your teeth correctly can improve the shape of your face and make you look more youthful.
Close Gaps
Gaps in the smile can be uncomfortable, cause speech impediments, and detract from a person’s overall beauty. Gaps can be closed with veneers or bonding to make the entire smile appear more symmetrical.
Fix Discoloration
Teeth can darken over time as the pulp in the center of the teeth recedes and is filled with dark-colored dentin. Consistent exposure to certain foods and drinks, such as wine, coffee, tea, and berries, can also contribute to discoloration and yellowing of the teeth. In one quick office visit, laser teeth whitening with Zoom!® can improve the whiteness of the teeth up to eight shades.
Replace Missing Teeth
Missing teeth are the most noticeable indicators of an aged smile. Missing teeth can be replaced with dental implants, which are capped with a crown. Bridges or porcelain veneers are other options that can disguise missing teeth and lead to a more youthful facial appearance overall. Restoring lost teeth will also prevent bone loss from occurring in the jaw over time, which may cause a person to appear older than their actual age.
The Art of Dentistry Institute is dedicated to meeting all of your aesthetic needs and will provide you with a customized treatment plan to attain the look you desire. If you are interested in any of the procedures offered at our Irvine practice, please schedule a consultation by calling 855-427-8337 or filling out our online contact form for more information.
If you are interested in a cosmetic dental procedure at Art of Dentistry in Irvine, CA, please call 949-955-3366 to schedule your dental appointment today.
Learn More About the Art of Dentistry Institute
Multiple Award Winning Dentist in cosmetic dentistry
Art of Dentistry Institute
2646 Dupont Dr., Suite 200
Irvine, CA 92612
Tel: 949-955-3366
Fax: 949-955-3377
At SArt of Dentistry Institute in Irvine CA, we are sometimes asked about Xylitol gum. What is it, exactly? Can a type of gum chewing really help prevent cavities?
This message from Art of Dentistry Institute in Irvine CA looks at one of the miracles of modern dentistry: the dental restoration. Let’s pretend you are a biomedical engineer working in the field of dentistry before the introduction of dental restorations.
Did you know that your teeth and your bite are as unique as your fingerprints? That’s why dental problems can’t be fixed by a one-size-fits-all solution. There is a wide variety of options available for correcting unsightly teeth. For most patients, accidents, tooth decay, and age contribute to a less than stellar smile. Tooth coverings are used to correct cracked, chipped, or missing teeth. But, how do you know which covering is best for your cosmetic dental needs?
Your smile can help you look young and vibrant again!
