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Cosmetic Dentistry Frequently Asked Questions
Provided by Dr. James Arnold of Chesterton


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Lasers in Dentistry


Laser Dentistry: Powerful Potential

'Laser' is an acronym for "Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation". …a complicated string of words meaning a single wavelength beam of highly concentrated light energy. And it's precisely that high concentration that's made lasers so useful in both general medicine and dentistry. The laser's intense, narrow wavelength has specific, predictable and powerful reactions when it contacts both hard and soft tissues of the body. Plus, laser light greatly enhances the hardening process required for many dental materials. So it's no wonder that the laser can be such an efficient tool in the hands of a skilled professional.

Efficient Energy

Laser light is extremely efficient, producing very little heat as it acts on its target. This makes it ideal for oral procedures, since it seldom affects tissues other than the target tissues themselves. Plus, the high-energy wavelengths are absorbed quickly by both hard and soft tissues, meaning faster treatments and less 'chair' time. In terms of surgical procedures, the laser provides precise control over the depth and extent of cutting, while simultaneously minimizing bleeding and sterilizing the treatment area. All of this translates to higher quality treatments, better outcomes, and greater comfort for the patient. Currently, dental applications include gum disease treatments, gum re-contouring, root canal cleaning, decay detection and elimination, bonding material curing and strengthening, incision cauterizing and tissue fusion, lesion reparation, biopsies, and super-fast teeth whitening procedures.


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DIAGNOdent


Finding Decay The Easy Way

One of the most important things we do for our patients is to identify and fill cavities. Since any spot of decay can threaten the integrity of an entire tooth, this is key to preventing a host of future problems. Historically, that's why lengthy poking and prodding sessions have been an acceptable, if not very comfortable, part of dental exams. However, such methods of decay detection are only 50% to 75% successful: cavities can hide along fissure lines, or inside biting or occlusal surfaces. Further, mechanical exploratory methods are limited to finding only those cavities that are equal to or larger than the probe head. Enter DIAGNOdent by KaVo: a revolutionary, thorough means of detecting cavities.

Laser Reflection Spots Imperfection
DIAGNOdent technology uses a laser diode to inspect your teeth, comparing reflection wavelength against a healthy baseline wavelength to uncover decay. First, we take a benchmark reading by aiming the laser onto one of your healthy enamel tooth surfaces, shining the laser into all suspect areas. As it pulses into grooves, fissures and cracks, the laser reflects fluorescent light of a specific wavelength which is measured by receptors, converted to an acoustic signal, evaluated electronically to reveal a value between one and 100, and then displayed on a screen. Any variation from the healthy baseline value stimulates emission of a different wavelength and alerts us to a weakened area of decay. Not surprisingly, this technology quickly and precisely identifies even the tiniest bit of decay. This means shallower, simpler fillings, preserving more tooth structure, and providing a specific mean of monitoring suspicious areas without repeated x-rays.


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Porcelain Veneers/Laminates


From Average to Outstanding in Just a Few Steps

Many people desire a brighter, cleaner, more attractive smile, but have chipped, stained, discolored, unevenly spaced, or even slightly crooked front teeth. Often, porcelain veneers or laminates can provide these people with a completely new-looking smile in just a few simple appointments. If this sounds like you, we will be glad to help evaluate your specific situation, listen to the exact changes you have in mind, and help you visualize your end results. This may involve a diagnostic 'wax up', reviewing photos of similar case outcomes, or using a computer enhancement program to provide you with several options prior to performing the actual procedure.

Fortunately, most veneers can be applied in one or two simple appointments. Afterwards, you'll just need to clean and floss your new smile daily, visit us regularly for professional care and maintenance, and consider wearing a night-guard to prevent any accidental gritting or grinding pressure while you sleep.


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Teeth Whitening (Zoom)


Do you want to Zoom!™?

The Zoom! In-Office Whitening System is a revolutionary teeth whitening procedure. It's safe, effective and fast - very fast. In just over an hour, your teeth will be dramatically whiter. Zoom! Whitening is ideal for anyone looking for immediate results. The convenience of Zoom! in comparison to days of wearing trays and gradual whitening makes it the perfect choice for the busy individual.

Get ready to Zoom!

The Zoom! Whitening procedure is simple and painless. It begins with a short preparation to isolate your lips and gums. Then the proprietary Zoom! Whitening Gel is applied, which is activated by a specially designed light. Teeth typically become at least six to ten shades whiter, sometimes more. A five-minute fluoride treatment completes the procedure. You will be amazed with the results! In most cases, your teeth will get even whiter the first few days after the procedure.

How Zoom! Works

The Zoom! Light-activated gel was developed after years of research by Discus Dental, the leaders in professional take-home teeth whitening. The gel is a scientifically formulated, pH balanced hydrogen peroxide that, when activated by the Zoom! light, gently penetrates the teeth to remove deep stains and discoloration. With proper care and an occasional touch-up at home, your whiter smile will sparkle for years.


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Breakthrough Treatment for Bruxism


NTI Device Takes the Bite Out of Stress

Sometimes chronic stress or high-pressure situations can cause people to develop a damaging habit known as bruxism, or unconsciously biting down with too much force at non-mealtimes. It can happen at night or during the day, is common in about one third of the population, and is more prevalent amongst women. The inappropriate tendency to constantly clench or grind the teeth can be related to poor stress management. In fact, bruxers are often those personality types who react to stress with anger, pain, frustration, aggression or competition. Since it's a harmful habit that wears down biting surfaces, misaligns the bite, and can lead to serious dental problems, we screen each patient for warning signs: unexplained sensitivity in teeth and gums, jaw pain, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain, popping and clicking jaws, tense muscles, headaches, excessive wear or flatness on teeth, worn enamel, partially exposed and sensitive tooth interior (dentin), and/or tongue indentations. In severe cases, we may find that frequent clenching and grinding has moved the entire jaw out of balance.

Once identified, we can often treat bruxism with a revolutionary little acrylic mouthpiece called the NTI-tss device. How does it work? Recognizing that bruxism starts with a jaw muscle malfunction, not a bite problem, this device actually interrupts the involuntary tug of war between the jaw's side and temporal muscles, reducing clenching intensity by one-third. Further, the device causes the muscles to relax in a stable position, so that you and those hyperactive malfunctioning muscles can rest. Often this eliminates bruxism related headaches and/or various kinds of TMJ pain within just a few days of fitting the device!


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Amalgams: Why Not?


There's some debate in the dental industry regarding the pros and cons of using silver fillings, or dental amalgams, to fill cavities. At our office, we exclusively use composite resins for several reasons. First, composite resin actually bonds to your tooth structure, protecting against decay and strengthening the tooth. And of course, strength means better longevity…increasing your chances of keeping that tooth for life. By contrast, dental amalgams do not form such a bond: they simply form a mechanical barrier to decay. Thus, over time, the amalgam-treated tooth can weaken, often creating a liability to your long-term dental health.

Resins are also advantageous in providing long-term bacterial invasion protection. Once bonded, the filling won't wear down or change its shape despite the incredible forces of biting and chewing. Since there's no cracking or shifting involved, there's no 'place of entry' for bacteria. However, silver amalgams on biting surfaces do change shape with biting and chewing impact. Thus, little by little, the filling may not 'fill' the cavity any longer. Tiny cracks and shifts in the material can easily allow bacterial reinvasion, creating a bigger decay problem than you had at first. In addition to these functional reasons, we appreciate the esthetic value of composite resins: allowing us to match your normal enamel color so closely that your dental work will be nearly invisible. So, all things considered, we find white fillings to be the most conservative, durable, and attractive!


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Composite Resins: Strengthen Your Smile


If you're embarrassed about your smile because of decayed, disfigured, or discolored teeth, you may be a good candidate for composite resins. A composite resin is simply a silicon dioxide-filled tooth-colored plastic mixture that can restore teeth to an attractive, healthy state. Composite resins represent several advantages to the patient compared with traditional silver fillings. First, your dentist is able to blend composite shades and shapes so as to match the original teeth nearly perfectly. Second, the tooth-composite bond actually serves to support the remaining tooth structure, preventing breakage and providing insulation against temperature changes. Third, average-sized and small-sized composites have demonstrated similar duration to silver fillings--seven to ten years.

Finally, resin placement is simple. Depending on the size of the filling and location of the composite, it may require as little as 10 to 20 minutes longer than what's needed for a traditional silver filling. Although some patients notice a bit of post-placement sensitivity, this is temporary. The only caution we usually mention is that coffee, tea, and other staining types of foods and beverages may discolor your composites unless you ask to have them coated with a clear plastic sealant.


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Crowns: We've Got You Covered


If you’re self-conscious about your smile due to cracked, broken, decayed, or worn teeth, we can bring back your healthy, natural-looking smile with dental crowns. Designed to fit snugly and function as normal teeth, crowns protect your teeth from further damage and preserve the your jaw’s correct natural alignment. We use precious metal, porcelain pressed to metal, and all-porcelain crowns with excellent success; however, for appearance purposes we often recommend all-ceramic crowns because of the precise color matching systems available and because of their hard-wearing durability.

We can typically design and fit your crowns in just a couple of short appointments. Once they're on, caring for your them is no different than proper hygiene for your other teeth: conscientious twice-daily brushing and daily flossing to protect the base from bacterial growth, and regular visits to our office for professional cleanings.


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Fixed Bridges


If you’ve lost teeth due to accident, injury, or gum disease, we can create a permanent 'bridge' appliance to replace the missing teeth. Not only does a bridge fill the missing space, thereby preventing repositioning of remaining teeth, but it also corrects an altered bite, improves chewing ability and speech articulation, and supports facial structures to preserve your appearance.

So what's a fixed bridge actually like? Well, the restoration is permanently joined onto the neighboring 'abutment' teeth on either side of the toothless area and consists of three basic units: the false tooth or teeth (called a pontic) and two abutment teeth crowns. The most appropriate style depends on the strength and health of those neighboring teeth, as well as the location of the toothless span in relation to the rest of your dentition. If healthy adjacent 'anchor' teeth aren't available, a surgically implanted metal post or dental 'implant' may be an alternate choice. And finally, for a large span of missing teeth, a removable partial denture or implant-supported prosthesis may be our recommendation. In any case, with proper care your fixed bridge may last at least 8-10 years.


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Brushing Right Can Save Your Life


Old News, Bad News

Although most people are aware of the reasons behind proper, daily tooth brushing, few people realize that clean teeth and healthy gums can protect against a wide variety of other general, even life-threatening, health problems! When you don't brush, your mouth's normal population of bacteria multiplies on your teeth and gums, depositing a sticky 'plaque' substance. This plaque mixes with the sugars and food debris, forms a strong acid substance, and eats away at your enamel…hence, 'decay'. Over time, the decay works its way into your tooth's inner layers, causing further destruction. Meanwhile, the outer tooth plaque build-up irritates your gums, causing them to pull away from the teeth, expose the sensitive tooth root structure, and create bacteria/pus pockets. These in turn irritate and destroy the actual bone responsible for holding your teeth in position. Finally, chronic gum disease also breaks down the protective barrier between oral bacteria and your blood stream. This allows bacteria to enter your blood stream and increases your risk for a whole host of systemic problems like heart disease, stroke, respiratory illness, diabetes complications, and pregnancy complications.

Good News You Can Use

But it's not all bad news. After all, it's your mouth. You can control your oral health by simply establishing a solid habit of brushing twice daily with a soft toothbrush using the proper technique and a quality fluoride toothpaste, as well as flossing carefully each day. What's the best brushing technique? Of course, it depends a lot on your personal dentition. But generally, you should spend at least 3-4 minutes each session, brushing with a small, angled brush in little, circular motions across all tooth surfaces and all gum-line areas. Cover two-three teeth at a time, applying gentle, firm pressure, and avoid any gum-damaging scrubbing motions. For an even more thorough brushing, consider purchasing an electric toothbrush. After brushing your teeth, remember to brush or scrape your tongue to remove germs and bacteria and keep your breath fresh. Finally, rinse your entire mouth with water and spit out the debris. And replace that toothbrush every three to four months, so that your bristles remain effectively positioned and you don't harbor harmful bacteria in the old brush.


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Dr. James H. Arnold
Smiles By Arnold & Associates

Office Address:

Chesterton Office
1830 South 11th Street
Chesterton, IN 46304

Valparaiso Office
951 Southpoint Dr.
Valparaiso, IN 46385
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