ADULT & COSMETIC DENTISTRY

The difference between adult dentistry and pediatric dentistry relates to the training, equipment, and experience that a dentist has. 

Every dentist completes required courses to achieve their degree from an accredited dental school. However, pediatric dentists take things a step further and gain a few additional years of training. That extra education is what allows us to care for the dental needs of infants, children, and teens, as well as children and adults with special needs. 

In a nutshell, we have specific training that helps us treat children, but it is additional training that we received after completing traditional dental training. Therefore, it’s an easy transition for us to use our skills for adult dentistry.

In terms of equipment, what is used on adult teeth differs from the tools needed for a child’s mouth. At Snodgrass and King, we have access to dental equipment designed for both children and adults.

Cosmetic dentistry is a type of dental procedure used to improve the appearance of a patient’s teeth. At one time, cosmetic dentistry was seen as a “luxury.” Not anymore! There are many affordable cosmetic dentistry options these days.  

While most cosmetic dental procedures are not “essential,” they can offer many benefits beyond a prettier smile and boosted confidence. Cosmetic dentistry can help improve many different overall functions that improve overall oral health and prevent more serious dental problems in the future.

For example, let’s say you lose a tooth. You lose more than a smile when you have missing teeth. If a missing tooth is not replaced quickly, your teeth can shift, changing the bite which can put pressure on the front teeth and other teeth causing them to wear more quickly or fracture. 

Here are a few reasons someone might want to consider cosmetic dentistry other than aesthetics…

• Missing teeth
• Chipped teeth
• Cracked teeth
• Restoring enamel
• Tooth gaps
• Crooked teeth
• Infected teeth
  

Some of the more simple cosmetic procedures, such as teeth bleaching and tooth bonding, can be performed by certified general dentists, but more complex cosmetic treatments require more training.

Our dentists at Snodgrass-King have received the special training needed to enhance your smile just a little or a lot! 

Even if you take good care of your teeth at home with brushing and flossing, you still need to have plaque and tartar professionally removed from your teeth to help prevent cavities and gum disease. It is advised to visit your dentist for a routine dental exam and cleaning once every six months.

While both of these techniques are a simple and cost-effective way to whiten and brighten your smile, and the terms are often used interchangeably, there is a slight difference between the two.

Teeth whitening is when the natural color of your teeth is restored by removing stains on the tooth surface. This can be done during your dental cleaning.

Teeth bleaching is whitening teeth beyond their natural color. Active ingredients like hydrogen peroxide or other bleaching agents are used during the process. You can do this at home with whitening strips or custom bleaching trays, or for best results, you can have teeth bleaching done in the dental office.

One reason you should stay on top of dental cleanings is that annual dental check-ups can help prevent cavities. If you do have a cavity, it’s better to find decay in the early stages when most cavities can be fixed with a small dental filling.

The procedure itself varies based on the cause of the cavity. If it’s caused by decay, your dentist will need to remove the decay with a drill and other tools. Once removed, a hole is left behind and needs to be filled.

There are numerous types of filling material. Each has its own benefits; some may be better suited in certain situations. Our experienced staff at Snodgrass-King can discuss your options.

Sometimes tooth decay can’t be fixed with a filling. In more extreme cases where the tooth has decayed to the point that it can’t support a filling, your tooth might need a crown to cover it to restore its shape, size, and appearance.

Some other instances where a dental crown might be necessary include:

• To restore a broken tooth
• To support a tooth with an existing large filling
• To hold a dental bridge in place
• To cosmetically cover severely discolored teeth
• To cover a dental implant

Extractions can involve pulling out a tooth that is visible and easily pulled out under local anesthesia, *with the simple use of numbing medicine but in some cases where a tooth isn’t visible or too damaged, you might need a surgical extraction.

Our dentists at Snodgrass-King are trained for both simple tooth extraction and surgical extraction. If a surgical extraction is needed, this is where our pediatric training really makes us stand out from a regular dentist. We are experts at helping you stay calm and relaxed!

Tooth bonding is a quick, simple, cost-effective solution for a minor chipped, cracked, broken, or discolored tooth.

All the dentist does is apply a soft composite resin (durable plastic) material to the tooth’s surface. They will then mold, sculpt, and buff the resin until it conforms to the tooth’s shape and has a natural appearance.

Dentures are removable false teeth and gums that are formed to your mouth and fit snugly over the gums to replace lost or removed teeth and surrounding tissues.

Full dentures are probably what come to mind when you picture what dentures might look like. They are designed to replace an entire row of teeth.

On the other hand, partial dentures are recommended for patients who have only lost one or a few teeth and blend in with a person’s existing teeth to create a fuller smile.

Removable dentures, both full and partial, do not require oral surgery, making them a less invasive and cost-effective solution for missing teeth.

A dental bridge is another solution for missing teeth. They are called bridges because that’s exactly what they do– bridge the gap between two healthy teeth when one or more teeth are missing.

Bridges can replace a single tooth or multiple consecutive teeth. During the multi-step procedure, the prosthetic tooth is placed in the open space and anchored with crowns on the natural teeth or dental implants.

Sometimes the best solution for missing teeth is dental implants. You might assume that a dental implant is an artificial tooth, but technically, it’s not.

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root placed into your jaw to support a dental crown, bridge, or removable prosthesis that serves functionally and cosmetically as a tooth. Getting dental implants is a multi-step process. Surgically placing the implant into the jawbone is one of the first steps.

Missing teeth or replacing a damaged tooth aren’t the only reasons you might consider dental implants. Dental implants are a great alternative to dentures and bridges.

While dentures are long-lasting and natural-looking, some people don’t want to mess with adhesive and want a more permanent solution. They are also an option if you don’t want a bridge or have a bridge and still feel insecure about your smile.

Ever noticed that most celebrities have perfect teeth? There is a good chance they have veneers! 

Veneers are thin coverings that are permanently attached to and cover the front of your teeth. 

If you want a visual, think of putting false fingernails over your natural nails– except the process for veneers is more complex, they are made of high-end materials, and last a long time (typically 10 to 30 years.)

With veneers, the options are endless. You can adjust the color, shape, size, and length of your teeth to make them appear straighter, whiter, or more even. You can walk away with only slight enhancements or a totally different smile!

If you want more in-depth information about these procedures, follow the links to learn more. And if you need a particular dental procedure not listed, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. Our dental experts will help you find everything you need to know.