Dr. Noah's Dentistry Blog

Questions About Dentistry Answered

Archives for January 2018

Dentist Told Me to Go to Orthodontist Not Cosmetic Dentist

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I have a gap between my teeth I want to fix with cosmetic dentistry. I’d asked my dentist for a referral but he says that’s a waste of money and I should see an orthodontist. I’m too old for a mouth full of metal. Besides, it’s my money, if it’s more expensive but works I’ll be happy. I don’t want to be a metal mouth at 42.

Lara M.

Dear Lara,

A woman placing her Invisaliagn aligners

Orthodontics no longer mean metal braces

The only time cosmetic dentistry is a waste of money is if you go to a bad cosmetic dentist. It sounds to me like your family dentist is feeling a little salty about you asking to see a cosmetic dentist, probably because he hasn’t developed his skill set to include cosmetic work.

Cosmetic dentistry isn’t a recognized specialty with the American Dental Association (ADA). Instead, it’s general dentists who’ve invested time in learning the cosmetic procedures. Obviously, some dentists will be better than others, so you have to be careful.

Are Orthodontics the Only Solution for a Tooth Gap?

There are several solutions for a tooth gap, but let’s look at the orthodontic ones first. Obviously, you already know about the traditional metal braces. But, there have been significant advances in orthodontics since you were a child. We now have braces that you can’t even see.

If you look at the image above you see a woman placing clear aligners onto her teeth in the first picture. The second picture beneath that is her with the aligners on. As you see, there’s no way to tell she’s wearing anything on her teeth. This is Invisalign. It uses sets of clear aligners to straighten your teeth which are not visible even at a conversational distance.

But, let’s say you still don’t want orthodontics. That’s okay. The most common solution for a tooth gap is dental bonding. It uses a composite resin to fill in the gap. A good cosmetic dentist will make it blend seamlessly in with your natural tooth structure.

If there are more things about your teeth you’d like to change than just a gap, you might consider porcelain veneers. Porcelain veneers completely remake a smile. They can change the shape, size, and color of your teeth.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Ryan Noah.

Can Emergency Dentist Save Tooth Hit by Baseball?

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I was playing a game of baseball with some neighborhood kids when one of the balls went flying and hit me in the mouth. I originally thought I was fine because it didn’t bleed or bruise. But this morning the tooth is wiggly and loose. Is there a way to save it or is it toast?

Payson

Dear Payson,

Woman Smiling Text: A smile is the best makeup any girl can wear

It’s very possible your dentist or an emergency dentist if you don’t have one can save your tooth. But two things need to happen for you to have the best shot.

Stop wiggling it.

Your tooth has ligaments that are a bit stretchy, like rubber bands. But, just like rubber bands, if you stretch them too far or too often and they’ll snap or lose their elasticity. This puts your tooth at greater risk.

Get to the Emergency Dentist

You’ll want to get in as quickly as possible. The longer this is left that way the less chance you have to save it. The dentist can stabilize the tooth by using a splint or bonding the tooth to a stable adjacent tooth. That may be all that’s needed. It gives the ligaments time to heal. However, if the pulp of the tooth was damaged, you’ll need a root canal treatment and dental crown.

What if the tooth can’t be saved?

If it’s not possible to save the tooth you have several replacement options. The top of the line replacement is a dental implant. However, if either of the adjacent teeth is in need of a dental crown, then a dental bridge may make more sense.

If both of those options are out of your current budget, you can either find an affordable dentist who’s willing to work with you on payments or get a removable partial denture until you can afford a more stable replacement.

Either way, you need to be seen right away. This blog is brought to you by Dr. Ryan Noah.