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Facts About Cosmetic Dentistry
- According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), tooth whitening has increased by 300 percent in the past five years and has become the most requested cosmetic procedure in the US
- Women account for nearly three-fourths of cosmetic patients
- Over the past year, there has been a 15 percent increase in the number of cosmetic dental procedures being performed
- Some 96 percent of Americans feel an attractive smile makes a person more appealing to a member of the opposite sex
- The AACD reports that 84 percent of American dentists now offer cosmetic dentistry as a regular part of their practices
Tips for Keeping Your Teeth Looking Their Best
Following any dental treatment program ? from basic restorations to whitening to full mouth cosmetic enhancement, care and maintenance ? is key for preserving your teeth, gums and dental work. Many patients fail to realize the importance of proper care for protecting their dental work. A patient?s home care and oral health habits can make a significant difference in the longevity and appearance of dental work. Truth is, you are investing in optimum dental care. The restorations and treatments become an addition to your smile. Why not make it last as long as possible? There are simple steps that can be taken to greatly reduce the risk of recurring decay, unnecessary wear, staining, chipping and essentially replacing dental work sooner than you imagined.
- Follow your dentist?s and hygienist?s recommendations for regular exams and professional cleaning
- Brush and floss regularly to maintain healthy teeth, gums and dental work
- Incorporate tongue cleaning as part of your daily routine to minimize bacteria and bad breath
- Use a soft or extra-soft toothbrush to minimize wear on tooth, gums and any exposed root surfaces
- Use home care products that contain safe and effective ingredients (avoid commercial mouthrinses with alcohol and dyes)
- Minimize the consumption of stain-causing food and drinks (coffee, tea and red wine)
- Incorporate fluoride in home care when caries-risk and sensitivity is a concern
Types of Cosmetic Procedures
Cosmetic dentistry is not all about looks and masking or hiding flaws. It may also provide restorative and functional benefits as well. There are a variety of restorative and cosmetic enhancement options available today. The best way to determine the ideal treatment for you will initially involve a thorough examination and consultation with your dentist to clearly discuss your goals and expectations. Keep in mind, the American Dental Association (ADA) does not recognize cosmetic dentistry as a specialty. Therefore, it would be prudent to research a dentist with the knowledge, experience and training who can create the best aesthetic results you desire. It is necessary to explore all options that are suitable for you before proceeding with treatment.
Here is a quick overview of a variety of options:
- Bonding
Bonding procedures are commonly performed when repairing chips, broken teeth, gaps or spacing. Bonding uses a tooth colored resin material that is malleable and is shaped and contoured to match the anatomy of surrounding teeth before being set. After setting, it is polished to produce a shine and give the appearance of a natural-looking tooth.
- Filling
A filling can be placed using porcelain or composite resin material (as in bonding) to produce a natural-looking tooth.
- Whitening
Whitening can be performed at-home or in-office. Whitening enhances the appearance by lightening the color of teeth, creating a brighter, more radiant smile.
- Veneers
Veneers are porcelain facings that are bonded to the front surface of the teeth. These are placed to repair cracks, chips, discoloration that bonding and whitening cannot correct, and to close gaps and spacing. Veneers are typically more natural looking than bonding and more conservative than crowns.
- Crowns
Crowns completely cover the entire tooth. These are typically placed to restore function where lost, usually in the case of a broken tooth or when a tooth already has a large filling and requires a new restoration. Crowns are made with porcelain to give the appearance of a natural-looking tooth.
- Braces
Braces serve to correct crowding, spacing, misalignment of the bite or occlusion and assist to correct improper positioning of the jaw joint (temporomandibular joint ? TMJ). Braces can be silver (metal) or clear (for a not-so-obvious look). Invisalign® is a relatively new technique that involves wearing clear plastic trays and is virtually "invisible."
- Implants
An implant is an artificial tooth inserted into the bone with a fitted crown. Implants are ideal for replacing a missing or extracted tooth with the most natural appearance and feel.
Oxyfresh Products ... Protect and Support!
Oxyfresh
has been formulating professional-grade, environmentally friendly, safe
and effective oral hygiene products for nearly 25 years. We are truly
the pioneers in alternative products that produce lasting results. With
a wide variety of options and the support for all cosmetic and hygiene
services, leading dental professionals have been personally using and
recommending Oxyfresh products around the world since 1984.
Toothpastes –
low abrasion, no dyes or colors, offer fluoride and fluoride-free options, saccharin-free,
flavored using essential oils, contain a proprietary ingredient, Oxygene®,
which neutralizes VSCs and freshens breath.
Original Toothpaste – Low-abrasion;
freshens breath using Oxygene®; saccharin-free; peppermint oil.
Power Paste – SLS-free;
low-abrasion; freshens breath using Oxygene®; zinc acetate for maximum
breath protection; contains xylitol.
Fluoride Toothpaste
with Natural Mint – Low-abrasion; saccharin-free; peppermint
oil; freshens breath using Oxygene®; zinc acetate for maximum breath protection;
cavity-fighting.
Mouthrinses –
alcohol-free, dye-free, neutral pH, saccharin-free, naturally
flavored using essential oils, fluoride and fluoride-free options,
unique ingredients such as xylitol and aloe vera. Contain Oxygene® to
freshen breath.
Fluoride Mouthrinse – Cavity-fighting;
neutral sodium fluoride; essential peppermint oil and xylitol.
Unflavored
Mouthrinse – Uniquely
unflavored.
Fresh Mint Mouthrinse – Essential
peppermint oil and xylitol.
Patented Zinc Mouthrinse – Patented
formula with Oxygene® and zinc acetate for maximum breath control; peppermint
oil and xylitol.
Power Rinse Mouthrinse – Lemon-mint
flavor; unique blend of essential oils; Oxygene® and zinc acetate for
maximum breath control; aloe and xylitol.
Tongue Cleaners – Oxyfresh gives you the edge in complete oral
hygiene by providing you with the #1 clinically proven brand
tongue cleaner in the dental market, the Oolitt®.
Oolitt Elite® – Patented;
single-handed use; dual-action band to double the effectiveness.
Oolitt® Tongue
Scraper – Most powerful and effective way to loosen and remove bacteria
from your tongue.
OxyCare™ 3000 – Not
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patented hydromagnetic irrigator blasts bacteria, food debris and particles
that hide in between the teeth and around dental work. This instrument
allows for gentle
and stimulating massage to the tissues, while providing exceptional
cleaning and deodorizing capabilities.
OxyCare™ 3000 – Conditions
and tones your gum tissues and delivers a clean unlike any
store-bought irrigator.
Dental Gels – unique gels for soft tissue soothing,
deodorizing and cleaning, dye-free, contain aloe vera, chamomile, essential
oils, xylitol and Oxygene® to eliminate odors completely.
Super Relief Gel – Formulated
with aloe vera and chamomile to help condition, soothe and deodorize
oral wounds, abrasions and irritated gums. Available in travel size.
Fluoride Dental Gel – Cavity-fighting;
neutral sodium fluoride; essential spearmint oil and xylitol.
Include this convenient traveling
companion on your next trip:
Travel Kit – packaged in a durable clear zipper bag, which meets TSA
regulations for airline carry-on.
- Mouthrinse (3 oz)
- Toothpaste (1 oz)
- Health Toothbrush with protective cap
- Oolitt Elite tongue cleaner
- Brush picks
- Breath spray
- Instruction card
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