Bruxismo

Bruxism is a habit rather than a reflex chewing activity. Reflex activities happen reliably in response to a stimulus, without involvement of subconscious brain activity.[citation needed] Chewing and clenching are complex neuromuscular activities that can be controlled either by subconscious processes or by conscious processes within the brain. During sleep, (and for some during waking hours while conscious attention is distracted) subconscious processes can run unchecked, allowing bruxism to occur.[citation needed] Some bruxism activity is rhythmic with bite force pulses of tenths of a second (like chewing), and some has a longer bite force pulses of 1 to 30 seconds (clenching). Researchers classify bruxism as "a habitual behavior, and a sleep disorder.

The etiology of problematic bruxism can be quite varied, from allergic reactions or medical ailments, to trauma (such as a car crash) to a period of unusual stress, but once bruxism becomes a habit, the original stimulus can be removed without ending the habit. Certain medical conditions can trigger bruxism, including digestive ailments and anxiety.

Bruxism can result in occlusal trauma, the abnormal wear patterns of the occlusal surface, abfractions and fractures in the teeth. Over time, dental damage increases. Bruxism is the leading cause of occlusal trauma and a significant cause of tooth loss and gum recession. Bruxism can be loud enough to wake a sleeping partner. Some individuals clench without significant lateral movements.
 

Composite Resin (White Filling)

A composite resin is a tooth-colored plastic mixture filled with glass (silicon dioxide). Introduced in the 1960's dental composites were confined to the front teeth because they were not strong enough to withstand the pressure and wear generated by the back teeth.

Since then, composites have been significantly improved and can be successfully placed in the back teeth as well. Composites are not only used for restoring decay, but are also used for cosmetic improvements of the smile by changing the color of the teeth or reshaping disfigured teeth.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are substitute teeth roots, resembling screws. These screws are usually made of titanium or its alloy. The implants are bonded to the living bone structure of the jaw.

Prosthetic crowns fastened with machined screws are placed on top of the implant to replicate the missing teeth.

Prosthetic options include single crowns (caps), bridgework or an implant retained over denture.  The new tooth looks, feels, and performs just like your natural teeth.

Dentures

Dentures are removable replacements for missing teeth typically made out of an acrylic resin which at times incorporate porcelain or metal for additional structural support.

There are two main types of dentures - partial and complete. Both are finely crafted and custom-fitted. If properly maintained, your dentures will appear natural and provide a perfect smile.

Additionally, dentures help strengthen the muscles which control your expressions, correct pronunciation problems caused by missing teeth, and aid with chewing.

Full Gum Treatment

Periodontal disease affects the gums and bone supporting the teeth. You may have it and not even know it.

There are no early warning signs, except for occasional bleeding and redness around the gums when brushing, and mouth odor. However, as the disease progresses, the symptoms become more obvious. If left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to loosing of teeth, receding gums, and gum discomfort.

Laser Teeth Whitening

 

Laser teeth whitening is the latest in tooth whitening technology and is by far the most popular method of whitening teeth, providing instant, dramatic results.
This is an in-office procedure and usually takes less than an hour to complete.
A special protective coating is applied to the patient's gum tissue and a retraction device is fitted and worn by the patient during the entire procedure..

Metal Porcelain Crowns & Bridges

If you are missing one or more teeth and there is at least one serviceable tooth on either side of the space where the teeth are missing, then you may opt for a fixed bridge to replace those missing teeth; the abutment teeth are prepared by "shaving" them down so that they are smaller, and their sides are slightly tapered and reasonably parallel to each other. This makes it possible to create a casting which will fit over the prepared abutment teeth. Usually the casting is a metal substructure which will eventually be covered with tooth-colored porcelain.

 

Oral & Maxilofacial Surgery

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are the surgical specialists of the dental profession.

Their surgical expertise and thorough understanding of both the aesthetics and function uniquely qualify them to diagnose, treat and manage the conditions, defects, injuries, and the aesthetic aspects of the mouth, teeth, jaw and face.     

We specialize in all aspects of Oral, Maxillo-facial, and Facial Cosmetic Surgery including the extraction of teeth, TMJ disorders, correction of cleft lip and palate deformities, correction of jaw and facial deformities, dental implant surgery, facial cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, treatment of facial trauma and oral surgery.

Orthodontics

• Correct crowded teeth
• Correct misaligned teeth
• Correct bite problems in children and adults

Porcelain Crowns and Bridges

 

Porcelain crowns completely cover and protect teeth that have had extensive damage.
They restore and improve the appearance of your teeth by hiding misalignments, cracks, discoloration, or other imperfections.
Porcelain crowns look completely natural and offer extra support to teeth that are weak or damaged.
They can also vastly improve the overall appearance of your smile and make your teeth much more durable.
 

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are wafer-thin shells of porcelain which are bonded onto the front side of teeth to make a cosmetic improvement in their appearance.

Porcelain veneers are routinely used to correct teeth that are discolored, worn, chipped, or misaligned.        

Two advantages that porcelain veneers have over bonding are:

Porcelain veneers create a very life-like tooth appearance
Porcelain veneers resist staining

Once your veneers are permanently placed, they will feel like a natural part of your teeth, and you can use them just as you would your regular teeth.