Approximately 25-30% of the population have spacing between their teeth and more specifically between their 2 front teeth. Dentists refer to this as a "diastema". Depending on the size of the diastema and the conditions of the surrounding teeth, they are often time multiple options for closing the spaces that exist between teeth.

The three most common options are:

1. Bonding/Composite/Tooth Colored Fillings

2. Orthodontics/Invisalign

3. Veneers/Crowns

Bonding refers to chemically attaching tooth colored filling material to the existing teeth in order to eliminate spacing. It is conservative in that it requires little to no preparation ("filing down of the teeth") and can be accomplished in a very short amount of time. It is the most inexpensive option, however does have limitations. Bonding can stain a lot easier around the outside edges of the material and is more brittle and can potentially chip or fracture with hard, crunchy or sticky foods.

Orthodontics/Invisalign is another method that can treat the spaces by orthodontically (via braces) moving the teeth into more favorable positions to close the space. It is conservative in that it also requires no preparation or filing down of the teeth. It can also help address other spaces or crowding in other areas of the mouth. It is more comprehensive in that all issues with spacing and crowding can be addressed at the same time. The disadvantages is that the cost is significantly more and does take more time typically anywhere from 6-18 months depending on the situation.

Veneers/Crowns are the most commonly used method for closing spaces. Veneers and crowns are porcelain restoration (aka "facings") that are glued over the existing teeth. By using porcelain, the dentist can modify the shape, color, length and size of the teeth to accommodate the spacing. Esthetically, it is a great option and takes much less time than doing orthodontics. The disadvantages is that the teeth almost always require light to moderate preparation of the teeth in order to create the room needed to glue veneers/crowns over the teeth. It is moderate in cost when compared to orthodontics and bonding but nevertheless continues to be the most highly sought out option.

Talk to your dentist about what option is best for you to close spaces between the teeth!

Question: What is the best type of teeth whitening available?

Answer: Having your teeth whitening by a dental professional without a doubt will yield safer and more effective results. Assuming the basics are being done to whiten such as:

1. Brushing on a daily basis

2. Moderating your intake on coffee,tea,wine, etc.

3. Using a whitening toothpaste

In office whitening or custom bleaching trays will demonstrate much better results due to the concentrations that the dentist can prescribe. Peroxide is typically the best ingredient for teeth whitening and most OTC products are limited to 20-25% whereas in office products can reach up to the realm of 35-45%. While this is also much more effective, it can be more harmful if not managed appropriately. This is why the dentist will spend more timely isolating all the tissues around the teeth to help minimize tissue burns and promoting thermal sensitivity.

Talk to your dentist about what are the best teeth whitening options for you!

Dr.Glasmeier

Question: How are cavities detected by a dentist?

Answer: There are multiple ways a dentist can screen for and detect cavities or tooth decay:

1. Visual- The dentist looks for unusual discolorations, stains and dark spots found along different surfaces of the tooth. The most obvious occur along the biting surfaces of the teeth and are found more commonly on the molars.

2. Feel- The dentist uses an instrument called an "explorer" trying to feel for "stickiness" or catches along the surface of the tooth. The stickiness is often found along the grooves and fissures of the tooth and represents an area where the enamel coating of the tooth has been compromised.

3. Xrays- Digital xrays allow a dentist to see cavities not only along the biting surfaces but the flossing surfaces between the teeth. Not only do xrays provide insight to the presence or absence of a cavity, but it can convey the extent or depth of the cavity. A dentist can use xrays to determine how deep the cavity is and if there is nerve involvement.

4. Laser- Using a device called a "Diagnodent", a dentist can use a special laser that measure the damage that is left behind as a result of cavity or tooth decay. While this is not a primary means of detection, it will typically reinforce the presence of absence of a cavity if there is suspicion.

So the next question is, if there are multiple ways a cavity can be detected, what is the best way?

While there are many ways to detect tooth decay, one way is not more advantageous than the other. Simply put, the dentist should use as many ways as possible to help assess. All four ways can give the dentist tremendous insight into cavity assessment and provide the patient confidence that nothing was missed during an exam!

Question: What are the Options for a Lower Denture that is loose or does not fit adequately?

Answer: Lower dentures have been and will continue to be difficult for patients who desire to eat the foods they used to enjoy. Patients with lower dentures are always fearful that their denture may dislodge while talking, speaking, laughing, etc. Lower dentures are much harder to fit and remain stable due to the lack of tissue that supports (or helps retain) the denture. Unlike an upper denture, the amount of tissue needed to support a denture is much less on a lower denture.

The typical results are a lower denture that has large amounts of denture cream/adhesive to hold it in. The other is just the patient simply does not wear it and struggles to eat without the denture.

Loose dentures, specifically lower dentures, have become a pastime. Now with mini implant dentures, you can enjoy secure eating comfort again. You can smile again and no longer about a loose fitting denture coming out when you talk to your friends or laugh watching a funny movie. In one short procedure (typically less than 1 hour), you can have a stable denture with no surgical sutures, mimimal bleeding, minimal discomfort and the typical months of healing that is needed with implant surgery.

Ask about mini implant dentures so you no longer have to worry about yours!

Question: Can sedation help if I have a really big gag reflex?

Answer: Yes, sedation can minimize and often times completely eliminate it completely. The gag reflex refers to the response cause when the tissue in the back of the throat is irritated. There are multiple nerve endings located in the back of the throat and the "uvula", the flap of tissue that hands down in the throat and vibrates when a person says "ahhhhh". When foreign objects come in contact with this area such as impression material, filling material, cotton, the gag reflex is stimulated further producing a vomiting response. There is a great deal of variety of the intensity in gag reflex from person to person.

There are multiple treatment modalities to help improve or lessen the gag reflex. Topical anesthetic spray can be used at the back of the throat producing numbness or suppression of the gag reflex within seconds and up to 15-20 minutes. Nitrous oxide, aka laughing gas, can also work on the higher centers of the brain to also help with reducing gagging. If topical spray and laughing gas are not sufficient, oral and/or IV sedation can likely remove all the normal gag reflex reactions. With sedation, the muscles in the mouth and throat are more relaxed decreasing the likelihood of a gag reaction.

With sedation, routine dentistry, impressions, extractions, etc. can be accomplished in a short amount of time while minimizing the gag reflex often encountered in patients.