Why You Might Want to Consider Oral Sedation

Most people have bad memories of past dental appointments, and this causes some to avoid going to a dentist at all costs. Because of this many people have all sorts of dental problems that continue to get worse, eventually leading to health problems. But what many people don’t know is that by having your dental work done by a Dallas sedation dentistry, you can experience dentistry a whole other way. Dentists who are trained in this art have patients who are calm and relaxed and don’t cancel appointment after appointment out of fear. In fact, for most people who live in Dallas, sleep dentistry is the only way to go—for the simplest of procedures to the most complex. If you’ve been avoiding the dentist all of your adult life because of traumatic childhood dentist experiences, here are a few things you should know.

How it Works

Many people have the false assumption that you will have to have an IV stuck in your arm to be sedated, but that simply isn’t the case. Once you arrive at the dentist’s office, you will be given a couple of pills, and then seated in a chair with a massager to help relax you. You will be offered a movie or television station choice, and then you will simply sit back and let the pills take effect. After you are completely relaxed, the Dallas sedation dentist will administer the topical pain medication, and will begin performing the procedure. Many patients will fall in and out of sleep during the procedure and most won’t even remember it at all.

Why Do it?

So many people have let tooth decay and gum problems take over their mouth because of the fear of dentistry. But this damage can be fixed and the look of your mouth improved by visiting a good cosmetic dentist. Dallas is full of great dentists, and it shouldn’t be too difficult to find one who specializes in sedation dentistry.

Dallas sleep dentistry has truly taken the fear out of going to the dentist, and opened up whole new world of bright smiles and healthy gums for even the most fearful of dental patients.

What is gum disease and what causes it?

Gum disease -- also referred to as periodontal disease -- is an infection of the gum and bone in your mouth. These infections can lead to tooth loss, so it is essential that if you suspect you may have gum disease you should have yourself checked-out by a periodontist immediately. Dr. Mark Sowell provides expert gum disease treatment in Dallas, Texas.

What Causes Gum Disease?
There are several primary causes of gum or periodontal disease, but the main factor is bacterial plaque, which builds up on your teeth and gums throughout the day and overnight. Other causes for gum infections include:

• Diabetes
• Genetics
• Menopause
• Poor nutrition
• Pregnancy
• Puberty
• Some Medications
• Stress
• Teeth clenching and grinding
• Tobacco use

You will want to discuss all of these potential factors with your Dallas periodontist when you go in for your exam.

An Introduction to Dallas Cosmetic Dentistry

A dazzling smile: it is the first thing new acquaintances will notice about you, and it is what will stay in their memories long after you have left the room. In the past, only a few lucky people were born with perfectly aligned, bright white teeth that made their appearance one in a million. Now, however, thanks to modern technology and cosmetic dentistry, anyone can show off his or her beautiful smile.

Recent years have seen revolutionary growth in the cosmetic dentistry field. No longer is dentistry only about filling cavities, pulling teeth, and doing root canals. Today, cosmetic dentistry is making it possible for professionals like Dr. Sowell and his Dallas cosmetic dentist team to fix problems and imperfections that interfere with the beauty of your face and can help you attain that flawless smile you have always wanted.

You might be asking why you should consider cosmetic dentistry. Would Dr. Sowell be able to address your particular situation? While you can certainly contact our cosmetic dentist office with individual questions about your case, chances are that we can help. Here is just a sample of patients who would benefit from cosmetic dentistry: people who would like to boost their self-esteem by correcting problem areas with their teeth should get a consultation with a cosmetic dentist. Do you have crooked or chipped teeth? Has tooth decay or an accident left you with an unsightly gap between your teeth? Because of use of tobacco, smoking, poor dental hygiene or enamel loss, are your teeth becoming discolored? No matter why you may have imperfections in your smile, a cosmetic dentist like Dr. Sowell can use state of the art technology to correct or conceal the problems and bring out that glowing smile. You no longer need to resign yourself to living with your teeth as they currently are, not now that cosmetic dentistry in Dallas is available and affordable.

There are several types of cosmetic dentistry which combine to address a wide range of oral issues. We will discuss four of them briefly.

Teeth Whitening

Over time, teeth can become discolored and yellowed due to smoking, enamel loss, medications or other factors. As a cosmetic dentist, Dr. Sowell is equipped with teeth whitening techniques that can restore your smile, including ultra-modern laser bleaching technology.


Veneers

Veneers are shells made of porcelain, resin or ceramic and fit over your teeth, concealing any number of imperfections while looking very natural. Dr. Sowell and his cosmetic dentist team can discuss with you the two types of veneers and help you decide which is a better fit for you.


Invisalign

Invisalign or invisible braces are an excellent modern alternative to standard metallic braces. Dr. Sowell or another cosmetic dentist on his team can use them to correct numerous imperfections, including overbites, gaps, crooked teeth, and crowding. Invisalign involves the progressive use of aligners to correct tooth issues, and they work with minimum disruption of your lifestyle.


Sedation Dentistry

An estimated thirty percent of Americans do not seek the dental care they need due to fear. This dental phobia often leads to serious oral problems that can even compromise a person’s overall health. It is for this reason that the cosmetic dentistry discipline of sedation dentistry has been developed. This specialty helps to provide fearful patients with an environment that is free of pain and anxiety, enabling them to receive the interventions from a cosmetic dentist that they so badly need.

As you can see, dentistry has had quite a makeover in the past few years. You no longer have to settle for a dim, discolored, or crooked smile. Take the time to browse through these pages, investigating all the ways that Dr. Sowell and his cosmetic dentistry team can transform your smile—and your self-esteem. Take it from us: the results will be dazzling.

False Teeth: Types and Advantages of Dental Implants in Dallas

A dental implantation is both a type of cosmetic dental surgery and a type of prosthetic. Dental implants are artificial teeth, which are durable and function exactly as a natural tooth. Dental implants in Dallas are widely regarded as the best treatment for lost or severely worn teeth.

Dental implants are a good option for individuals who have lost a tooth due to gum disease, a root canal failure, tooth decay, congenital defects, and excessive wear and tear. Additionally, a dental implant may be necessary or requested for individuals who have sustained a trauma to the mouth, such as a fall or a sports injury.

There are many advantages to dental implants in Dallas, including an incredible level of strength and durability. The dental implant is much more effective than alternative means for treating missing teeth, such as dentures and bridges. Dental implants are also much more versatile than bridges and dentures. A single implant can support a single prosthetic tooth or an entire dental bridge.

The biggest advantage of a dental implant is the increased confidence and self esteem obtained by someone with an implant. Individuals who have missing teeth are often embarrassed about their missing tooth or teeth, causing them to become shy and reserved. Some people with missing teeth will even avoid smiling so that the missing teeth are hidden. The dental implants provide these individuals with a tooth that is identical to their own teeth. Additionally, it functions like a real tooth, which gives those with missing teeth an extra boost of confidence and freedom.

Update on Gum Disease, Prevention and Oral Cancer

Our staff recently attended a continuing education program updating us on the most recent scientific evidence concerning Gum disease, prevention and oral cancer. For sometime I have been talking about the oral-systemic connection. If you think about it, it just makes sense but the reason it such a big deal is the way the professions had divided it into the dental and medical worlds. The two have been treated as separate for sometime. The medical profession is not trained on anything inside the month and thus has never considered it a source of infection. Unfortunately, this is a man-made error which has hurt scientific research. Today we know that dental infections cause an inflammatory state in the bloodstream resulting an immune response that makes us more susceptible to respiratory and heart disease as well as Alzheimer, diabetes and low birth weight babies in pregnant females. The primary cause of the dental infection today is gum disease. Infected teeth and failing root canals can also cause the bacteria in the blood stream.

Another susceptible area as we get older is root decay. Since roots are 7 times softer or less dense than enamel, bacteria have little trouble penetrating the surface. Thus as we get older and our gums recede, the roots are exposed and we are prone to root cavities. We now have a product called MI paste which makes the roots more resistant to bacteria attacks and re-mineralizes the roots to decrease cavities. It contains a mixture of calcium and phosphate for re-mineralization and fluoride for bacteria. The third area of concern is oral cancer.

While oral cancer is not a popular, highly published topic, it is serious enough that our office has been screening all our patients for it annually for the last 25 years. We do this by a visual examination of all the intra-oral tissues and palpation of the head and neck lymphatic system. Both myself and my hygienist, Kim, do this every year for all our patients. We do this because the medical profession does not look or examine inside the mouth. The reason is based on history and politics, not logic. Thus, it is left to the dentist to detect oral cancer.

Approximately 36,000-50,0000 people in the U.S ,depending on the report you read, will be newly diagnosed with oral cancer in 2010. This is the fourth year in a row in which there has been an increase in the rate of occurrence of oral cancers. In 2007 there was a major jump of over 11% in that single year. There are two distinct pathways by which most people receive oral cancer. One is through the use of tobacco and alcohol, a long term historic problem and cause, and the other is through exposure to the HPV-16 virus (human papillomavirus version 16), a newly identified etiology, and the same one which is responsible for the vast majority of cervical cancers in women.

While some think this is a rare cancer, mouth cancer will be newly diagnosed in about 100 new individuals each day in the US alone, and a person dies from oral cancer every hour of every day. If you add the sub category of laryngeal cancers, the rates of occurrence (about 10,000 additional new cases per year) and death are significantly higher. When found early, oral cancers have an 80 to 90 % survival rate. Unfortunately at this time, the majority are found as late stage cancers, and this accounts for the very high death rate of about 45% at five years from diagnosis, and high treatment related morbidity in survivors

The increase in oral cancer is related to the increase in Human Papillomavirus (HPV). This is a common viral 75-80 % of us get in our life time but our immune system defeats it. There are 120 known strains, but only 9 cause cancer. The increase is believed to be from an increase in sexual and saliva transmission. Thus, people with new or multiple partners are a higher risk. This virus usually causes warts in the mouth and most are benign, but the name of the game with oral cancer is early detection and by the time they are visible to the naked eye or lymph nodes become swollen, it may be too late.

This new scientific and medical information has lead me to investigate methods of better early detection. In the near future, we will be offering a new early detection devise called “Trimira” that detects evidence of oral cancer before they erupt through the skin through the use of specific wave length. It has three different light transmission levels that offer information to help differentiate cancerous lesions from benign lesions without having to biopsy them so frequently. This device allows us to detect the cancer before it erupts through the skin. The key is early detection and removal. It is suggested to have this done yearly and will be offered for $40.00 per screening. I will keep you posted on the implementation. Our Dallas dentistry office will still offer the visual and palpitation exam at no charge.

Dallas Teeth Whitening - Whiter Teeth and Brighter Smiles

There is nothing quite as eye catching as bright, white teeth. Unfortunately, over time, teeth can become discolored. Tooth discoloration can be caused by a variety of factors. Teeth naturally yellow as a person ages and the protective enamel softens and allows the natural yellow color of dentin show through. Many drinks, food and tobacco products can cause the teeth to become stained. Certain medications can also cause teeth to become discolored. Fortunately, dentists offer several proven options that can whiten your teeth and keep your smile bright.

Professional dentists in Dallas can safely bleach teeth to lighten them several shades. In a bleaching procedure, the dentist first protects the gums from the bleaching agent by painting them with a protective barrier. Next, a bleaching solution highly concentrated in peroxide is applied to the teeth. The bleaching solution is left on the teeth for 15 to 60 minutes. Badly discolored teeth or stubborn stains can require more than one session of bleaching.

Laser whitening is another process dentists use to whiten teeth. Laser whitening begins as bleaching, with the gums being protected and then a high concentration peroxide solution being applied to the teeth. After this, a laser or light is placed on the teeth, enhancing the whitening process. Safe guards are used to reduce the risk of overheating the teeth and causing damage. Laser whitening takes approximately one hour to complete and can produce amazing results. Teeth can be lightened by as much as 10 shades with laser whitening.

The most expensive but longest lasting tooth whitening option is veneers. With veneers, porcelain or a similar material is bonded to the surface of the teeth. Veneers are a uniform, smooth and long-lasting whitening option.

You can take some simple steps to keep your teeth white once they have been professionally whitened. Avoid dark colored beverages like tea, coffee and sodas. Foods high in citric acid can erode tooth enamel and cause the yellow dentin to show through. You should refrain from smoking or using other tobacco products. Finally, practice good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth regularly (you can use a whitening toothpaste) and floss every day.

Although tooth whitening is normally safe, it is not without risks. Tooth sensitivity is a common side effect of tooth whitening. People who have gum recession or have cracks in their teeth seem to suffer sensitivity more frequently. Some people can experience gum irritation for a few days following teeth whitening. Finally, some cosmetic dental work, such as veneers and crowns, will not lighten as the other teeth do.

If your smile is starting to fade and become dull, visit your dentist. You will find many reliable options to whiten your teeth and brighten your smile. For more information please visit Dallas teeth whitening dentist Dr. Sowell at http://www.smilesbysowell.com.

Spear Faculty Club Meeting

I have just completed the Annual Spear Faculty Club meeting, a 3 day gathering of the Core members of Spear Education. We are at Scottsdale, Arizonia at the Scottsdale Center for Dentistry.
I have devoted alot of time helping the program get started as I believed in the integrity and reputation of Frank Spear. Frank is someone I have learned from since 1988. I have never been willing to give my time to an organization before but I have choosen this educational program to qid pro quo (give back to my profession). Although I hate to give up my person time, I love to teach and the rewards are unmeasurable. After 2 years of teaching, it was so rewarding as so many students approached me thanking me for being such a great mentor to them. The experience energized me and made me feel I made the right decision to teach at Spear Education. In today's competitive world it such a great experience to feel appreciated. I am looking forward to tommorrow as my wife and I are being picked up at 5 am to hile up Camelback mountain, before it gets hot as it is suppose to be 110 degrees tommorrow.

Teaching - Dr. Mark Sowell

It has given me great pleasure to be part of Spear Education these last two years. Each year I go to Scottsdale, Arizona about 8-10 times to teach at the Scottsdale Center for Dentistry. They have beautiful facilities and a curriculum second to none. The program was developed by Frank Spear probably the most sought out lecturer in Dentistry. My role is as a lead mentor in the Spear Faulty. I help support the other mentors and dentists in the program . The rewards are endless as I am a part of a community of like minded ,high level dentists who are learning, sharing and supporting. It keeps me sharp as you must know the material much better to teach as you are always asked challenging questions from some very intelligent dentists. Of course the greatest rewards are when the dentist in the program express their gratitude for your help. Usually dentists who go through the program have been out of school a while and want to learn more than just removing cavities and filling holes. They want to learn how to create new smiles and better bites harmonious with jaw joints.

Benefits of Dallas Dental Implants - Dr. Mark Sowell

One of the factors that accelerate a determination of our health is the loss of teeth. Once you loss 3 teeth before the age of 50, research shows you are more highly likely to loose the rest of your teeth before you die. People who keep their teeth on average live 10 years longer than people who do not. Once you loose your teeth or your mobility (able to walk) during your senior years results in results in health deterioration. More than likely there is a strong psychological factor involved. Most social functions in our society involves eating food and if grand mother cannot keep her dentures in her month or clicks when she eats, has many denture sores or is embarrassed when the grand kids make fun of her she will not want to be included in these social events vital to keep her a part of family relationships and a sense of purpose. Retirement communities are full a senior citizens who have given up being socially involved because of lack of mobility and oral embarrassment.

There are 30 million Americans who do not have teeth today so it is not an uncommon problem. How does this happen you say? Sometimes it is because people are too fearful of the dentist and have not been made aware of how sedation and laser dentistry make solutions comfortable. For others it starts when they retire and are on a fixed income and stop seeing the dentist. They assume they there mouths are very healthy and should be healthy for many years. Unfortunately 60 year old teeth and bone support need more attention than a 30 year old and the average dentist is just doing a ”here and now examination”. Dental insurance has an annual maximum of coverage, so most dentist consider what need to be done one year at a time. What they really need is a “big picture examination”, what will they need in the next 20 years. Then when they do come in they have severe damage and infections, and the cost is beyond what they want to pay or what their kids want them to pay. So often I see the children bring in their 80 year parent and do not want them to receive anything but emergency treatment because they are thinking of their inheritance not the quality of life of the parent or the patient’s health is to compromise for the treatment needed to restore their oral health and comfort..

The key to keeping your mouth healthy and treatable is keep the bone that support teeth. If you loose a tooth it is best to get an implant which will preserve the bone. Once a tooth is removed it looses 30 percent of the bone in the first year and continuous to loose more bone each year. When you first loose a tooth it is a relatively easy and predictable procedure to have a dental implant placed. As time goes on and more bone has been lost, the bone replacement grafts become more expensive and involved.

Let’s take a real live situation. My father is 89 years old and had several teeth removed by East Texas country dentists when he was a young man. As he got older he got several bridges to replace the missing teeth. That was all that was available in the 50’s and 60’s. But the areas without teeth kept losing bone. About every 10 years he would have his bridges replaced as he was a severe clincher and grinder even though he flossed religiously. In 1995 one area he had too much damage to the retainer teeth than a bridge was no longer an option. Thus I placed 3 dental implants when he was about 75 years old to replace 5 teeth. He still has those today. But as he got older he did not want to travel anymore to Dallas and broke off another tooth as he was not wearing to bite appliance at night. He decided to get a removable partial due to costs as he is very frugal at age 87 and would have to get bone grafts to allow him to get dental implants in areas where he has had a bridge. This lasted 2 years before he broke off another tooth at the gum line. Now he is 89 years old and his partial will not fit since a tooth holding it in broke off. He has Alzheimer’s and thus cannot keep up with his removable partial. His favorite thing to do is eat as true for most men. When they loose that their health deteriates. To get dental implants to hold in teeth in this area he will need a sinus (bone) graft, but now issues of his age play a part. Is his immune system normal, how they will heal, etc? I contacted him with the best dentists in Houston since he will not travel and they are concerned about doing a bone graft at this age. I tell you this story so you can plan your own oral health. Today people live to be 90 easily. You should plan to have the best possible oral health at age 75-80, have all your areas without teeth restored with implants so all options will be open to you as you age. Your kids will be concerned with costs not your psychological well being. If you need another dental implant in Dallas, it will be a simple and less costly procedure. We all take our teeth for granted, but without them your senior years are often short lived. Make sure possible treatment will be easy and simple through proper planning.

Visit the dental office of Dr. Mark Sowell for Dallas dental implants and other restorative dentistry procedures.

Dental Health during Retirement Years

Most people go to the dentist while they are employed, but when retirement starts dental visits are one of the first things to be trimmed from the budget. Today 50% of the people who live to be 65 will live to be 90 years old. That means for the average person the dental work they have at 65 may be 10 years old and it is expected to last 25 more years. Most people do not get major dental work done after retirement and thus the health of their month deteriorates as time goes on. During the last 10 years of life health issues is often a barrier to major dental repairs as well as financial barriers. This situation results in severe dental disease and deterioration for the elderly when most social situations revolve around eating. Dental Insurance has trained dentist to give their patients "here and now" examinations. In other words, patient's have an annual limits to their coverage, so they get an examination designed to fix problems to get the patient by for one year- next year. What retiring people really need is a long term "comprehensive examination" designed to carry them through their retirement years. This kind of examination is often not offered as the dentists cannot get off their roller skates long enough to do this type of examination and workup. They will not get paid by insurance for this and they have alot of patients to see to make ends meet. The moral of the story is- if you want a healthy mouth during retirement and avoid the health effects of the oral systemic connection , you need to ask for a comprehensive examination and treatment plan to last at least 20 years.

Dallas Cosmetic Dentistry Makes Any Smile Shine!

Some say that a person's smile is the window to their soul. Your smile is often the first thing people notice about you and the way your teeth look largely determine the way your smile appears. The smile being such an important feature, people naturally want theirs to look beautiful and healthy. Cosmetic dentistry has therefore become an important part of regular dentistry.

What is cosmetic dentistry?

Dallas cosmetic dentistry is basically dentistry that improves the appearance of the teeth. Cosmetic dentistry is not typically dentistry that is required for the health of your teeth and mouth. For example, a root canal is a necessary procedure for the health of your teeth, but having your teeth whitened is a cosmetic procedure. Your teeth won't rot and fall out of your mouth if you don't get regular teeth whitenings, but they might decay if you don't take proper care of them and have them cleaned.

Why Cosmetic Dentistry?

Having straight, white beautiful teeth greatly enhances a person's overall attractiveness. Having a bright perfect smile gives you confidence to talk to people, to laugh and just be yourself. Cosmetic dentistry procedures have advanced over the years, so that these procedures are extremely reliable and durable. More now than ever, dentists make a point to leave as much of an individual's natural teeth as possible in tact when performing procedures. Also, most cosmetic dentistry procedures are done right in your dentists office, rarely does a dentistry procedure need to be referred to a specialist.

Who Should Consider Cosmetic Dentistry?

Anyone who has a less than perfect smile should consider cosmetic dentistry in Dallas. Whether you just would like a whiter smile or need full mouth reconstruction, cosmetic dentistry could be just what you need for a better overall appearance.

Dallas Dentist Dr. Sowell – The Link between Snoring and Sleep Apnea

About half of men and a quarter of all women snore regularly. Both men and women are more likely to snore as they age and is more common in people who are overweight. The tissue in the back of the throat becomes looser and the greater amount of fat in the back of the throat narrows the airway and vibrates as they sleep. If you cannot breathe through your nose due to nasal obstructions you are more likely to snore and should seek help for Dallas sleep apnea.

In the early stages the person snoring suffers no consequences in many cases, except the elbow in the ribs from their spouse who cannot sleep. Often sleeping on your side will help as when you are on your back the weight of your jaw and tongue fall back narrowing your airway causing you to labor to breathe resulting in snoring. Sleeping on your side, the jaw and tongue fall with gravity away from your airway and you can breathe easier decreasing snoring. Sewing tennis balls into the back of your pajamas to prevent you from rolling onto your back is another home aid. Some people benefit from snore strips on their nose if they have nasal obstructions. Losing weight will help open up the airway and decrease snoring. Alcohol consumption and drugs to help us sleep also increase snoring. Dental oral appliances much like a sports night guard or a retainer worn at night can hold the lower jaw forward and thus open the airway to allow a person to breathe easier and reduce snoring.

Sometimes, at some point the spouse must leave the room to sleep and they end up in separate bedrooms which can lead to relationship and marriage problems. Now the snorer is affected and must make a decision if they want to address the issue or continue to ignore it. No solution is perfect for all people and may take an adaptation period. But what people do not often realize is snoring is a warning noise produced by the force of air through a narrowed upper airway caused by the collapse of the soft tissue in the back of the throat. It is an indication that there is a problem with normal breathing. Anytime we cannot get enough oxygen into our system we have a problem. As the problem progress the snoring gets louder and eventually the snoring is interrupted by pauses in breathing and then a gasping noise for breath. We must breath and as our oxygen levels go down a feedback mechanism in our body takes us out of a deep sleep to a lighter level of sleep so we can gasp for air. The snorer is never awake enough to remember or be aware of these episodes. This can happen a few times per night to several hundred times per night. The result is the snorer cannot get into a deep sleep where we feel rejuvenated in the morning and rested. This is sleep apnea.

Contact Dr. Sowell for sleep disorders in Dallas.

Dallas Cosmetic Dentist Reviews Categories of Tooth Reshaping

In our Dallas cosmetic dentistry office our patients often ask how much of their tooth will need to be reshaped in order to place their dental veneers and the answer varies depending on the type of veneers they will be receiving. As a dedicated cosmetic dentist in Dallas I offer and recommend different types of veneers to different patients as their individual needs are unique.

Tooth reshaping for veneers falls into three categories:

1. No or minimal reshaping all in enamel - Example Durathins Veneers.

Advantages - strong long term bond, no sensitivity, and reversible.

Limitations - unable to make as dramatic changes in color and arrangement, veneer often slightly wider and thicker than optimum.

2. Moderate reshaping of tooth - Greater than 50% of veneer bonded by enamel.

Advantages - 90% of all cases have enough room to achieve an excellent result in color and arrangement. With excellent bonding technique no long term sensitivity and good long term bond strength.
Limitation - not reversible, roughly 10% of cases cannot achieve optimum shape, arrangement or color.

3. Heavy reshaping - less than 50% of veneer bonded by enamel. These are the
Reshaping designs that cause most of the problems you read about.

Advantages - it is easier for the ceramist or dentist to achieve dramatic changes to shape, arrangement and color.

Limitations - decreased long term bond strength, more change of post treatment sensitivity, bonding more technique sensitive or demanding.

Dallas Porcelain Veneers Process

As a dedicated Dallas porcelain veneers and cosmetic dentist, I offer my patients different types of porcelain veneers as each patient has different desires and needs. Often our patients’ number one question is “what’s the process of creating my new smile with dental veneers?” Dependent on the type of veneer, the process varies and the following explains the porcelain veneers process in our Dallas office.

Veneers process in our Dallas cosmetic dentistry office.

Composite Veneers Process-

1. Examination and digital photos are the first step in the composite veneers process.
2. Models made from patients impression. Patient critiques digital images. Of proposed result with their veneers. While patient is gone, Dallas cosmetic dentist Dr. Sowell does wax-up or mock-up, If needed to complete the veneers process.
3. Consultation. Dallas cosmetic dentistry patient previews mock-up or wax-up and computer imaging of the veneers.
4. Any needed gum treatment or bleaching done as the next step in the process if needed before placing the patient’s new veneers.
5. Teeth shaped if needed and agreed to by patient and composite layered onto teeth, characterized, shaped and polished. S- Appliance made.
   

Pressed or Feldspathic Ceramic Veneers Process -

1. Examination and digital photos begin the ceramic veneers process.
2. Patient critiques digital images of proposed result. Models from patient’s impression for wax-up taken for their veneers.
3. Consultation in our Dallas cosmetic dentistry office. Previews of the veneers if needed.
4. Any gum treatment or bleaching done if needed before beginning the shaping process.
5. Teeth are shaped, impression taken, temporary veneers are made and placed.
6. EVT- Esthetic verification of temporaries. First set of teeth. Photo and models of any needed changes.
7. Bonding of final Veneers, ceramist available for any changes to the veneers are desired on site in our Dallas dental office. S-appliance made.
8. Follow up check of contours and bite completes the ceramic veneers process.

In our next post, we will cover two more types of porcelain veneers in Dallas.

Tips to Decrease Snoring Problems in Dallas, TX

About half of the men and a quarter of all women snore regularly. Both men and women are more likely to snore as they age and are more common in people who are overweight. The tissue in the back of the throat becomes looser and the greater amount of fat in the back of the throat narrows the airway and vibrates as they sleep. If you cannot breathe through your nose due to nasal obstructions you are more likely to snore.

In the early stages the person snoring suffers no consequences in many cases except the elbow in the ribs from their spouse who cannot sleep. Often sleeping on your side will help as when you are on your back the weight of you jaw and tongue fall back narrowing your airway causing you to labor to breathe resulting in snoring. Sleeping on your side the jaw and tongue fall with gravity away from your airway and you can breathe easier decreasing snoring. Sewing tennis balls into the back of your pajamas to prevent you from rolling onto your back is another home aid. Some people benefit from snore strips on their nose if they have nasal obstructions. Loosing weight will help open up the airway and decrease snoring. Alcohol consumption and drugs to help us sleep also increase snoring. Dental oral appliances much like a sports night guard or a retainer worn at night can hold the lower jaw forward and thus open the airway to allow a person to breathe easier and reduce snoring.

Check back for more information on snoring problems and sleep apnea in our next post.