2011 August | Poss Dental Designs

August 29, 2011

7 Cosmetic Dentistry Proceedures that Won’t Break the Bank

If the words “cosmetic dentistry” immediately give you visions of a depleted bank account, you may be overestimating what it will cost to improve your smile. There are several cosmetic dentistry procedures that won’t break the bank and can have your smile gleaming in no time. Still skeptical? Check out this list of 7 cost-effective procedures (some of which you can do yourself).

1) Professional take-home bleach
Bleaching your teeth 15 minutes a day for 10 days can boost your smile 4-5 shades. Complete this simple task while you read the morning news or watch your favorite TV show. You can either use a take-home kit from your dentist or an over-the-counter bleaching kit. Be aware that some over-the-counter bleaching kits can cause tooth sensitivity, so you may want to consult with your dentist first.
2) Zoom-in office bleach
If you need a bright smile quickly, a fast solution is to visit your dentist for a teeth whitening treatment. Your dentist will choose from a few different whitening methods to find the one that will work best for your teeth. With in-office bleaching, you can pop in to the dentist’s on your lunch break and return to work with a whiter, brighter smile.
3) Whitening pen and or lip plumper
For smile maintenance for those on the go, use a whitening pen and/or lip plumper. These cost-effective smile savers can be used anywhere and can provide a near-instantaneous boost to your teeth and lips.
4) Tooth re-positioning
Have you lost your retainer and found that your teeth have moved slightly? Luckily, there is an easy fix to put your teeth in their place. Minor tooth movement is as simple as using an Essix retainer, which is a transparent retainer that fits over your teeth and directs them into their proper alignment.
5) Custom mouth guard
Does the economy have you clenching or grinding your teeth? A custom-made mouth guard can preserve your smile. These mouth guards can prevent tooth breakage, gum recession and damage to dental restoration, which are common symptoms of clenching or grinding teeth.
6) Aesthetic contouring
For those who have some minor chipping or slight rotation, aesthetic contouring can work wonders. Aesthetic contouring involves reshaping damaged teeth to make them comparable to the surrounding teeth, or making uneven gum lines more level. The procedure is fast and can produce pleasing results.
7) Professional dental cleaning
Professional dental cleaning should be a regular part of your oral-care regimen. Frequent cleanings by your dentist will keep your teeth and gums healthy and give you fresher breath for that someone special. To maintain a healthy mouth, visit your dentist at least every 6 months to a year.

The above procedures, used individually or in a combination recommended by your dentist, can give you the smile you’ve been wanting without emptying your wallet. To find out about the previously mentioned cost-effective procedures or other options available to you, contact your favorite Nashville Cosmetic Dentist today. We’ll have your teeth sparkling and ready to show off to the world in no time.

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August 26, 2011

Sports Injuries Are No Laughing Matter

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry,Dentist,General Health,Nashville Cosmetic Dentistry — Tags: basketball dental injuries, children's teeth, cosmetic dentist, dental injuries, football dental injuries, sports dental injuries — admin @ 3:08 pm

The crunch of helmets as players tangle for a loose football, the swoosh of the net as an outside jumper is made and the crack of the bat as a guaranteed double sails into right center field are awesome sounds to sports fans but for dentists, they’re reminders that a player is just one misstep away from a dental injury.

“Basketball and baseball are the two biggest mouth-injuring sports,” says Stephen Mitchell, D.M.D., associate professor in the UAB Department of Pediatric Dentistry. “And the most common injuries we see are broken, displaced or knocked out teeth, and broken jaws.”

According to a report by the U.S. Surgeon General, craniofacial injuries sustained during sporting activities are a major source of nonfatal injury and disability in children and adults, accounting for up to one-third of all sports injuries. The National Youth Sports Safety Foundation estimates that more than 3 million teeth will be knocked out in youth sporting activities this year.

Mitchell says mouth guards and helmets with face protectors are the best way for kids to avoid dental injuries while playing sports.

Dr. Poss treats more than just adults – if your child sustains a dental injury playing sports visit your Nashville Cosmetic Dentist for treatment options.

Original article published on www.medicalnewstoday.com. Click here to read the full article.

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August 21, 2011

TMJ Dysfunctions: Getting to the Root of Symptoms and Solutions

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry,Oral Health,TMJ Treatment Nashville — Tags: brentwood cosmetic dentist, chronic headaches, cosmetic dentist, cosmetic dentist nashville, nashville cosmetic dentist, nashville dentist — admin @ 9:13 pm

If you have been dealing with chronic pain in various parts of your body and are not having luck getting the pain diagnosed or alleviated, you may be dealing with a TMJ dysfunction. TMJ, or temporomandibular joint disorder, is a problem that occurs in the skull but can cause pain in other parts of the body. TMJ dysfunctions are commonly believed to be caused by things such as trauma to the jaw, arthritis, and even possibly stress that causes a person to clench or grind their teeth repeatedly.

The TMJ Association estimates that around 35 million people suffer from TMJ dysfunction, but you don’t need to be one of them. In this brief article, we’ll take a look at some of the symptoms of TMJ dysfunction and how the problem can be resolved.

Symptoms of TMJ dysfunction
TMJ dysfunction occurs when the temporomandibular joint, the point where the jaw is connected to the skull, becomes inflamed. Symptoms of this inflammation can present themselves in different parts of the body, and can range from mild to debilitating. Sufferers of TMJ dysfunction often experience symptoms including:

Chronic headaches or migraines
Muscle tension
Teeth grinding
Back, neck or shoulder pain
Jaw clicking or popping
Earaches
Dizziness
Biting or chewing discomfort
Tingling in the extremities
Sensitive or cracked teeth

Many people visit their doctors to inquire about these symptoms, which doesn’t always produce an accurate diagnosis. Doctors often try to treat the symptoms without recognizing that TMJ, a neuromuscular affliction, is at the root of the problem. Far too often, this leads people to suffer through TMJ dysfunction for long periods of time until they eventually discover the cause and have it repaired.

How to repair TMJ dysfunctions
If you are dealing with any of the previously mentioned symptoms and can’t find relief at the doctor’s office, your first step should be to visit a neuromuscular dentist. Neuromuscular dentists have expert knowledge of the skull’s moving parts, and they can quickly and easily determine if you have a TMJ dysfunction. Today’s advanced technology enables the dentist to perform diagnostic tests to find where your oral system is misaligned, and then find an easy solution to put everything in its place.

Dr. Poss, a cutting-edge neuromuscular dentist in Tennessee, leverages the most advanced technology available to correct TMJ dysfunction. Dr. Poss uses high-tech diagnostic instruments to relax your jaw into its correct alignment, then creates a custom appliance that holds your jaw in place while you sleep. As your alignment is corrected, your headaches and other physical symptoms will fade away. And if your teeth have been damaged due to TMJ dysfunction, Dr. Poss can repair broken or worn teeth with cosmetic dentistry or full-mouth reconstruction. Following treatment, patients can forget the pain they once endured and show off a gleaming smile.

There’s no reason why you should suffer daily pain because of TMJ dysfunction, so contact Dr. Poss today and find relief quickly.

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August 13, 2011

How Mercury Fillings May be Damaging Your Health

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry,Dentist,General Health,Nashville Cosmetic Dentistry,Oral Health — Tags: brentwood cosmetic dentist, cosmetic dentist, metal free dentistry, nashville cosmetic dentist, nashville dentist, nashville metal free dentistry, oral health, remove mercury fillings — admin @ 1:01 am

Mercury, a common element used in dental amalgam fillings, could slowly be contributing to serious health problems within your body. The data obtained through numerous studies about the effect of mercury on the human body is enough to make mercury filling removal sound like a proactive move toward preserving and improving your health.

In this article, we offer a brief look at the history of mercury fillings, the potential health effects, and information about how metal-free dentistry can reduce the potential health effects.

Mercury fillings: A history of controversy and accusations
The debate over the medical consequences of dental amalgam fillings that contain mercury has raged for many decades. The poisonous element has been used in dental amalgams since around 1830, and it has been a controversial practice almost since its inception.

The potential danger in having mercury fillings lies in the times where you are chewing, brushing your teeth, or eating hot or acidic foods. These activities may cause mercury vapor to be emitted, which can enter your lungs. From there, mercury is able to find its way to other parts of the body including the brain, kidneys, retinas, and other vital areas.

Opponents of mercury use in dentistry often accuse the practice of potentially contributing to serious ailments such as:

Fibromyalgia
Alzheimer’s disease
Dementia
Brain and kidney problems
Multiple sclerosis

While much research has been done on the health effects of amalgam fillings, the findings leave many questions still unanswered. The FDA and ADA published their findings saying that amalgam fillings don’t contain enough mercury to harm patients, yet the FDA upgraded its classification of mercury fillings to a Class II device, or moderate risk. Many other countries have banned the use of mercury by dentists as a precautionary measure.

Why have mercury fillings removed?
The general opinion is that it is a smart preventative measure to have your mercury fillings removed. If you don’t think you have experienced any negative side effects of mercury fillings, having them removed can prevent future complications. And if you have been dealing with chronic ailments that may be partially caused by mercury, having your amalgams removed could potentially bring some measure of relief. Several studies conducted over the years have concluded that many participants experienced relief from symptoms of their chronic illnesses after having their dental amalgams removed.

How to have mercury fillings removed
The technology and processes used to remove mercury fillings have evolved over the years to minimize risk for both the patient and dentist. Mercury filling removal used to often result in mercury particles flying around, which raised the risk of the mercury finding its way into the patient’s lungs. Now, you can have your amalgam fillings removed safely and quickly without worry of any further mercury exposure.

If you are considering having your mercury fillings removed, you should have a chat with Dr. Poss, your Nasvhille cosmetic dentist to learn more. Your dentist can fill you in on the procedure and answer your questions about dental amalgams.

To learn more about mercury filling removal, contact us today and we’ll be happy to discuss the entire process with you.

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August 9, 2011

20 Common Pain Cures Found Right in Your Kitchen

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry,General Health,Oral Health — Tags: brentwood cosmetic dentist, cosmetic dentist, dentist, natural pain remedies, oral health, pain remedies — admin @ 6:06 pm

Before you jump to taking a number of pain killers or antacids, try these natural pain remedies to improve your overall health and well being.

Cure tooth pain with cloves
Reduce muscle pain with ginger
Sip cider vinegar to reduce heartburn
Ease earaches with garlic oil
Kill joint pain and headaches with cherries
Heal indigestion with fish
Fight PMS with yogurt
Use turmeric fight chronic pain
Use Oats to fight endometriosis
Soothe foot pain with salt
Prevent stomach aches with pineapple
Relax painful muscles with peppermint
Use grapes to help relieve back pain
Reduce injuries with water
Heal your sinuses with horseradish
Fight bladder infections with blueberries
Heal canker sores with honey
Use flax to fight breast pain
Chase painkillers with coffee to reduce migraines
Drink tomato juice to tame leg cramps

Have dental pain or just need to schedule an appointment with your Nashville Cosmetic Dentist call 615-373-1056

Want to read the full article about these natural healers? Click here. Originally posted to ivillage.com | Brenda Kearns | March 22, 2011

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August 4, 2011

Dental Trivia – Nashville Cosmetic Dentist

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry,Nashville Cosmetic Dentistry — Tags: brentwood cosmetic dentist, cosmetic dentist, dental facts, dental health, interesting dental facts, nashville cosmetic dentist, oral health — admin @ 6:08 pm

Did you know? Check out these interesting dental facts:

Grapefruit is more than just a delicious and healthy breakfast – it also can help kill oral viruses when used as an extract in toothpaste.
Wine drinkers beware – wine has shown to erode the enamel on your teeth.
Routine dental radiographs may be an effective tool in preventing strokes
35 million people suffer from dental visit anxiety – are you one of them? If you are – Dr. Poss’ office has spa like amenities with massaging chairs, a Starbucks coffee bar and more so you can enjoy your stay!
Powdered fruit, talc, honey, dried flowers, mice, and lizard livers were ingredients in ancient toothpaste and powder.
Americans purchased over 2.7 million miles of dental floss in 1996.
The term “indentured servant” has a dental connection - In the colonial days, debtors were shipped from Europe to America to work as servants. Instead of signing a contract, they sealed their agreement by leaving their dental imprint in wax.

Need to schedule an appointment – visit Dr. Poss – your Nashville Cosmetic Dentist for all your dental needs.

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August 1, 2011

10 Tips for Whiter Teeth

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry,Dentist,Nashville Cosmetic Dentistry — Tags: cosmetic dentist nashville, cosmetic dentistry, nashville cosmetic dentist, nashville teeth whitening, teeth whitening — admin @ 2:58 pm

Maintaining two rows of shining white teeth takes a bit of work, but the benefits can be seen every time you flash your winning smile. By introducing healthy practices to your routine and watching your intake of certain food and drinks, you will pave the way for a whiter smile and the confidence that comes with it. Because your teeth are our priority, we have put together this list of 10 tips for whiter teeth.

1. Brush and floss regularly
This tip is one that parents and dentists have repeated nonstop over the years, but it still holds true. Brushing and flossing remove buildup of plaque that discolors your teeth. Brush your teeth at least twice a day after you eat – once in the morning and once before you go to sleep.

2. Use an electric toothbrush
Many dentists recommend that their patients use electric toothbrushes because they have been shown to eliminate more plaque than manual toothbrushes. The pulsating bristles dislodge plaque quickly and reach areas that are harder to hit with manual brushes, which offers better cavity and gingivitis protection.

3. Drink a lot of water
Drinking water throughout the day – especially during and after meals – rinses your teeth, preventing staining agents from coating your teeth.

4. Pass on tobacco
Tobacco gives teeth an unhealthy yellow color after prolonged use. While smoking or chewing tobacco is a personal preference, consider its effects on your teeth and body before indulging.

5. Eat foods that are natural teeth whiteners
Some raw fruits and vegetables contribute to whiter teeth by scrubbing your teeth while you eat or by encouraging your mouth to produce more saliva. Examples of these foods include apples, carrots, strawberries, celery, oranges, pineapple, cauliflower and pear.

6. Watch what you drink
Wine (both red and white), coffee, cola drinks and black tea can all discolor your teeth. To prevent staining, you can limit your intake of these beverages, alternate sips of water with sips of the beverages, and brush your teeth soon after drinking.

7. Learn to love the straw
Drinking through a straw helps beverages mostly bypass your teeth on the way to your throat, which limits the time the beverage has to stain your teeth.

8. Consider using whitening toothpastes
Many whitening toothpastes use friction to remove plaque and stains from your teeth. By removing some stains, your teeth may appear brighter. You may want to ask your dentist for recommendations about whitening toothpastes.

9. Take a look at whitening strips
Whitening strips can potentially brighten your smile, but it depends on which strips you use. Some brands have been shown to make an improvement while others produce little to no change. In fact, some strips can harm your teeth because their ingredients are harsh on tooth enamel. Before using whitening strips, you should consult with your dentist for a professional opinion.

10. See your dentist regularly
Your dentist’s profession centers around keeping your teeth white and your gums healthy, so who better to give you advice and care? Regular visits to the dentist will keep your teeth free of plaque, and if you do find yourself wanting whiter teeth, your dentist can discuss the latest and greatest teeth-whitening options with you.

Interested in a brighter, whiter smile that you can’t achieve on your own? Try professional teeth whitening with Dr. Poss, your Nashville Cosmetic Dentist.

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