Cosmetic Dentistry | Poss Dental Designs

June 7, 2012

Changing Your Life with Veneers

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry,Veneers — Tags: beautiful smiles, brentwood cosmetic dentist, cosmetic dentist, cosmetic dentist nashville, cosmetic dentistry, nashville cosmetic dentist, veneers — bdavis @ 3:05 am

Getting along in life is made much easier when you can greet others with a great smile. Unfortunately, some people have teeth that make their smiles less than perfect. The teeth may be yellowed or cracked, making open-mouth smiles embarrassing. For many people, this can lead to a lack of confidence and a negative preoccupation with how others see them, regardless of what others actually think. Veneers can transform an unsightly grin into a beautiful smile that exudes confidence and success.

Veneers these days are typically made from porcelain and they are bonded to the teeth using specialized cosmetic bonding agents, allowing them to last for 10 to 30 years in most cases.

For those who are ready to start showing the world their smiles again, veneers are the best possible solution. They are safe and much less invasive than crowns or implants. The process of getting veneers takes a total of about 3 hours covering two separate appointments. Once the veneers have been put on the teeth, the results are astonishing. In fact, many patients are known to gaze at themselves in the mirror for long periods of time, admiring their new, twinkling smiles. Those who had been afraid, previously, of engaging in social activities are eager to go out to confidently show off their pearly whites.

It may be difficult to believe that veneers can be so impacting, but there is no end to the ways in which they help people become more confident and comfortable around others. They help transform someone in job interviews, during social interactions, when dating, and in every day life. In fact, most would agree that the transformation is truly remarkable, and people who had waited for years before getting veneers typically wish they had done so much sooner.

Even people with minor cosmetic dental issues can benefit greatly from the use of veneers. Not everyone needs to have every single tooth treated for the Hollywood look. Some people just want to improve the straightness of a couple teeth. Others want to fix their gum line, make their teeth larger or simply permanently eliminate discoloration. These minor improvements make a major difference, leading to increased confidence and a greater sense of self-worth.

A smile can make or break any interaction with others. Those individuals who have been keeping their lips sealed for fear of exposing their embarrassing teeth live life thinking that they might never be able to make the right impression. Smiling is simply not an option for them. However, there is a simple solution – veneers.

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March 26, 2012

Smile-Enhancement by Dr. Poss – Nashville Comsetic Dentist

Filed under: Beautiful Smiles,Cosmetic Dentistry,Dental Implants,Nashville Cosmetic Dentistry,Teeth Whitening,Veneers — Tags: brentwood cosmetic dentist, cosmetic bonding, cosmetic dentist, cosmetic dentist nashville, cosmetic dentistry, nashville cosmetic dentist, nashville dentist, oral health, teeth whitening — bdavis @ 6:37 pm

Often thought of as only obtainable by celebrities, cosmetic dentistry is actually a rapidly growing industry. As visiting the cosmetic dentist become more popular and more affordable it also become more accessible to the general public.

Cosmetic dentistry focuses mostly on improving the appearance (and often times the functionality and health) of your teeth and gums. Common cosmetic procedures include bite reclamation, bonding, bridges, gum lifts, reshaping, veneers, and teeth whitening. Some procedures involve the addition of material(s) to your teeth and/or gums, like bonding, crowns, and veneers. Some require removing material from your teeth and/or gums. Finally, some require neither the addition nor removal of materials, like straightening and whitening.

In cosmetic bonding, an enamel-like substance is used to reshape a tooth or teeth as needed. After it is applied and sculpted, the material hardens and is polished. It closely resembles the natural appearance of the surrounding teeth and can be used to fill chips and perfect other such misshapen teeth.

Bridges are used to replace missing teeth. Crowns must be inserted onto the two adjacent teeth. The false tooth is then fused to the crowns to hold it in place. When properly cared for, they can last for ten years or even longer.

A gum lift is the process by which a cosmetic dentist raises and reshapes your gum line. It may involve simply sculpting the gum tissue, or, in more extreme cases, the underlying bone structure may need reshaping. The end goal is to give the teeth a more symmetrical and (if desirable) longer appearance.

Reshaping teeth requires removing bits of the enamel to create the desired look. It can improve the length, positioning, and shape of affected teeth and can fix small chips. The potential issue with enameloplasty is that once the enamel is removed it cannot be replaced. People still opt for it under some circumstances to avoid getting braces and because the results are so fast.

Veneers are also wildly popular for perfecting the appearance of one’s smile. They are made up of porcelain and/or composite materials that mimic teeth’s natural appearance, color, and structure. They are applied in very thin layers that are bonded directly to the teeth. They can completely close gaps as well as disguise discolored teeth that cannot be sufficiently lightened. Christie Brinkley, Kathie Lee Gifford, and Donald Trump are all rumored to have porcelain veneers.

Whitening is by far the most commonly practiced procedure in the industry. There are dozens of over-the-counter at-home whitening products available. However, professional treatments by a cosmetic dentist are recommended for ideal results.

If you are looking to have your smile enhanced cosmetically, Dr. Poss can help build a smile you love! Call the office at (615) 373-1056 to get started today!

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February 29, 2012

Smile Makeovers by Your Cosmetic Dentist in Nashville

Filed under: Beautiful Smiles,Cosmetic Dentistry,Nashville Cosmetic Dentistry — Tags: brentwood cosmetic dentist, cosmetic dentist, cosmetic dentist nashville, cosmetic dentistry, gum contouring in nashville, nashville cosmetic dentist, nashville teeth whitening, nashville veneers, oral health, veneers in nashville — bdavis @ 6:14 pm

A smile is a beautiful thing. It is sad, then, that so many individuals are embarrassed by their smiles. It may be due to poor dental hygiene or simple bad luck, but many individuals have smiles that they feel are simply less than perfect. If you feel this way about your smile, you may wish to visit a Nashville cosmetic dentist for a smile makeover. These makeovers can consist of many different procedures, from those that are basic to newer surgical alternatives. In the end, though, these procedures can help to give anyone the smile that they have always hoped to have.

As you might expect, many individuals visit a cosmetic dentist hoping for only the basics of a smile makeover. The most common procedure is a simple teeth whitening, a process that can not only brighten a smile but help to get rid of years of build up on teeth. Many individuals also take a further step by getting their teeth straightened, especially if they were not fortunate enough to have braces when they were younger. Though a longer process, this aspect of a smile makeover can help to give anyone a beautiful smile.

At the same time, there are many that undertake procedures that are a bit more unusual in the pursuit of a more beautiful smile. One increasingly popular aspect of smile makeovers is the use of veneers. These thin devices can be fit over the front of teeth, improving the look of those teeth that have suffered damage or extreme decay. Other clients seek out procedures like gum contouring, a process that can help individuals with uneven gum lines to even out their smile. Regardless of what is chosen, though, a full dental makeover can allow an individual to smile with ease in situations which may have once been embarrassing.

If you want a smile makeover, it is important to visit Dr. Stephen Poss, Nashville cosmetic dentist. He can not only perform the procedures that you wish to have performed, but they can help you to learn about new procedures that may help you to improve your smile. Whether you want a simple tooth whitening or you want to go so far as to have surgical gum contouring, there are dentists available that can help you to improve your smile. With a little work, you may feel far less embarrassed by sharing your happiness with the world around you.

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Do You Grind or Clench Your Teeth At Night? TMJ Treatment

Filed under: TMJ Treatment Nashville — Tags: cosmetic dentist nashville, cosmetic dentistry, Nashville Headache relief, TMJ Treatment — bdavis @ 4:29 pm

TMJ Treatment, Nashville and Brentwood TN

If you find yourself grinding or clenching your teeth often, you are not alone. In fact, millions of people are afflicted with this condition, which is also known as “bruxism.” Bruxism affects people of all ages – from children all the way up through mature adults. One of the unfortunate effects of bruxism is Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ), which can leave you in daily pain if left untreated.

In this article, we’ll explain more about how teeth clenching and grinding are connected to TMJ, and how you can find relief from the condition today.

How Does Teeth Grinding and Clenching Lead to TMJ?
People who are dealing with bruxism can be susceptible to clenching or grinding their teeth at any time, but it is a bit more common at night. In addition to generating considerable wear and tear on teeth over time, it also continuously stresses the jaw region of the face. Eventually, this repeated movement strains the jaw and leads to TMJ. So how do you know if you might have a case of TMJ?

To get a better idea of whether you have TMJ, take a look at the following common symptoms to see if they sound familiar to you:

Pain or soreness in your face
Pain or difficulty while chewing
Headache, migraine or earache
Discomfort in the neck or shoulders
Clicking or popping noises when you chew

People with TMJ typically experience some of the above symptoms, so if any of those sound familiar you should seek TMJ treatment from a dental professional today. Keep reading to find out how your dentist can save you from the pain and discomfort of TMJ.

How Can Your Dentist Offer TMJ Treatment?
When you visit your dentist to get TMJ treatment, you will be amazed at how much better you will feel over the following weeks, months and years. Dentists are specially trained to get right to the root of the problem using advanced diagnostic equipment. This technology enables them to see exactly where the jaw has been misaligned due to grinding or clenching of the teeth.

Once your dentist has located the areas of misalignment and determined how the jaw should be properly aligned, he or she will design a solution that directly addresses your unique alignment. This solution typically consists of an oral appliance resembling a mouth guard used in sports. This custom oral appliance gradually shifts your jaw into its correct alignment as you sleep and holds it still so you can’t clench or grind your teeth. Over a relatively short period of time, you will find that the pain and other symptoms become a distant memory.

Another thing your dentist can do is use restorative and cosmetic dentistry to repair any damage to your teeth that has been caused by the constant grinding and clenching. If you have endured that problem for a prolonged period of time, you might have cracks, chips or erosion that need to be addressed.

Take control over your TMJ problem today by contacting Dr. Poss. His years of experience treating TMJ will provide the solution you need in the shortest time possible.

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January 28, 2012

What is Your Gum Disease Risk

Filed under: Beautiful Smiles,Cosmetic Dentistry,Dentist — Tags: cosmetic dentistry, gum disease, nashvill cosmetic dentist, oral health — bdavis @ 2:52 am

Any dentist will tell you that gum disease is a health condition that you don’t want to mess with. It can lead to decaying and lost teeth, it has been linked to other conditions such as stroke or heart attack, and it just isn’t as attractive as a set of pink gums surrounding gleaming white teeth.

In order to avoid dealing with periodontal disease, one of the first steps you should take is to assess your gum disease risk to see which preventative measures are right for you. Your dentist is the most qualified to perform this assessment and you should definitely ask for his or her professional opinion. You can also take a look at the following risk factors for periodontal disease to see which ones currently apply to you.

Age – According to studies, your risk of having gum disease nearly doubles once you reach the age of 65. The oral system is affected by aging just like the rest of the body, but with the right dental approach you should be able to keep periodontal disease at bay.
Gender – Women are more likely to have gum disease, which is mainly due to their hormones. As they make their way through puberty, pregnancy and menopause, their hormones change and create an opportunity for gum disease to take root.
Smoking – Smoking is a well-known contributor to gum disease, and it also makes the disease harder to treat.
Poor dental hygiene – Brushing and flossing are two of the best ways to ward off disease, along with regular visits to the dentist. Without doing these things, plaque is free to attach itself to teeth and cause inflammation and swelling in the gums.
Medications – Certain medications can hasten the arrival of periodontal disease. This side effect will usually be explained to you by your doctor and as on your medication’s label.
Health conditions – People with certain health conditions are more likely to develop gum disease. These conditions include diabetes, cancer, osteoporosis and some auto-immune diseases.
Unhealthy diet – People who eat unhealthy foods on a daily or near-daily basis have an increased risk of gum disease.
Stress – Don’t stress out about this, but stress is a factor that can actually lead to periodontal disease. A healthy body is usually great at defending against the infection that causes gum disease, but stress makes it much harder to accomplish that important task.
Other dental problems – Existing problems with teeth or even faulty dental work are suspected of being gum disease causes. The gums can be irritated, inflamed or infected by problems such as fillings with abrasive edges, misaligned teeth, or oral appliances that are dirty or don’t fit correctly.

As we mentioned earlier, your dentist is the first person you should have assess your risk factors and come up with ways to keep your gums healthy. Some aspects are simply out of your control, but for many others you have the power to prohibit them from affecting your gums. Visit Dr. Poss your cosmetic dentist in Nashville, TN to find out about keeping your gums healthy.

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December 31, 2011

6 Resolutions for Better Health in 2012

Filed under: Dentist,General Health — Tags: cosmetic dentistry, general health, nashville cosmetic dentist, resolutions — bdavis @ 2:37 am

How do you want to remember 2012? Do you want to remember it as just another year, or would you like to look back on it as the year you became the healthy person you wanted to be? If you desire the latter option, now is the time to get started.

Your first step should be to visualize your ideal overall health, which will help you shape your goals and formulate a plan. Do you want brighter and straighter teeth? How about a slimmer midsection? Is your goal to ward off health issues such as heart disease or cancer? These things and more are all attainable with the right New Year’s resolutions. To start you on the path to a healthier body and lifestyle, here is a list of six possible resolutions for better health.

1. Pay your dentist a visit twice per year
Your dentist helps to keep your teeth beautiful and ensure that your entire oral system is healthy. By visiting your dentist twice yearly, you will have confidence that your smile is attractive and you are free of plaque and even oral cancer.

2. Floss between your teeth on a daily basis
Flossing between your teeth eliminates plaque, prevents cavities, fights bad breath and prevents gum inflammation that can contribute to more serious health problems. Many people neglect flossing, but you should make it a regular habit to improve your health.

3. Say goodbye to at least one of your bad habits
We all have a few of those habits that we know aren’t good for us, but for some reason they are hard to abandon. This year, identify a bad habit you’d like to put an end to and make a conscious effort to kick that habit. Common New Year’s resolutions include quitting smoking, avoiding junk food and trying to become more organized.

4. Add exercise to your life
Whether it’s lifting weights, practicing yoga, playing basketball or even simply taking a daily stroll, exercise will improve your life in a big way. Exercise fights fat and improves appearance while also offering health benefits such as lower cholesterol, increased energy and stress relief.

5. Maintain a healthy diet
Even if you aren’t overloading on junk food, the foods you eat may still be negatively impacting your health. Some unhealthy foods can raise your cholesterol, widen your waistline and contribute to diabetes. Take a look at your diet and see where you can make improvements, whether it is saying no to certain foods or eating healthier foods.

6. Avoid stress whenever possible
Frequent stress is bad for your health and it can affect your mood and happiness. Identify where you regularly encounter stress – whether it’s in your family life, work life or anywhere else – and do your best to eliminate that stress.

Follow at least some of the above tips and you should be able to make 2012 one of your best years yet. Give Dr. Poss, your Nashville Cosmetic Dentist a call so we can help you accomplish your dental resolutions and show off a bright and healthy smile to everyone you meet.

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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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615-373-1056