Nashville Cosmetic Dentist | Poss Dental Designs

March 7, 2013

Six Month Smiles Is An Innovative Dental Treatment For Adults

In order to transform a smile, and improve oral health, many people seek traditional metal orthodontics. Although metal braces are a customary method used to transform smiles, and improve oral health, there is another form of treatment that is now being utilized to enhance a person’s oral aesthetics with minimal invasion, time and pain.

One of the newest forms of dental appliances that aid in enhancing smiles are 6-month smiles. Six-month smiles are an inventive type of orthodontics used for straightening a person’s top and bottom front teeth. This dental treatment assists in fixing an assortment of dental problems and can give a person their desired results in as little as 6 months. This alternative to traditional orthodontia is low maintenance and can provide quality results in a fraction of the time.

These appliances are very easy to maintain. Although they are easy to maintain there are certain steps that one must take to ensure suitable oral health while undergoing this type of treatment. The use of regular fluoride rinses and avoiding certain foods, such as popcorn, hard candies and other types of hard foods, are required. Also foods with high acidity and those that are sticky should be avoided because they are harmful to the brackets on these types of braces. Use of a water pick and an interdental toothbrush is also recommended during the course of this orthodontic method to guarantee optimal tooth cleaning.

Although the typical length of treatment is six months, actual treatment times may differ depending on the individual and their particular issues and desired results. Like any other braces there will be slight pain and discomfort upon application of these. The recommended solution for any soreness is the use of over the counter pain relievers.

Only certain people qualify for this short-term option. Those best suited for this treatment plan have crowding and overlapping, overbites and spacing problems. To decide whether these special oral braces are right for you, you will need to have a variety of x-rays and intraoral photographs taken. If you would like to know if you qualify for six-month braces you should contact Dr. Stephen Poss as he is a leader in the cosmetic dentistry industry and is familiar with the application and treatment of these specialty braces.

Comments (0)

January 29, 2013

Treating A Dry Mouth To Prevent Tooth Decay

Filed under: Beautiful Smiles,Cosmetic Dentistry,Dentist,General Health,Oral Health — Tags: dr poss, dry mouth, nashville cosmetic dentist, nashville dentist, nashville oral health, treating dry mouth — bdavis @ 6:40 pm

Dry mouth (xerostomia) is a common problem amongst seniors. It is caused by a reduced flow of saliva, which could be a side effect of a medication or a symptom of a medical condition. If you take antihistamines, painkillers, blood pressure lowering medications, decongestants, antidepressants, muscle relaxants, Parkinson’s disease medications, diuretics or incontinence medications, you will be more likely to suffer from this condition.

An insufficient supply of saliva can cause many problems. Saliva is required to help digest food, wash away stray food particles and reduce the amount of plaque that builds up in the mouth. It also helps to heal sores and prevent infection by controlling the amount of bacteria, viruses and fungi in the mouth. If left untreated, a dry mouth can feel very uncomfortable, can leave a constant dry feeling in the mouth and make it difficult to eat properly. It also makes you more prone to developing mouth sores, experiencing cracked lips and suffering from a rough tongue.

In addition to causing a wide range of oral health problems, dry mouth can cause severe tooth decay. Tooth decay develops when food particles and bacteria join together to form a sticky substance called plaque. Saliva naturally decreases the amount of bacteria in your mouth and prevents plaque from building up on your teeth. A lack of saliva can contribute to plaque accumulation, which can cause the surfaces of your teeth to slowly break down. If left untreated, plaque can damage your teeth and expose their nerves, causing you to feel pain and discomfort.

If you develop tooth decay, Dr. Poss can help to repair your damaged teeth. He can also recommend several products to help alleviate dry mouth symptoms and subsequent issues. Tooth decay is relatively easy to treat in its early stages. If you fail to seek treatment, you may eventually require costly root canal treatment or tooth extraction.

If medication is causing you to suffer from xerostomia, you should first consult with your physician to determine whether it would be beneficial for you to change your medication or adjust your dosage. If this is not possible, you should maintain good oral hygiene by brushing your teeth at least twice daily, flossing daily and eating a range of nutritious foods. You should also visit us regularly for check-ups, dental cleanings and topical fluoride rinses. During your consultation, we may advise you to make changes to your lifestyle to improve your saliva production. Increasing your water intake, chewing sugarless gum, reducing your intake of sugary foods and refraining from consuming alcohol and caffeine-containing drinks may be recommended.

If you reside in the Nashville area and desire more information on the treatments for a dry mouth, contact Dr. Poss, Nashville Cosmetic Dentist to discuss your options.

Comments (0)

December 26, 2012

Options for Teeth Whitening in Nashville

Filed under: Beautiful Smiles,Cosmetic Dentistry,Teeth Whitening — Tags: brentwood dentist, cosmetic dentist, dentist, nashville cosmetic dentist, nashville dentist, nashville teeth whitening, teeth whitening — bdavis @ 11:17 pm

With more innovations cosmetic dentistry, teeth whitening has increasingly become more effective, affordable, and widespread. For anyone looking to improve the shimmer of their smile and the aesthetics of their features, whitening their teeth can create an affable look that everyone will appreciate. There are several options for teeth whitening depending on the current state of teeth stains and the frequency of cleaning necessary.
You can find several toothpastes and mouthwashes on the market that feature a whitening ingredient but over the counter products do not have the power needed to eliminate most stains. A stronger peroxide that can only be found at a dentist’s office is the best solution for whitening. A cosmetic dentist will be able to provide the different types of peroxide bleaches that have the necessary strength for you to get a clean white look. Most teeth whitening products have a peroxide concentration between ten and twenty percent.

No matter what the state of your smile is, clean your teeth thoroughly and frequently or else the whitening process will not last. Some people’s oral health is too poor for some whitening procedures and they need to increase the health and strength of their teeth or gums. If your dentist clears you for a procedure, however, there are several options to take for a pearly white smile.

A bleaching is the most typical whitening procedure used by a cosmetic dentist. When people talk about teeth whitening, bleaching is most often what they a referring to. This procedure is a direct application of peroxide by a dentist. The application takes about an hour and must be done several times over the span of a few weeks for results to show. Zoom! whitening is a more rapid version of this procedure - which speeds up the traditional process.

Whitening gels advertised on television clear away the debris from teeth and replace it with a cleaning and whitening ingredient. You can purchase these from supermarkets but a dentist’s whitening trays will be far more effective. These need to be applied on a regular basis over a long period of time and may take up to a week before the gel takes effect. Unlike the over-the-counter gels, a dentist’s whitening trays will have a much stronger bleaching agent.
If you live in the Nashville area and want more information, contact Dr. Poss to discuss your treatment options. You can decide how white you would like your teeth as well as how quickly you want the process complete.

Comments (0)

November 21, 2012

Smile Makeovers in Nashville

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry,Dental Implants,Dentist,General Health,Nashville Cosmetic Dentistry — Tags: cosmetic dentist, nashville cosmetic dentist, Nashville Smile Makeovers, nashville teeth whitening, teeth whitening — bdavis @ 2:27 am

A smile makeover is like any kind of makeover because it makes your teeth look better. Cosmetic dentistry practitioners in Nashville offer teeth whitening services, alignments, replacement of missing teeth, and more. A healthy looking smile is important to the way you feel about yourself and the way others see you, especially in the job place, but it is also beneficial to have clean, straight teeth if you are looking for a date.

What are the most common problems that affect a person’s smile? They include wide gaps between teeth, alignment issues, and crowding. Dirty teeth are ugly and even though you might have cleaned them, they make you appear to have a poor hygiene routine. Whether you have bad breath or not, people will assume you do and will probably keep their distance. You might end up talking from behind your hand. Chipped teeth are unpleasant to see and to show. Do you currently cover your teeth by only smiling with your lips? Do you mumble for fear of opening your mouth too widely and displaying a dental mess?

A cosmetic dentist can fix just about any of these problems, sometimes in just a few visits. Whitening teeth is simple and effective, utilizing a special gel placed in a tray that can be taken home and applied over night. Consumers report dramatic results with just a few treatments. Custom trays can be designed for individuals with sensitive teeth. Speed up the process by having the gel applied at the office and subject to light treatment, which emits no heat. This will activate the bleach so fast that teeth are whiter just minutes later.

Aligning crooked or crowded teeth does not have to be a long and arduous experience. The same goes for teeth with a wide gap between them. Correct only the teeth that show with tooth-colored brackets, which can take just a few months. Use clear aligners to complete a more thorough correction process.
Fill in teeth that are missing with removable implants. Replace fillings with tooth-colored versions that will enable you to hide the condition of your teeth: silver fillings show up easily. Porcelain bridges will also fade into the background.

If you hide your smile, it might be time to seek the treatments necessary to make you proud of your teeth. Contact Dr. Poss, Nashville Cosmetic Dentist for a consultation today.

Comments (0)

November 15, 2012

Enjoy The Smile Of Your Dreams With Cosmetic Dentistry Nashville

Filed under: Beautiful Smiles,Cosmetic Dentistry,Dental Implants,Dentist,Nashville Cosmetic Dentistry,Veneers — Tags: beautiful smile, cosmetic dentist nashville, dentist, nashville cosmetic dentist, oral health, smile makeovers — bdavis @ 8:45 pm

Cosmetic dentistry has the potential to change your appearance in a positive, uplifting manner. There are many options for cosmetic dentistry Nashville to accommodate individual need and budget. Professional cosmetic dentists can give you a greater understanding of what these treatments have to offer and how they can improve your smile to enhance your personal appearance. The following gives a brief description of some of the most popular and successful treatments for your careful consideration.

Dental Implants

If you have experienced the loss of front teeth due to an accident or disease, dental implants may be a viable solution to repairing your smile. Advanced dental technology has made the process of implants easier and more effective than ever. Modern implants are not only designed to look like your real teeth, but they feel comfortable and natural as well. They are built to conform to your individual mouth structure and surrounding teeth.
Unlike dentures that are removed during the night, implants become a permanent part of the structure of your teeth. In addition to improving your smile, they will help keep your other teeth from shifting and becoming misaligned; implants can also help prevent deterioration of the jawbone.

Veneers

If you have a problem with cracked, chipped or stained front teeth, veneer treatments are available to help create a more attractive smile. Porcelain veneers are slim casings bonded onto the tooth surface to cover chips, cracks and stains. Veneer treatments produce beautiful results without having to extract and replace your natural teeth. These stain resistant casings can be adapted to the size and shape of your damaged or stained teeth to give them a more attractive appearance.

Cosmetic Bonding

Teeth that are slightly misaligned, disproportional or that have sustained minor damage such as chipping can be renovated through cosmetic bonding. This treatment involves reshaping the tooth by applying composite resin so that it has a better shape and exterior appearance. Once the resin dries, the tooth can be shaped and polished to complement surrounding teeth and complete the restoration process. Bonding provides an affordable method of restoring minor defects in your teeth. Unlike porcelain veneers, however, which can last for the duration of your life, this treatment generally has a lifespan of 5-10 years.

Teeth Whitening

Professional teeth whitening treatments benefit individuals who suffer from yellow or stained teeth. These treatments vary depending on individual need. The Zoom whitening technique is highly effective in removing yellow stains and restoring a whiter, brighter smile. This treatment is completed within a dental office setting and entails applying whitening gel to affected teeth and then activating with a specialized lamp to reduce or eliminate teeth stains. The process generally takes approximately one hour and produces long lasting results.

The use of bleaching trays to whiten teeth is a process that can be completed at home. By following dental instructions, you can get optimum whitening results. Home bleaching methods generally take several weeks to see positive results. However, bleaching has been very successful in removing unsightly stains and whitening your smile.

These are but a few of the many treatments available to enhance your smile. By choosing the appropriate treatment, you can have the smile you’ve always wanted for a more attractive and pleasing appearance. Contact Dr. Poss today to learn more about your perfect smile!

Comments (0)

September 5, 2012

Crown Lengthening – Reasons To Have the Proceedure

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry — Tags: cosmetic dentist in nashville, crown lengthening, dentist, nashville cosmetic dentist — bdavis @ 9:47 pm

A smile is often the first thing that people notice about a person. However, not everyone has a naturally symmetrical one. One simple solution to dealing with a smile you are not comfortable with is crown lengthening. In basic terms, crown lengthening is a cosmetic dental procedure that gives people with gummy smiles a dazzling smile. Through this procedure, a dentist, gum specialist or periodontist makes lengthens short teeth. Read on to find out how the procedure is done and how it benefits you.

A gummy smile makes one’s teeth to appear smaller than they actually are. This is because the gum covers a large part of one’s teeth. To correct this problem, the excess gum tissue needs to be removed in order to expose a bigger profile of the teeth. The procedure is fairly simple. To being with, the patient receives the appropriate dose of local anesthesia. After this, the dental health professional makes small cuts to the gum and removes all excess gum tissue. In some cases, a bit of bone covers the crown of the tooth. In such cases, that bit of bone is removed as well. Once this is done, the gums are stitched back up.

The procedure is also useful in cases where tooth restoration is necessary. This offers hope to people with broken teeth and partially decayed teeth. Where the remaining healthy tooth is too small, the procedure exposes a little bit more of it so that restoration is possible. This way, it exposes enough tooth surface area to provide an anchor for veneers or porcelain crowns.

The final result of teeth lengthening is obviously teeth that appear longer. As a result, one gets a fuller and more noticeable smile. The gum line is also sculpted. This is great for making one’s smile more symmetrical, and consequently, much more attractive. Such a smile not only looks aesthetically pleasing but also improves the self-image and confidence of a patient. Some patients have stated that the response to their transformation has been positive, as they appear more approachable.

Another benefit to crown lengthening is that it potentially prevents future dental problems. When adult teeth replace milk teeth, the gum should recede normally on its own. However, when the gum tissue does not do so naturally, pockets may begin to form. These pockets could bring about periodontal disease. Removing the excess gum tissue makes it easier to maintain good oral hygiene. In addition, with more of the teeth exposed, it is easier to clean them through brushing and flossing. So there is better overall dental health as a result of the procedure.

Crown lengthening procedure takes between half an hour to one hour to complete. However, stitches are usually removed from the gums 7 to 10 days after the procedure. Even though the gums will swell for some time, it is possible to go back to work a day after undergoing the procedure. However, full recovery takes about three full months.

If you are not satisfied with how your smile looks, then you should consider having your crowns lengthened. Crown lengthening is a cosmetic procedure that takes about an hour to complete. Teeth will appear longer and the gum line will be more symmetrical, resulting in a gorgeous smile. In addition, the procedure makes it easier to maintain better oral hygiene.

Comments (0)

July 28, 2012

Oral Sedation Takes The Fear Out Of Dentistry

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry,Dentist — Tags: dentist, nashville cosmetic dentist, nashville dentist — bdavis @ 4:06 pm

Why some people fear going to the dentist and others do not is complicated. Their reactions might be the result of past experiences which were painful or stressful. They might inherit dental fear from parents, believe tall tales from friends, or even have watched scary scenes from ‘Marathon Man’ and ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ involving drills, pain, and muffled screaming. What matters is that a person’s fears do not prevent him or her from having regular checkups or getting important dental work done.

Oral sedation might be all a person needs to let go of anxiety and get the job of a simple cleaning finished. This is good news for the dentist and the patient: the patient’s anxiety is tough on dental hygienists too. A dentist could even recommend sedation to a client whose teeth or gums are sensitive to make a cleaning session more palatable and less fraught. Sedation is not just for clients who face complicated procedures.

There are various types of sedatives including IV and laughing gas, but there are risks involved with intravenous sedation. Meanwhile, oral sedation is highly effective. Also, many dentists are able to provide this on-site without a trip to the hospital if the dose is small.

Before asking yourself if oral sedation is right for you, consider a couple of things. First of all, will someone be available to drive you to the dentist? Do you have the time to awaken fully from sedation before going back to work or relieving the babysitter who was minding your children? Will someone be available to pick you up, take you home, and maybe even keep an eye on you until the drug wears off? These are important points to think about since you will not be able to drive or even take public transport when you are groggy. Every body reacts to a particular level of sedation differently, so remember that when you request these services.

Secondly, how much sedation do you want? Would you like to be semi-conscious or just lightly relaxed? Most dentists can look after the latter of these, but not necessarily the first. Oral sedation is not a replacement for pain killers, though. If a painful routine is being done in your mouth, such as root canal or cavities, you will also need to have the area numbed with anesthetic.
Remember, too, that oral sedation can lead to side effects. It cannot be overstated that your dentist should know your full medical history, including any medications you already take. This will help you to make a decision together as to what type of sedative is suitable for you. Your dentist will explain the potential risks of combining a sedative with prescription medications or a particular medical condition. If you are considering taking sedatives before arriving at the dentist, let him know ahead of time. He might prefer it if you are fully awake when you arrive.

Comments (0)

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.

Comments (0)

April 9, 2012

10 Reasons to Visit Your Nashville Dentist Regularily

Filed under: Dentist — Tags: brentwood cosmetic dentist, cancer prevention, cosmetic dentist, cosmetic dentist nashville, dentist, nashville cosmetic dentist — bdavis @ 7:42 pm

Going to the dentist may not be something that you love to do, but it is certainly something that can make you healthier. This can, in turn, make you enjoy your life more completely. Below are the top ten reasons why you need to go on a regular basis, and you should consider them very seriously if you have not been faithfully setting up appointments.

1. Catching Cavities Early
If you do not catch a cavity until it is very advanced, you will need to have surgery to fix the problem. The sooner that you find it, the less invasive this will be.

2. Getting Equipment Adjusted
If you have braces or a retainer, you need to have them adjusted. They cannot simple stay with the same settings for years.

3. Catch Damaging Practices
You may need your dentist to tell you about things that are harming your teeth that you have not considered, such as eating ice cubes.

4. Being Reminded of the Importance of Brushing
A regular visit can help you remember how important it is to brush twice a day. This can keep you faithful to this practice.

5. An Overall Cleaning Promotes Health
The dentist will give you a better overall cleaning than you would ever get from brushing and flossing. This can make your teeth a lot healthier than you could manage alone.

6. Getting A New Toothbrush
Many dentists give out new toothbrushes with every visit. This is a good thing because an old, worn-out toothbrush will not be nearly as effective as a new one.

7. Your Teeth Can Change
Over time, your teeth can shift and change, especially if you are young. Your dentist can help to correct any errors, and he will see the changes.

8. Regular Cancer Screenings
Oral cancer is an epidemic that plaques the US today. Making regular visits to your dentist can help identify any problems in the early stages!

9. Learning About New Technology
There are always new advancements in fields of medicine. You can learn about all of the newest ways to fight diseases and to keep your teeth healthy on a daily basis.

10. Breaking Bad Habits
Finally, you need to have someone catch your bad habits, such as neglecting to floss. This can help you to break them when doing so is still easy.

Although Dr. Poss has a number of reasons why you should schedule regular visits, these are some of the most important – maintain your oral health and your overall health! Give Dr. Poss, the preferred cosmetic dentist in Nashville a call to setup your appointment today.

Comments (0)

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!

Comments (0)

Older Posts »

1646 Westgate Circle | Suite 100 Brentwood, TN 37027

615-373-1056