Archive for September, 2010
Smile With Dentistry Nyc
Smile With Dentistry Nyc
Dentistry is an extensive field that covers numerous dental treatments and procedures under various categories. Restorative dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, teeth implants and many more treatments are served under the heading of dentistry. And for our convenience all these countless treatments are now easily available to the society with the evolution of dentistry NYC. Any person suffering from the problems of misaligned teeth, dull teeth, broken teeth and other such issues can easily find a solution in the huge field of dentistry. Hence, it would not be wrong to estimate that with dentistry NYC, every person has solution for his or her teeth defect.
Many highly qualified and experienced dentists are practicing in NYC. However, it is your job to inquire about their specialized fields. This information can easily be traced through facility of online services. Dental defect can be of any type. It can either be a minute issue of misaligned teeth or the major problem of loose gums. Hence, it is important for the patient to consult a dentist, so that he can gauge the condition of the teeth and can then come up with a suitable treatment. So, do not worry any more and stay assured with the fact that all dental defects are curable if you visit to a qualified dentist practicing dentistry. Hence, now you do not have to bear the burden of a poor smile or ugly teeth, simply inquire about the dentistry NYC and select your treatment.
In addition to all these services, dentistry NYC also has various treatments for the most common problem of teeth whitening. Irregular brushing, improper cleaning and bad eating habits, often invite the problem of dirty yellow teeth. Excessive intake of tobacco and coffee is also responsible for the same. However, now dentistry has offered numerous solutions to fight against this problem. These treatments are not only instant but are also permanent in nature. Most of the people opt for the quick method of laser treatment to get rid off their dull teeth. On the other hand, for those who cannot afford the expensive cure of laser therapy, other treatments are also available such as teeth whitening products and kits. These treatments may force the patient to pay three or four visit to the dentists but that pain is nothing in front of the remarkable results.
For more detailed information on dentistry NYC, you can also browse through the medium of Internet. Various websites are available on the web that displays quality information about the numerous treatments and methods of dentistry. In addition to this, you can also find the contact details of the dentists who are involved in this practice. Make sure that you visit to a registered dentist only who is certified by the American Dental Association. If your are going for an intense treatment such as tooth implant or any other laser technique, then ensure that your preferred dentist has gained considerable experience in treating such cases. You can also check out the capability of the dentist by consulting with the people who have taken ailments from the particular dentist.
Brad Taylor has a special interest in health related topics and advises people on many aspects related to health. Among other health related topics,dentistry is one field that he is specially interest in.To know more about best Teeth whitening, cosmetic dentistry NYC, Dentistry NYC and dental implants visit www.rubinsteindmd.com.
Comfortable Dentistry
Comfortable Dentistry
To many people, the term “comfortable dentistry” might sound like an oxymoron. These people’s minds are filled with the sounds of dentist drills and memories of wincing as Novocain is administered, cavities are filled, and root canals are performed. Thanks to modern dentistry, however, a trip to the dentist can truly be a comfortable and even relaxing experience.
What Is Comfortable Dentistry?
Much of comfortable dentistry involves making procedures less painful and unpleasant than they have been in the past. To that end, many dentists now regularly use sedation dentistry to help keep patients at ease. In sedation dentistry, patients are offered some combination of oral medication, nitrous oxide (laughing gas), or intravenous (IV) medication.
In particular, some dentists offer their patients a single pill that, when taken an hour before a scheduled appointment, creates intense feelings of calm and relaxation. While sedated, patients can respond to commands and are free from risks associated with full or deep sedation. In many cases, patients leave their appointments feeling refreshed but with little to no memory of the dental appointment.
That being said, comfortable dentistry is about more than alleviating physical pain. Today, many dentists aim to transform the traditional sterile, all-white office environment into something resembling a spa. To that end, a dentist might offer special glasses to block out intense light, aromatherapy, entertainment such as movies, music options, neck pillows, and more.
Questions to Ask About Comfortable Dentistry
When researching your options for comfortable dentistry, consider asking potential dentists one or all of the following questions:
· What do you offer patients in terms of pain relief? Do you offer sedation dentistry? How is sedation achieved?
· What are your general recommendations for highly anxious patients and/or patients who need extensive dental work?
· What is your staff’s approach in working with patients?
· What is your office environment like? Do you offer non-medication-related relaxation techniques or devices? If so, what?
· What additional strategies do you and/or your staff use to make sure patients are at ease during their appointments?
The most important thing to remember is that patients have more options than ever before to ensure that their visits to the dentists are as comfortable as possible. From pain management to anxiety-reducing medication to calming environments, there is no reason why your next appointment shouldn’t be something to look forward to rather than dread.
To learn more about comfortable dentistry options in the Fort Lauderdale area, please contact Dr. Thomas O’Neil today.
Careers in Oriental Medicine
Careers in Oriental Medicine
Today’s careers in Oriental medicine are founded on the rich traditions, philosophies, and practices of ancient Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Candidates interested in pursuing these alternative medicine professions find that there are a variety of occupational paths from which to choose. Whether individuals want to become Tuina therapists, Oriental medicine practitioners, or licensed acupuncturists (among others), modern careers in Oriental medicine and acupuncture offer individuals a unique professional future in holistic health and healing.
Educational Pathways and Oriental Medicine Career Outlook
When you’re ready to get a jumpstart on any one of the fast-growing careers in Oriental medicine, you should determine which course of study is going to meet your professional aspirations. If Asian body work interests you, you can apply to a number of Tuina, acupressure/Shiatsu, or Meridian therapy programs. Tuina is a hands-on program often comprised of 300+ practical training hours. In addition to learning the philosophies of TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine), students get practical training in Tuina (Eastern massage) Tai Chi, and more.
To earn one of the careers in Oriental medicine like professional acupuncturists and Oriental medicine practitioners, it is essential to acquire an in-depth education at an acupuncture college or school. In addition to academic prerequisites, students must dedicate three to four years to rigorous studies in acupuncture, biosciences, TCM philosophies and history, Chinese herbal medicine, moxibustion, cupping, Qigong, Tai Chi, Chinese medical language, and advanced needling techniques, among other related coursework.
Currently, 40 States and the District of Columbia adhere to educational guidelines as prescribed by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) examination (for advanced careers in Oriental medicine).
Those who have successfully completed all training and educational requirements to attain licensure and/or certification to become Oriental medicine practitioners and/or doctors can go onto achieving personally and professionally rewarding healthcare occupations. Individuals, who have developed their careers in Oriental medicine, can earn + per session.
If you (or someone you know) are interested in learning more about these or other alternative medicine occupations, let professional training within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, naturopathy, acupuncture, Chinese medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore careers in Oriental medicine near you.
*Source – BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Careers in Oriental Medicine
© Copyright 2008
The CollegeBound Network
All Rights Reserved
NOTICE: Article(s) may be republished free of charge to relevant websites, as long as Copyright and Author Resource Box are included; and ALL Hyperlinks REMAIN intact and active.
Resource Box: CarolAnn Bailey-Lloyd – Freelance Writer and Web Consultant for HolisticJunction.com, in association with CollegeSurfing.com – Educational Resources for Careers in Oriental Medicine, Acupuncture Schools, and other unique training programs.
Herbal Medicine Explained
Herbal Medicine Explained
Herbal Medicine: What herbal medicine can treat and how safe and effective is it?
In part I of this article we looked at what herbal medicine is and what it uses as its philosophical basis. Part II looks at what herbal medicine can be used for and its safety and effectiveness.
What can herbal medicine be used for?
Herbal medicine can be used in one of three ways:
As the primary treatment for diseases and general health problems
To preventing disease, and/or
Complementary to other natural therapies or orthodox medicine
Up until about 200 years ago, herbal extracts, teas, baths, etc., were the primary forms of treatment available to doctors. In fact Pedanius Dioscorides an ancient Greek physician, pharmacologist and botanist from Anazarbus, Cilicia, Asia Minor, wrote ‘the bible’ on herbs and early medicinal substances extracted from plants in the first century AD.
To this day, pharmaceutical companies still use herbal medicines in their drugs (they just don’t advertise that fact). He described over 600 medicinal plants, their use and actions with respect to treating diseases.
In the early 19th century, when methods of chemical analysis first became available, scientists began extracting and modifying the active ingredients from plants. Later, chemists began making their own version of plant compounds, beginning the transition from raw herbs to synthetic pharmaceuticals. Over time, the use of herbal medicines declined in favor of pharmaceuticals.ý
A skilled herbalist is able to use medicinal plants to treat any disease known to man. Granted, some diseases such as cancer for example, are not treated easily, but are treatable with herbs. The limit is not the limitations of herbs, but the skill of the physician. And, let’s face it – that’s the same for any system of medicine.
In short, herbal medicine has been used since the dawn of man and is still as effective today as it ever was in treating virtually any disease safely and effectively.
What forms does herbal medicine come in?
Herbal medicines come in several forms of administration. These include:
Extracts and tinctures
Creams and ointments (therapeutic creams & ointments as well as herbal skin and personal care products)
Herbal teas
Hand, foot and sits baths
Tables & pills
Poultices
Once a herbalist has identified the underlying reasons for the manifestation of the disease a patient is afflicted by and has worked out the herbal mixture required to address this disorder, it is then necessary to establish the best way of administering the herbal medicines.
One would logically think that taking the herbs in their liquid or pill form might be the best and easiest way to take the medicine, however, often it may not be.
Without getting into the details and chemistry of how active constituents of medicinal herbs are extracted, let’s have a quick look at the ways in which herbs may be used.
Extracts and tinctures are generally made by using a certain amount of the dried or fresh herb and than mixing this with alcohol. The alcohol dissolves most of the plant’s constituents and suspends them in the alcohol. This is what is basically known as a tincture.
Alcohol will extract almost all the ingredients contained in the plant material. Unlike alcohol, water will extract fewer of the ingredients. Water is a universal solvent and many of the substances contained in herbs will dissolve into the water. However, alkaloids and fats may not. If some of the alkaloids are not wanted, then a tea or sits bath (water extraction) may be preferable.
Poultices are used externally. They are prepared by crushing the plant, usually the fresh plant or parts thereof, mixing it with a base cream, honey, yoghurt or similar substance, which is then applied directly to a specific part of the body. This type of treatment is particularly effective when treating wounds, bruising, joint and bone injuries, local infections, localized skin disorders, gangrene, etc. But can also be used to treat some chronic internal diseases of organs.
In short, there are different horses for courses. In other words, the type of application will depend on the specific needs of the individual patient and their particular type of disease. For example it might not be wise to treat a patient who suffers from alcoholism and liver cirrhosis with an alcohol-based herbal mixture…
Is herbal medicine a safe form of treatment?
Herbal medicine in the hands of a qualified, experienced herbalist is very safe and has minimal risk of side effects. However, just because herbs are natural does not automatically make them safe. Remember, Arsenic is natural and deadly.
Opium from the Poppy flower is highly addictive, lead is poisonous and so are most other heavy metals, yet they are all 100% natural substances. So don’t be fooled – natural is not necessarily harmless.
Having said that, herbal medicine is one of the safest forms of medicine and is very unlikely to cause harm if used as prescribed by a qualified herbalist.
Unlike pharmaceutical drugs, which are mainly synthetic, man-made substances, herbs are easily assimilated in our bodies. They are also easily eliminated and do not usually accumulate. A herbalist will also frequently change the herbs in a patient’s mix as their health picture changes.
In short, herbal medicine, if prescribed by a qualified and experienced herbalist, is one of the safest forms of treatment, causing few, if any, side effects.
Danny Siegenthaler is a doctor of traditional Chinese medicine and together with his wife Susan, a medical herbalist and Aromatherapist, they have created Natural Skin Care Products by Wildcrafted Herbal Products to share their 40 years of combined expertise with you.
They practice Herbal and Chinese medicine at their Wildcrafted Cottage Clinic.
© Wildcrafted Herbal Products 2008
Chinese Medicine Universities: Teaching Ancient Healing Arts
Chinese Medicine Universities: Teaching Ancient Healing Arts
Find Chinese medicine universities in the United States and Canada. Chinese medicine universities teach healing arts that are derived from ancient Chinese medicine practices. Today, students enrolled in any number of Chinese medicine universities will discover exciting academic prospects through Master’s programs, certificate and diploma programs, and relative continuing education courses.
In any one of several Chinese medicine universities, students will be introduced to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theories and philosophies, Chinese medical terminology, TCM diagnosis; and Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture. Depending on which one of the many Chinese medicine universities you choose to attend, you will find that most of these academic institutions extend classes in tuina (Chinese medical massage), moxibustion (cupping), acupressure, shiatsu and basic herbal medicine. These sometimes elective subjects are frequently integrated into main courses of study, such as acupuncture and Oriental medicine programs; but may also be afforded as separate certificate and/or diploma programs. In addition, many Chinese medicine universities will provide continuing education to students wishing to maintain licensure, and/or to maintain up-to-date skills and knowledge in the diverse fields of Chinese and Oriental medicine. Some associated studies taught through Chinese medicine universities may also include training in Tai Chi, meridian therapies, and related Oriental massage techniques.
Training programs at Chinese medicine universities cover a broad spectrum of natural and other healing arts. However, in addition to traditional Chinese medicine instruction, students enrolled in acupuncture and Oriental medicine courses will learn about anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, plant chemistry and a wide assortment of related subjects of study. Furthermore, many Chinese medicine universities do require some formal education prior to entry into any one of their more advanced courses, such as that of Doctor of Oriental medicine or Acupuncturist.
If you (or someone you know) are interested in finding appropriate Chinese medicine universities to help attain your dream job, let education within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, cosmetology, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore career school programs near you.
Chinese Medicine Universities: Teaching Ancient Healing Arts
© Copyright 2007
The CollegeBound Network
All Rights Reserved
NOTICE: Article(s) may be republished free of charge to relevant websites, as long as Copyright and Author Resource Box are included; and ALL Hyperlinks REMAIN intact and active.
Resource Box: CarolAnn Bailey-Lloyd – Freelance Writer and Web Consultant for HolisticJunction.com, in association with CollegeSurfing.com – Educational Resources for Oriental Medicine Schools, Chinese Medicine Universities, and other Alternative Healing Schools.
Chinese Medicine Training Today
Chinese Medicine Training Today
Find Chinese medicine training in the United States and Canada. Today, Chinese medicine training is readily available in America. Students drawn to the healing arts will find that several acupuncture and Oriental medicine schools offer a variety of Chinese medicine training programs.
While a number of these academic courses include practical Chinese medicine training in Qi gong, Tai Chi and Tuina, there are a great many of alternative medicine and conventional medicine schools that have been or have begun offering extensive Chinese medicine training in acupuncture and TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine).
As both a complementary and alternative healing treatment, Chinese medicine training is critical to potential healers seeking to become certified and/or licensed practitioners of the art. In modern academic institutions, Chinese medicine training curriculums encompass a wide array of health classes, including but not limited to studies in shiatsu, acupressure, acupuncture, Chinese medicine philosophies and theories, herbal medicine, moxibustion (cupping), Asian bodywork therapies, meridian therapy and other related instruction.
In addition to standard curriculum, students participating in one of a number of Chinese medicine training programs will find that some of the more advanced subjects of study (i.e.., Master’s and/or Doctorate programs) will include lessons in Chinese medical terminology (often in Mandarin), pathology, physiology, anatomy, chemistry and pharmacology.
Students, who desire to enroll in degreed courses (such as acupuncture and Oriental medicine degrees) will discover that many Chinese medicine colleges and schools often require standard prerequisites prior to enrollment. Requirements may include formal education and training at a conventional college, university or technical school. It is always wise to carefully examine all academic requirements prior to applying for any number of Chinese medicine training programs; as schools may vary in this aspect, as well as tuition, program lengths, accreditation, etc.
Other Chinese medicine training programs commonly include certificate programs in Chinese herbal medicine, Tai Chi, Tuina and acupressure – to name a few. Students choosing Chinese medicine training in a variety of massage therapies may qualify to sit for the national certification exam to become certified massage therapists (again, this depends on course curriculum and whether school meets state and/or national educational requirements).
If you (or someone you know) are interested in finding appropriate Chinese medicine training to help attain your dream job, let education within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, cosmetology, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore career school programs near you.
Chinese Medicine Training Today
© Copyright 2007
The CollegeBound Network
All Rights Reserved
NOTICE: Article(s) may be republished free of charge to relevant websites, as long as Copyright and Author Resource Box are included; and ALL Hyperlinks REMAIN intact and active.
Resource Box: CarolAnn Bailey-Lloyd – Freelance Writer and Web Consultant for HolisticJunction.com, in association with CollegeSurfing.com – Educational Resources for Oriental Medicine Schools, Chinese Medicine Training, and other Alternative Healing Schools.
Cosmetic Dentistry Nyc Adds to your Charm and Personality
Cosmetic Dentistry Nyc Adds to your Charm and Personality
Many times we realize the value of good things only when we lose them and our precious set of teeth could be one of those things. A simple carelessness on our part or perhaps a disease or even an accident can cause permanent disfigurement to our teeth. Cosmetic dentistry NYC could be a modern day solution to these problems. It has the ability to restore and beautify our teeth so that we are no longer embarrassed in social circumstances. Now every kind of dental problem whether it is yellow teeth, tooth decay due to germs, broken or misaligned tooth, chipped teeth and even in cases where a tooth or teeth have fallen out due to disease or accident can be taken care of, thanks to cosmetic dentistry NYC.
Cosmetic dentistry is a branch of dentistry where the focus is on improving or modifying the appearance of the patient’s oral cavity and surrounding area to prevent or treat structural, functional or organic oral diseases. Cosmetic dentistry NYC can restructure the appearance of a person’s mouth so that it is more visually appealing and enhances the looks and personality of the patient opting for such a surgery. The common treatments that fall under the category of cosmetic dentistry NYC or any other state are tooth bleaching or teeth whitening, enamel shaping, bonding and veneers. Even the dental filling and materials for teeth restoration that were used earlier for cosmetic dentistry were made of gold, amalgam and other metals. Some of them might have been veneered with porcelain. The recent innovations have made it possible to completely use porcelain or composite materials that closely resemble the natural set of teeth.
Cosmetic dentistry NYC provides a variety of options to the person who wants to go in for a restructuring of his or her dental structure. The most common recommendation for a cosmetic dental procedure is that of teeth whitening. Regular substance abuse, consuming edibles of extreme temperature like too hot coffee or frozen desserts can severely alter the color of our teeth, giving them an unpleasant tinge of yellow. A dentist supervised process can make our teeth regain their gleaming whiteness. A small chip in the teeth can be corrected by the process of enamel shaping that is another tool available under cosmetic dentistry NYC. This process removes part of the contouring enamel that improves the appearance of the tooth. Another option under cosmetic dentistry NYC for chopped or broken teeth will be that of bonding. In this process enamel-like composite material is attached to the tooth’s surface, molded into shape, hardened and then polished.
Cosmetic dentistry NYC also has the solution for people who may be embarrassed to admit in social situations that they have gone in for such a dental procedure. The invisalign braces and ultra-thin veneers are a concrete step in that direction. The extensive use of porcelain or composite material for dental work makes cosmetic dentistry undetectable in the people who have opted for it. This has induced many more people with dental problems to step out into the forefront and get rectification measures implemented on their teeth. Overall, we see that cosmetic dentistry NYC has brought hope to a lot of people who had earlier been suffering quietly.
Brad Taylor has a special interest in health related topics and advises people on many aspects related to health. Among other health related topics, dentistry is one field that he is specially interest in in.To know more about best teeth whitening,Restorative Dentistry and Dental Veneers,Cosmetic Dentistry NYC visit www.rubinsteindmd.com
Cosmetic Dentistry Nyc : Giving People a Reason to Smile
Cosmetic Dentistry Nyc : Giving People a Reason to Smile
In the present era of science and technology, it has become very easy to get rid of those inborn defects that affect your personality. It is either cosmetic surgery or cosmetic dentistry NYC both are made to enhance one’s beauty and confidence. People who have any problem with their denture, teeth color, or alignment may now take a sigh of relief, as it is now possible to remove your minor and even major dental and oral defects with cosmetic dentistry.
In past time, people were satisfied with the dental science as it was able to sort out their dental problems. Traditional dentistry was focused on the oral health but with changing time where look and overall personality is so important, tradition dentistry is lacking somewhere in providing people complete satisfaction. Now people have become conscious for their looks they do not hesitate in having multiple surgeries for looking beautiful. In such a situation if one’s smile or denture is the reason for his/her unattractive looks, cosmetic dentistry NYC can help them out. Cosmetic dentistry NYC takes care of the appearance of a person’s teeth mouth or smile. It may also help in restoring of decayed teeth by proving facility of filling the teeth. Until the emergence of cosmetic dentistry, it was not possible for people to properly align their misaligned teeth. People used to wear braces for years without any affirmation of sure improvement. Though it was more embarrassing for them to move with braces on their teeth but with a hope of improvement they kept n wearing them. Cosmetic dentistry NYC not only relieved people from embarrassment of wearing ugly braces but also enhanced their confidence.
With cosmetic dentistry, all dental treatments have become easy and effective as never before. People are getting their missing tooth replaced just through few sittings with dentist. Not only this getting a dazzling white smile or realigning a bad set of teeth is also very easy now. Cosmetic dentistry NYC is making people smile more confidently and maintaining the natural appearance of your smile and appearance. Many people have older filling replaced with the latest and tooth colored filling to enhance the magic of their smile.
Cosmetic dentistry NYC includes many procedures such as filling, teeth whitening, dental veneers, bonding and dental implants. The repair of broken teeth can also be done through a procedure called bonding. In this procedure, a dental compound material with the look of enamel is applied to the surface of a tooth. After some time it is then it is shaped and polished to hide the crack. Possibly teeth whitening is the most commonly opted for cosmetic dentistry NYC procedure. People who have lost the original white color of their teeth due to smoking food, or poor oral hygiene can make their teeth whiter and brighter as before. All those treatment are just to enhance the overall appearance of people who have problems with their smile. Result of treatment of cosmetic dentistry NYC is not only an enhanced smile, but also a more attractive appearance, since dental problems cause a unattractive face and stale smile.
Brad Taylor has a special interest in health related topics and advises people on many aspects related to health. Among other health related topics, dentistry is one field that he is specially interest in in.To know more about best teeth whitening,cosmetic dentistry NYC,restorative Dentistry and dental implant visit www.rubinsteindmd.com
Dentistry: From the Medieval Barber to our Cosmetic Dentistry
Dentistry: From the Medieval Barber to our Cosmetic Dentistry
During medieval times
In the Middle Ages, local barbers practiced the basics of dentistry as a side benefit for their hair-cutting clients. It was an added bonus often only available to wealthy clients. Theycould go in for a shave and a haircut and get a tooth pulled, all in one sitting. There was no anesthetic in those days, other than alcohol. But once the extraction was done, toothache was gone, a great blessing. Medieval people also used tooth extraction to treat other health problems, and we know now that gum disease can indeed spread throughout the body and cause health problems which don’t at first seem at all related to dental issues.
In a sense, it was quite understandable that barbers would perform dental duties, since they were the ones always equipped with sharp knives and razors.
Eventually the barbers divided themselves into two groups. One group was educated and trained in the surgical techniques necessary to perform more complex operations. The other group specialized in more routine practices of oral hygiene, tooth extraction and bleeding.
Dental Implements
Tooth extraction instruments were developed through the 17th and 18th centuries and were known as dental keys. They looked like door keys, except that the end piece was a pincer, or claw, which was tightened over the tooth. Then the key was twisted to loosen the tooth for extraction. Improvements were made to reduce damage to neighboring teeth, jaw fractures, and gum injuries. In the 19th century, dental keys were replaced with modern forceps. By then too, novocaine was available, and a variety of other anesthetics, including cocaine.
Emergence of Modern Dentistry
The man dubbed “Father of Modern Dentistry is a 17th century French doctor called Pierre Fauchard. He developed artificial teeth and dental fillings, and made the connection between sugar and tooth decay.
The first dental school in the world began in Baltimore, MD in 1840, and the first dental school connected with a university began in 1867 – the Harvard Dental School. In Britain, dentistry was created as a separate profession in 1878, with laws which restricted the terms dentist and dental surgeon to trained and registered practitioners. In 1880, the British Dental Association was formed and did major work in prosecuting illegal “dentists”.
General Dentistry
By the 20th century, general dentistry was an accepted profession in its own right, so that a dentist must graduate from a dental school and earn a licence to practice. There are many professional organizations which dentists join to stay in touch with new ideas and technologies, and in touch with their peers. These organizations, such as the American Dental Association (ADA) and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) support the profession by offering further training, funding research, and enforcing standards for their members.
Today’s Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry is not typically taught in standard dental schools. A dentist must go on to graduate school to learn the art and science of dental beauty and how it relates to dental health.
What is the very first feature you notice about another person’s face? Often it will be their smile. This outstanding feature, whether for its good or bad qualities, is often the first thing to become etched in the mind, defining that other person.
For this reason, many people try to make their smiles the best they can be and keep their mouths and teeth as healthy as possible. Regular visits to the dentist twice a year are a necessary fact of life in order to maintain a healthy smile.
But today’s cosmetic dentists can offer you much more in the way of improving your smile. They can remove stains, replace, repair, reposition, and reshape teeth, and even staighten crooked or crowded teeth without using braces. Here are some of the other procedures available through today’s cosmetic dentistry.
· Tooth Shaping – Tooth enamel is removed in tiny amounts to improve appearance.
· Porcelain Veneers – custom-made shells are placed over the front of existing teeth to reshape them, hide stains, or give them a straighter look.
· Dental Bonding – Tooth-colored material is applied to improve the appearance of teeth that have spaces between them, are broken, chipped or cracked, or have stains that won’t come off in a tooth whitening procedure.
· Teeth Whitening – A professional-strength whitening agent brightens teeth and removes stains caused by factors such as age, smoking, coffee or black tea.
Today’s cosmetic dentists perform many high-tech dental procedures to help enhance the beauty of your smile. The school of choice for advanced training in cosmetic dentistry is the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies (LVI). So if you would like to improve your smile, and have more reason to smile, choose a dentist who has graduated from LVI.
Finding a Cosmetic Dentist: Hard, But not Impossible
Finding a Cosmetic Dentist: Hard, But not Impossible
A good smile can improve virtually every aspect of how we are perceived. People with a bright smile seem not only more attractive, but more kind, and more intelligent, according to a study by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentists (AACD). In fact, 99.7 % of adults believe a smile is an important social asset. But if you have a smile that’s less than perfect, it is very hard to share that smile, and the inevitable consequences can include a loss of social esteem, damage to your personal relationships, and even impairment of your career advancement.
The problem is that, once we have decided to get our smile fixed, finding a dentist we trust to do the work is virtually impossible. After all, with something this important, we want to know that our smile is going to look great, that we won’t be getting more treatment than we need for our problem, and that the solution will not hurt the functionality of our teeth, which is just as important as their appearance. After all, there are so many dentists around, especially in a large metropolitan area like Irvine.
Not only is it necessary to find a dentist who is competent and experienced in performing a wide range of cosmetic dentistry procedures, including tooth whitening, dental bonding, cosmetic fillings, and porcelain veneers, but you must find someone you are comfortable working with. After all, you have to be able to tell the dentist about some of your most personal insecurities, something you can’t do if you don’t wholly trust the person.
The Longest Journey Begins with but a Single Step
Although it seems daunting to find someone who is both competent and caring, the only way to get started is to actually get started with small steps. First, mention that you’re thinking about having the work done to some friends and family. See if anyone has had any work done and would recommend their practitioner. If so, you’ve lucked out. Not only can you get a personal testimony from someone you know, but you can actually look up-close at the dentist’s work.
If you’re not so fortunate, you have to go the harder route by:
· Searching online
· Looking in the phone book
· Asking your physician or even a general dentist if they recommend anyone
Especially in a large area like Irvine, these methods are likely to give you several to choose from. Of course, rate any cosmetic dentist recommended by your physician or GD very highly, but you should not make it your only factor in making your decision.
Study the Dentists’ Websites
Nowadays, any dentist capable of performing the procedures you need is likely to have a website. You will want to look at all these websites, but don’t be fooled by mere cosmetic trim. You want a dentist whose website is not only cosmetic, but functional, just like you want your smile to be. In particular, look for:
· The dentist’s education, training, and experience
· The dentist’s professional affiliations, especially positions showing they are respected by other dentists
· Before and after pictures, especially current ones
· Descriptions of procedures you think you might need done
Take in all this information, write down notes and begin to prepare for the next step.
Schedule Complimentary Consultations
Reputable cosmetic dentists will offer free initial consultations, and you should take advantage of this to find out which dentist you would like to work with. Take all the information you gained from the website, and a list of questions. Be sure to ask:
· For any clarifications about education and training
· Whether the images on the website are actual patients or models
· For testimonials or contact information from former patients
· Whether the dentist is just cosmetic or if s/he practices other areas of dentistry
· What types of veneers, crowns, and bonding the dentist uses
· What comfort level the dentist has with the various procedures
· Whether you will get to see the same dentist throughout your course of treatment
While you are at the office, be sure to make careful observations of its condition, and the condition of the patients, both before and after they see the dentist. Arrive early for your appointment and see whether a large number of patients are kept waiting and for how long.
Of course you should not choose the first dentist you go to. You should visit several to establish a basis for comparison and choose from among them to find the one that is most likely to make you feel comfortable and well-cared-for.
If you are looking for an experienced and well-trained cosmetic dentist in Irvine, there’s no better place to start than with Dr. Joseph Henry at the Orange Center for Cosmetic Dentistry. Come take a look at our website and then schedule your free initial consultation.