Oral health is a primary concern for the field of cosmetic dentistry. Cosmetic dentistry is more than just having a beautiful smile. A healthy smile enhances your confidence and restores dental issues that may eventually result in tooth decay or loss.

Purpose of Cosmetic Dentistry
➢ Help you achieve and maintain a gorgeous smile
➢ Whiten teeth that are stained or discolored
➢ Close off gaps or spaces between teeth
➢ Repair or replace teeth lost to injury or decay
➢ Prevent further damage or tooth loss
➢ Realign your bite
➢ Straighten crooked teeth
➢ Relieve dental pain and discomfort
➢ Correct improper chewing habits
➢ Replace outdated treatments
➢ Restore oral health

Your dentist will examine your mouth to determine which cosmetic dentistry procedures might be beneficial to you. Dental procedures vary in amount of time required to complete. Some procedures can be done in one visit, while others may require multiple appointments. Many cosmetic procedures do not necessitate the use of anesthesia, although a local anesthetic may be applied if specifically requested.

Cosmetic Procedures
➢ Braces are used to straighten crooked teeth as well as correct misaligned bites. Traditional braces utilize metal wires and brackets that must be adjusted periodically. A variety of colored bands are available.

➢ Invisalign serves the same corrective purpose as braces without the need for metal wires. Additionally, they are nearly invisible, making them extremely appealing for those who may be self-conscious about getting braces. Custom-made aligners are used to move and straighten your teeth. New aligners are worn every few weeks until your teeth have properly shifted.

➢ Whitening can be performed either by using bleaching trays or via a special laser and solution combination.

➢ Veneers are able to cover teeth that are discolored or stained. They can also change the shape of your teeth.

➢ Bridges and implants are both used to replace teeth that are missing as well as fill in gaps and spaces between teeth.

➢ Bonding is useful for repairing damaged or chipped teeth. It can also alter the shape of your teeth.

➢ Enamel shaping changes the shape of teeth by contouring the enamel, or outer surface of the tooth.

Dr. Cobb uses ceramics and other restoration materials that make the repair to your teeth look natural in appearance and beautiful. It works well when there have been lost or damaged teeth from wear and tear, decay, or even damage from trauma.

Dr. Cobb has trained all his staff to be understanding and caring when it comes to the patient’s care and well-being. It is important for the patient to fee safe and secure during any of the treatments planned for the patient.

Relaxing in the state of the art facility includes Bose Noise Canceling Headphones, iPads and iPods which are available with thousands of videos from Netflix and an endless variety of music from Pandora. They also provide warm towels to help relax the patient.

Dr. Cobb’s dental practice is one of the few offices that employ the use of laser techniques that allow him to perform soft tissue procedures instead of the traditional surgery. The laser limits bleeding and swelling, reduces the need for anesthesia and there is less pain following dental procedures. Without the use of drills and other painful tools, the patient is able to relax during their appointment.

Another advancement employed in the office is digital radiographs, which are a much-improved version of x-rays, which do not deteriorate over time. A much lower level of radiation is needed with this technology.

Make your appointment today for a consultation and meet the friendly and caring team available to you. They will answer any questions or concerns you may have. They also have sedation dentistry for patients that have phobias or fear of pain that is usually associated with dentists. Their trained and caring staff will make you feel at ease from the moment you walk through the front door.

Porcelain veneers are ceramic shells or outer coatings applied to the outer surface of your teeth. Today’s porcelain veneers blend perfectly with the natural coloring of your adjacent teeth so that no one would ever notice the veneer. Instead, they will notice the beautiful results that come about after the application of the porcelain veneer. Veneers also correct the appearance of misshapen teeth and teeth with uneven surfaces, in addition to filling gaps between two teeth. Dr. Cobb will outfit your teeth with porcelain veneers in a three visit time frame.

At your first visit, Dr. Cobb will consult with you about the pros and cons of veneers and show you what you will look like when veneers are applied to your teeth. During your second visit, a thin, 0.5 millimeter layer of enamel will be removed from your teeth to make space for the porcelain veneers so that they can be permanently attached to your teeth. During this time, a temporary veneer may be applied to your teeth until your permanent porcelain veneers are completed by the dental laboratory. Once your permanent porcelain veneers are ready, Dr. Cobb will make adjustments to the fit until you are comfortable, and then the veneers will be permanently adhered to your teeth.

You will notice an immediate improvement in the appearance of your teeth and relief of your mouth pain due to misshapen teeth once the porcelain veneers are bonded to your teeth. This improvement will last a lifetime with careful dental hygiene and regular dental care.

Problems in your mouth may be a result of tooth loss, movement, fractures or wear and tear as you age. The good news is that you aren’t stuck with your mouth being that way for the rest of your life. Restorative dentistry helps you restore your confidence and provides many options for improving your dental health.

After a consultation with a dentist who can analyze the condition of your mouth, you can take the next steps to determine which method of restorative dentistry is most appropriate for your situation. Dental implants replace broken or missing teeth in your mouth to improve your smile and confidence. The implant is typically composed of titanium and fuses to the bone. They are strong and natural looking and provide a long-term solution to dental concerns.

Porcelain veneers place a thin shell on the outer covering of the tooth to brighten a dull or worn smile due to aging. Before veneers can be applied, a thin layer of tooth enamel must be removed to make room for the placement. They’re more ideal to improve the look for a faded smile, as opposed to fixing more serious problems with missing or damaged teeth.

If a gap is a problem in your mouth, you may be a candidate for bridge work. A bridge gets its name from bridging the gap in a patient’s mouth with an artificial tooth that eliminates the gap and also fits comfortably in the mouth similar to a natural tooth. They may be used in combination with other restorative dental procedures for a comprehensive plan to fix all problems in a patient’s mouth.

Andrew C. Cobb, DDS, is a dentist who specializes in Cosmetic Dentistry, Advanced Restorative Dentistry and Dental Implants. For over 25 years, he has served the Washington DC, Chevy Chase and Bethesda areas. Let Dr. Cobb uses composite fillings, which are also known as “white fillings.” These fillings are attractive and durable, and they blend in with your teeth so that they are vitually undetectable.

Even if you have larger cavities, Dr. Cobb can give you porcelain dental inlays or onlays that will also blend in and cover the biting surface of your tooth. Dental crowns are another way to treat weaker teeth that may be at risk of breaking. These crowns also blend with the natural appearance of your teeth.

Come see Dr. Cobb for your dental needs. You don’t have to be embarrassed about your unsightly metal fillings any longer. When you have dental work that is vitually invisible to others, you’ll be proud of your teeth. The next time you smile, you won’t have to cover up ugly fillings and dental work. Having great looking teeth is a simple way to dramatically boost your self confidence. When your self confidence is stronger, you’ll notice positive changes in your relationships, work and personal satisfaction. You can achieve this by doing away with silver fililngs and replacing them with composite resin fillings. Andrew C. Cobb, DDS, is the professional who is qualified to bring the latest innovations in dentistry to you and your family.

According to the American Dental Association (ADA) periodontal disease is more of a concern for tooth loss than cavities. Everyone is potentially at risk for gum disease, but risk factors increase with age, in those who smoke and with pregnancy. The best way to prevent gum disease is good oral hygiene.

Brushing twice daily is important. Many overlook the importance of flossing. With regular flossing comes healthier and tighter gums. Floss goes in between teeth at the gum line, removing food before it can turn in to plaque. Plaque eventually hardens and turns in to tartar which is the culprit for gum disease. Only a dental professional can clear away tartar and treat gum disease properly to prevent damage.

Periodontics is a specialty of dentistry that deals with the treatment of gum disease and its contributing factors. A Periodontist can treat mild gum disease with a regular cleaning, or may recommend a deep cleaning to remove the bacteria below the gum line. Depending on the severity, surgical treatments may be an option. New treatments for gum disease have proven to be more comfortable and provide less down time than ever before. The sooner gum disease is treated, the less treatment that is needed and the better the outcome.

While sore and bleeding gums are common warning signs of gum disease, often there are no signs and symptoms. Only a dentist can tell you whether you have gum disease. Visiting the dentist for regular check-ups can prevent future tooth loss, and keep gums and teeth healthy, always.

Dentures

For those that are missing many or all of the teeth in their mouth, getting dentures is an easy fix. Whether your teeth have fallen out because of an accident, disease or lack of care, they are perfect for any situation that has led to teeth missing. A benefit of dentures is that they can be created to custom fit your mouth and give you a comfortable fit.

Implants

Dental implants can also be used to replace a gap in your mouth where a tooth is missing. The implants are implanted into the jawbone of the patient to ensure a secure hold. With implants, it is extremely important that the patient practice good oral hygiene and have regular dental checkups to make certain that the dental implants are being taken care of and will last as long as they are supposed to.

Crowns

If you have teeth that are decaying or just damaged, a popular option would be to get a dental crown. Dental crowns are beneficial because not only do they add to the physical appeal of your smile, but the crown will also protect your tooth from further damage. They will also provide extra protection from sensitivity in the damaged tooth as well.

Partials

A dental partial, or sometimes referred to as a bridge, is a prosthetic that you would get to replace a few missing teeth. They are usually made of metal or plastic and can be fixed partials or removable ones. The fixed partials attach artificial teeth to your jaw using a dental crown. It can also be attached using implants. The removable partials consist of metal framework that holds plastic gums and teeth. Clasps hold the partials in place, but they can be easily removed for cleaning.

Causes of Clicking Jaws

The jaw operates as a hinge. The jaw muscles, or hinges open and close the mouth. When these muscles becomes stretched or are suffering from an injury the top and bottom jaw can open and close at a different rate. This causes the jaw to click or pop, and since the jaw joints are near the ear the person can feel and hear the clicking sound. Some people think that their jaw has become dislocated, but this is not the case.
There are several causes of clicking and popping jaws.

•Bruxism – when a person grinds their teeth while sleeping, or clenches the jaw tightly, the jaw muscles can be pulled. This can lead to the clicking and popping sound.

•Chewing gum – constantly chewing gum or chewing tough foods such as hard taffy can also stretch the jaw muscles resulting in clicking jaws when eating or talking.

•Trauma to jaw – if a person has an impact to the face it can damage the mandibular, or jaw muscle.

•Stress – a person tightening their jaw or facial muscles, or clenching their teeth during stressful times can result in sore jaws and stretched muscles.

•Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can settle in the jaw muscles

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder

The clicking and popping of the jaw can be a sign of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ). It can result in pain in the face, neck, and jaw and shoulder area when eating, talking or opening the mouth. Chewing can be difficult and there can be swelling on one side of the face.

Treatment depends on an accurate diagnosis being made by experienced dental professionals. Treatment can be as simple as a bite appliance or as serious as restorative or orthodontic treatments. A person suffering from popping and clicking of the jaws should seek assistance at www.cobbdentistry.net/procedures/tmj.aspx

Invisalign’s clear aligner trays are virtually invisible in the mouth. They can be removed for brushing, flossing, eating and playing sports. Invisalign can provide all of the health benefits of braces by gently rearranging teeth, preventing periodontal problems caused by teeth that are crowded or widely spaced. These aligners are made without BPA, a chemical that can leach into the mouth from cheaply made plastics.

The clear plastic trays used in this procedure are custom shaped with the help of x-rays and impressions of the patient’s teeth. This ensures that the aligner trays fit each individual’s mouth perfectly. There should not be any rough spots, chafing or rubbing with a well-made tray. After the initial fitting, the patient receives a whole set of clear aligners. Every two weeks, the patient switches to a new aligner until the set is used up and the teeth are perfectly positioned. This simple process requires only occasional checkups and can be finished in a time frame comparable to traditional braces.

Many teens and adults choose to use these clear plastic products because they want the benefits of dental health without the appearance or irritation of metal braces. Invisalign’s products allow patients to look professional and stay comfortable while reaping the benefits of flawlessly aligned teeth.

Analysis and a careful examination of the patient’s TMJ joints and mouth allow dentists and orthodontists to create specialized therapy treatment plans. In minor cases, corrective therapy aims to relax muscles and calm down inflammation. This can be done through gentle jaw exercises, a soft diet regimen, and warm and cold moist compressors. Other treatment methods include utilizing a splint, oral medication, facial massages, and in extreme cases, surgery. Long term treatment can last well over six months.

Chronic headaches, body aches, and trouble chewing are just a few symptoms that people with TMJ disorder endure. TMJ therapy is an effective method that aims to allow people to feel relief and smile without pain again.