Genetics can determine your overall health, but most people have no idea that genetics can also have an impact on how your teeth will develop.

Microdontia is an oral health problem that is quite common. Small teeth are the first sign that you may be suffering from a disorder that usually runs in families.

Adults that have microdontia may have gaps between their small teeth. This makes it appear as if they still have their baby or primary teeth. If you have small teeth and suffer from microdontia, you may not be able to chew properly, or your teeth might not fit exactly as they should. Over time, this could cause wear and tear, but thanks to 21^st century modern dental restoration techniques, there are some things that you can do to improve your smile and restore your teeth.

According to Dr. Wynn Okuda, one of the most well known cosmetic dentists in the world, what can be done really depends on how severe your microdontia actually is.

Dr. Wynn and his team will give you a thorough mouth exam before determining what types of cosmetic restoration would be best for your particular needs whether it be composite bonding or crowns. Dr. Okuda may also suggest porcelain veneers that can change the shape and size of your teeth. This will make them look like adult teeth instead of baby teeth.  

Porcelain or composite veneers will not remove too much of your natural tooth structure and are quite conservative when it comes to cosmetic dental restorations. Composite bonding is normally used for people who have not made the decision to have porcelain veneers or are on a tight budget. However, it may be more cost effective in the long run, as composite bonding will not last as long as porcelain veneers that offer a superior appearance and more durability.

If you have decided that you would like to improve your toothy grin, even if you do not suffer from microdontia, the American Dental Association recommends that you visit a dentist, such as Dr. Okuda, who has the training, experience, and expertise when it comes to cosmetic dentistry. Some popular cosmetic restorations treatment options include:

Composites

Composites can be used for fillings, to repair cracks or fill in gaps. Composites are designed to match your own tooth color. Made from quartz filler, or a mixture of glass, composites can withstand moderate pressure and actually adhere to the tooth, which allows your dentist to be more conservative when it comes to repairs. This means that there will be less tooth structure removed.

Veneers

Veneers are designed to fit over the top of your teeth. Used on the front teeth they are an excellent choice if you have stained, decayed, crooked, or chipped teeth. The custom-made thin shells are crafted from a model of your own teeth and then manufactured in a dental lab. Veneers are irreversible as it is necessary for your dentist to remove some of the enamel on your teeth in order to accommodate your dental veneers.

Crowns

Crowns are used for a variety of restorations and can actually make a tooth stronger while improving the appearance. Crowns are used for large fillings and to attach bridges. Your dentist may also use a crown to protect a weak tooth and to cover teeth that are misshaped or discolored.

For more information regarding cosmetic dental restorations, please visit our website at www.cosmeticdentistryhawaii.com

You may have just had a checkup two months ago, but if you lose a filling, a tooth or are experiencing any other type of dental emergency, you need to get back to your dentist as soon as possible.

Your new smile complete with porcelain veneers isn’t foolproof, especially if you bit into that irresistible piece of peanut brittle. Your chipped veneer isn’t going to look so good at a party. Luckily, a chipped porcelain veneer can be fixed with the help of an Accredited Cosmetic Dentist. 

Hawaii Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Wynn Okuda is certified to give you back your healthy smile even if you lost an entire veneer or two.

Taking care of your porcelain veneers is essential, but accidents do happen and that’s when you have a dental emergency on your hands. Once your dentist has done the necessary repairs, the rest of your restorations will be checked to make sure there isn’t a bigger problem.

According to the American Dental Association, dental veneers that come off or chip could be occurring because of bite problems. If you grind or clench your teeth when you are sleeping or during the day when you are stressed, you could be causing problems for your porcelain veneers.

Proper or adequate tooth preparation before the procedure may also be to blame. Unless you were treated by a Board Accredited cosmetic dentist, your veneers may have been poorly placed. If preparation was not done properly, the support for the veneer may be inadequate making it more susceptible to chips, cracks, and fractures.

The cement that attaches the veneer to the tooth could be contaminated; this is usually caused by water seeping in during the bonding process. Once this occurs the bond becomes weaker causing your porcelain veneers to literally fall off.

Chips and cracks can be avoided if you are thoughtful about what you put in your mouth. Never chew on ice, pens or anything that would be hard on your natural teeth. Your porcelain veneers are certainly not as strong and can crack or chip.

If you have an emergency, or simply haven’t had your porcelain veneers checked lately, schedule an appointment with your dentist who will make sure that your beautiful remains for years to come.

Misaligned teeth can have negative effects on a person's entire life. Learn which cosmetic dental procedures can help straighten your teeth and improve your life.

If you've been taking steps to avoid mirrors or hide your crooked teeth from others, it might be time to consider a cosmetic dental procedure to fix this common but unsightly problem. Dr. Wynn Okuda and his team at The Dental Day Spa in Honolulu, Hawaii provide a number of cosmetic dentistry procedures, each one aimed at restoring your teeth to a beautiful, natural appearance.

Braces

Although there are a number of different types of orthodontic braces available today, each one is designed to gradually shift crooked teeth into their proper positions using gentle pressure. Dr. Wynn Okuda often suggests this method to patients who have severely crowded or overlapping teeth.

Contouring

If you have slight gaps or overlaps in your teeth, cosmetic contouring might be a great choice for you. Also referred to as enamel reshaping, this procedure involves Dr. Okuda putting his dental artistry skills to use. A bonding material is applied to the teeth and carefully sculpted to achieve a more even look.

Veneers

Veneers work very well for naturally short teeth or those that have moderate gaps or crookedness. They not only change your smile's alignment; the color will be transformed as well. Dr. Okuda crafts a thin layer of porcelain to fit seamlessly on top of your natural teeth, which is secured with a bonding cement. This produces excellent, dramatic results for his Honolulu patients.

Dr. Wynn Okuda has been named the best cosmetic dentist in Hawaii, and has the experience and passion to give you the best smile possible. If you're ready to make a change, contact The Dental Day Spa in Honolulu to learn more about the cosmetic dentistry options for straightening your teeth. Call (808) 734-1099 today!