Did you know that biting your nails is not only bad for your fingers, it can actually hurt your teeth!
While some of these dental health “don’ts” can do immediate damage to your teeth (by cracking or breaking them), the effects of others may add up over time, harming your dental health in the long run. Here are the top habits to quit — for your teeth’s sake.
Chewing ice. This seems harmless enough because it’s sugar-free and all natural, but the cold and hardness of the cubes can actually do damage to your teeth by chipping or cracking them.
Using your teeth as a tool. Have you ever used your teeth to open a bag or a bottle? Then, you’re guilty of this habit. Leave the teeth out of these activities and you’ll keep them in your mouth longer.
Drinking soda. Soda is full of sugary and acidic, even sugar-free soda is acidic and harmful to teeth.
Daily consumption of one or more soda products can bathe your teeth in decay-causing fluid. Juice and alcohol aren’t much better. Drink water instead it’s healthiest for your teeth.
Nail biting is bad for your teeth, not only does it endanger your health by introducing germs and viruses into your system, it can also cause your teeth to move out of place and, in rare instances, the tooth enamel can splinter. Clip your nails properly and keep them out of your mouth.
Tongue piercings may be trendy but they’re not teeth-friendly. Biting down on a metal stud can crack a tooth. Lip piercings pose similar risks. The metal rubbing against the gums can cause gum damage that can lead to tooth loss. Lots of bacteria live in the mouth so piercings can increase the risk of infection…so think twice before getting that tongue or lip pierced.
Snacking on starchy junk foods. Snacking produces less saliva than eating a full meal leaving the residue from the food in your mouth longer. Starchy snacks, like chips, pretzels and crackers, can produce a buildup of partially chewed food in your teeth. Minimizing junk foods helps improve your oral and physical health.
Chewing on pens or pencils. Just like with chewing on ice, this habit can cause teeth to crack or chip. Go for the sugarless gum if you feel the urge to chew on something. It will trigger saliva flow which makes teeth stronger and protects against enamel-eating acids.
Smoking cigarettes. Tobacco wreaks havoc on teeth. It stains them and can cause them to fall out as a result of gum disease. Tobacco is also a cause of cancer to the mouth, lips and tongue.
For more information on Oral Health contact our International Patient Coordinator at clinic@davincisdentalcare.com or call us at 305 280 2272
Implant Supported Overdentures
In cases where all of the teeth have been lost or need to be replaced, an over-denture or full arch bridge may be a more practical and economical solution to individual implants. They can be supported by a varying number of implants, depending on the condition of the bone and gum and other factors determined by a 3D Dental Tomography … So let’s take a look at the options
There are three main types of overdentures:
Implant-Retained, Gum Supported
With this treatment, the over-denture rests directly on your gums and is attached to implants placed into your upper and/or lower jaw. The over-denture, which is removable, is secured to your implants through attachments fixed into the denture.
Bar-Retained, Implant Supported
With this treatment, the overdenture is connected to attachments on a metal bar that is in turn connected to implants surgically placed into your upper and/or lower jaw. The overdenture, which is removable, is secured to the bar through attachments fixed into the denture.
Fixed, Implant Supported
With this treatment, the over-denture is secured directly to implants placed into your upper and/or lower jaw. The over-denture is only removable by a dentist. This option gives the closest resemblance to natural teeth and gums
X-MIND® TRIUM is a key tool for treatment planning and post-procedure follow-up.
3D technology that facilitates osseointegration with instant volume measurement and bone density assessment. X-MIND® TRIUM is equipped with an acquisition and reconstruction algorithm which ensures a perfectly uniform and high-quality image on all visual axes.
By displaying highly accurate 3D images of the anatomy of the patient in one scan, X-MIND TRIUM provides a fully comprehensive view of the patient’s arch and facilitates accurate evaluation of bone density and the positioning of the anatomic structures to be able to place implants more confidently.
In addition to this, 3D imaging enables the size and shape of the implants to be made in proportion to the morphology of the patient, and provides very clear and accurate images for transverse sections, the volume calculation of bio material needed for sinus elevation surgery and guided surgery with Acteon imaging Suite software.
Minimally invasive dentistry is the modern approach to dental care and is a growing trend. Its main goal is to treat the bacterial infection — before you ever need tooth repair removing the bacteria so that cavities don’t occur, not only is It safer, it’s less painful too!
You might have heard your dentist or TV ads talk about dental plaque. It’s why you’re told to brush and floss to avoid cavities. But did you know these facts about plaque?
It’s a village of bacteria living on your teeth.
Bacteria can spread.
Filling cavities doesn’t cure the disease.
With minimally invasive dentistry’s technology, we can treat bacteria from the start. Surgery — drilling and filling cavities — doesn’t have to be a way of life. If your teeth do need repair, we offer treatment without the dental drill.
Minimally invasive dentistry’s most advanced technology includes:
Air abrasion to remove decay without the drill
Onlays and Inlays
Intra-Oral camera and Micro Dentistry
Oral cancer detection
Dental ozone
Sealants to protect teeth from bacteria
Modern Implants
Digital low radiation imagery
Digital Smile Design technology
All of these techniques and technologies are non-invasive, faster, and healthy options for tooth repair and restorations.
Experience the DaVinci’s Difference!
If you would like to find out more information about Non-Invasive Dentistry or would like to book a consultation with us contact our International Patient Coordinator at clinic@davincisdentalcare.com
or call us at 305 280 2272
We get many inquiries from people asking for a rough estimate on a complicated dental treatment plan. A plan that could vary significantly both in timeline invested for the patient and the overall budget.
Here are 3 reasons getting the proper x rays helps you…
Proper X rays give your Dental team the best picture of your oral health, providing you with the most accurate timeline and the most accurate price.
Proper X rays give you a complimentary second opinion, many treatment plans are considered invasive and costly, having a second opinion gives you the benefit of an alternative treatment option and peace of mind that your treatment plan is sound.
Proper X rays help you in determining your real costs so you can set a realistic budget, it also means there are no surprises in the quoted costs once you arrive.
it is easy once you know your true budget to compare the savings by completing your dental treatment in Costa Rica.
For more information on the right kind of x rays for your treatment plans contact our international patient coordinator at clinic@davincisdentalcare.com or call us today at 305 280 2272
Experience the DaVinci’s Difference!
People often ask what is included in the treatment quote. At DaVinci’s Dental Care we include all as a package price which includes anticipated single x rays, medications during treatments, healing caps, abutments etc. giving you all pricing upfront prior to your appointment.
Make sure you do your due diligence as some clinics only include the mayor procedures leaving out x rays, medications, consultation and other treatments required, it may seem like the price is lower but when you add it all up at the end of the day all those incidentals have increased your treatment plan quote by 25% and sometimes higher. Some clinics charge as a unit price based on procedures and their insurance code and then charge out for everything including simple stuff like a quick mouth rinse.
Understanding the treatment quote is essential to making sure your budget is correct, and in making sure there are no surprises once you show up for your treatment. The best way to avoid this is to give as much information to your dental team as possible, limited dental information means limited estimate.
Here are some Tips to ensure you are getting the most comprehensive quote for your Dental treatment.
If you have X rays or a treatment plan from your current dentist then share it with your Costa Rica dental team this will provide you the benefit of 2 key points of information; A) a 2nd opinion B) a treatment by treatment price comparison.
Take the time to have a conference call with the Dentist, talk about anticipated procedures and the cost thereof, get a feel for their manner and expertise, this will help you feel excited and confident about your anticipated Dental Treatment.
Make sure you get your quote in writing and review it when you have your in clinic consultation before you start any procedures, this will ensure there are no surprises at the end of your treatment … of course other than your new perfect smile!
If you have further questions about your dental treatment plan contact our International Patient Coordinator at clinic@davincisdentalcare.com or call us today at 305 280 2272
Experience the DaVinci’s Difference!
Design the perfect smile for you… An introduction to the science of Digital Smile Design (DSD) software.
What is Digital Smile Design (DSD), and what does it do for you – Through a step-by-step workflow DSD gives you, the patient, full aesthetic evidence of the virtual smile in a very personalized way. With the modern technology of digital processing, the dentist is able to show a vision of the final prosthetic result prior to completion and can then provide the necessary information to the dental lab technicians for the execution of the perfect future prosthesis for each patient.
How does Digital Smile Design (DSD) work…Using just two images, the face with the patient’s smile and an intra-oral shot with a dental mouth opener, the DSD software then performs a series of accurate and mathematically controlled measurements to verify alignments, symmetries and proportions giving the patient the perfect smile before work has even commenced and ensuring your full satisfaction upon completion. These precise mathematical references allows the dental team to proceed to a digital reconstruction of your smile exactly as the one the real restoration aims to achieve, allowing you to view, and make changes if necessary before the restoration has commenced. A mock up of the new smile is then created for you to try on so you can see how the final restoration will look prior to commencing any preparation of your natural teeth. Once the Mock is approved the DSD measurement and the mock are used to create the final restoration.
Why is it important for you.. Knowing what your smile will look like prior to commencing treatment is valuable tool for each patient, it gives you the opportunity to get involved in your smile creation, enhances the communication between you and your Dental Team which in turn improves your experience and satisfaction level with the restoration. Wouldn’t it be great to know exactly what your new smile will look like before work is completed?
Because when you invest in something as important as your new smile you want to know exactly how it will look on you first!
Experience the DaVinci’s Difference!
DaVinci’s Dental Care first in Costa Rica to offer True Laser Whitening in Clinic.
How does the LASER Whitening work?
First, we apply a protective barrier around your gums and apply a whitening agent to your teeth. Then we place the laser light onto your teeth, and in as little as 30 minutes – your teeth will become an average of 8-12 or more shades whiter!
Why do I need an Exam & Cleaning?
Since we use a prescription strength teeth whitening, our dentists suggest a cleaning before the teeth whitening. This is so we whiten your teeth directly and not on top of any plaque or tartar. This allows us to reach optimal whitening results.
Will it harm my teeth? You may experience some sensitivity after the procedure depending on your enamel, however this is only temporary and not typical. Using Sensodyne toothpaste prior to whitening helps reduce any sensitivity. There are no long-term damaging affects from the whitening and we use every precaution necessary (gum barrier and glasses) to ensure your safety!
A professional cleaning and true laser whitening can make a world of difference to your smile in just one easy appointment.
For more information on whether laser whitening is right for you or to book your true laser whitening appointment contact our International Patient Coordinator at clinic@davincisdentalcare.com or call us today at 305 280 2272
Experience the DaVinci’s Difference!
Are you noticing a change in your gum line and have concerns about receding gums?
There are many factors that can contribute to Gum Recession, however the good news is it can be corrected and stopped.
There are modern techniques available like Gum Recession Grafting and Gum Recession Composites.
Both are completely different treatments in terms of recovery, success rate, benefits and costs.
Causes of gum recession include:
Periodontal Disease
Poor Brushing Technique
Hormones
Misalignment of the Teeth
Orthodontics
Oral Piercings
Neglecting Oral Hygiene
Bruxism
Tobacco Use
For more information on Gum Recession Grafting and Gum Recession Composite and which is right for you
contact our International Patient Coordinator at clinic@davincisdentalcare.com or call us at 305 280 2272
Experience the DaVinci’s Difference!
Gum Graft Composites Fillings … are they right for you?
A composite filling is a tooth-colored plastic and glass mixture used to restore cavities, cracked or broken teeth. Composites are used for cosmetic improvements of the smile by changing the color of the teeth and or reshaping disfigured teeth, but did you know they can also be used as Gum Graft Composite fillings?
Gum Grafting can be painful with an intense recovery period and many times the procedure over a short period of time fades and the results are negligible. However, Gum Graft Composites are an excellent cosmetic choice, they seal any cavities from the Gum recession area, have zero recovery time and offer a long life span (8 – 10 years with proper oral health habits.)
How is a composite placed?
The dentist places the composite in layers, typically using a light specialized to harden each layer. When the process is finished, the dentist will shape the composite to fit the tooth and recessed gum area then finish with polishing the composite to prevent staining and early wear.
What is the cost?
Composites are generally half the price of crowns or veneers depending on the surface covered, they are non-invasive, inexpensive, and most dental insurance plans cover the cost of the composite up to the price of a silver filling, with the patient paying the difference.
Advantages of composites?
Aesthetics are the main advantage of composites, since dentists can blend shades to create a color nearly identical to that the gum and the actual tooth. Composites bond to the tooth to support the remaining tooth structure, which helps to prevent breakage and insulate the tooth from excessive temperature changes composites are effective for small to medium cavities. The dentist can also put a clear plastic coating over the composite to prevent the color from changing if a patient is particularly concerned about tooth color. They are non-toxic to the body.
If you are wondering if Gum Graft Composite Fillings are right for you contact our International Patient Coordinator for more information at clinic@davincisdentalcare.com or call us at 305 280 2272