Cosmetic Dentistry is Older than you Think

Your Cameron Park Dentist can help you restore your tired smile back to the way it used to be with amazing Cosmetic Dentistry techniques that will have you smiling every minute of the day, and thanks to the Mayans and other early civilizations, Cosmetic Dentistry in Cameron Park has made huge advancements.

These days it is easy to whiten your teeth with at home kits or in office whitening treatments from the best Cameron Park Dentist, but hundreds of years ago, people resorted to all kinds of techniques to enhance their pearly whites including urine.

Centuries ago, the upper classes whitened their teeth with acid. The whiter the better as it showed off ones status. Unfortunately, it wasn’t long before the Cosmetic Dentists of the day discovered that acid actually destroyed tooth enamel. Other teeth whitening techniques included one’s own urine and ammonia.   

Dental veneers and dental implants are becoming increasingly popular, and according to archaeologists, always have been.

Not much is known about the Mayan culture, but recent archaeological digs have discovered that the ancient Mayans were very much into Cosmetic Dentistry using tooth modifications such as filing, tooth sharpening, and inlays. Although the reasoning behind this practice is unclear, some say it could have something to do with aesthetics, social status, or religion. According to author Diego de Landa, who wrote Relacion de las cosas de Yucatan, the Mayan women would file their teeth creating a serrated edge. This was considered elegant and was done by the older women in the tribe. The teeth were filed using water and stones.

Today tooth jewelry and, “Grills,” are all the rage, and apparently were just as popular with the Mayan culture.  The inlays used by the ancient Mayans displayed Cosmetic Dentistry artisanship and skill. Although archeologists believe this technique began as early as 100 BC to 300 AD it wasn’t until 700 to 900 AD that tooth alterations became much more elegant. Mayan children, women and men would highlight their teeth using turquoise, quartz, jadeite, pyrite, hematite, cinnabar, and quartz. 

Apparently, the Mayans mixed powered quartz with water to use as an abrasive while the inlay holes were drilled. Once the hole was formed, the inlay was placed and cemented into place. Archeologists claim that Cosmetic Dentistry decoration was more popular among females with 65 percent modifying their teeth with more than fifty patterns being identified. Archeological findings indicate that 58 percent of the male population indulged in some sort of Cosmetic Dentistry as well.

If the thought of Cosmetic Dentistry in Cameron Park appeals to you schedule a consultation with Dr. Michael Wadden today.  

Dental Inlays and Onlays with Your Cameron Park Dentist

When it comes to dental procedures, your Cameron Park Dentist knows exactly what is best for you and your teeth and gums, and if you have damaged teeth that are not able to support a filling, but not quite bad enough for dental crowns, you are probably in the middle.

Your Dentist in Cameron Park, Dr. MichaelWadden, will tell you that capping a tooth that is damaged may not necessarily need a dental crown and could remove more of your tooth structure than is necessary, while a large filling could actually weaken what remains of your tooth. Large dental fillings could cause cracks and breakage, which could eventually lead to a root canal procedure and that is where Dental Inlays and Dental Onlays and Dental Inlays come in.

According to your Cameron Park Dentist, Dental Onlays and Dental Inlays are virtually the same type of restoration in that they are used when you are at that in-between stage where dental crowns and large fillings are not the answer. Dental Onlays are used by your Dentist inCameron Park to restore your large cavities without the need for a crown. Dental Inlays on the other hand are used to fill the spaces in between the rounded edges on the surface of your teeth at the center. Dental Onlays work just like an Inlay, but may cover the entire surface where you bite down, or cover one or multiple spaces. Your Cameron Park Dentist can also refer to dental Inlays and Dental Onlays as partial crowns.

Inlay and Outlay restorations are made of gold, composite material or tooth-colored porcelain. Cemented to your tooth permanently by your Dentist in Cameron Park, Inlays and Onlays will last for years and are extremely durable. If you would like cosmetic enhancement, have large fillings, or broken teeth, your Cameron Park Dentist may recommend Inlays or Onlays.

Inlays and Onlays usually require two dental appointments with your Dentist in Cameron Park. The first appointment includes the creation of molds for your Inlays or Onlays and temporary restorations. Your second appointment with Dr. Wadden is where the magic begins as your Cameron Park Dentist will carefully place your Inlay or Onlay and cement it into place.

If you think you are a good candidate for Dental Inlays or Dental Onlays, schedule an appointment with Dr. Walden who will be able to determine which procedure is best for you an your smile.

Restorative Dentistry with the Best Dentist in Cameron Park

Cameron Park Dentistry can help you restore your smile back to the way it used to be. Schedule an appointment with the best Dentist in Cameron Park and you will have taken the first step towards dental restoration.

According to your favorite Cameron Park Dentist tooth decay has started to diminish because of fluoride, new dental techniques, and products. With that being said, your Cameron Park Dentist will tell you that tooth decay still does exist. Regardless of your age, you can be susceptible to infection, decays, breakage and all sorts of tooth and gum issues, but because of the best Dentist in Cameron Park, there is something that you can do about it.

Thanks to your Cameron Park Dentist and modern technology, you can schedule a consultation with Dr. Michael Walden to discuss dental restorations. Ask your Cameron Park Dentist about onlay restorations, inlay restorations, composite fillings, fixed bridges, dentures and partial bridges and caps. Dr. Walden will be able to restore all of your teeth back to their normal function, appearance, and shape.

An inlay restoration consists of fillings that are custom made by your Cameron Park Dentist. The inlay restorations are made of tooth-colored porcelain, gold or a composite material. Your Cameron Park Dentist will permanently cement your new inlays into your tooth.

Onlays are similar to inlay restorations and are the perfect alternative to caps and crowns because less of the actual tooth is removed. Onlays are not permanent and may need to be replaced although they are extremely durable. Onlays are useful for fractured or broken teeth, decayed teeth, large fillings, fractured fillings, or cosmetic enhancement.

Some of the reasons to consider restorative dentistry include smile enhancement, gaps between your teeth, tooth loss prevention, dental pain, bite correction, missing teeth replacement, repair decayed and damaged teeth, and to restore chewing and eating habits back to normal. These are just a few of the reasons to consider restorative dentistry with Dr. Walden and Cameron Park Dentistry.  

The best Dentist in Cameron Park will discuss your available options and recommend the most logical solutions for the health of your mouth and your wallet. Dr. Walden will provide you with the professional care and expertise that you have come to expect from your favorite Cameron Park Dentist.

Make an appointment today for a no obligation consultation for restorative dentistry with the best Cameron Park Dentist, Dr. Michael Walden.