Crooked teeth have been a problem since 50,000 BC according to archaeologists who have found ancient Greek orthodontic appliances—the precursor to today’s braces.

When it comes to modern braces, it’s not just kids anymore.  According to the American Association of Orthodontists, the number of adults opting for orthodontia is steadily increasing each year. Veneers too are on the rise with more than 1.6 million getting that procedure in 2006.  But braces and veneers are not just a cosmetic fix, they also can be key to maintaining a healthy mouth. 

Crooked teeth, in addition to being unattractive, also can increase the chances of cavities and gum disease by creating pockets in the mouth where food can get trapped.  Also, a misaligned bite can be responsible for everything from painful TMJ to eventual tooth and bone loss.

A question I sometimes get is why spend the time in braces when veneers can be done so much more quickly?  The answer once again has to do with the health of your teeth.   True veneers require some filing down of each individual tooth to allow room for the added porcelain layer. (We‘re not talking about the kind that are glued over your existing teeth as these can often cause a problem by over-contouring the natural teeth).  A custom veneer, made of a special porcelain ceramic, is then permanently bonded to the remaining tooth structure creating a perfectly aligned tooth.  This is a wonderful procedure for weak, thin, worn down or damaged teeth because, in effect, it makes them strong and new. But it’s not always the answer.  Because veneers require preparation (filing) of tooth structure and need special care, I don’t always recommend them purely for cosmetic reasons.  

If your teeth are healthy but just out of alignment, it makes better sense (and is often less costly) to opt for braces. Getting veneers for crooked, healthy teeth might be compared to shaving your head and wearing a wig just because it’s a style you like.  If you have one or two teeth that are damaged or discolored, veneers can be done later, after the straightening process is finished.  While braces including removable orthodontic appliances (Invisalign) generally require much more time than veneers, this approach is still the least invasive and most cost effective to insure a healthy mouth.

Regarding veneers, today, we have the technology to ones that look completely natural.  But it’s important to remember that creating veneers is an art as each must be individually sculpted.  If the teeth are too “perfect”, they can look fake (which is why some patients opt to have slight adjustments made to make their new teeth look more genuine.)  Be sure to consult a dentist who specializes in aesthetic dentistry.

Dr. Gerald P. Curatola is a renowned aesthetic dentist and pioneer in the emerging field of rejuvenation dentistry, which improves patients’ overall health and appearance by integrating total wellness with cutting edge oral care and restorative procedures. In addition to his private practice, research, and work as a Clinical Associate Professor at NYU College of Dentistry, he is an internationally sought after speaker, author and expert who has been featured widely in print and broadcast media. For more information, go to DrGerry.net

Are you one of the ten million Americans who suffer from TMJ, which stands for Temporo-Mandibular Joint dysfunction and refers to what could be called simply a pain in the jaw?  TMJ causes a variety of symptoms including headaches, neck, shoulder, back and face pain, being unable to open the mouth comfortably, clicking sounds in the jaw joint and facial swelling.

Fortunately, sometimes TMJ just goes away by itself but sometimes it’s severe enough to require the wearing of a dental appliance.  But most sufferers find their TMJ is not debilitating, just uncomfortable.

TJM can be brought about by malocclusion or a bad bite, but the most frequent cause is often habitual teeth clenching.  If this is the cause of your TMJ, two things will help diminish or even eradicate the condition. 

First off, you must become aware of when you are clenching your teeth.  For many, this is an unconscious habit and the first step to overcoming it is to notice when you are holding tension in your jaw.  When you catch yourself clenching, relax your jaw and let your mouth hang open for a little while.  This will help relax the jaw. 

Another source of relief can be a myofascial TMJ massage.  This is a specialized massage of the face, neck and shoulders using a specific Chinese acupressure technique and a combination of essential oils designed to relieve tensions and muscle spasms, release lactic acid (which can cause muscle pain), reduce swelling and relax the jaw area. The massage therapist works on specific pressure points and uses a proprietary blend of essential oils in four separate steps—including Lavender and Sweet Almond to stimulate circulation, Peppermint and Lime to encourage vasodilatation (widening of the blood vessels), Grape seed and Cypress to detoxify and Chamomile and Thyme to calm and soothe.    A typical myofascial TMJ massage will last 45 minutes to an hour and the masseuse should show you some specific at-home techniques for you to do to yourself.   

Of course, should the pain in your jaw be severe, immediately visit your dentist to determine the best course of action.  For more information about myofascial TMJ massage, contact your dentist or massage therapist.

Dr. Gerald P. Curatola is a renowned aesthetic dentist and pioneer in the emerging field of rejuvenation dentistry, which improves patients’ overall health and appearance by integrating total wellness with cutting edge oral care and restorative procedures. In addition to his private practice, research, and work as a Clinical Associate Professor at NYU College of Dentistry, he is an internationally sought after speaker, author and expert who has been featured widely in print and broadcast media. For more information, go to DrGerry.net