Laurel Lakes Cosmetic Dentistry - Dr. Mel's Blog

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Choosing the Right Dentist

noreply@blogger.com (Tiffany) — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 22:42:00 +0000

Choosing a dentist is a very personal decision. You want to make sure you have found someone who is both professional and personable, someone who is highly skilled in both general and cosmetic dentistry, and someone with track record of proven results. At Laurel Lakes Cosmetic Dentistry, we pride ourselves on having skilled, educated, and friendly dentists, accompanied by a professional and friendly staff to ensure your visit, from start to finish, is both easy and rewarding.

Dr. Melnick

Maryland cosmetic dentist Dr. Daniel Melnick is devoted to his craft. A graduate of the prestigious Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies, he has also completed over 2,500 hours of continuing education through the Academy of General Dentistry. He is committed to brining you the latest in both cosmetic and general dentistry technology to make sure you’re pleased with your results for years to come. Dr. Melnick is a member of several professional dental associations and is a teaching fellow at the Southern Maryland Dental Society.

Dr. Miles

Maryland cosmetic dentist Dr. Maurice Miles completed his dentistry training at Howard University, College of Dentistry. He has dedicated himself to continuing education, completing over 200 hours with an emphasis on cosmetic and root canal dentistry. His devotion to his patients is evident in the quality of work he performs, leaving every patient feeling comfortable and satisfied with their results.

If you are looking for an experienced, professional dentist in Laurel, Maryland, please contact Laurel Lakes Cosmetic Dentistry today to schedule your initial consultation.

Filling Upgrade

noreply@blogger.com (Tiffany) — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 21:38:00 +0000

For years, dentists relied on mercury fillings to fill cavities. Mercury fillings were, at the time they were invented, an incredible breakthrough in dentistry. Mercury is easy to work with and is relatively inexpensive. However, mercury is also a metal that may lead to a variety of health issues, become tarnished over time, and even fall out of the cavity it was intended to protect. That's why several people have chosen to get porcelain filling upgrades to replace their old mercury fillings.

Porcelain Fillings

Porcelain fillings are preferable to mercury fillings for a number of reasons. Porcelain fillings:

Are bonded to your teeth so they will not become loose or fall out
Will not expand and contract with heat differences like metal fillings do
Look and reflect light exactly like your natural teeth
Are not harder than your tooth enamel and will therefore not damage adjacent teeth

Process for a Filling Upgrade

Using the CERC procedure, your old fillings can be removed and new porcelain fillings can be inserted within one office visit. During your visit Dr. Melnick will:

Remove the old filling
Photograph the prepared tooth
Use software to create a filling perfectly matched to the shade of your adjacent teeth
Take the new filling and bond it to your tooth using a resin compound

With one quick visit, your old, unsightly fillings can be replaced with high quality, beautiful, porcelain fillings.

If you live in or around Laurel, Maryland and are unsatisfied with your old metal fillings, please contact Laurel Lakes Cosmetic Dentistry today to schedule your consultation.

Do You Need a Smile Makeover?

noreply@blogger.com (Tiffany) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 22:35:00 +0000

Everyone wants a perfect smile. Most of us clean and care for our teeth daily, visit a dentist twice a year, and take every step possible to ensure our smile is brilliant and beautiful. Some things, however, cannot be corrected through daily cleaning. Chips, severe stains, uneven gum lines, and crooked or missing teeth may need a little something extra to look as beautiful as possible. This is where a smile makeover can help.

With a smile makeover, Dr. Melnick will work closely with you to correct all of the problems preventing you from having the smile you desire. A smile makeover may include:

Tooth whitening to remove unsightly stains
Porcelain veneers to cover small imperfections from stains to chips and even cracks.
Porcelain fillings and filling upgrades to help ensure cavities filled do not look differently from your natural teeth.
Porcelain crowns to replace badly damaged teeth
Laser dentistry to painlessly and easily re-contour your gums.

Every mouth is unique and requires an individualized combination of treatments to achieve a beautiful smile. Dr. Melnick is experienced in customizing smile makeovers to help ensure that you walk out of our office with the smile you deserve.

If you live in or around Laurel, Maryland and have several small imperfections that are keeping you from having a smile you're proud of, please contact Laurel Lakes Cosmetic Dentistry today to schedule your smile makeover consultation.

Choosing the Right Dentist

noreply@blogger.com (Tiffany) — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 22:53:00 +0000

With things as important as your teeth, mouth and smile, it's important to educate yourself about what to look for in a dentist. You want to be as comfortable as possible with them and think of them as a trusted resource. Many of your fellow residents in Laurel, Maryland chose Dr. Daniel Melnick and Laurel Lakes Cosmetic Dentistry because they strive to deliver a higher level of empathy along with their expert dental care.

Besides the experience and commitment of the team, other important factors to look for are their level of training and equipment they have at their disposal. Innovations that minimize pain and deliver a higher quality of care are constantly being introduced.

Cosmetic dentistry improves one's appearance and smile. General dentistry focuses on oral care. Some elements of delivering that care include X-rays, cleanings, decay removal and education about proper dental hygiene. When it comes to children, building the foundation to oral health with regular visits is essential. And regardless of your age, no one likes living with the discomfort and pain from issues related to their teeth.

Remember, the most important aspect of selecting a dentist for the long-term is a personal feeling of comfort with that dentist and their team. To schedule a free consultation so you can meet with Dr. Melnick and see the Laurel Lakes Cosmetic Dentistry facility, please contact us today.

Teeth Whitening

noreply@blogger.com (Tiffany) — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 22:49:00 +0000

Over the course of time, teeth can become discolored from a variety of different causes like beverages such as coffee, tea and sodas. Tobacco use is a big contributor too. Besides these, the aging process itself takes its toll on the whiteness of teeth. Residents in the Laurel, Maryland area who would like to get their teeth whitened can always turn to Dr. Daniel Melnick and the team at Laurel Lake Cosmetic Dentistry for expert treatment.

Sparkling white teeth can be the self-esteem booster that many people need. We give our patients extra whitening material and encourage them to use it about once a month. This helps them to preserve their teeth's new brightness. They can also purchase additional touch-up kits if they choose.

If you're concerned about the teeth whitening substances damaging your teeth, there is no need to worry. This is a perfectly safe procedure. When performed by dedicated cosmetic dentistry professionals, goes a long way towards reducing self-consciousness and worry in people. Even better, teeth whitening is an entirely non-invasive procedure which means you’ll barely feel a thing.

Why not schedule a free consultation with us to learn more? After all, no two people are alike. Neither are their smiles. Dr. Melnick will speak with you further to discover your best options. Please contact us today.

Laser Dentistry

noreply@blogger.com (Tiffany) — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 22:14:00 +0000

Laser dentistry is an ideal option for reducing the amount of gum tissue in some people's mouths. Cosmetically, people with this condition are self-conscious because their teeth appear small and disproportionate with the rest of their face. Laser dentistry is a proven surgery available to those who live in or near Laurel, Maryland. It's a common procedure at Laurel Lakes Cosmetic Dentistry, performed regularly by Dr. Daniel Melnick and his team of cosmetic dentistry professionals.

About Laser Dentistry

Some people are a little apprehensive about the idea of "laser dentistry", wondering if it hurts. Actually, the procedure is painless because Dr. Melnick will give you some local anesthetic. During the short recovery period there is only insignificant pain, far less than traditional gum surgery used to cause. You can easily handle it with an over-the-counter medication.

Plus, since this is a laser procedure, the tissue seals almost instantly after being subjected to the beam. Once completed, some feel tenderness and minor swelling for a few days afterward. Most of the time, this is fairly minimal.

Some people have concerns that the laser will alter or damage their teeth. But the laser is set to a frequency that focuses on the gums themselves. The teeth beneath the gum’s surface are untouched. Laser dentistry is one of the many options Laurel Lakes Cosmetic Dentistry offers for creating the brightest, happiest smiles expertise, experience and technology can offer. If your smile is holding you back, please contact us to schedule a free consultation with us, and we can talk about your options in further detail.

Smile Makeover

noreply@blogger.com (Tiffany) — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 22:04:00 +0000

Dental makeovers are popularly referred to as smile makeovers, because in essence, that is what the procedure accomplishes. It is popular with people in and around the Laurel, Maryland area. Dr. Melnick and the team at Laurel Lake Cosmetic Dentistry proudly offer this procedure.

About Smile Makeovers

After undergoing a smile makeover, people enjoy an immediate boost to their confidence levels due to their perfected smile. It eliminates many previous problems like chipped, crooked and discolored teeth. While smile makeovers aren’t medical necessities like other types of operations, anyone who is hesitant to smile because of their imperfect teeth and mouth will immediately see the life-enhancing benefit.

Types of Smile Makeover Treatments

A variety of different smaller treatments make up the larger smile makeover treatment. The following are used together in any combination: porcelain veneers, porcelain crowns and dental bonding, teeth whitening, porcelain fillings, laser dentistry and filling upgrades. These are all valuable tools cosmetic dentists like Dr. Daniel R. Melnick have at their disposal to create the brightest possible smile. Other treatment techniques like sedation dentistry greatly reduce the chances of experiencing pain during the treatment too. Past patients with extra-sensitive mouths enjoyed a procedure with lessened discomfort.

You can quickly learn more by referring to our Smile Makeover FAQs section. Of course, if you would like by all means please contact us for a free consultation, and we'll discuss your specific situation in further detail.

Invisalign

noreply@blogger.com (Tiffany) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 22:31:00 +0000

Invisalign is designed to straighten crooked teeth and align them to perfect one's smile. For many, these clear tooth aligners are an attractive alternative to a mouthful of braces and wires and are commonly referred to as "invisible braces". If you live in or near Laurel, Maryland, Dr. Daniel Melnick of Laurel Lakes Cosmetic Dentistry is a valuable resource for helping you start down the path to straight teeth and an eye-catching smile.

How Invisalign Works

This plastic orthodontic device is less than a millimeter thick and covers your teeth completely. Over the course of time, it shifts them into the ideal position. The appliance is removable and you take it out when eating and drinking liquids that could stain, like coffee. Each clear plastic aligner is custom-made after your dentist makes an impression of your teeth and photographs them. As treatment progresses and teeth move closer to the desired position, patients are given a new aligner more fitting to the progress. Eventually, the teeth will end up where they need to be. The average time for an adult is less than a year.

Keep in mind that Invisalign can't help everybody and traditional orthodontics may be the better option. That's why, before any plan of action is undertaken, Dr. Melnick and his team offer free consultations to everyone so patient needs can be assessed. If you need more orthodontic work than Invisalign can provide we can refer you to a highly qualified orthodontist. Please contact them today and schedule your consultation.

Porcelain Fillings

noreply@blogger.com (Tiffany) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 22:29:00 +0000

There are a few different types of fillings in cosmetic dentistry—silver amalgam fillings, plastic fillings and porcelain fillings. Porcelain ones, however, are popular for a variety of reasons. Each year, Dr. Daniel Melnick and his team perform many porcelain filling procedures for patients who live in or near Laurel, Maryland.

A distinct advantage porcelain offers is that the fillings won't discolor the tooth like silver amalgam fillings potentially can. They also are more durable than plastic fillings. Thanks to CEREC technology, these fillings offer the best chances at a perfect fit that won't loosen over time. To top all of these off, CEREC allows for the best chance at accomplishing the fitting in just one simple visit.

The Cosmetic Advantages of Porcelain

Porcelain fillings are most popular because they offer the best chance at a completely natural-looking finished tooth. Plus, some composite fillings don't reflect light like a natural tooth and call more attention to the fact that they aren't natural. This type of filling is your best route to a tooth that looks and feels like the real thing, with completely smooth edges that fit seamlessly into your mouth.

To learn more about porcelain fillings and the array of advantages they possess, visit the Porcelain FAQs page. Also, if you wish, schedule a free consultation with Laurel Lake Cosmetic Dentistry today and receive expert advice on your dental situation.

Sedation Dentistry

noreply@blogger.com (Tiffany) — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 23:24:00 +0000

Also referred to as sleep dentistry, sedation dentistry is the answer for people who avoid going to the dentist due to their own apprehensiveness and fear. At Laurel, Maryland’s Laurel Lakes Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Daniel Melnick and his team are pioneers in the field of sedation dentistry. One of the clinic’s core values is making their patients feel as comfortable and at ease as possible.

Thirty to fifty percent of the population doesn’t receive regular dental care because of anxiety issues related to dentists’ offices. Unfortunately, this neglect and lack of care will amplify dental problems that could have been avoided. Sedation dentistry, however, is pain-free dentistry.

The day of your procedure, you can’t eat anything beforehand. Upon arriving at the offices, Dr. Melnick and his team determine the length of the procedure and the necessary level of sedation. Most patients will be awake during this process, they’ll just be in a more relaxed state due to the pain medication. Another benefit is that procedures tend to go faster due to the patient’s calmer state of mind. Many resources exist to help you learn more about the advantages of this type of dentistry. Better yet, please contact Laurel Lakes Cosmetic Dentistry to schedule a free consultation, and we will walk you through all of the possibilities.

Picking a Cosmetic Dentist

noreply@blogger.com (Tiffany) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 23:21:00 +0000

There are many cosmetic dentists in the area around Laurel, Maryland. Selecting the right one can seem daunting, and this isn’t a decision to be taken lightly. People who get nervous even thinking about a visit to the dentist’s office should find doctors who understand this and do everything in their power to put their patients at ease. This goes beyond creating a comfortable office environment. They should take the time to explain elements of procedures in plain terms, answering every question along the way. The team at Laurel Lakes Cosmetic Dentistry pride themselves in bringing this type of care to their patients. After all, it’s how they would like to be treated. Some other signs of the right cosmetic dentistry practice are:

Education—and Continuing Education

Before entering the dental workforce, cosmetic dentists must learn about an array of subjects—such as neuromuscular dentistry and dental implantology—along with the other parts of a curriculum that traditional dentists learn about. After receiving their degrees and necessary licensing, a dedicated doctor knows that their education is far from over. Professional societies like The American Dental Society and The Maryland State Dental Association are resources that provide ongoing training and a chance for professionals to consult with other professionals.

Another tried and true sign of a caring team is if they give back by donating some services to the less fortunate. It’s just the right thing to do. To learn more about the qualifications that make up the right dental surgeon, or to schedule a free consultation, please contact Laurel Lakes Cosmetic Dentistry today.

Questions About Porcelain Veneers

noreply@blogger.com (Tiffany) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 22:07:00 +0000

What are porcelain veneers?

Porcelain veneers are wafer-thin sheets of porcelain that are bonded to your existing teeth. Porcelain veneers can be used to fix a number of imperfections, including cracked teeth, chipped teeth, discolored teeth, or crooked teeth.

Is the procedure painful?

Dr. Melnick uses the most advanced technology when performing all of his cosmetic dentistry procedures. This goes for porcelain veneers as well. Sedation dentistry allows Dr. Melnick to perform a number of procedures, including applying porcelain veneers, with little to no pain and optimum comfort. You will be so relaxed you may even fall asleep.

Will porcelain veneers look like dentures?

Porcelain is a very translucent material. Unlike the materials used in previous years that often resulted in dull looking teeth that did not reflect light, porcelain reflects and absorb light in the same way as your natural teeth. Porcelain veneers result in not only whiter, straighter, teeth you can be proud of, but they are virtually unnoticeable and extremely natural-looking.

If you would like to learn more about porcelain veneers, please contact Laurel Lakes Cosmetic Dentistry in Laurel, Maryland today to schedule your initial consultation.

Cosmetic Dentistry: An Overview

noreply@blogger.com (Tiffany) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 22:02:00 +0000

A beautiful, inviting smile is very important to making a positive, noteworthy first impression. On the other hand, a bad smile can create feelings of self-consciousness in people, causing them to reign in their social skills and not be very outgoing. Residents of Laurel, Maryland deserve the very best—expert, experienced care—when it comes to cosmetic dentistry. That's precisely what Laurel Lake Cosmetic Dentistry strives to provide. Beautiful teeth and a bright smile are key contributors to one’s overall attractiveness.

Some Different Reasons for Cosmetic Dentistry

Discoloration of the teeth is a major reason people pursue cosmetic dentistry, with whitening as the primary goal. Some desire to close any gaps in their teeth—especially their front teeth—that appear unsightly. Many solutions exist for straightening and aligning crooked teeth and a dedicated cosmetic dentist is your best source for further consultation. Sometimes, the teeth themselves aren't what need to be addressed. Flawed gum lines can also be the problem, for which there are many solutions.

Fortunately for all of us, the days of only the wealthy and well-to-do being able to afford cosmetic dentistry are over. We all deserve a beautiful smile and the confidence and self-assuredness it brings. Dr. Daniel R. Melnick and his team can work with anybody and offer a variety of payment options. Please contact Laurel Lakes Cosmetic today to schedule a free consultation. We would be happy to discuss the variety of options available to you.

What Causes Temporomandibular Joint Disorder?

noreply@blogger.com (Erica) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 14:22:00 +0000

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (also known as "Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome" or "TMJ") is a very painful condition that is caused by a misaligned jaw. Many people who suffer with this condition go to a medical doctor because the symptoms are so very painful and so diverse that a dental diagnosis is rarely, if ever, considered first. Some of the most common symptoms of TMD include:

Jaw pain
Facial pain
Neck and shoulder pain
Clicking/popping noises in the jaw area
Locking of the jaw
Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
Bruxism (grinding of the teeth)
Stiffness in the jaw
Severe headaches (often confused with migraines)
Numbness/tingling in the fingers

Looking at this list of symptoms, it is quite obvious why a dental diagnosis is rarely considered. After all, why would your fingers, hands and shoulders be related to a problem with your mouth? However, a misaligned jaw will result in these numerous and very widespread symptoms in your head and body.

An experienced neuromuscular dentist, such as Dr. Daniel Melnick at Laurel Lakes Cosmetic Dentistry, can provide not only an accurate diagnosis of TMD, but can also treat this very painful condition. While many medical doctors may be able to treat your symptoms temporarily by prescribing pain medications or some type of physical therapy, neuromuscular dentists are actually able to treat the cause of the symptoms by relaxing the facial muscles, putting the jaw in its optimal position, and permanently realigning your bite. People who have suffered from this condition for years are finally able to find permanent relief from their symptoms.

If you believe you may suffer from the painful symptoms of TMD, please contact Laurel Lakes Cosmetic Dentistry in Laurel, Maryland today to schedule your TMD consultation.

Sleep Apnea

noreply@blogger.com (Erica) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 14:20:00 +0000

Sleep apnea is a very serious medical condition characterized by stoppages in your breathing while you sleep. People who suffer from sleep apnea will stop breathing, sometimes for up to several seconds, multiple times throughout the night. People with sleep apnea are often unaware that they have this condition, and it is often the person's partner who notices that their breathing stops intermittently throughout the night. Though the sufferer is not aware that he or she has this disorder, it is very serious nonetheless. Chronic snorers very often suffer from sleep apnea as the two are closely related.

Sleep apnea is caused by a collapse in the soft tissue in your throat and tongue, which creates a blockage in your air passage. These periods of stoppage in breathing restrict the oxygen traveling to your heart and brain.

Sleep apnea may result in:

High blood pressure
Depression
Anxiety
Irritability
Digestive problems
Mood swings
Fatigue during the day
Diabetes

The most common type of sleep apnea is known as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA); it is estimated that several million people suffer from sleep apnea in the United States. While this is a very serious medical disorder, a highly trained dentist with experience in sleep apnea and snoring treatments can accurately diagnose and treat the condition and provide you with much more restful nights of sleep.

If you think you or your partner suffers from sleep apnea, please contact Laurel Lakes Cosmetic Dentistry in Laurel, Maryland to schedule a sleep apnea consultation.

Teeth Whitening

noreply@blogger.com (Evan Langsted) — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 22:08:00 +0000

Everyone wants a Hollywood smile. Having a dazzling, white smile improves both confidence and self-image. For years people have thought that having a Hollywood smile is a luxury reserved for the rich and famous, but that is not true. Today, cosmetic dentists use innovative teeth whitening techniques in their offices to transform dull, dingy smiles into sparkling smiles, as much as eight shades or more whiter. At Laurel Lakes Cosmetic Dentistry, the dentists have whitened and brightened the smiles of countless Maryland residents and can give you the bright white smile you have always dreamed of.

In-office, cosmetic dental whitening is a non-invasive, painless procedure that often produces dramatic results in a very short period of time. Our patients have been amazed at how much whiter and brighter their smiles become after our in-office treatment. While the take-home kits you can find at the drug store are tempting because of their ease and convenience, these over-the-counter whitening products cannot provide the dramatic and long-lasting results of professional, in-office whitening.

Whether your teeth are discolored due to heredity, tetracycline use as a child, or from drinking and eating staining foods and beverages, such as coffee, tea and red wine, tooth whitening can provide you with the same remarkable results that we have provided to thousands of patients in the Laurel, Maryland area.

If you live in the Laurel, Maryland area and would like to learn more about teeth whitening, please contact Laurel Lakes Cosmetic Dentistry today for your initial consultation.

Choosing a Cosmetic Dentist

noreply@blogger.com (Evan Langsted) — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 22:04:00 +0000

For many, many years having cosmetic dentistry procedures performed has been thought of as a luxury only for the rich and famous. With advances in technology and technique, cosmetic dentistry procedures have actually become quite popular and even affordable. Many cosmetic dentistry practices offer very reasonable financing options, and some cosmetic dentistry procedures may be covered by dental insurance plans if the procedures are not considered elective.

Just as you would research buying a new home or a new vehicle or hiring a tutor for your child, choosing a cosmetic dentist requires the same time and effort researching to find the right dentist for your needs. Dr. Daniel Melnick, a cosmetic and neuromuscular dentist in Laurel, Maryland, has provided countless Maryland residents with superior cosmetic dental work for many years.

Not only is it important to make sure your cosmetic dentist is highly educated and trained in the latest cosmetic dentistry procedures, it is equally important that you feel a connection with your cosmetic dentist and are confident that he will listen to your goals, answer all questions you may have prior to any work being done, and provide with advice as to the proper procedure you should receive in order to obtain the smile you dream of.

Dr. Melnick is an LVI fellow, which means he has completed the core curriculum at the prestigious Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies (LVI) and passed the LVI Fellowship Exam, which requires a score of 90% or better. Dr. Melnick has the advanced and highly specialized neuromuscular dentistry training to treat the many painful symptoms of TMJ/TMD.

To learn more about the many cosmetic dentistry procedures we offer at Laurel Lakes Cosmetic Dentistry in Laurel, Maryland, please contact our office today.

TMD Treatments

noreply@blogger.com (Evan Langsted) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 21:52:00 +0000

Temporomandibular joint disorder, also referred to as TMD, TMJ, or temporomandibular joint syndrome, is a disorder affecting the temporomandibular joint. The temporomandibular joint connects the jaw to the skull. This disorder is most often caused by a misaligned bite, which puts additional strain on the temporomandibular joint, resulting in a number of symptoms, including neck and shoulder pain, ringing in the ears, numbness in the arms or fingers, and severe headaches.

The symptoms of TMD are very broad and somewhat common, so most who experience these symptoms seek help from a medical doctor. Medical doctors, however, will treat the symptoms individually, failing to treat or properly diagnose the cause of those symptoms. Neuromuscular dentists, like Dr. Daniel Melnick, can not only properly diagnose TMD, but they can also treat it, permanently reliving your pain.

TMD treatment includes three steps. First, Dr. Melnick will use transcutaneous electrical neural stimulation (TENS) to relax the facial muscles. The next step is to adjust your bite. A temporary orthotic appliance is worn for several months that will change the way your upper and lower jaw meet and will relieve your symptoms. This appliance may be adjusted one or more times until your optimum bite is achieved. Once your optimum bite has been achieved, the final step is to make that adjustment to your bite permanent. In order to make this adjusted bite permanent, Dr. Melnick may fit bridges or crowns or reshape your enamel. The length of the treatment varies from patient to patient depending on the severity of your misaligned bite.

If you would like to learn more about TMD and its treatments, please contact the Laurel, Maryland neuromuscular dentistry office of Laurel Lakes Cosmetic Dentistry today to schedule a TMD consultation.

TMD Symptoms

noreply@blogger.com (Evan Langsted) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:50:00 +0000

TMD, or temporomandibular joint disorder is a disorder caused a misaligned jaw joint (the TMJ). The temporomandibular joint connects the jaw to the skull and can be susceptible to any disorder that affects our joints, including arthritis and dislocation. TMD, also called TMJ, or temporomandibular joint syndrome, is usually caused by a misaligned bite, which puts strain on the joint, resulting in a number of different symptoms.

Because the symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorder are so diverse and affect so many different parts of the body, most people suffering these symptoms will go to a medical doctor not considering the fact that their painful symptoms may be a dental issue. Medical doctors will treat the symptoms by prescribing pain medications or some type of physical therapy to ease the discomfort of the area, but medical doctors do not treat the cause of the symptoms. Neuromuscular dentists like Dr. Daniel Melnick, in Laurel, Maryland, have special training to not only diagnose, but also treat the many painful symptoms of TMD, including:

• Clicking/popping noises in the jaw
• Jaw pain
• Facial pain
• Severe headaches
• Stiffness in the jaw
• Locking of the jaw
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• Neck and shoulder pain
• Numbness and tingling in the fingers
• Bruxism (grinding the teeth)

If you suffer from any or all of the above symptoms of TMD, please contact the Laurel, Maryland neuromuscular dentistry office of Laurel Lakes Cosmetic Dentistry today to schedule a TMD consultation.

Smile Makeover

noreply@blogger.com (Evan Langsted) — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 22:17:00 +0000

A smile can light up a room. Our smile is often the first thing people notice about us. If you are embarrassed by your smile, a smile makeover is a viable option that will leave you with a smile you can be proud of and want to show off.

Smile makeovers can fix every problem you may have with your mouth, including:

• Chipped teeth
• Missing teeth
• Cracked teeth
• Uneven smile
• Crooked teeth
• Large gumline
• Discoloration

A smile makeover addresses every problem you may have. It not only makes your teeth look whiter and straighter, but also addresses problems like misaligned teeth. Even if the problems with your smile have been caused by prior dental procedures, a smile makeover can give you a whole new look.

There are a number of procedures performed in order to provide you with the beautiful smile you crave, including:

• Porcelain fillings
• Porcelain veneers
• Porcelain crowns
• Tooth bonding

A beautiful smile can not only improve your self-esteem and outer beauty, but a healthy mouth also helps maintain good general health as well.

If you have one or more dental issues that you feel a smile makeover may be able to correct, please contact the Laurel, Maryland cosmetic dentistry office Laurel Lakes Cosmetic Dentistry to schedule your smile makeover consultation today.

Porcelain Veneers

noreply@blogger.com (Evan Langsted) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 22:15:00 +0000

Our smile is one of the first thing people notice about us. If you have dental flaws and are embarrassed by your smile, porcelain veneers may be the answer. With advances in technology and technique, what used to be lengthy, painful procedures, can now be achieved in a few short, pain-free visits to the dentist.

There are a number of flaws that can be fixed and perfected with porcelain veneers, such as:
• Chipped teeth
• Cracked teeth
• Crooked teeth
• Discolored teeth
• Gaps
• Misshaped teeth

Porcelain veneers are thin pieces of porcelain that are bonded to the front of teeth. They are translucent, are virtually unnoticeable and look very natural. Porcelain bonds are also very resistant to staining. Previous materials used in dental bonding procedures did not have this natural look, and were very susceptible to staining, especially in patients who drink coffee, tea or red wine, and those who use tobacco products.

If you would like to learn more about porcelain veneers, please contact the Laurel, Maryland dentistry office, Laurel Lakes Cosmetic Dentistry to schedule your initial consultation.

Sedation Dentistry

noreply@blogger.com (Evan Langsted) — Fri, 29 May 2009 22:37:00 +0000

The mouth plays an important role in maintaining general health. Sedation dentistry provides the opportunity for those who avoid visiting the dentist because of nerves or fright to receive pain-free dental care and maintain both their oral and general health. Poor dental health can lead to heart disease, diabetes, or even osteoporosis.

Undergoing sedation dentistry involves a number of steps. First, you will take a sedative the night before your procedure to combat anxiety. You will also be asked to not eat the morning of your procedure. When you arrive at Dr. Melnick’s office, you will be given another sedative that will last throughout your procedure. These sedatives will make you very comfortable during your procedure. You will be conscious, but you may fall asleep due to the relaxation. Nitrous oxide may be used as well.

There are many advantages to using sedation dentistry. You will not feel the fear or anxiety that has caused you to dread visiting the dentist, the procedure will be quicker because you will be fully relaxed, and you will be much more comfortable and have virtually no memory of the procedure.

If you would like to learn more about sedation dentistry, please contact the Laurel, Maryland dentistry office, Laurel Lakes Cosmetic Dentistry to schedule your initial consultation.

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD)

noreply@blogger.com (Evan Langsted) — Mon, 25 May 2009 22:36:00 +0000

Temporomandibular joint disorder is a term that describes inflammation of the temporomandibular joint. This disorder can be referred to as TMD, TMJ or temporomandibular joint syndrome. The temporomandibular joint connects the jaw to the skull. Temporomandibular joint disorder is most often caused by a misaligned bite. The offset bite puts additional strain on the joints, ligaments and bones in your jaw, resulting in chronic pain.

TMD is a very difficult disorder to diagnose and often requires expertise of a neuromuscular dentist, such as Dr. Daniel Melnick. TMD can result in jaw pain, locking of the jaw, shoulder pain, numbness in the arms or fingers, and severe headaches that are often confused with migraines. These symptoms are very common, causing TMD to often go misdiagnosed.

Dr. Melnick can properly treat your TMD, and once you have been diagnosed with TMD your chronic pain and other symptoms can be permanently relieved. There are three stages to TMD treatment, but in the end, the adjustment of your bite will be permanent, and you will no long suffer from the symptoms TMD causes.

If you live in the Laurel, Maryland area and would like to learn more about TMD, or if you think you may suffer from TMD, please contact Laurel Lakes Cosmetic Dentistry to schedule your initial consultation.

A Potential Solution for Chronic Headaches

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Melnick) — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 21:56:00 +0000

Ellen had been to over a dozen doctors for pain associated with daily headaches, neck pain, and loss of feeling in her right hand. As each specialist examined her, it became more and more likely that she would be living on pain pills for the rest of her life. After a visit to an ENT doctor, she was referred to our practice for evaluation of TMD, temperomandibular disorder. This is a condition caused by orthopedic misalignment of the upper and lower jaws. It can result in a wide variety of symptoms, including but not limited to: muscle strain, recurrent headaches, pain in and around the ears, prolonged ear congestion, recurrent sinus infections, ringing in the ears, dizzy spells, tooth grinding, and loss of feeling in the fingers.

After examining Ellen, it became apparent that her bite was severely overclosed. When she bit down, it was very difficult to see any of her lower teeth due to an overlap of her front teeth. She also exhibited extreme wear patterns on her teeth, suggestive of nighttime tooth grinding. I explained to her that an orthopedic misalignment of her jaws or a bad bite was causing muscle strain that she perceived as headaches. The tooth grinding was the brain's way of trying to find a better bite in order to relieve the muscles of the strain, but it was not working. I suggested that she return for a full examination involving the use of computerized diagnostic scans to fully understand the extent of her condition, to be followed by muscle relaxation and the fabrication of a bite correcting appliance called an orthotic. This orthtotic is a clear plastic removable appliance that fits over the lower teeth. Its function is to gently guide the patient into a correct bite position in order to allow the strained muscles to rest and heal. Within 2-3 weeks Ellen noticed a significant reduction in both the number and intensity of her headaches. During the diagnostic session, we discovered that she also suffered with a misalignment in her neck. After getting initial improvement from the orthotic, we later referred her to an Atlas Orthogonist Chiropractor to correct the postural problem in her neck. Within a couple of months we were able to eliminate her headaches and neck pain completely, and she got full feeling back in her hand.

If you or a loved one are suffering from any of the above symptoms and have been to a medical doctor or chiropractor without success, consider being evaluated for neuromuscular dentistry or a TMJ exam. A simple non-invasive examination will allow us to determine whether or not your pain may be bite related.