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Get a Quick Tooth Fix with Cosmetic Bonding

November 24, 2014

If you could change one little thing about your smile, what would it be? Perhaps a slightly chipped or cracked tooth. Or maybe you have one or two teeth that are misaligned. Is there a gap between your front teeth that you’ve always wanted to close? Well then, cosmetic bonding may be the solution. With cosmetic bonding and one appointment Dr. Michael Michel in Topeka, KS, can repair your smile.

Today, cosmetic bonding is a common dental procedure in which a tooth-colored material—usually a sturdy plastic material—is applied to the tooth and hardened with a special light. Cosmetic bonding is not only used to repair a host of cosmetic concerns—chips, cracks, discolored teeth, misaligned or misshapen teeth—but now these same tooth colored materials are used to fill cavities.

The Process of Cosmetic Bonding

For cosmetic bonding, Dr. Michel will carefully examine the tooth or teeth that need repair to determine whether or not cosmetic bonding is the correct treatment. If so, then he will prepare the surface of the tooth and smooth on the liquid bonding material. After the material is molded, an ultraviolet light hardens the material. Dr. Michel will then further sculpt and trim the bonding for a finish that blends seamlessly with your other teeth.
In most cases, cosmetic bonding is used to repair front teeth. So in order to preserve the strength of the bonding, Dr. Michel recommends not biting on hard foods, such as carrots or apples. Otherwise, teeth that have had cosmetic bonding require no special treatment. Simply brush and floss as you would your other teeth and your new smile will give you pleasure for years to come.

Call Our Office Today

If you would like to learn more about cosmetic bonding, or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Michel, call the office today. We proudly serve patients in Topeka, KS, Emporia, Lawrence and Manhattan and the surrounding areas.

TMJ Therapy in Topeka, KS

November 10, 2014

Filed under: Uncategorized — tntadmin @ 7:39 pm

Have you ever thought about how often you open and close your mouth? Every time you speak, eat, drink, laugh or yawn your jaw is in motion. That motion happens because of the temporomandibular joint, which is located on either side of your head just in front of your ears. If this joint operates smoothly, then you’re in luck. However, because of the complexity of this joint, there are several conditions that can cause the joint to malfunction, leading to TMJ disorder. Thankfully, Dr. Michael Michel in Topeka, KS, is well skilled in helping people with TMJ disorder.

The Causes of TMJ Disorder

TMJ disorder, or dysfunction, can result from a number of causes, including a traumatic injury to the jaw. However, the most common causes begin in the mouth. For example, when teeth are misaligned, you may unknowing shift your jaw in order to adjust your bite. This shift affects the workings of the temporomandibular joint. Another very common cause is teeth grinding and clenching, or bruxism. Ordinary wear and tear on your teeth that is caused by aging may also lead to TMJ disorder.

The symptoms of TMJ disorder include:
• Jaw soreness or pain
• The sensation of an earache without infection
• A popping or clicking sound when the mouth is opened or closed
• Headaches
• Swelling on the side of the face
• Pain when chewing, biting or yawning
• Sensitive Teeth
• A stiff or locked jaw

Treating TMJ Disorder

If Dr. Michel determines during an evaluation of your jaw and chewing system that you have TMJ disorder, then he will prescribe appropriate treatment. More than likely this will be an oral appliance, or mouthguard, that you’ll wear while sleeping in order to correct misalignment and ease stressed jaw muscles. Other treatment options include building up the back teeth, stress management techniques and lifestyle alterations.

Call Our Office Today

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of TMJ disorder, schedule an appointment today for Dr. Michel to evaluate your condition. Our office in Topeka, KS, also serves patients in Manhattan, Lawrence, Emporia and the surrounding areas.