It is hard to believe that having perfectly aligned teeth can ever not be a dream and an ideal for all people, right? No, there are still millions of people who are spending thousands of dollars in order to have their teeth shiny white and evenly aligned. However, in modern Japan, there is a strong tendency to having child-like crooked teeth. This trend is developing so much, and it is known in modern Japanese society as the ‘yaeba‘ look, meaning something like ‘double teeth’.

Local dentists in most cities of Japan are using a variety of techniques and methods to make the Japanese look like little vampires or like wild animals. The most common procedure usually includes using adhesive and non-permanent fangs. The cost for such innovative ‘cosmetic’ procedure varies, and in the most dental salons of Tokyo it is possible to ‘improve’ the alignment of your teeth for the price of about 300-400 USD.

There is a great deal of fans of the ‘yaeba‘ look, and many of them post their photos and promote the look quite actively. They consider that this little dental imperfection can make anyone look cute, pretty and much more sexy. Specialists suppose that the main driving force of this trend is our natural desire to look younger, because this alignment is linked in our minds to not only with animal-type teeth, but also with baby-type teeth. In addition, this alignment is associated with smaller mouth which is also considered prettier and more cute.

Western dental specialists and psychologists see some other causes on this interesting trend in today’s Japan. Some believe that it can be a result of too high standards for perfection in modern world. ‘The white standard got too white. The perfection standard got too perfect,’ Dr Marc Lowenberg, one of the most popular New York dental care specialists, comments to American mass media. Other scientists are sure that this tendency can be explained by our natural desire to have certain ‘perfect imperfections’.

At the same time, there are world-famous celebrities who also promote ‘yaeba‘ look. Actress Kirsten Dunst is known for her snaggle fangs which absolutely for sure add to her sensitivity and sexuality. Despite of the fact that the trend is becoming more and more huge in Japan, experts are sure that it will not spread around the world and become something global in the nearest future.

Tags: yaeba look

Posted: November 25th, 2011 under Cosmetic Dentistry.
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We all know so well that using our teeth for opening nut shells or eating too much of sweet foods (especially chocolate or soft candies) may have serious destructive effects on our tooth enamel. In addition, there are many foods and drinks which can change color or damage our tooth enamel (both physically and qualitatively), cause plaque and serious dental diseases. Below, you can see a list of 5 most dangerous foods and drinks which should be considered 5 worst enemies of our shiny smile.

1. Carbonated drinks. First of all, soft and carbonated drinks usually have a lot of sugar, which is very harmful to our tooth enamel as it creates favorable environment for plaque formation. Besides, the majority of soft and carbonated drinks are very acidic, which is also very damaging and harmful to our teeth.

2. Citrus fruit. Occasional consumption of oranges, lemons or other citrus fruit can not bring to a huge damage to our teeth. However, these fruit are very rich in natural acids, which if consumed regularly can cause softening and erosion of tooth enamel, making our teeth weaker and less healthy. Therefore those, who love eating oranges or tangerines should make a habit of using mouthwash after eating these fruits. In addition, it is recommended to drink orange juice using a straw.

3. Tea and coffee. If you have a habit of drinking 3-4 cups of black coffee or black tea a day, you’ll need to pay increased attention on the color of your teeth. Along with tobacco smoking, regular consumption of coffee or black tea are the leading causes of tooth darkening, straining and discoloration. Rich in tannins and some acids, tea and coffee may have destructive effects on our teeth, but if you want to stick with your habit and still have a shiny smile, add a little milk to your daily cup of tea or coffee. Milk is proven to be able to neutralize negative effects of tannins on out teeth.

4. Wine. Wine is actually a controversial factor which has both positive and negative effect on our dental health. As a natural antiseptic, red wine can be used to lower the risks of dental plaque formation and preventing tooth decay. At the same time, wine is also rich in sugar and acids, which are damaging  to our tooth enamel. Besides, recent studies have shown that a regular consumption of wine is linked to increased risks of tooth staining. Therefore, drink plenty of water after drinking wine to remove harmful components from your teeth.

5. Diet pills. The effects of diet pills sometimes cause reduced production of saliva by the glands. As a result, we have dry mouth and a very favorable environment for various bacteria and dental plaque formation. Remember that for an effective weight loss it is enough to combine a healthy balances diet with sufficient amounts of exercise. It is the healthiest solution, both for your body and teeth.

Tags: dental plaque formation, tooth enamel

Posted: March 15th, 2011 under Cosmetic Dentistry.
Comments: 1

Dental braces (which are also called orthodontic braces or orthodontic appliances) are quite a popular dental treatment, a type of orthodontic mechanism used for such problem as misaligned bite, crooked or protruded teeth, irregular spacing and other similar dental imperfections.  In other words, dental braces can be described as special arch wires made of nickel and stainless steel which help to correct teeth alignment by applying constant pressure and pushing the teeth to a necessary direction, this way creating a more attractive smile. Orthodontic braces are mainly used in children and teenagers, rarely in adults.

Certainly, dental braces can be installed only by an orthodontist who has gone through a special training. Braces have so called brackets (usually made from stainless steel or other materials) which are bonded to every each tooth by using special adhesive bonding agents. Sometimes orthodontic spacers are necessary to make some space for molar bands. Then the arc wires which are specially designed and bent for every particular patient, are installed. Nickel-titanium materials allow arc wires withstand temperature changes connected with consuming too cold or too hot meals or beverages. This type of material provides flexibility but yet firmness of the arc wires to give required pressure.

The necessity of wearing dental braces and the treatment duration should be determined by the orthodontist. All personal factors and specifics should be taken into account when making a decision about how long a patient should wear dental braces. Usually, an average period of treatment for children does not exceed 2-3 years, with 6 months of minimal time of wearing orthodontic braces. Braces do not cause pain but sometimes there can be an uncomfortable feeling in your mouth. While wearing dental braces, you need to see orthodontist once per month.

It is very important that there are no serious restrictions and limits as to the lifestyle and daily behaviors while wearing orthodontic braces. A person with dental braces can get involved in any daily activities like sports, music, etc. The cost of the treatment varies depending on many factors. Average costs are estimated to vary between 2,000 and 5,000 US dollars, both for children and adults. For the UK patients, the treatment can cost about 2-3 thousand pounds, however, in many European countries there are numerous programs and special dental care plans, which include free orthodontic treatment. Finally, some insurance plants can cover up your orthodontic treatment partially.

Tags: dental braces, orthodontic braces

Posted: November 9th, 2010 under Cosmetic Dentistry.
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