Your dentist uses a chart to determine which tooth to work on next and how many times to adjust your braces before they are finally finished. This chart has the numbers 1-32 along the top row, then each column represents one of your teeth, starting with the front teeth and moving towards the back of your mouth. The first number in each column represents that tooth numbers chart position from left to right, while the second number tells you how many spaces over that tooth is from the center of your face.
Take Note Of Your Smile
It’s easy to take your smile for granted, but before you make any serious decisions about procedures like implants or veneers, you need to take stock of what you have. It helps for dentists and specialists (orthodontists, periodontists, etc.) know your smile’s vital statistics—things like number of teeth and gum line—so they can create a treatment plan that’s best suited for your unique dental needs. There are two ways to figure out how many teeth you have: look in a mirror or count them yourself. For those with regular teeth, looking in a mirror should be fine.
Check Your Teeth Numbers
There are a couple of ways dentists number teeth. The most common numbering teeth system is a combination of both letters and numbers. The left side of your mouth gets a letter L followed by two numbers (1-8), and then you repeat for your right side with another letter R and two more numbers (9-16). To make it easier to understand, try numbering them from 1-8 on one tooth, then 9-16 on another tooth numbers chart, etc. If you do happen to get mixed up (don’t worry—we’ve all done it), just remember that every tooth has an opposite number on its other side. In other words, if you’re looking at a left R7, it will have an L7 right next door.
Make Smart Choices
If you’re trying to choose between two dental options, you might be weighing up treatments or procedures based on their numbers. For example, when choosing between a resin veneer and an implant, your dentist will examine factors like cost and long-term maintenance. But did you know that those numbers may also help predict your treatment’s effectiveness? It’s true: The number of teeth involved in your procedure can make a big difference when it comes to long-term success. Here’s how…
The Importance Of Taking Care Of Our Teeth
Having healthy teeth and gums is one of our biggest concerns in life, especially as we get older. And why shouldn’t it be? Healthy teeth and gums are critical not only for aesthetic reasons but also because they play a role in our overall health. Teeth carry bacteria from our mouths into our bodies when we eat food and drink, which can lead to all sorts of health problems. For example, if you already have gum disease, that bacteria can cause further inflammation of your heart valves. When you see your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings, he or she will let you know whether you have signs of gum disease. If so, your dentist will recommend treatments like antibiotics or tooth extractions that could help prevent more serious illnesses.
How Much Would Dental Insurance Cost?
This site lets you enter information about your dental history and gives you an idea of how much it would cost. Knowing how much a visit to a dentist or orthodontist costs can help you make more informed decisions when choosing dental insurance. Whether you have a high-deductible plan or PPO, be sure to look into what your out-of-pocket costs are going to be each year. Since dental problems are often expensive, looking into coverage is important.
Get Personal Recommendations
The numbers you see for recommended minimum coverage levels can quickly add up, especially when you consider that policies with similar dollar amounts can vary greatly in cost. Shop around for a policy that fits within your budget. When it comes to price, make sure you’re comparing apples to apples by looking at annual premiums and not just per-month cost. (Insurance premiums are typically calculated on an annual basis.) And don’t overlook comparison-shopping sites like ValuePenguin, which aggregates dental insurance information from companies of all sizes and types—including local independent agents, direct insurers like Blue Cross Blue Shield, regional companies such as Aetna or UnitedHealthcare, or national heavyweights like Cigna or Humana.
Keep It Affordable!
The very best and fastest way to keep your costs down is, of course, preventing dental issues from happening in the first place. That’s why it’s vital that you take preventive measures such as brushing twice a day and flossing daily. Still, if you do get cavities or need fillings, some treatments are less expensive than others, so don’t be afraid to discuss your options with your dentist. Also look for ways to save money by purchasing generic toothpaste or over-the-counter medicines instead of brand names.
