Our Blog
5 Tips for a Healthier & More Beautiful Smile
March 1st, 2017
Want to know how to get a healthier and more beautiful smile? Here are 5 tips you can start using today.
- Use the right toothbrush and replace it every 2-3 months. Softer bristles tend to be better because they do not irritate the tissues of the mouth. A smaller head sometimes makes it easier to reach all
your teeth. - Brush at least twice a day for 2-3 minutes each time. Set the timer on your mobile phone to make sure you brush long enough.
- Floss. Brushing alone with not get rid of all the cavity-causing debris in your mouth.
- Limit sugary foods and drinks. Avoid soft drinks, citrus juices, dry fruit, hard candies and starchy foods. Drink lots of water to wash away the sugar that accumulates on your teeth,
- See your dentist for an exam and cleaning at least twice a year. This is one of the most preventative steps you can take to ensure a healthy, beautiful smile.
Home Remedies or In-Office Whitening?
February 1st, 2017
Whiter teeth can make a dramatic difference in your appearance. There are many at-home products available that claim to whiten your teeth. They are easy to use but have drawbacks. Whitening rinses are just swirled around in your mouth. Because the rinse is in contact with your teeth for such a short time, any whitening will be gradual and minimal. These rinses can help prevent new stains after you professionally whiten your teeth.
Whitening toothpastes contain ingredients to remove surface stains with brushing. Any improvement is gradual and some people get sensitive teeth from using these toothpastes.
Gel strips are usually put on your teeth once a day for 10-20 days and must remain on for up to two hours.
Over-the-counter whitening trays are filled with a gel to cover your teeth. They work more quickly but are not custom made so they may irritate your gums.
Custom-made whitening trays that you get at your dentist office are filled with a bleach and fit firmly over your teeth. This bleach solution is stronger than what you can buy over-the-counter.
We recommend the Zoom whitening system because studies have shown it can whiten your teeth up to 8 shades with just one visits. After a cleaning and exam, we cover the lips and gums, leaving the teeth exposed. We then apply the Zoom whitening gel, which works with the Zoom light to penetrate the teeth and break up the stains and discoloration. The gel is exposed to the light for 15 minutes, during which you can read or watch TV. This is repeated two more times, for a total treatment time of 45 minutes. Then, a sensitivity-reducing fluoride paste-gel is applied to your teeth. You will see a brighter and whiter smile immediately.
Teeth whitening should not be performed on children under 13 or on pregnant or lactating women.
Veneers and Bonding – What’s the Difference?
January 1st, 2017
Cosmetic dentistry has become an important part of dental care. Dental bonding and veneers are cosmetic dentistry procedures for improving your smile. Both will hide cracks, chips. discolored and broken teeth but there are differences in the procedures, the materials we use and costs.
Veneers are ultra thin ceramic shells that are bonded to the front surfaces of your teeth to cover damage, perfect unevenness and even help balance your bite. Empress porcelain veneers, which we use in our office, perfect your smile with superior fit, strength and color depth. These veneers are amazingly translucent and natural looking. We always take plenty of time with you to show examples of tooth shape and size and to discuss coloration and shading.
Dental bonding is one of our most conservative cosmetic and restorative dental procedures. We usually only recommend bonding for minor dental repairs. With dental bonding, we can repair and smooth small imperfections and even cover staining or discoloration that won’t respond to tooth whitening treatments.
Tooth bonding requires an artistic touch. Because the bonding material is applied and sculpted directly on your teeth, we carefully and precisely blend the colors and textures of the bonding material for the most natural and beautiful effect.
Come in for a consultation and we can help you decide which procedure is best for you.
Dental Implants vs. Dentures
December 1st, 2016
Dentures are removable appliances that can replace missing teeth and help restore your smile. If you’ve lost all of your natural teeth, whether from gum disease, tooth decay or injury, replacing missing teeth will benefit your appearance and your health. That’s because dentures make it easier to eat and speak better than you could without teeth—things that people often take for granted.
There are several types of dentures. Two of those are:
- Conventional. This full removable denture is made and placed in your mouth after the remaining teeth are removed and tissues have healed.
- Immediate. This removable denture is inserted on the same day that the remaining teeth are removed. Your dentist will take measurements and make models of your jaw during a preliminary visit. You don’t have to be without teeth during the healing period, but may need to have the denture relined or remade after your jaw has healed.
The disadvantages of dentures are that they may feel awkward at first. There is usually some irritation and soreness as you get used to your dentures. Follow-up appointments with the dentist are generally needed after a denture is inserted so the fit can be checked and adjusted. Like your teeth, your dentures should be brushed daily to remove food and plaque. Be sure to brush your gums, tongue and roof of your mouth with a soft tooth brush every morning. Some people need dental adhesives to help keep their dentures in place. It is sometimes difficult to eat food like corn-on-the-cob because it will cause your dentures to slip. Your bite force is different with dentures.
If you have dentures that are uncomfortable or want another option, talk to us about dental implants
Dental implants replace missing teeth and blend in with your other teeth. Dental implants are made of titanium and other materials that are compatible with the human body. They are posts that are surgically placed in the upper or lower jaw, where they function as a sturdy anchor for replacement teeth. Dental implants are more stable and secure than dentures. Some people say they are more natural looking than dentures.
We surgically place a post for the implant into the jawbone. What makes an implant so strong is that the bone actually grows around it and holds it in place. Some patients might need to wait until the post is completely integrated before replacement teeth can be attached to the implant. Other patients can have the implants and replacement teeth placed all in one visit. If you are replacing more than a single tooth, custom-made bridges or dentures will be made to fit your mouth and your implants.
If you are interested in dental implants, call us to set a consultation appointment. This may be an option for you.