Setting Your Expectations for Teeth Whitening

  

Which one of us wouldn’t want to have bright, sparkling, white teeth? It is a fact that humans attach a high level of importance to their appearances, and a beautiful set of teeth ranks high among the factors that boost our self-confidence. That being said, it is not realistic for each of us to expect perfectly white teeth through the teeth whitening procedures available on the market. Consulting with a dentist near you will reveal that the results of teeth whitening procedures differ from person to person, largely depending on the state of oral health, the treatment used, and personal oral hygiene practices.

What Causes Teeth To Become Stained?

Over time, the consumption of certain foods and beverages causes our teeth to stain and look dull or yellow. Some of the foods and drinks that leave stains on teeth are:

●       Red wine

●       Coffee and tea

●       Dark berries

●       Acidic foods such as tomato sauce and balsamic vinegar

Some other reasons for teeth staining are:

●       Smoking and tobacco use

●       Dental injuries

●       Chemicals such as tetracycline found in some medications

●       Erosion of the enamel with age

While the stains on teeth arising out of foods and beverages consumed are easier to deal with, staining caused by the other factors may not be completely reversed. A dental office providing teeth whitening near you can have a dentist assess your teeth and suggest which methods of teeth whitening might work for you. However, it is important to remember that any teeth whitening efforts will be rendered ineffective if not followed by changes in your habits to eliminate the causes that stained your teeth. For example, if you continue the use of tobacco after your teeth whitening treatment, new stains will keep forming defeating the whitening effect. Proper oral hygiene and some changes in your lifestyle are essential to continue enjoying your newly whitened teeth!

Teeth whitening might not be suitable for some of us, such as those:

●       Under the age of 16 - The pulp chamber of a tooth is still developing at this time, which means that the centre of the tooth is vulnerable. Teeth whitening procedures carried out at this age can potentially damage teeth or cause discomfort.

●       Pregnant or breastfeeding - Dentists do not recommend teeth whitening treatments for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding to avoid any harm to the developing fetus or the baby.

●       Suffering from tooth sensitivity - If you have tooth sensitivity due to any reason, teeth whitening might aggravate it further. The bleaching agents used in teeth whitening gels are strong and are capable of irritating sensitive teeth.

●       Having dental crowns, fillings, or other restorations - The dental crowns are not the same material as your natural teeth and will not respond to teeth whitening methods in the same way. The composite resin material used in dental fillings also remains unaffected by the whitening chemicals. This will result in discrepancies after the whitening treatment which might not look very good. So, in case you have dental crowns or dental fillings, you might need to consult your dentist in Flagstaff before considering teeth whitening.

●       With stains from tetracycline or excess fluoride - For teeth staining caused by exposure to tetracycline or excessive fluoride at an early age, teeth whitening solutions may not be effective. In such cases, it is a better idea to go for dental veneers or caps to get the whitened effect.

●       Having gum infections or tooth vulnerabilities - For people dealing with problems of gum infections or other oral issues, it is important to first deal with those problems before considering teeth whitening. A beautiful smile, first and foremost, begins with good oral health!

The methods used for achieving teeth whitening also play an important role in the final results. Depending on the level of staining, the method of teeth whitening employed can provide lightening effects up to several shades. It is highly recommended that you consult your dentist for teeth whitening in Flagstaff for the best advice on whether it will work for you, which method to adopt, and how to achieve the best results.

 

 

 

 

 

Will My Porcelain Veneers Change Color?

 

For many patients who are looking to get a whiter smile, veneers offer an attractive solution.  They provide the long-term benefits of something like a dental implant without the cost, surgery and recovery time that comes with it.

With that said, many are still skeptical to go ahead with the procedure.  Because while they may indeed be cheaper than implants, they are still a major investment. 

Those who are skeptical may not only be worried that they won’t look good once they go on, but that they’ll fade and lose their color over time.

When it comes to whether or not they’ll look amazing when they first go on your teeth, technology has you covered - thanks to advanced computer imaging, a dentist near you can show you exactly what your smile will look like before and after you go ahead with veneers.

But how will they hold up?  And can porcelain veneers actually change color over time?

Why Real Teeth Get Stained

Let’s start by talking about why your real teeth change color to begin with. 

Basically, your teeth are composed of a number of different layers.  The outermost layer is referred to as the enamel.  Enamel is made up of various minerals, and is actually the hardest tissue in the human body.

Unfortunately, while it may be extremely hard and durable, it’s also quite porous.  Various colors pigments from all the food and beverages you consume over the course of your life can sneak in and change the color of your teeth over time.

Can Porcelain Veneers Be Stained?

Porcelain veneers are placed over the natural tooth enamel.  They act in a similar way, but with one key difference - porcelain is not porous.  It’s much more similar glass in that it doesn’t allow pigments to get trapped underneath, and it will not stain (regardless of how much red wine and coffee you drink).

What Can Make My Veneers Change Color?

With all of this said, just because porcelain doesn’t stain doesn’t mean that the appearance of your veneers can’t change over time.

One of the reasons for this isn’t the actual porcelain itself, but the cement that’s used to attach the veneers to your teeth.  Over time, this cement can change color, and this is what leads to the appearance of darker teeth in some patients.

Another reason is the fact that, like glass, porcelain can be scratched.  These small scratches can trap pigment and debris from food.  So while the porcelain isn’t technically being stained, it can look like it’s stained in certain areas.

Finally, you may find that over time your gums recede to the point that the base of your real teeth is starting show.  When this happens, it will reveal the line of cement that was used to attach your veneers when they first went on.

What Can I Do If My Veneers Change Color?

The good news is that, for the vast majority of patients, these changes won’t happen overnight.  With proper care and maintenance, veneers can last 10, 15 and even 20 years before you start to notice a difference.

With that said, if you notice down the line that they’re starting to look a little rundown, replacing them is a fairly easy process. 

If you currently have a set of veneers that aren’t looking as white as they used to, be sure to visit a dental office in Flagstaff.  You’ll be able to get a qualified opinion on why they’re not looking as great as you’d like and the best course of action for getting a new set.

 

 

Signs Your Dental Crown Does Not Fit You Right

 

 

Getting dental crowns is a major dental restoration procedure. Dental crowns are a godsend solution for damaged, decayed, unattractive, or cracked teeth. Dental crowns help in restoring functionality in your damaged or decayed teeth by making them healthy again. Dental crowns can last for decades when fitted properly and maintained. If not, the lifespan of the dental crown not only reduces but also directly affects the overall oral health of an individual. It can lead to gum disease, cavities, jaw disease, and cracked teeth. Here’s how you can tell if your dental crowns are fitting well.

Loose Crown 

In an ideal scenario, if the dental crown is properly fixed to your tooth, it shouldn’t move more than your teeth (a slight movement is healthy). If the crown moves easily on the top of your tooth, it is a sign that the crown does not fit properly. The dental crown can fall out, but it also means that there is a space created between the tooth and the crown. This space can allow for bacteria and food to collect in it, thus resulting in tooth decay or damage under the crown leading to potentially serious infection.

Pressure on Surrounding Teeth

When the dental crown is too big for your tooth, it starts to put pressure on the neighboring teeth, and you will begin to feel pain in the teeth surrounding the crown. This pain can increase when you eat, drink, or grind your jaws together. Flossing between your dental crown and the neighboring teeth also becomes difficult. It is necessary to be able to floss around the crown to maintain healthy gums and prevent the gums from receding.

Inflames and Red Gums

If you notice the gums around your dental crown and surrounding teeth swelling up and turning red, it is a sign that something is not sitting right with your dental crown. A poorly fitting crown is a contributing factor to gum disease. It is necessary to get your dental crown checked at the earliest if you experience pain in your gums.

Inefficient or Painful Chewing

The dental crown plays a vital role in the function of chewing. If the dental crown is not fixed properly this could cause a problem. You may feel like your bite is off, or chewing is painful, or your teeth are coming in contact too soon. If you notice that you are taking longer to chew food than usual, or it's not as efficient as in the past, visit a dentist in Flagstaff as soon as possible.          

Your Bite Does Not Feel Right 

The dental crown should blend naturally with your tooth. It should not feel like an external device on your tooth when you bite or chew. You may feel the difference in your bite where the dental crown is fixed. It could feel like the teeth are not coming together properly, or you may experience pressure on the teeth opposite to the dental crown. You can also feel the difference in your jaws. Sometimes, you may experience soreness in your jaw muscles and the jaws may feel a little off. Do not ignore these symptoms. Visit the nearest dental clinic to you for immediate assistance. Ignoring these symptoms can lead to problems like tinnitus, headaches, neck pain, vertigo, and more.

On a side note, you may feel like your bite is off right after getting your dental crown, and it is normal. You must allow yourself some time to get used to the dental crown before assuming that something is wrong with your bite.

Food Particles Getting Stuck in Your Teeth

If your dental crown is loose, you will notice large chunks of food getting stuck between the neighboring teeth and your dental crown. It also causes the accumulation of food particles at the base of your dental crown resulting in the development of plaque that leads to tooth decay and gum disease.

Getting the right fit or your dental crown is essential for your overall oral health and smooth functioning of your teeth. It is not necessary that these problems should arise immediately after your dental crown procedure but can occur several months or years after the procedure. When you notice any change in the fit of your dental crown, visit a dentist near you as soon as possible. 

For information on porcelain crowns near you, a dentist in Flagstaff is happy to help!

 

 

Cleaning Your Dentures to Avoid Bacteria Buildup

  

Millions of Americans lose all of their teeth before they reach 60 years old. Being edentulous has psychological effects on you; for example, patients who have lost one or many teeth experience a decrease in their self-esteem and feel embarrassed about interacting with other people because they are afraid of causing a wrong impression in them. Luckily, there are many options to restore your teeth, and dentures in Flagstaff is one of them. 

What Are Dentures?

Dentures are dental devices that restore your missing teeth. Complete dentures consist of acrylic teeth on a pink base that looks like your gums and rest gently over your gingiva. When you wear them, you look as natural as if you had never lost a tooth.

Caring for Your Dentures

If you are looking for dentures near you, you must know how to clean them correctly, so you can keep them in good condition as long as possible. 

Our cosmetic dentist in Flagstaff recommends the best tips to take care of your dentures and prevent bacteria buildup.

Tips to Prevent Bacteria Buildup 

 

1. Remove Your Dentures Before Sleeping

Remove your dentures before bedtime to give your mouth a break and avoid gum irritation.

When you remove them, brush them with a soft-bristled toothbrush and denture non-abrasive toothpaste or a mild soap. Don’t use regular toothpaste because it will damage your dentures.

Also, soak them in a denture cleansing agent or water to keep them moist during the night, avoiding them from contracting.

2. Brush Your Dentures 

As we mentioned above, you should brush your dentures at least once a day with denture non-abrasive toothpaste (but ideally, after every meal). Don’t do it too hard to avoid harming them, and if you don’t have denture non-abrasive toothpaste, you may use a mild soap.

Brush thoroughly the part of your dentures that fits over your gingiva because it is where food particles get trapped. 

3. Rinse Your Dentures After Meals

After eating, always rinse your dentures in water before wearing them again. It will remove the food particles.

4. Clean Your Mouth

Even if you are edentulous, you need to brush your gums, roof of the mouth, cheeks, and tongue. Use a small-headed soft-bristled toothbrush and brush gently. If you don’t have any, you may use salt water (1 cup warm water and ¼ teaspoon salt).

If you are wearing partial dentures, brush your remaining teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.

5. Visit Your Dentist Regularly 

Visiting a dentist near you is also essential to keep oral disease away. During these checkups, you may tell them if you are having any concerns with your dentures for them to make the necessary adjustments.

Keep in mind that your dentures must fit snugly to avoid further issues. Your dental professional may recommend a denture adhesive to achieve an optimal fit.

Implant-Supported Dentures 

For better retention and comfort, we strongly recommend implant-supported dentures. They go attached to dental implants; therefore, you won’t feel they are loosening, and you will feel more natural. 

Dental implants are small metal posts that your surgeon places inside your upper or lower jaw under local anesthetic. Afterward, you must wait for about three months for the dental implant to fuse with your bone permanently. Since your dental professional will fix the dentures to dental implants, they will have excellent retention. 

Schedule Your Appointment 

If you have any other questions, feel free to contact our dental offices. We have a team of caring professionals who look forward to helping restore your smile for better life quality.

 

What Are the Health Consequences of Untreated Periodontal Disease?

 

Most patients visit our dentist in Flagstaff when they feel an ache, not knowing that the pain is how your body warns you that there is something wrong, and you could have avoided it by attending your preventive checkups.

We advise you to visit a dentist near you every six months to ensure that everything is in order. During the appointment, the dental professional will evaluate your teeth, gums, and other soft tissues like your cheeks and tongue; he or she also check your neck for any lumps and ask any questions you may have about dental care.

Periodontal Disease

Periodontal or gum disease doesn’t appear from one day to another. The first signs that your gums are irritated are redness, soreness, and bleeding when you brush or teeth. 

 

Gum disease is an infection in which the dental plaque infects the gums, hence the importance of brushing your teeth in the morning, after meals, and before bedtime. 

 

When you skip your dental brushing, bacteria and food particles remain and keep destroying the connective tissues that hold the teeth in their place. As the disease gets more severe, there is the destruction of the jawbone, the teeth get separated from the gums and start shifting. Once the shifting becomes too extreme, your dental professional might advise you to extract the dental pieces.

 

But there’s more to it than teeth shifting and falling. Keep in mind that your mouth has access to other parts of your body; therefore, bacteria can spread to your circulatory system and put your life at risk. 

 

If you made it this far, now you know why you should look for gum disease treatment near you before it’s too late. As we stated before, maintaining good oral care habits is the key to prevent oral infections, and your dental professional will help you along the way.

Other factors have an impact on gum disease, such as medical conditions like diabetes, and daily habits and choices, such as smoking or using tobacco in any of its forms. We recommend our patients to avoid smoking because it causes severe damage to your teeth and gums.

Gum Disease Treatment in Flagstaff

If you have periodontal disease or think you might have (maybe you have persistent bad breath or your gums bleed when you floss or brush your teeth), feel free to visit our dental clinic in Flagstaff.

Keep on reading to know that the treatment is.

The Procedure

In the early stages, a dental hygienist will perform a dental cleaning using a dental scaler to remove the plaque and tartar build-up from the tooth’s surfaces and beneath the gum line. If the infection is advanced, our periodontist will use a local anesthetic to numb the area, and perform root scaling and planing with special tools to remove the calculus under the gum line and smooth the surface of the roots.

The smooth surface will allow you to heal and keep bacteria away from getting trapped and doing more damage.

Over time, gums will attach once again to your teeth, and with good oral hygiene at home, your mouth will be in a healthy condition once again.

If you have any questions regarding periodontal disease and its consequences, don’t hesitate to contact us. We have a team of caring professionals that are looking forward to helping you achieve a healthy and beautiful smile.

This blog doesn’t intend to replace a consultation visit with a medical professional. It offers information regarding a dental topic. For diagnostic and treatment, contact your dentist at your earliest convenience.

 

Teeth Whitening: The Perfect Gift for Your Smile

 

Who doesn’t want a stunning smile? Most people visit our cosmetic dentist in Flagstaff looking to whiten their teeth and having a boost in their self-esteem.

Having pearly white teeth increases your self-confidence. Studies have shown that people with beautiful smiles even have a higher chance of getting a job that the ones who don’t. Also, you won’t have to be embarrassed while you talk to other people or smile,

So what are you waiting for to look for teeth whitening near you? It’s the best gift for your teeth.

Look no further to know why teeth stain, and how teeth whitening in Flagstaff works.

Causes of Staining

Did you know that teeth are not naturally white? The outer layer of them is the enamel, which is a translucid structure. Underneath, there is the dentin, which color is yellow. It is for this reason that teeth look yellowish, and not pearly white.

Over time, the enamel wears away, and teeth look darker and darker. Besides, your daily choices such as smoking, lack of discipline with your oral care habits, and the intake of some foods (colored beverages like coffee, tea, or red wine), discolor your teeth. Also, medications such as tetracycline, cause stain.

If you feel related to the situations mentioned above, contact a cosmetic dentist near you and seek treatment.

Dental Whitening

As its name suggests, dental whitening is a cosmetic procedure that consists of whitening your teeth using hydrogen or carbamide peroxide.

The most popular systems are:

In-office

Our cosmetic dentist will retract your lips and cheeks with a lip retractor. Then, isolate your gums with a resin. He or she will apply it directly into the gingival margi, and cure it with a special light. Afterward, he or she will use a peroxide-based bleaching agent (with a concentration from 15% to 43%) and paint your teeth with it, using a brush. After two applications of approximately 20 minutes each, you will be ready to go.

To address any sensitivity, your dental professional will apply desensitizing gels. If you feel too much discomfort, you may take over-the-counter painkillers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen during the first 28 hours.

Teeth sensitivity is usual after teeth whitening, and it will go away after a couple of days.

At-home

The bleaching agent has a lower concentration. It ranges from 3% to 20%. You can consult with your dentist before choosing any over-the-counter products to find the best one for you, and how to use it, since applying it for too long may cause severe sensitivity.

It’s also best to visit a dental professional because he or she will create custom-made trays for you, so you can fill them with the peroxide, and slide them into your mouth without any discomfort. Over-the-counter trays are not customized and may cause gum irritation.

You will whiten your teeth as instructed by your cosmetic dentist; if you tend to have teeth sensitivity, he or she may advise you to use the product every other day instead of every day.

Keep in mind that, while the results are the same, at-home systems take a longer time to show results. On the contrary, with the in-office method, you see the results right away.

Schedule an Appointment

Keep in mind that this article does not intend to replace a consultation with your dentist, and if you have any questions, you should seek professional advice.

Feel free to get in touch with our dental offices to schedule an appointment at your earliest convenience. The smile you deserve is one call away!

 

Cosmetic Dental Flaws We Can Solve with Porcelain Veneers

 

If you want a movie star smile, we have good news for you – it is possible! And by a movie star smile, we refer to these big, white, and bright teeth that almost all Hollywood artists have; however, is it that they are just lucky and have perfect natural teeth? The answer is no! But they chose porcelain veneers and you should, too.

Porcelain veneers in Flagstaff are thin shells of, yes, porcelain. A dentist near you will remove a tiny amount of your tooth’s enamel and will cement the veneer with the shape and color you want. Is there any reason not to love them?

Sure, there are other ways to get whiter teeth, such as bleaching your teeth; but, if you want a permanent solution and are tired of going for a touch-up every few months, we recommend porcelain veneers near you.

They have many benefits, and our cosmetic dentist in Flagstaff will tell you about dental flaws that you can solve if you go for porcelain veneers.

Cosmetic Flaws to Fix with Dental Veneers

1.Darkened Teeth

Teeth are not naturally white. The enamel of the tooth, which is the outer layer of it, is translucent; therefore, the underlying yellow dentin makes the tooth look a little bit yellow as well. Besides, in time, they discolor even more due to certain foods and drinks (red wine, coke, tea, coffee), habits such as smoking or chewing tobacco, medications containing tetracycline, and the natural process of aging. With porcelain veneers, you can select the shade of white you want to show, and mask your discolored teeth with the porcelain. You will show pearly white teeth.

2.Gapped teeth

Spaces between teeth are unattractive, especially when it is between the front ones. As we mentioned before, veneers cover your natural teeth; hence, you will be able to close these unwanted gaps and improve your appearance. It will also make your brushing easier because food tends to stick in the gaps, leading to a higher risk of tooth decay.

3.Cracked Teeth

If you have a dented or chipped tooth due to trauma or any other reason, you can mask it with your porcelain veneers and have even teeth.

4.Unappealing Shape

If you don’t like the shape of one or many of your teeth, go for porcelain veneers and make them as large as you want to.

5.Crooked Teeth

Slightly crooked teeth can be covered with dental veneers; so, they are a great alternative to orthodontics if your alignment issues are mild.

Porcelain Dental Veneers – Summary

If you have made it this far, now you know that there is little reason not to go for this procedure with our cosmetic dentist in Flagstaff. It has many benefits, and it can boost your self-confidence.

Porcelain veneers can last up to 15 years with proper care. Brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing, keeping a healthy diet, and not skipping your dental checkups are the key to a long-lasting treatment. 

Also, you don’t have to worry about discoloring; porcelain is resistant to stains. Besides, dental veneers feel and look like your natural teeth. They are tooth-colored, which makes them ideal for creating your perfect smile.

Contact Us

If you want a consultation visit with any of our dental experts, feel free to get in touch with us at your earliest convenience. We have a team of caring professionals that will answer any of the questions you may have, and that is looking forward to helping you improve your smile and the quality of your life.