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.

 

Is Your Dental Bridge Damaged?

If you are missing one tooth or many teeth, there are numerous risks associated. Firstly, your smile will be aesthetically compromised. This is the most obvious consequence of tooth loss that we think of because it affects our appearance drastically. Additionally, tooth loss affects the function of our teeth and the structure of our mouth. Porcelain fixed bridges in Flagstaff, are ideal for filling in spaces caused by missing teeth. They will restore your smile and the functionality of your teeth. Porcelain fixed bridges are a type of dental restoration that is natural-looking to maintain your appearance. Now, although dental bridges are strong and durable, they can also break or acquire damage when they are exposed to trauma or excessive wear and tear. Your dentist, can repair a damaged dental bridge and enable you to continue enjoying the many benefits of this dental restoration. 

Why Does a Dental Bridge Need to Be Repaired?

Dental bridges are an excellent option for patients who have suffered tooth loss. However, no matter how diligent you are when it comes to taking care of your dental bridge and oral health, porcelain fixed dental bridges near you, are not intended to last forever. On average, the lifespan of dental bridges if seven to ten years. Of course, the lifespan can vary and there are cases where dental bridges can last longer. With that said, certain conditions can compromise the strength or function of a dental bridge quicker than this, which means repairing a dental bridge will be necessary. Here are the most common reasons to repair a dental bridge:

• The pontic (replacement tooth) has chipped, cracked, or broke due to injury or excessive wear. 
• The dental bridge has become loose, making your dental bridge fit or function poorly. 
• The teeth that support your dental bridge have become damaged or decayed. 
• You have developed gum disease which has loosened the neighboring teeth and compromised the function of the dental bridge.  

What are Your Repair Options?

When a dental bridge is damaged, every case is unique, so your dentist must create a personalized treatment plan to repair the dental bridge that is based on the cause of the malfunction. In terms of small chips, cracks or problems that are more so cosmetic, usually your dentist in Flagstaff will repair the dental bridge using the dental bonding procedure—this involves shaping a dental compound directly to the teeth. For more extensive damage, your dentist will send the dental bridge to a dental lab where corrections and adjustments will take place. Successfully repairing a dental bridge is possible, however in some cases, the damage may be so extensive that it would actually be more cost effective to design a new dental bridge instead of repairing your current bridge. 

If your dental bridge is damaged due to issues with the neighboring teeth, it must be removed in order for your dentist in Flagstaff to treat these teeth. After these teeth are restored, your dentist can cement your dental bridge back into place.  

Has your dental bridge becomes damaged? Is it not functioning properly? Does it feel uncomfortable? Perhaps, it is in need of repair! Don’t worry, your dentist can assess the situation and provide the proper treatment. In the majority of cases, your dentist can repair dental bridges and provide you with a strong and beautiful smile. Don’t live with dental bridge concerns, visit a dental clinic near you. Your dental office in Flagstaff provides dental bridge services along with other restorative dental services.  

How Long Do Composite Fillings Last?

 

The dentist will apply composite resins to the damaged teeth to protect the structure and restore the strength of the teeth. You probably think that once the composite fillings near you harden, your teeth will remain protected for a lifetime. Unfortunately, dental fillings will not indefinitely last. There will come a time when you have to return to the dentist to have them replaced. Most patients will wonder, when is the best time to have them replaced?

How Long Will Composite Fillings in Flagstaff Typically Last?

It would be difficult to determine the accurate lifespan of your composite resin. The length of time that composite fillings will remain in their optimal state will depend upon several factors. Some people are lucky to receive a filling that will last for several years, and others will have to replace their filling after just five years. Follow the instructions of the dentist in Flagstaff, and you can extend the lifespan of your filling.

Factors that May Affect the Lifespan of Composite Fillings

Different factors can either delay or speed-up the deterioration of your composite resins. Once the seal breaks down, food debris and bacteria can penetrate down the fillings and can increase the likelihood that you will suffer from tooth decay and gum infection. If you delay treatment from the dentist near you, this can lead to an abscessed tooth and infect your dental pulp.

• Location- The chewing and the biting force will be more significant in the anterior teeth. Composite resins are durable materials, but they can wear at a faster rate when they are located in our molars. 
• Size- Smaller fillings will rarely encounter any issues; thus, expect that they will last longer.
• Mannerism- If you have the habit of grinding your teeth when sleeping, this can compromise the condition of the filling. Bruxism will expose your teeth to excessive pressure. 
• Foods- Food and drinks that you can consume are contributing factors to enamel erosion. Sugary and acidic foods will make the composite resins more vulnerable. 
• Oral Hygiene Routine- If you want to extend the longevity of the dental fillings, you need to maintain an excellent oral hygiene routine.

Why Should You Replace Your Dental Fillings?

There are different reasons why your dentist will recommend a replacement for your composite fillings in Flagstaff. For instance, composite resins mimic the color of our natural teeth. Overtime, they can develop discoloration that will make them look unsightly. You can ask the dentist to replace them to ensure that they will blend with the rest of your teeth. Another possible reason why you must repair or restore them is due to deterioration. A dental filling may end up leaking or cracking which will need replacement. The cracked and leaky dental filling must be replaced immediately to avoid tooth decay.

How to Make it Last Longer

While several factors have a direct impact on the lifespan of the composite fillings near you, it is also important to note that there are simple ways that you can help them remain stronger for an extended period. Visit your dentist regularly for regular dental cleanings. It is also advised to brush your teeth using a toothbrush with soft bristles and toothpaste with an ideal fluoride concentration. Use a floss threader and a mouthwash with antibacterial properties. If you have noticed that there are signs of cracks or leaks, call your dentist at once and schedule an appointment.

A qualified dentist in Flagstaff will know the things they should look for when they are evaluating the condition of your dental filling. They will be able to determine if it is necessary to replace it or if they simply need to repair it. Ultimately, when it comes to the longevity of the composite filling, it will be best to allow your dentist to decide.