April 2014 - The Dental Place

April 27, 2014

Teeth whitening has become a major player in the way we can care for the appearance of our teeth.

There are whitening gels, pastes, rinses; trays available in the drug store or on the internet; kits that come with lights; and products that claim that you can customize them for the best result.

But truth be known, the optimum whitening product you can get is available through your cosmetic dentist. Opalescence teeth whitening has many options to suit your individual needs.

…the optimum whitening product you can get is available through your cosmetic dentist.

There is in-office whitening that allows you to brighten your teeth in one brief visit. For patients wishing to whiten at home, there are take-home kits.

You can whiten teeth in brief stints or the whitening gel can be used overnight. Depending on the application you choose, the strength of the product can be adjusted. There are different flavors available to suit your preference.

Once whitening has been completed there are steps you can take to help keep your new bright smile. Many foods and beverages are more inclined to stain. These include coffee, tea, cola, red wine, and sugary beverages that are often touted as “healthy” drinks.

Foods to consider include many fruits such as berries due to the dark pigments they contain. Sauces with tomatoes as their base, beets, and many acidic foods can impact the color of teeth. Solutions for these issues include being prepared to brush teeth following consumption, remembering to delay brushing teeth after consuming acidic foods for about an hour to prevent damaging teeth’s enamel softened by the acids.

Tobacco products can stain newly whitened teeth prematurely. Whether smoked or chewed, tar and nicotine can make teeth yellow and brown. The primary solution to this is abstaining from use.

If you do partake in any of the items known to stain, and can’t brush, rinse with clear water. Or munch on crunchy vegetables that actually scrub teeth and produce saliva to keep the mouth flushed naturally.

A daily hygiene regimen of brushing and flossing will help keep teeth bright coupled with twice yearly visits to the dentist for a thorough cleaning and exam. During these visits, topical stains are removed and teeth are polished to look their best.

If whitened teeth begin to look drab, there are touch-up kits available to help teeth look their best.

Contact our cosmetic dental team at The Dental Place for more options to keep your teeth bright and healthy.

April 15, 2014

Children need education, coaxing, lecturing, and sometimes nagging to do the things needed to keep them healthy and happy. Caring for your child’s teeth is a parents’ job for many years, and even when youngsters evolve into teens and beyond, reminders to brush, floss and keep appointments with the dentist may be needed.

When children are small, parents brush their teeth for them; as they grow, they teach children how to brush and floss on their own … one of the best ways to demonstrate this lesson is through example. Allowing small children to watch you brush and floss daily demonstrates a wonderful habit that they can carry on into adulthood.

Brushing and flossing are daily habits to adopt, but on their own are not enough to keep teeth and gums healthy, especially as youngsters grow into teenagers. When children are young, sealants can be applied to teeth before decay has a chance to develop. This coating is painted onto the tops of teeth to protect dental enamel.

Diet becomes critical to oral health, especially when sugary snacks and beverages become a primary food group for your child. Limiting sweets is important as plaque builds on teeth that can contribute to dental decay and gum disease.

Cavities cannot be ignored, so if decay starts, it must be repaired. This can create anxiety and discomfort that could have been avoided. While daily brushing and flossing are important, using the correct tools is also imperative. A soft bristle brush, fluoride tooth paste or gel, along with a fluoridated rinse help to keep teeth fortified against the bacteria that can lead to decay.

Visiting the dentist every six months for a thorough cleaning and exam should be honored. Plaque build-up can only be removed with the assistance of your dental professional. During dental appointments, fluoride applications are also available as an additional source of protection.

Adolescents are often concerned about their appearance, particularly their smile. Keeping teeth as bright as possible coupled with the tools needed to keep teeth and gums healthy will enhance their oral health as well as their smile.

The correct daily dental regimen, keeping twice yearly hygiene appointments, and limiting excessive sugary snacks and beverages are important rules to maintain oral health. And oral health plays a significant role in your child’s smile which can impact their self-esteem and overall well-being.

Call our dental office at 972-264-5795 for more tips in keeping your family’s oral health up to date.

April 6, 2014

Dentures are the good option for patients that have incurred tooth loss. A consultation with your trusted dental provider will point you in the right direction to reach your desired goals.

Dentures are available in different applications and price points. When a patient wants to restore the ability to eat and speak comparable to their natural teeth, they will seek a fixed denture.

A fixed denture will be permanently cemented in place. This will be done by crowning adjacent teeth to the teeth that are missing. Or for even a more natural replacement, an implant supported denture can be placed.

These are top of the line procedures that produce the most natural results. Many patients are more interested in a more conservative solution that comes with a removable denture.

Dentures are the good option for patients that have incurred tooth loss.

A removable denture is fabricated with replacement teeth that are going to match neighboring teeth in shape, shade, and size. The denture is put in place most often with the use of a clasp to attach the denture to adjacent teeth.

All dentures are made for comfort, aesthetics, and functionality. If any of these are amiss, your dentist will work with you to make the needed adjustments to provide you with the most natural denture available.

Caring for your denture depends on whether or not your denture is fixed or removable. A fixed denture is treated very much like natural teeth with brushing and flossing daily.

A removable denture should be treated a little differently. Normally taken out to sleep, this type of denture is stored in a container to maintain moisture, often a soak to clean and keep the denture fresh.

When desired, the removable denture can be brushed but only with a brush and product designed specifically for a denture. A standard brush and tooth paste are too abrasive for cleaning a denture … they can scratch the surface. Natural teeth should be brushed before putting the removable denture in making sure the gums are brushed daily to keep the tissue stimulated.

All dentures may require adjustments during the first few weeks. It is important that you allow your dentist the opportunity to make needed adjustments … never attempt to make even small changes as they can impact the longevity of your denture.

No matter which type of denture you select, it should serve you well for many years. For more information about dentures and your options, contact The Dental Place today.