Cosmetic Dentistry – Best Dentist News

Can a Dazzling Smile Improve Your Professional and Social Success?

A beautiful smile can make a significant difference in your life. That’s why so many patients look for cosmetic help every year. With the care provided by an experienced cosmetic dentist, you can face the people in your life with an improved sense of confidence and wellbeing.

The most common cosmetic services are:

Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic services available today. Depending on your needs and your level of sensitivity, your dentist may recommend an in-office whitening solution or a take-home option. Regardless of which you use, both will help you see amazing results.

Porcelain Veneers

Veneers are handcrafted from quality dental porcelain to produce results that look natural and beautiful. Once in place, veneers can help you create a smile that looks straighter and whiter without the need for teeth whitening or braces. A complete veneers procedure is typically completed in two or three visits.

Clear or Invisible Braces

For teens and adults who want a straighter smile but don’t want to wear traditional braces, clear braces can be an excellent alternative. They’re more discreet, allowing patients to maintain their mature and professional image while going through treatment.

Tooth-Colored Fillings

Tooth-colored fillings are used to help patients treat decay, which is among the most common oral health problems. Made from composite fillings, they will blend in with your smile for results that are seamless and durable.

Cosmetic Bonding

Cosmetic bonding is a simple procedure that, similar to porcelain veneers, will help you improve the appearance of a cracked, chipped, or stained tooth. Bonding is a single-visit procedure that takes just a few minutes to complete.

If you’re seeking cosmetic help, your dentist will complete a full oral health assessment before recommending a specific treatment plan. Some patients may need just a single service to achieve the results they want to achieve while others will benefit from a plan that includes multiple services.

Call your local cosmetic dentist to schedule a consultation appointment.

Holiday Teeth Whitening Advice

There are many reasons to smile this time of year. We have beautiful decorations, holiday gatherings with family and friends, delicious meals, savory desserts, and the joy of gift giving. But what will your family and friends see when you smile this holiday season? Over time, our teeth can discolor and stain because of foods and beverages like coffee, tea, and sodas. Your teeth can also yellow and stain from tobacco and alcohol use. However, they don’t have to stay that way. If you want your family and friends to see the dazzling white smile you had before discoloration and staining set in, make an appointment for professional teeth whitening today. You could brighten your smile this holiday season in just one hour with professional teeth whitening.

What About Teeth Whitening Toothpaste?

You may have already tried switching to a teeth whitening toothpaste. But whitening toothpaste is truly the least effective whitening option. Whitening toothpastes are made with mild abrasives that can only polish away shallow surface stains. They don’t contain the bleaching agents needed to truly alter the color of the enamel. It’s best to reserve whitening toothpaste to care for your teeth after you have used a more effective teeth whitening treatment.

Does Over-the-Counter Teeth Whitening Really Work?

These products may include whitening kits, whitening gels, whitening strips, or whitening rinses. They are widely available and they make a lot of promises. Yet, it can take several weeks of daily use to get any significant results with these products. In the mean time you’ll have to avoid any coffee, tea, soda, or wine until you’re finished with the treatment. Additionally, any misstep in their application could result in irritation or infection in your teeth or gums. The time, inconvenience, and risk of misapplication make these products difficult to recommend.

Professional Teeth Whitening for the Holidays

The easiest and most reliable choice is to visit your dentist for professional teeth whitening. Your dentist can offer you a one visit treatment or an easy-to-use take-home option. The dentist uses powerful bleaching agents that can whiten your teeth several shades in just one-hour. But, unlike the over-the-counter treatments, the dentist can make sure that your teeth and gums are not irritated in the process. Moreover, bleaching agents may not be able to remove some forms of discoloration and deep staining. Your dentist will be able to recognize this and offer alternatives like dental bonding or veneers. Don’t make the mistake of using the wrong teeth whitening method. Get the brighter and whiter smile you deserve this holiday season with a professional whitening treatment from your dentist.

Rejuvenate Your Smile with Custom Porcelain Veneers

When you look in the mirror and smile, are you happy with what you see? For millions of Americans, unsightly stains, cracks, chips, and other imperfections make smiling something to be avoided rather than shared with the world. If you are dissatisfied with the appearance of your smile, know that there is a way to completely transform your smile in as little as two visits to your local dentist’s office with porcelain veneers.

How Do Porcelain Veneers Work?

Porcelain veneers effectively correct common cosmetic flaws by covering them with thin layers of durable dental porcelain. Issues like discoloration, yellowing, cracks, chips, misalignment, and gaps quickly and seamlessly vanish; a gorgeous, flawless smile can be yours in less time than ever before with porcelain veneers. Your veneers are custom crafted from fine, stain-resistant dental ceramic. They fit perfectly over your existing teeth, giving you the perfect, movie-star look you want and deserve.

Before your porcelain veneers are placed, your dentist will prepare the front surfaces of your natural teeth to accommodate them. This will ensure that your veneers lie flush with your gum line for a completely natural look and feel. Patients are encouraged to bring along some photos of smiles they like and admire; your dentist will work with you to craft a stunning smile that will turn heads for all of the right reasons.

Schedule Your Veneers Consultation

Your dentist is your trusted partner in all things related to oral health and cosmetic enhancement. From teeth whitening, general checkups, thorough cleanings, and gum disease care to customized porcelain veneers that perfect your smile in just two visits, the possibilities are endless with today’s state-of-the-art technology. Contact your dentist today to schedule your consultation and to learn more about the benefits of porcelain veneers.

Surprise Dad on Father’s Day with Cosmetic Dentistry!

Father’s Day is right around the corner and everyone’s searching for the perfect way to show Dad how much he’s loved and appreciated. What better way to share your love and affection than giving your dad or husband the gift of a handsome, flashy new smile? Today’s cosmetic dentistry options make it easy to give dad a Father’s day present that’s as unique as he is.

Cosmetic Dental Treatments for Father’s Day

Studies have shown that men are substantially less likely to smile than women, and even when they do, many tend to feel insecure about the state of their teeth. Whether it’s crooked teeth, unsightly yellowing, or a combination of multiple cosmetic flaws, your dentist can help! Professional teeth whitening can transform a stained, dingy smile in as little as an hour or over the course of a couple weeks at home, depending on the type of treatment Dad prefers. Porcelain veneers effectively erase common problems like gaps between teeth, cracks or chips in enamel, and stains that are resistant to whitening treatments.

Of course, if Dad’s smile is just fine aesthetically but could use a thorough cleaning, why not treat him to the pleasure of that unparalleled “just-from-the-dentist” clean feeling we all love so much? However you choose to celebrate your father this year, he’ll be sure to thank you for thinking of such an unexpected and unique gift.

Give the Gift that Keeps on Giving

Father’s Day is the perfect time to give the special man in your life a real reason to smile: cosmetic dentistry services that suit his lifestyle. He’ll thank you for your thoughtfulness on his special day and every time he shows off his pearly whites all year round!

Five Myths about Porcelain Veneers and the Real Truth Behind Them

30332440 Ever since Hollywood celebrities started relying on them for transforming their smiles into stunners, porcelain veneers have picked up steam as a truly transformative cosmetic dentistry method that can cover up stains, chips, cracks, and even gaps. These beautiful restorations are handcrafted in dental labs and customized for each unique tooth, ensuring a completely seamless, natural appearance. However, there are also several rumors that dentists have encountered concerning this procedure that may be scaring off potential patients who’re striving for the smile of their dreams. Today, we’d like to clear up five of these misconceptions!

People Will Easily Be Able to Tell That It’s Not Your Real Smile

While this may have once been true concerning older versions of veneers, which were very thick and opaque, the right clinician can truly make all the difference. Porcelain veneers are so beautiful and natural looking that they blend in seamlessly with the rest of your smile!

You Have to Cut Down Your Whole Tooth/Teeth to Have It Placed

This is an exaggeration. It is necessary for your teeth to undergo some reshaping; after all, you don’t want your new porcelain veneers to look too bulky simply for the sake of preserving tooth structure. But the amount often mentioned is excessive. If you still feel uncomfortable with the process, “prep-less” veneers are often available as an alternative, which are only 2mm, or the width of a single contact lens.

They Are Painful and Cause Sensitivity

The only instance in which you may experience some pain or sensitivity is when you’re wearing your temporary veneers in the interim before your permanent ones are finished. Once your new porcelain veneers have been placed, this sensation will be completely eliminated.

Their Bright White Color Looks Unnatural

While some patients may prefer a blazing white shade, your dentist will be happy to ensure that your porcelain veneers are whatever color you want them to be! It’s always up to the patient.

They’re Too Expensive

While this may sadly be true for some patients, many dental practices can offer payment plans or alternative financial options that may reduce your monetary obligations down to a couple hundred dollars a month!

Be sure to talk to your local dentist about porcelain veneers! Who knows – your dream smile may not be as far out of your reach as you think.

How Do You Maintain a Great Summertime Smile?

When you think of summer, you probably think of swimming pools, cookouts, and sunshine — but do you also think of your oral health? During the summer, there are actually things that you should keep in mind when it comes to your smile. 105863958 Armed with some information, though, you can have a fun summer while maintaining beautiful and healthy teeth.

Did you know that swimming pools can have an effect on your teeth?

The chemicals in swimming pools can lead to discoloration of your smile if you’re exposed for long enough. Research has shown that people who spent more than 6 hours a week in swimming pools ended up with discolored front teeth. The reason is the higher pH level of the water, which beaks down proteins in saliva and leave a brownish stain on your teeth. If the pool’s pH balance isn’t properly cared for, the water can also soften enamel, leading to an increased risk of decay and damage. Luckily, trips to the dentist for regular cleanings and fluoride treatments can combat both of these problems!

Summertime Foods and Beverages…and Your Smile

During the summer, you’re probably going to attend a lot of parties, and with parties come a variety of beverages and snacks. Summertime drinks include soda, sports drinks, white wine, beer, and lemonade, and these drinks are loaded with sugar. A simple tip for counteracting the effects of these beverages, however, is to rinse your mouth with water regularly throughout the party. But don’t brush your teeth too soon after consuming acidic beverages. These drinks can soften enamel, and brushing while the enamel is soft can do more damage. Wait at least an hour before you brush!

Party foods can be dark in color and full of sugar as well. Dark foods contribute to stained teeth, and we all know what happens when you eat too much sugar! Cavities! But by rinsing your mouth after eating these dark and sugary foods, you can avoid staining and cavities — and a trip to the dentist during your summer for teeth whitening and a checkup can give your smile a boost!

It’s pretty simple to keep your smile in shape during these summer months. Brushing, flossing, rinsing after food or drink, and regular trips to the dentist can help keep you looking and feeling your best. Now you just have to figure out how to stay cool!

Hey, Dentists! Make ‘Em Laugh!

Dentists use nitrous oxide to calm mildly anxious patients.

Laughing gas, or nitrous oxide, has been used routinely in dental offices since 1863. It’s a safe, effective sedation option for dental patients seeking a way to control feeling overly anxious about their treatments.

Nearly 75% of American adults experience mild to severe dental anxiety. Causes for dental fears are varied, and may include:

Previous painful experiences at the dentist’s office
Dealing with general anxiety, mood, or posttraumatic stress disorders
Feeling out of control or helpless
Having low pain threshold or fear of pain
Embarrassment about the look of teeth
Phobic about needles and/or anxious about drills
Sensitive gag reflex

If you do suffer fear or anxiety about dentistry, the good news is that most dentists offer sedation dentistry. One of the most common forms of sedation is nitrous oxide, often referred to as laughing gas. Continue reading Hey, Dentists! Make ‘Em Laugh!

High Blood Pressure and Oral Health

doc & admin High blood pressure, also called HBP or hypertension, can affect your ability to receive oral healthcare. Performing dental treatments on patients with hypertension can be detrimental! If your blood pressure is too high, many dentists won’t schedule procedures until you receive a health assessment from your medical doctor.

What is high blood pressure?

The two forces measured for your blood pressure reading are the blood pumping out of your heart and into your arteries (systolic), and the heart resting between beats (diastolic). Normal blood pressure readings for a healthy individuals who are 20 years and older should be below 120 for systolic and below 80 for diastolic. If blood pressure readings are consistently higher than 120/80 then you’re probably suffering from hypertension.

According to Heart.org, the website of the American Heart Association, “Untreated high blood pressure damages and scars your arteries.” High blood pressure increases risks of blood clots, organ damage, heart attacks, and strokes. High blood pressure also results increased plaque build-up and weakening blood vessels.

How does high blood pressure affect my dental health?

In a white paper released by the American Diagnostic Corporation, it states: “…elevations of blood pressure can increase a patient’s risk of experiencing a stroke or myocardial infarctions in the dental chair.” Patients with hypertension can also be in danger from local anesthetics that use vasoconstrictors, such as epinephrine, which increase blood pressure and heart arrhythmia.

High blood pressure medications can also affect your dental wellbeing. Some prescriptions cause dry mouth and may also alter your sense of taste. Meds with calcium blockers can also create gum overgrowth, which can affect a patient’s ability to chew and may require periodontal surgery to correct.

Will my dentist still treat me if I have high blood pressure?

Most dentists will not treat patients who have high blood pressure, especially if your numbers are in the Stage 1 or higher range for hypertension. (View the chart at the American Heart Association’s website.) If you’re being treated for high blood pressure, it’s important for you to discuss your condition and your medications with your dentist before beginning any treatments. Most patients being treated for high blood pressure can still have dental procedures, take anti-anxiety medications (often used for oral conscious sedation), and safely receive local anesthetics.

Have You Considered a Smile Makeover for January?

teeth whitening smile makeover January is a time when many people are thinking about fresh starts and life improvements. If that sounds like something you’re doing, have you considered a smile makeover from your dentist?

A smile makeover can help you add an extra sparkle to your smile, which, in turn, can help you improve the different relationships in your life, whether romantic, social, or on a professional. What’s more, studies have shown that patients with whiter, straighter smiles are perceived by others as more confident, attractive, and successful.

So with all this in mind, why not talk to your dentist about a smile makeover for January?

Continue reading Have You Considered a Smile Makeover for January?

Filling in the Information Gaps about Diastema

Diastema is a term used to describe a gap between two teeth. Many celebrities have a diastema including Madonna, Eddie Murphy, Jack Black, Lauren Hutton, Amelia Earheart, and Willie Nelson. For some people, a diastema makes their smile unique, and they choose to keep the charming midline gap.

Animal Tendencies

A diastema is a natural feature of several mammal species, especially herbivores. The diastema in the dentition of animals such as rodents, sheep, and beavers allow food to be routed into the cheek so consumption can continue unimpeded. A diastema also allows material from gnawing to be expelled through the gap. Continue reading Filling in the Information Gaps about Diastema