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Professional teeth whitening is becoming more and more popular these days, but can anyone benefit from the procedure? Who makes the ideal candidates for such treatment?

Having dental implants is a relatively new cosmetic dentistry procedure, and as such potential patients are bound to have a few questions about them. Here are just a few of the most common questions, along with some answers to help people make their minds up.

People these days see porcelain veneers as a quick-fix to the have the perfect smile, but can anyone benefit? Who makes the ideal candidate for such a procedure?

Everyone wants to have clean, sparkling teeth, and one of the quickest ways to achieve that is through professional teeth whitening. But what’s actually involved in teeth whitening?

Porcelain veneers are emerging as one of the more popular methods of correcting cosmetic dental issues. If you are considering getting porcelain veneers it is important that you educate yourself on what happens during the porcelain veneer procedure. Knowing what happens will help better prepare you and help you decide whether or not the procedure is right for you. 

Before the Porcelain Veneer Procedure

The first step in getting porcelain veneers is smile planning. Your cosmetic dentist will discuss your desired outcome and what you can realistically expect when getting porcelain veneers. The dentist will use cosmetic dental imaging to show you what your smile will look like after the porcelain veneer procedure. They may also discuss alternatives if porcelain veneers are not suitable for your dental issues.

During the Porcelain Veneer Procedure

Once you have settled on a design for your smile your second office visit will be used to prep your teeth for your porcelain veneers. The front of the teeth needs to be filed away so the veneers fit naturally. Only a half a millimeter of your tooth front will be removed. Once the front of your tooth has been buffed away the cosmetic dentist will make a mold of your teeth. This mold is used to create your porcelain veneers. When they are done taking the mold of your teeth they will place a temporary veneer for you to wear until your custom fit veneers come in. On your third office visit the dentist will place your custom fit porcelain veneers. Your dentist will match the color of your veneers to your teeth and make sure the alignment of the veneer is correct. The veneer is bonded to your teeth with dental cement and it is set using a special light.

After the Porcelain Veneer Procedure

With proper care porcelain veneers can last for may years. In fact, many patients have had veneers that lasted 10 to 15 years. To extend the longevity of your porcelain veneers you must follow a regular oral hygiene routine, avoid grinding or clenching your teeth and wear a mouth guard during contact sports. For more information on porcelain veneers as well as porcelain crowns, dental implants and implant dentistry, smile makeover options, teeth whitening and bleaching, and more, it is important to visit a skilled cosmetic dentist serving Houston and Harris County.

Dental implants are an excellent alternative to other dental treatments that replace lost and damaged teeth. Dental implants provide a permanent remedy to missing teeth, which is one reason why they are growing in popularity. However, the process for receiving dental implants is long and you must be a good candidate for the procedure, making the option of dental implants not right for everyone.

Before Getting Dental Implants

Your first step is to schedule an appointment with your dentist to determine if you are a good candidate for this procedure. Candidates for dental implants / implant dentistry need to be in overall good health and you will have to have healthy bone structure in your jaw and healthy teeth and gums. Your dentist will also discuss the procedure at length to determine if you are dedicated to the long process involved with getting implants, as the entire procedure can take up to a year to complete depending on the extent of your treatment.

During Dental Implant Surgery

Dental implants actually require two separate surgical procedures unlike other tooth replacement methods where no surgery is involved. The first part of the surgery involves putting the implant rods into the jaw bone. This is a very invasive surgery and healing from this treatment can be a bit painful. Complete healing of this first surgery generally takes about three to six months, though it can take substantially longer as well. The next surgery is when the prosthetic teeth are actually attached to the titanium rod. This procedure is not nearly as invasive as the first surgery, but it still must be taken very seriously.

After the Dental Implant Surgery

You will have detailed instructions provided to you by your dentist that you will need to follow to ensure there are no complications after surgery. It is possible that your body may reject the initial implant rod, however this will usually occur in the months following the first surgery rather than after the teeth are put into place. For the first few weeks after the surgery, your dentist may recommend a soft food diet, and will provide medication if necessary to treat any discomfort or pain you are experiencing. For more information on implant dentistry as well as porcelain veneers, porcelain crowns, smile makeover options, teeth whitening and bleaching, and more, it is important to visit a skilled cosmetic dentist serving Houston and Harris County.

More than 20 percent of the population has to deal with dentophobia. This condition can stress out even the most stalwart of people. But what is dentophobia? Dentophobia is a fear of going to the dentist. Most young children have no fear of going to the dentist. They love to get their teeth counted and to have the hygienist “tickle” their teeth with the dental tooth brush. It is, however, only as we get older and get cavities that we come to discover how painful a visit to the dentist can be. This is when a fear of going to the dentist comes in. Some people are so scared of going to the dentist that they avoid making an appointment, even when they desperately need to, and wind up having rotten teeth because of it. There is, however, a way to visit the dentist without having to be scared. Sedation dentistry is one of the newest and most popular methods to hit the dental world recently. Sedation dentistry is much like what it sounds to be--a sleepy visit to the dentist where you remember nothing of what is going on and are totally relaxed. It used to be that the only way that you could get sedation dentistry was to have an IV inserted under your skin, administering a drug that would put you out as the dentist worked on your teeth. This was a risky procedure and was only used during large dental procedures, such as root canals and wisdom tooth extractions. Now, however, thanks to many people having a fear of going to the dentist, sedation dentistry has become more popular and much more safe. Now people can visit the dentist and take a pill or two in order to be relaxed, calm, and often fall asleep, allowing the dentist to do their work without you feeling any of the effects of it. Anyone who is afraid of the dentist and who is an adult is a good candidate for sedation dentistry, but it is a good idea to divulge all of your medical history, including any current medications you are on, in order to ensure that you do not have a reaction from mixing medications. For more information on sedation dentistry as well as porcelain veneers, porcelain crowns, dental implants, smile makeover options, teeth whitening and bleaching, and more, it is important to visit a skilled cosmetic dentist serving Houston and Harris County.

Like many other people you may desire your teeth to be brighter and whiter. In-office teeth whiting may be the right dental procedure to help bring life back to your smile. Numerous people undergo teeth whitening each year to remove the stains from everyday products such as coffee, tea, red wine, and cigarettes. In-office teeth whitening can bring an instantly renewed smile in one visit to the dentist.

In-Office Teeth Whitening Procedure

When you visit your dental professional for an in-office tooth bleaching and teeth whitening it will usually begin with a minor teeth cleaning and plaque removal. Following the preparation of your teeth the dentist will apply a peroxide based gel to your teeth. This peroxide based gel is a stronger formula than those that can be purchased over the counter. The professional strength of this peroxide based gel is one of the reasons that in-office tooth whitening is so effective. After the gel has been applied to your teeth a laser light is used to activate the gel. In total the process typically takes an hour. In-office teeth whitening results can vary but teeth can be lightened up to 10 shades.

In-Office Teeth Whitening Candidates

If you are looking to remove stains from your teeth and enhance your smile in-office teeth whitening is most likely something you can consider. Most people are able to have in-office teeth whitening performed even those people with sensitive teeth and gums. In fact, those people with sensitivity issues that desire teeth whitening should do so under the supervision of a dentist. In-office teeth whitening candidates should have realistic expectations. Results cannot be predicted and do vary from patient to patient. Ideal candidates should also consider that the results are not permanent. Over time the results will fade especially with the use of products like coffee, tea, and red wine. To learn more about teeth whitening as well porcelain veneers, dental implants, sedation dentistry options, and other dental care treatments, it is important to meet with a skilled cosmetic dentist serving Houston and Harris County.

Having discolored teeth can have a very negative impact on your life. It may make you feel shy, affect how you react in social situations, and make you feel unattractive. When you are uncomfortable with your physical appearance, it not only affects your relationship with your friends, but your business associates as well. Luckily, there are steps that you can take to brighten your smile. The most popular option, and the least expensive, is to purchase an over-the-counter whitening system. These are available at most department stores and pharmacies, and are fairly easy to use. They have a reasonably reliable success rate, and the results begin to be noticeable in just a few weeks. However, there is only so much that they can accomplish. If your teeth are severely discolored, you may want to look into laser whitening. Results from professional teeth whitening procedures are more pronounced, but are considerably more costly. The procedure produces dramatic results, usually within one hour. Teeth whitening procedures are not covered under most insurance policies, so the chances are good that you would be paying these costs out of pocket. There is also a chance of increased sensitivity in your teeth, so talk with your dentist about your oral health before going through with this procedure. There are various home remedies that are used to brighten smiles, but these have varying success rates, are often are not safe. If you decide to try to whiten your teeth yourself, use caution. You could inadvertently cause irreparable damage. Whatever route you decide to take, there is no doubt that whitening your teeth will have a positive effect. You will feel better about showing off your smile, more comfortable around others, and get a definite boost in confidence. Brighten your smile--it will brighten your outlook on life. To learn more about teeth whitening as well as other dental treatments such as porcelain veneers, dental implants, and sedation dentistry, we encourage you to contact our cosmetic dentistry office near Houston.

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap placed over a tooth, which provides covering to the tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and to improve its appearance. Once a crown is cemented in its place, it fully encases the entire visible portion of a tooth that lies at and above the gum line. Below is some general information on porcelain dental crowns and how they can benefit you.

What is a dental crown?

A dental crown is either built of a metal or a base metal alloy. The metals used for building crowns include alloys made of gold and other alloys and in base metal alloy nickel or chromium is used. When a metal crown is used the tooth structure needing removal is minimal, and the opposite tooth also experiences minimum tooth wearing. Metal crowns have the longest life and they rarely chip or break. The only deterrent factor in metallic crowns is the color which does not match the normal color of the teeth. It is a good option for out-of-sight molars.

What can dental crowns do?

There are quite a lot of situations that require application of dental crowns. It helps in protecting a weak tooth or binds together the parts of a cracked tooth. It helps in restoring a tooth that has already been broken or has weathered down significantly. Dental crowns facilitate in provide coverage and support to a tooth with a large filling, when the original tooth has considerably diminished in size. Dental crowns also help in providing support to a dental bridge and facilitate in covering misshaped or severely discolored teeth.

Cost of Dental Crowns

Cost of a dental crown depends upon the choice of alloy that is being used. The crowns made of gold or palladium would be costliest followed by those of nickel or chromium. Dental crowns made of porcelain fused to metal are cheaper than metallic crown while the crowns made of resin are the cheapest. The cost however also has to be analyzed in context of the longevity of the crown as well. To learn more about dental crowns and other dental treatments such as teeth whitening, dental implants, and porcelain veneers, we encourage you to visit our cosmetic dentistry office near Houston.

No smile, no matter how healthy and clean, is immune to the effects of time, wear, fading, and discoloration. Eventually, even the brightest smile begins to lose some of its luminescence, its vibrant whiteness falling prey to stains and loss of enamel. Fortunately, cosmetic and restorative dentistry offers a potentially ideal solution to those who are looking to restore their smiles to their natural brilliance. In-office teeth whitening is a simple, quick, and relatively pain-free method of reversing the effects that the passage of time has had on teeth, diminishing or eliminating even stubborn stains left by soda, wine, tobacco, food, and certain medications. Even those whose teeth are discolored due to congenital conditions may benefit from teeth whitening. Although there are several brands of teeth whitening systems, most operate according to the same principles. Generally, a proprietary blend of bleaching agents, usually hydrogen-peroxide based, is applied in gel form to the front surfaces of the teeth. Before the whitening gel is applied, the cosmetic dentist will first isolate the teeth from the gums to ensure that there is no periodontal damage. Once the gel has been applied, its cleaning properties are activated upon exposure to a special light, which causes it to break down and penetrate the enamel. Because teeth whitening systems are able to access deep stains, most patients are able to achieve dramatically noticeable improvements in the brightness of their teeth, often emerging from the dentist’s office with teeth that are up to ten times whiter. Most whitening treatments require no more than an hour and produce results that can last for years with proper care. For those patients who prefer not to undergo an office whitening procedure, most dental practices offer the option of take-home whitening kits. These kits are generally far superior to those that can be purchased over the counter, producing results similar to those attainable through the in-office treatment. The patient is provided with a custom-molded tray that will hold the whitening formula, and he or she will wear the tray at his or her convenience in the privacy of his or her own home. To learn more about teeth whitening and other dental treatments such as porcelain dental crowns, porcelain veneers, and sedation dentistry, visit our cosmetic dentistry office near Houston to schedule an appointment and learn how we can help you.

Who doesn’t want a pearly white smile? Yet, some people find their teeth stained and discolored no matter what they do. What could cause perfectly healthy teeth to darken and yellow? Here are a few of the most common culprits.

Certain Foods

We eat a lot of things that can stain and discolor our teeth: coffee, tea, colas, wines, and even certain fruits and vegetables such as apples and potatoes. Want to know if something you are eating is discoloring your teeth? Check to see if it will stain a cup, plate, or other hard surface item.

Smoking

It is a proven fact: cigarettes and chewing tobacco are two of the leading causes of tooth discoloration, making your smile yellow, dark, and unsightly.

Poor Dental Hygiene

If you do not brush your teeth correctly and floss regularly to remove yellowing plaque and other stain-producing substances that could be sticking to the tooth surface, they may discolor.

Disease

Some diseases affect the hard surface of the teeth and the underlying material under the tooth enamel, leading to discoloration. In addition, treatments for certain conditions such as head and neck radiation and chemotherapy can change the color of your teeth. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if any of your medications or vitamins could be discoloring your smile.

Medications

The antibiotics tetracycline and doxycycline are known to discolor teeth when given to children whose teeth are still developing (usually before the age of 8). Antihistamines such as Benadryl, antipsychotic drugs, and antihypertensive medications can also discolor teeth.

Some Dental Materials

Amalgam restorations, especially silver sulfide-containing materials, can cast a gray-black color to teeth over time.

Age

As you get older, the outer layer of enamel on your teeth may wear away, revealing the natural yellow color of dentin underneath the outer enamel.

Genetics

Some people have naturally brighter or thicker enamel than others. This can make their teeth look brighter and whiter than others.

Environment

Some amount of fluoride is good for your teeth, but too much can cause tooth discoloration. Giving children fluoride supplements when they are already receiving fluoridated water can cause severe staining of their teeth. To learn more about teeth whitening and other cosmetic dentistry options such as porcelain veneers and porcelain dental crowns, we encourage you to visit our cosmetic dentistry practice near Houston to learn more.