Are you less than happy with the color of your smile? Are you considering professional whitening treatments to change that? Teeth whitening is one of the most popular and most common cosmetic dentistry procedures. It is a safe and effective way to improve the color and brightness of your teeth. Before you have your treatment, there are some simple steps you can take to ensure that your whitening treatment has the best results possible.
Whiter teeth begin with a conversation with your dentist. You’ll talk about your teeth and what your best whitening options are. Before whitening, you’ll want to address any lingering dental issues you possess. Fillings, decay, gum disease or other issues will need to be taken care of before your whitening treatment. Because dental crowns, bridges or any dental veneer work won’t whiten with the treatment, you and your dentist will need to ensure that the treatment you choose won’t make your restoration work noticeable against the background of whiter teeth. If necessary, you may want to have your restorations updated with brighter, whiter materials.
Before beginning whitening, you’ll need to choose a shade of white. Your dentist will work with you and a “shade guide” that illustrates the different levels of whitening available to you. Your dentist will help you choose a shade that best complements your lip, hair and skin color. Going too white isn’t always the best choice, as it can look unnatural and offputting. Choose a shade that works for you.
Once your teeth are healthy enough for whitening, you’ll want to have them thoroughly cleaned by a dental professional. Any build up of plaque, bacteria or debris present on the surface of your teeth will prevent the natural surface from whitening evenly. Whitening over such debris will result in blotchy or spotty whitening effects. To achieve a smooth, even brightening, ensure that your teeth are completely clean prior to whitening.
Have you recently undergone dental implant therapy? Are you experiencing some problems with them? If you are concerned about how you are healing or feeling following surgery, consider the following signs of problems.
Implant failure can be signaled by persistent pain. This kind of pain is an ongoing pain that isn’t dulled by taking over-the-counter pain medications. Pain immediately following surgery is common, but if it’s been several days, your pain should be getting better, not getting worse.
Mobility of the implant itself can be a sign of a problem, especially after several weeks. Dental implants are so secure because of osseointegration, the process of the fusion of the implant into the jawbone. If this process fails, the implant will fail over time.
Certain patient types are more likely to experience implant mobility associated with dental implant failure. Patients with poor oral hygiene or those who grind their teeth can have implant failure, as can patients who are heavy smokers, diabetics or with bone disorders such as osteoporosis.
Continuous bleeding, acute inflammation or swelling at the implant site can signal a problem. If the area around the implant feels hot and inflamed, you might have an infection. Infection can play a large part of dental implant failure. Signs of infection in the mouth include pus around the implant site, pimple-like bubbles on the gum, or a foul-smelling and tasting liquid coming from the gums. Don’t ignore signs of infection in the mouth, or they can lead to much worse health issues.
Once you have visited your dentist, you can be evaluated by x-ray for bone loss. Bone loss surrounding the implant site is a warning sign of implant failure. At this time, the implant might be removed and replaced when the bone and soft tissues have regrown.
Talk to Morehead City dentist Dr. Winchester today if you think you have a problem with your dental implants. Don’t wait to find out what can be done to address your problems.
If you live in the Morehead City, contact us today
If you have teeth that are chipped, discolored, gapped, or too short and are looking for a way to correct these issues, composite veneers may be an excellent solution. This type of veneers utilizes a composite material to cover the front portion of the tooth, hiding flaws and creating a beautiful, life-like appearance. With excellent care, you can enjoy the benefits of composite veneers for many years.
The placement of composite veneers involves applying a thin layer of tooth-colored resin to the surface of your tooth. Your dentist will then sculpt the composite material to achieve the most natural look. Finally, the resin is set into place with the use of a special blue light. Unlike porcelain veneers, it is not necessary to shave down the tooth enamel to place composite veneers. Because the tooth structure is not altered, composite veneers can be removed or replaced as needed.
Taking care of composite veneers is as easy as caring for your natural teeth. Brush and floss regularly, and visit your dentist every six months for checkups and cleanings. To protect your new composite veneers, refrain from chewing or biting on hard or brittle foods or objects. If you are prone to teeth grinding, you should have your dentist custom fit you for a protective night guard. Wearing a mouth guard is also a good idea when playing contact sports. Following these care tips will help ensure your composite veneers last for at least three to five years.
Consult with your family or cosmetic dentist in Morehead City to determine if you are a good candidate for composite veneers. With composite veneers, you can quickly be on your way to a more perfect new smile.
If you live in the Morehead City, contact us today
Are you dissatisfied with your smile? Did you once love your bright white smile but now cringe when you see your dull or stained teeth? As we age, our teeth naturally discolor, whether from smoking, the buildup of the foods we eat or the liquids we drink, or from a thinning of the enamel over time. Changing the color of your teeth can take years off of your appearance. With that desire in mind, you may be looking at utilizing professional teeth whitening, or you may be interested in taking it a step further and getting dental veneers.
Both dental veneers and professional teeth whitening can change your smile for the better, but do you know which one you should choose? Both can lighten your teeth by many shades of white, and both can appear and feel like your natural teeth; however, there are some things to keep in mind.
Teeth whitening pros:
Easy and fast – you’ll see a difference after only one appointment
Gentle and safe for teeth – your natural teeth are not permanently altered
Teeth whitening cons:
Not a permanent lightening – you’ll have to repeat the procedure over time
Not a fix for any tooth imperfections – only the color will change, not the shape or length of the tooth or chips or cracks
Dental veneer pros
Extremely stain-resistant – the materials used for dental veneers won’t discolor or stain
Can correct gaps and shape issues – dental veneers can correct crooked or gapped teeth by changing the size, shape, length and more of your tooth
Dental veneer cons
Alters your natural tooth permanently – because dental veneers must be applied after a tooth has been shaped or shaved down, some of your tooth’s enamel is permanently removed to accommodate the veneer
Can pop off, break or necessitate replacement – dental veneers may dislodge or have issues with placement that require replacement by a dentist
Before you make a decision regarding your smile, talk to Morehead City cosmetic dentist Dr. Winchester and get all the information you need to make the decision that’s right for you and your smile.
