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Fluoride – Nature’s Cavity Fighter

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Fluoride – Nature’s Cavity Fighter

Introduction:

One should be active and careful when it comes to oral hygiene. If you love fluoride, the details would be beneficial for you.

We’ve put together this content that explains Fluoride – Nature’s Cavity Fighter. Be aware and take care of your teeth.

[1]Are you a fan of fluoride? You should be! Fluoride is often called nature’s cavity fighter…and for good reason. It is a naturally-occurring mineral that helps prevent cavities in children and adults by making the outer surface of your teeth (enamel) more resistant to the acid attacks that cause tooth decay.

The benefits of fluoride reach both children and adults. Before teeth break through the gums, the fluoride taken in from foods, beverages, and dietary supplements makes tooth enamel stronger, making it easier to resist tooth decay. This provides what is called a systemic benefit. After teeth erupt, fluoride helps rebuild or remineralize weakened tooth enamel and reverses early signs of tooth decay. When you brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste or use other dental products with it in them, the fluoride is applied to the surface of your teeth. This provides a topical benefit. Also, the fluoride you take in from foods and beverages continues to provide a topical benefit because it becomes part of your saliva, constantly bathing the teeth with tiny amounts of fluoride that help rebuild weakened tooth enamel.

Fluoride is naturally found in almost all water sources, rivers, lakes, wells, and even oceans. For the past 70 years, fluoride has been added to public water supplies to bring levels up to the amount necessary to help prevent tooth decay.

Community water fluoridation is like drinking milk fortified with Vitamin D or eating bread and cereals enriched with folic acid. Before water fluoridation, children had about three times as many cavities. Because of the important role it has played in the reduction of tooth decay, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has proclaimed community water fluoridation one of the great public health achievements of the 20th century.

[2]How Exactly Does Fluoride Work?

Cavities are caused by bacteria that live in our mouths. They feed on leftover food they find there, including sugary foods and drinks. When these bacteria consume sugars, they release acids that attack tooth enamel. Over time, damage to this protective outer layer of our teeth sets the stage for tooth decay.

Fluoride helps fight cavities by repairing the damage these acids can do to our teeth. The repair process is called remineralization.

How Fluoride Protects A Child’s Teeth From The Very Start

When infants are born, their baby (primary) teeth are already present in their jaws. Even before teeth break through the gums, they benefit from fluoride in the food and drink a child takes in. These early doses of fluoride strengthen the enamel on baby teeth, making them more resistant to cavities. (This is known as a systemic benefit.)

As a child’s primary teeth come in, fluoride helps rebuild any damage that happens when cavity-causing bacteria release acids in the mouth. This is why it’s important for children to use fluoride toothpaste and drink plenty of tap water, which usually contains fluoride.

Using fluoride toothpaste or getting a special fluoride treatment at the dentist’s office puts fluoride on the surface of a child’s teeth, creating a topical benefit. Also, the fluoride children get from foods and drinks becomes part of their saliva, bathing their teeth in tiny amounts of fluoride that help keep enamel strong and healthy.

How Do We Know Fluoride Is Safe And Effective?

For more than 70 years, the best scientific evidence has shown that adding fluoride to community water supplies is safe and effective. More than 100 health organizations recognize the cavity-fighting benefits of fluoridated water, including the World Health Organization, the American Medical Association, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the American Dental Association.

Studies show that fluoride in water is especially helpful in fighting childhood cavities. In fact, one study revealed that children who live in communities without fluoridated water are three times more likely to end up in the hospital needing dental surgery.

Research also shows that fluoride in local water systems prevents at least 25% of tooth decay in people of all ages. Better dental health helps save money since when more people need treatment for cavities, we all pay in the form of higher insurance premiums and taxes. In fact, the average lifetime cost per person of adding fluoride to local water supplies adds up to less than the cost of a single dental filling.

Conclusion:

We hope the content lets you understand about oral health. All the possible ways are explained but never bound yourself. Keep looking for best suggestions for the use of Fluoride.

For Assistance, Visit https://appletreedental.ca/

Article compiled by https://appletreedental.ca/

Article Reference Links:

  1. https://www.sunshinesmilesfl.com/blog/fluoride-natures-cavity-fighter/ ↑

  2. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/fluoride/ ↑

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What Crowns and Veneers Can’t Do

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What Crowns and Veneers Can’t Do

Introduction:

[1]Veneers and crowns are both dental restoration methods that can improve the look and function of your teeth. The main difference is that a veneer covers only the front of your tooth and a crown covers the entire tooth.

Dental restoration procedures are costly, so it’s important to know which one may be best for you. Although the procedures are different, both have good success rates.

Here’s a look at the differences between veneers and crowns, the pros and cons of each, and how they’re used.

What’s The Difference Between A Veneer And A Crown?

A veneer is a very thin layer of porcelain or other materials, about 1 millimeter (mm) in thickness, that’s bonded to the front of your existing tooth.

A crown is about 2 mm in thickness and covers the whole tooth. It can be all porcelain, porcelain fused to a metal alloy (PFM), or an all-metal alloy.

Whether a veneer or a crown is right for you will depend on the condition of your teeth and what you’re trying to fix. Common conditions for restoration are:

Both crowns and veneers are color matched to your teeth, except for all-metal crowns.

What Is A Veneer?

A veneer covers only the front surface of your tooth. They’re not as invasive as crowns, because the preparation leaves more of your original tooth intact.

About half a millimeter of the enamel on the front of the tooth is ground down to roughen the surface for bonding the veneer. Some newer types of veneers don’t need as much grinding of the tooth surface. You may need a local anesthetic for this, because the grinding may be painful.

For a veneer to work properly, your tooth has to have enough enamel on it for a veneer to bond to it.

What Is A Crown?

A crown covers the entire tooth. With a crown, more of the tooth needs to be filed or ground down to prepare for the crown placement.

If you have tooth decay, your dentist will remove the decayed part of the tooth before making the crown. In this case, your tooth may need to be built up to support the crown.

Your tooth may also need to be built up if it’s damaged. You may have a local anesthetic for this procedure.

[2]Foods To Avoid While Wearing Temporary Veneers

It generally takes a few weeks for the lab to construct your permanent veneers. During this time, Dr. Nagham Altalib will provide you with temporary veneers. These are more delicate since they aren’t permanently bonded to your teeth. This makes it much easier to damage them.

In order to avoid damaging your temporary restoration, you should avoid the following foods:

  • Steak and other meats that may be difficult to chew
  • Ice (you should never chew on ice, regardless of whether you have veneers)
  • Hard bread
  • Hard foods such as nuts, seeds, or chips
  • Crunchy vegetables such as carrots and celery
  • Hard candies
  • Sticky candies
  • Chocolate
  • Foods and beverages which may stain your teeth
  • Foods To Avoid With Permanent Veneers

Your permanent veneers will be securely bonded to the front surface of your teeth, making them much more durable than the temporary veneers you initially received. This will eliminate many of the food restrictions listed above. However, it is still important to be conscious of what you’re eating in order to prolong the lifespan of your porcelain veneers.

Some Foods To Avoid With Permanent Veneers Include:

  • Hard foods which may chip the dental porcelain (when eating foods like chicken legs or bone-in steak, make sure you don’t bite too close to the bone)
  • Ice
  • Alcohol (excessive alcohol consumption can ruin the bonding material and cause your veneers to become less secure)
  • Acidic foods and beverages such as lemonade, citrus fruits or tomato sauce (these items can erode the bonding material)
  • Sticky candies
  • Foods and beverages which may stain your teeth

Conclusion:

We hope the content lets you understand oral health. All the possible ways are explained but never bound yourself. Keep looking for the best suggestions for your good oral health.

For Assistance, Visit https://appletreedental.ca/

Article compiled by Apple Tree Dental

Article Reference Links:

  1. https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/veneers-vs-crowns#cost ↑
  2. https://www.scottgreenhalghdds.com/blog/foods-to-avoid-with-porcelain-veneers ↑

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The Impact Of A Smile Makeover

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The Impact Of A Smile Makeover

Introduction:

We have compiled this article on “The Impact Of A Smile Makeover”. The reference links are at the bottom of the article.

[1]A beautiful and radiant smile is an indicator of health, vitality, and youth. It is a ticket to better relationships, career advancement, and enhanced self-esteem. Many of us take for granted our youthful, healthy smiles when we are young, and we seek to gain some of these desirable attributes back as age, erosion, and damage take their toll on our pearly whites. For those who have never been gifted with healthy teeth, the impact of a less-than-desirable smile can really take its mental, emotional, and even physical toll in ways we would have never imagined. Perhaps it’s time for a makeover.

A smile makeover is a series of restorative and cosmetic dental procedures designed to improve both the aesthetic look of and function of your teeth. With an increasing awareness of the emotional and physical importance of having a bright and beautiful smile, almost 70 percent of middle-aged Americans are now beginning to ask questions about these procedures. It seems that many of us are seeking a better quality of life through our personal interactions with others, and many times this starts with a warm and inviting smile.

What Procedures Are Involved In A Smile Makeover

Depending on what you have to work with and the extent to which you want to improve your oral health, your dentist may offer several options for your makeover. These could include:

Repair Of Missing Or Cracked Teeth

Your mouth suffers structural damage if you have broken, cracked or missing teeth. You become susceptible to developing weaknesses in other tissues, in bone, and you are at risk of infections with these weaknesses. Your dentist can repair, restore, and even replace missing or cracked teeth, building a healthy foundation for additional work that may need to be completed.

Orthodontia

In some cases, it is necessary to straighten and realign teeth to make them more cosmetically appealing. Straightening teeth can also add strength to your mouth, providing the necessary support where it is needed for chewing, biting, and even swallowing. Your dentist might be able to provide you with some options for realigning teeth that don’t necessarily involve heavy metal braces; talk to your dental care professional about what options are available to you.

Tooth Whitening

If you are prone to picking up unsightly stains through food and drink choices, or if time has not been very kind to your enamel, then perhaps tooth whitening would brighten your smile. Gone are the days of messy bleach trays and uncomfortable procedures that return lackluster results; with an array of choices for whitening procedures available to dentists and patients today, you will be delighted with innovative technologies and improved results.

Veneers And “Snap On” Smiles

In some cases, a complete cosmetic overhaul is needed to provide physical and emotional relief for a patient. Your dentist has an array of fully restorative procedures that can be performed to greatly enhance a patient’s quality of life and improvement in their self-esteem. These fully restorative procedures were at one time considered too pricey for many of us, but with recent improvements in technology, premium dental care is now being made available to all.

Conclusion:

Thank you for reading this article, and check back frequently for other dental health articles. Should you have any questions, please contact Apple Tree Dental today!

Article compiled by Apple Tree Dental

Article reference links

  1. https://www.gordonekruegerdds.com/blog/197601-the-impact-of-a-smile-makeover ↑

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How Long Does It Take To Whiten My Teeth

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How Long Does It Take To Whiten My Teeth

Introduction:

We have compiled this article on “How Long Does It Take To Whiten My Teeth”. The reference links are at the bottom of the article.

[1]Background

Tooth whitening has become one of the most frequently requested dental procedures by the public. The public has come to demand whiter, more perfect smiles, and in response, many choices for tooth whitening have been made available. These include home-based products such as toothpaste, gels, and films, as well as in-office-based systems where products containing highly concentrated bleaching agents are applied under professional supervision. The profession and public have been aware of certain risks related to tooth whitenings such as increased tooth sensitivity and gingival irritation. New research has shown that there are other risks such as tooth surface roughening and softening, increased potential for demineralization, degradation of dental restorations, and unacceptable color change of dental restorations. The new research is also focused on optimizing whitening procedures to reduce tooth sensitivity and increase the persistence of the whitening.

Teeth Whitening

[2]There are many teeth whitening systems and products, including whitening toothpaste, over-the-counter gels, rinses, strips, trays, and whitening products you get from a dentist.

Teeth whitening is ideal for people who have healthy, unrestored teeth (no fillings) and gums. Individuals with yellow tones to their teeth respond best. But this cosmetic procedure is not recommended for everyone.

Whitening Systems

It’s never been easier to brighten your smile at home. There are all kinds of products you can try: rinses, gels, chewing gum, toothpaste, and strips.

If you decide to try whitening at home, the American Dental Association suggests that you talk with your dentist first, especially if you have:

Choose a product with a peroxide level in the middle of that range. If the product doesn’t bother your mouth but doesn’t give the lightning effect you want, you can choose a higher level. If you have any questions, your dentist can help you find the whitener that best fits your needs.

Whitening Toothpaste

All toothpaste removes surface stains because they contain mild abrasives. Some whitening toothpaste contains gentle polishing or chemical agents that provide additional stain removal effectiveness. You might spend $1 to $20, though any prices may vary.

Whitening toothpaste removes surface stains only and does not contain bleach; over-the-counter and professional whitening products contain carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide that lightens the color deep in the tooth. Whitening toothpaste can lighten the tooth’s color by about one shade. In contrast, prescription strength whitening conducted in your dentist’s office can make your teeth three to eight shades lighter.

Over-The-Counter Whitening Strips And Gels

Whitening gels are clear, peroxide-based gels applied with a small brush directly to the surface of your teeth. Instructions vary depending on the strength of the peroxide. Follow the directions on the product carefully. Initial results are seen in a few days, and final results last about 4 months. A full course takes between 10 and 14 days. You may need to apply them twice a day. You can buy whitening strips and gels from your pharmacy, dentist, or online for around $10 to $55.

Whitening strips are very thin, virtually invisible strips that are coated with a peroxide-based whitening gel. The strips should be applied according to the instructions on the label. Initial results are seen in a few days, and final results last about 4 months.

Whitening Rinses

Among the newest whitening products available are whitening rinses. Like most mouthwashes, they freshen your breath and reduce dental plaque and gum disease. But these products also include ingredients, such as hydrogen peroxide in some, that whiten teeth. Manufacturers say it may take 12 weeks to see results. You just swish them around in your mouth for 60 seconds twice a day before brushing your teeth. However, some experts say that rinses may not be as effective as other over-the-counter whitening products. Because a whitening rinse is only in contact with the teeth for such a short time — just 2 minutes a day compared to 30 minutes for many strips — it may have less of an effect. To give whitening mouthwashes a boost, some people rinse first and then brush their teeth with whitening toothpaste. Be ready to spend around $5 per bottle.

Teeth Whitening Safety Tips

Follow directions. Don’t leave the strips or gels on longer than the directions say, or you might wind up with sore gums and set yourself up for other problems. After you whiten, avoid soda, sports drinks, or other acidic beverages for a couple of hours to protect your teeth.

Protect sensitive teeth. Your teeth may be a little sensitive after you whiten, but it’s usually brief. It might be less of an issue if your teeth and gums are in good shape. If it bothers you, stop the treatment and talk to your dentist. Gel-filled trays, which you wear over your teeth like a mouth guard, can also bother your gums if they don’t fit well. It’s a good idea to stop using the product if you start having this problem.

Don’t overdo it. How much whitening is too much? If you follow a product’s directions and get a good result, a once-a-month touch-up session is usually enough. When your teeth reach a shade you like, you’ll need to repeat the multiple bleaching sessions twice a year or less.

[3]How Long Does It Last?

The length of time you can expect tooth whitening to last is based on the type of whitener you’re using. Your lifestyle habits also have an effect.

Tooth whitening treatments are designed to reduce stains, not repel them. If you have good oral habits and keep your teeth clean, at-home products and dental procedures will last longer.

Intrinsic Vs. Extrinsic Stains

Keep in mind that the degree and type of tooth discoloration or stain you have matters. There are two types of tooth stains:

intrinsic (internal): caused by aging, trauma, infection, and medication. These deep, internal stains are harder to eliminate but can be removed, given the right type of treatment.

extrinsic (external): caused by food, cigarette smoke, and drink. Most whiteners only work on extrinsic stains.

Here are some of the most popular whitening treatments and how long they last.

Whitening Toothpaste

If you use a whitening toothpaste twice daily, it may take anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks before you see any results. Users say these results can last for up to 3 or 4 months.

Whitening toothpaste can be used every day or several times a week. They contain ingredients that polish or whiten teeth, such as:

  • hydrogen peroxide
  • carbamide peroxide
  • mild abrasives

Toothpaste that only contains abrasives tackle surface stains and can’t change the internal color of teeth. Those that contain peroxide can whiten teeth and remove stains to varying degrees.

You may be able to prolong these effects if you continue to use whitening toothpaste. But some people are sensitive to the ingredients and find that their gums or teeth become uncomfortable with prolonged use. Many toothpaste containing abrasives are also not meant for long-term use.

Long-term use of whitening toothpaste may thin tooth enamel. If you plan to use whitening toothpaste long term, try alternating with a toothpaste designed to protect and strengthen enamel.

Whitening Mouthwash

It may take up to 3 months before you see any effect from a whitening mouthwash.

Whitening mouthwashes usually contain hydrogen peroxide. You can use a whitening mouthwash daily, to help remove small degrees of surface staining.

Whitening mouthwash may be most effective when used to prolong the effect of other treatments, such as in-office whitening or whitening strips. When used alone, its effects are not dramatic, or long-lasting.

Whitening Strips

Whitening strips vary in the number of treatments needed before you see results. Some strips provide superior results, which can last for up to 6 months.

Whitening strips are one of the most effective over-the-counter treatments for whitening teeth at home. Some brands are easier to use and more effective than others. Some use LED accelerator lights to provide more intense stain removal.

Whitening strips use peroxide to bleach teeth and remove stains. When used incorrectly or too often, they may be uncomfortable or harmful to teeth.

When used correctly, high-quality brands of whitening strips can remove both extrinsic and mild intrinsic stains, by bleaching teeth to make them whiter in color.

Whitening Pens

Whitening pens take from 2 days up to a week. They provide minimal results that are usually not long-lasting.

Whitening pens are small, plastic tubes containing whitening gel that are transportable and used for spot stain removal. The gel washes away easily, so you can’t eat, drink, or rinse your teeth for about an hour after application.

Conclusion:

Thank you for reading this article, and check back frequently for other dental health articles. Should you have any questions, please contact Apple Tree Dental today!

Article compiled by Apple Tree Dental

Article reference links

  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4058574/ ↑

  2. https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/teeth-whitening ↑

  3. https://www.healthline.com/health/how-long-does-teeth-whitening-last#how-long-does-it-last ↑

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Why Dental Crowns are Important?

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Why Dental Crowns are Important?

Introduction:

We have compiled this article on “Why Dental Crowns are Important?” The reference links are at the bottom of the article.

[1]A dental crown is a very effective treatment used to restore a tooth that has been damaged in some way, and it has some distinct advantages when compared with the alternatives. However, there are also some disadvantages of crowns that should be considered to make the best treatment decision for each patient. This article will cover the main advantages and disadvantages of dental crowns.

Advantages Of Dental Crowns

Dental crowns provide an adequate solution to a range of dental problems. They are able to:

  • Support a tooth that has been significantly damaged by decay
  • Protect a tooth that has worn away from being damaged further
  • Protect a tooth after a root canal procedure
  • Hold a severely cracked or broken tooth together
  • Cover a dental implant
  • Improve the appearance of a tooth by changing its shape or color

Dental crowns are a good long-term option because they are durable and usually last for at least 5-15 years, which increases patient satisfaction with the treatment.

Treatment with dental crowns has a high success rate with respect to either other dental restoration methods or no treatment at all. This has been supported by various scientific studies which researched their use.

[2]Dental crowns are best utilized as a way to improve the cosmetics of a tooth appearance when the crown simultaneously serves other purposes also, such as restoring a tooth to its original shape or strengthening a tooth. The study presents four different designs of molar crown depending upon the tooth loss. The finite element results obtained suggests that restored material which fills the treated cavity along with small portion of root canal can help in retaining the restored tooth and can allow larger deformations for stresses induced well within the limit.

[3]Dental Crowns: Purpose, Procedure And Important Facts

The use of dental crowns by millions of people from all over the world during the last century has been a mainstay in dentistry. Prior to the development of crown technology the primary treatment for decaying, weak, fractured, or discolored tooth-teeth was extraction.

What Exactly Is A Crown?

Dental crowns, also known as caps were innovated and designed to help maintain the functionality of your damaged or diseased tooth-teeth. By using a custom design and specific materials, a manufactured crown can restore the strength, shape, size and natural appearance of your original tooth-teeth. The rationale for installing a crown is to fully encapsulate and protect the last bit of your own compromised tooth and tooth roots.

The procedure for preparing your tooth for a crown should be carefully performed by a competent dentist to insure a secure fitting crown. This can be accomplished by reducing its size by 0.8 – 1.5 mm (drilling it sideways), to create a balanced and stable tooth stump. If the process is successful there should be enough room for the crown to be placed securely on top of your tooth stump.

There are several decisions that your dentist will need to make during the process which will vary depending on the situation of the specific tooth-teeth being capped:

During The Preparation Phase It Must Be Determined If Your Crown Will Be Placed Above Or Below The Gum Line?

The design of your crown and placement under or above the gum line depends on esthetics, stability of the fit and hygienic benefits of it final positioning. Great care must be exercised to insure your permanent crown prevents future complications or damages to the health of your remaining tooth, its root and surrounding gum tissue.

How Much Tooth Reduction Should Be Considered And Allowed To Achieve An Optimal Crown Situation?

There are established clinical guidelines that dictate the maximum reduction limits which are based on conditional necessity to provide the longest lasting results.

Reducing less of your natural tooth surface while insuring a secure and perfect fit, is the purpose and intention with dental crown placements.

Deciding upon the appropriate material for your dental crowns is also a serious matter, as each option presents its own peculiar set of pluses and minuses. Some of the names of the various materials now used in crown design and manufacturing at WIC, include E.max, Empress, Lava, Bruxer, Titanium, Gold, Gold alloys, Zirconium and Prettau.

The Right Crown Material Will Essentially Depend Upon The Following 3 Key Factors:

  • How much strength is needed? More strength sometimes compromises the quality of esthetics (translucency)!
  • How do we want the crown to appear after the treatment?
  • What type of retention and bonding strength will your crown provide?

Most of these considerations will be decided by your dentist! Keep in mind there are many options and the pricing structure varies considerably depending on the procedure selection and the materials used.

Some Of The Common Reasons Crown Are Recommended Are As Follows:

  • To salvage and restore a badly worn down or broken-cracked tooth
  • To protect a weak tooth from decay
  • To save a decaying tooth which is not structurally sound to survive a filling procedure
  • To support a tooth with a large filling that has minimal remaining surface area
  • To act as an anchor for a multiple tooth dental bridge
  • To conceal and cover a severely discolored or misshaped tooth or teeth
  • To prevent a tooth from breaking after a root canal treatment
  • To cap your dental implants
  • To improve your signature smile for cosmetic purposes
  • To protect primary teeth, if there is a high risk for decay as evidenced by your child’s poor hygienic and home care habits

The primary objective of your dentist should be the same as your purpose, which is saving your tooth from early demise and extraction.

Conclusion:

Thank you for reading this article, and check back frequently for other dental health articles. Should you have any questions, please contact Apple Tree Dental today!

Article compiled by Apple Tree Dental

Article reference links

  1. https://www.news-medical.net/health/Advantages-and-Disadvantages-of-Dental-Crowns.aspx ↑

  2. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/272670992_Study_of_various_molar_crown_designs_and_their_assessment ↑

  3. https://westcoastinternational.com/dental-crowns-dental-bridges/ ↑

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Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures That Enhance Your Smile

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Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures That Enhance Your Smile

Introduction:

We have compiled this article on “Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures That Enhance Your Smile.” The reference links are at the bottom of the article.

[1]Cosmetic dentistry is more popular than ever, from whitening and shaping to closing spaces and replacing teeth. And dentists have a large selection of tools and techniques for improving the look of your smile.

Before deciding to undergo any cosmetic procedure, it’s important to know the benefits and risks and what you can expect during the process. Make sure you’re clear about what it will cost, how much experience your dentist has with the procedure, and whether any special maintenance will be needed afterward.

Teeth Whitening

Over time, teeth can become stained or discolored, especially after smoking, taking certain medications, or consuming foods and beverages such as coffee and tea. Using a chemical process, your dentist can bleach your teeth in one of two ways. They can do an in-office procedure, or provide you with a system to use at home.

Your dentist can create a custom mouthpiece tray that ensures the right amount of whitening solution reaches your teeth. You may find whitening at home more convenient. But it can take 2 to 4 weeks or longer depending on the strength of peroxide used. In-office whitening can take place in one or more 1- to 2-hour visits.

Keep in mind, your teeth can become stained again if you continue exposing them to the same substances that originally stained them. Because whitening products are not meant to clean teeth, it is still important to continue practicing daily oral hygiene by brushing twice a day, flossing at least once a day, and rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash daily.

Bonding

Bonding may improve how your teeth look if they have excess space between them, or if they are chipped, broken, stained, or cracked.

Dentists also use bonding materials to fill small cavities or to protect the exposed root of a tooth.

The dentist can usually do this procedure in a single office visit by applying an etching solution followed by tooth-colored materials — sometimes composite resins — directly to the tooth’s surface where needed.

Although bonding can last for several years, it is more likely than other types of restorations to chip or become stained or just wear down.

[2]Before You Start Treatment

Before you start any cosmetic dental procedures, it is important to see a dentist to check your whole mouth thoroughly. This is to:

  • Treat any disease first. Your health is the priority.
  • Find out what is causing the unsatisfactory appearance of your teeth.
  • Talk about the range of treatment options.
  • Work out a realistic plan that suits you.

What Is Important To You?

Before You See Your Dentist, Think About:

  • What you like and don’t like about the appearance of your teeth.
  • Any symptoms you may have, such as pain or difficulty eating.
  • Treatment you have had in the past and whether you were happy with it or not.
  • What you would like to change. Bring a photo if it helps; for example, how your teeth used to look before they were chipped.
  • How much time and money you would be prepared to invest. If you have private health insurance, check what sort of dental treatment is covered.
  • How much effort you would be prepared to put into looking after your teeth at home in the future. Most cosmetic dental treatment requires extra care at home to prevent tooth decay, gum disease or other problems. Cleaning the area well and having a healthy diet is essential.

It may be useful to write your thoughts down.

Questions To Ask

During your appointment with the dentist, talk about your concerns, using the list above as a starting point. Your dentist may take some x-rays and do some other tests. Ask your dentist about:

  • What options are available – the pros and the cons.
  • What results can be reasonably expected.
  • Costs – time and money, and payment options.
  • Possible side effects or complications.

If it is a simple procedure, it may be done on the day. If it is a complex procedure, you may need to time to think about your options, or see specialists over multiple visits. Together, you and your dentist can come up with a plan that suits you.

Conclusion:

Thank you for reading this article, and check back frequently for other dental health articles. Should you have any questions, please contact Apple Tree Dental today!

Article compiled by Apple Tree Dental

Article reference links

  1. https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/cosmetic-dentistry#1 ↑

  2. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/cosmetic-dentistry-and-teeth-whitening ↑

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