How to Choose Your Cosmetic Dentist

Are you looking to enhance your smile, brighten your teeth or correct aesthetic imperfections? Cosmetic dentistry has come a long way in the recent years and an experience cosmetic dentist can work wonders with your teeth and appearance. There are several procedures that can correct the natural imperfections of your teeth and help you correct dental problems that you have developed with age. To achieve best results and a wonderful experience you need to choose a cosmetic dentist carefully. Here are a few things that would lead you to a professional dentist who adds to your appeal and confidence.

Background & Experience  

Start by doing some research on the dentist’s background. How many years of experience he or she has? Is the dentist well-qualified to perform different types of cosmetic procedures? You can browse through their website and read the biographies and types of procedures they perform. If the dentist is pursuing additional education it is a great sign and this ensures you that the person is in the forefront of the latest dental procedures and would offer you the latest in terms of treatment and procedures.

What are the dentist’s office hours? Does it match with your busy schedules? This is important as the last thing you need to do is zero in on a dentist only to later find that you have scheduling problems. Also take note of the location of the dental office as most cosmetic procedures may require multiple visits and the location should be comfortable for you to reach.

Association 

Look for dentists who are a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. While this doesn’t guarantee you that the dentist is good but it does tell you that he/she has the experience and the skills to be a member of this exclusive club. Members of the AACD are required to have great bit of professional skills and experience. 

Patient Reviews   

What are other patients saying about the dentist? This is one of the best ways to judge the expertise and professionalism of the dentists. Internet has made it possible for patients to offer a feedback on the experience they had during and after the cosmetic dentistry procedure. However don’t base your decision on a few adverse reviews that you read on the Internet as some people are in the habit of criticizing professionals.

Technology & Treatment Process    

What kind of technology is the dentist using at the clinic? Does the clinic have the latest equipment to perform digitalx-rays, laser dentistry, crowns and porcelain veneers etc.? There have has been huge advancement in cosmetic dentistry and you need to be sure that the dentist has expertise and experience in using the latest technology for your treatment. Also read through the details of the different procedures this would give you a fair idea of the treatment process, the achievable results and the time required.

Before And After Photos   

This one is really important as it offers you the perfect idea of what the dentist has achieved in the past and what he/she is capable of. While there may be dozens of before and after photographs of different procedures you need to take note of the ones that are of the procedure that you plan to undergo. 

Schedule Location

It is important for you to consider these things before you seek an appointment with the dentist. If you have any confusion and doubts in your mind, make sure you ask for clarification from the dental office. A professional dentist would never shy away from answering your queries and you need to develop the confidence in the dentist to achieve desirable results with your procedure. 

Teeth Whitening Safety Tips

All of us desire to have shiny while pearls. They add to your looks and also increase your confidence and makes up for a pleasing personality. You would go to any length to achieve a dazzling smile. Thanks to the number of teeth whitening products available in the market, achieving a beautiful smile is well within your reach. From visiting a dentist’s office to using a number of over the counter solutions, you have a number of options to explore. Though side effects of teeth whitening aren’t very common, you need to exercise precautions to minimize the chances of side effects. Here in this brief write-up we shall discuss a number of teeth whitening safety tips. 

Pay Visit To A Dental Office   
 

Before you get going with teeth whitening it is important that you see your dentist first. The dentist would carry out a thorough cleaning and mouth examination to determine the best solution for your teeth whitening. This is important even if you want to use over the counter medication as they can affect the health of your teeth and gums if you have any emerging problem. A dentist would look for cavities, infection in your gums and other problems before suggesting a solution that is safe for your teeth and gums. They would also educate you on the amount of whitening you can expect with these products. 

Choose Products Wisely    

Most at-home teeth whitening products are made of peroxides, typically carbamide peroxide that can vary in their volume/volume percent. Typically you would find products ranging from 10% to 20%. To start with you need to choose peroxide levels somewhere in the bottom of the range of in the middle. If this product doesn’t bother your mouth or doesn’t provide you the desired whitening you need to choose a higher range of peroxide. You may also ask your dentist to suggest you a range during your visit. If the product causes any adverse side effects, stop immediately and consult with dentist.    
Follow Instructions Carefully   

Before you get going with your teeth whitening, you need to follow instructions mentioned in the teeth whitening product carefully. This is important even if you have used similar products in the past.     Never leave the strips or gels any longer that it is advised as this can damage your teeth and cause sores in the gums. You must religiously avoid eating food immediately after whitening and also avoid soda, sports drinks and acidic for a few hours after you have use these products. They can react with peroxides and corrode your teeth. 

When to Avoid Whitening   

 
Pregnant women and nursing mothers shouldn’t use teeth whitening products. Though this isn’t known to cause any major side effects to the infants, it should be done to be on the safe side. Also if you have porcelain or composite dental crowns, avoid whitening at home as this can lead to uneven shades in your teeth and make your smile look bad. Consult your dentist and you may need to undergo clinical whitening. 

Never Over Do It    

Last but not the least, you should never try and over-do teeth whitening. A once-a-month whitening session is usually advised initially and when you have achieved a desired shade you need to do it once a year or every six months. Over doing it can damage your teeth and you should avoid it at any cost. 

Most whitening products make your teeth sensitive but this only lasts for a short span of time. If tooth sensitivity is bothering you, get in touch with your dentist immediately.

What's the Difference Between Gingivitis and Periodontitis?

Gingivitis and periodontitis are two terms which are exceedingly used interchangeably. But they are two different conditions, both of which fall under the spectrum of periodontal disease. Gum diseases are on the whole known as periodontal disease. It begins with bacterial growth and can lead to severe problems such as tooth loss if not treated in time.  

Gingivitis  
 

Gingivitis is the inflammation of the gums. It is caused when excess plaque gathers around the teeth. Unhealthy oral hygiene, irregular brushing and flossing can eventually lead to gingivitis. If you are experiencing red, swollen gums orgums that tend to bleed easily you could be suffering from gingivitis. Gingivitis usually occurs before periodontitis or gum disease. However, not all cases of gingivitis can progress to periodontitis. 

At the stage of gingivitis, your gums may swell up and cause irritation but the teeth will continue to be firmly placed on their sockets. At this stage, no bone or tissue is damaged.
 

Gingivitis can be cured by following a few things regularly, such as –

• Brushing teeth twice daily
• Flossing at least once daily. If necessary, you can also floss twice a day.
• Using a non-alcohol-based fluoride mouthwash that doesn’t hit the gums sharply.  

Periodontitis (Gum Disease)    

Periodontal disease or periodontitis happens not just when you have inflamed gums but with infection. Gum infection can be the result of bacteria built up in the plaque, tartar and in the gum tissues. The infection can get so severe that the body’s immune system cannot heal it any longer. You can determine how severe the gum disease is by the following ways –

• Periodontal Probe – Take a little rule and measure how well the gums are attached to the teeth. If you have a pocket as long as 3mm, you are safe. But if the 3mm pocket is bleeding, it could be gingivitis. Over 4mm deep pocket which is bleeding and even has pus can be periodontitis.
• X-Ray –An x-ray will help you assess the amount of tartar accumulation. If large pieces are seen on the x-ray, it indicates that there is a high probability of gum disease.
• Bone Loss –If there is considerable bone loss, as identified on x-rays, you are definitely suffering for gum disease. Bone loss happens when the gum disease is in its advanced stage and chemicals and enzymes start destroying the bones.

How to Identify Whether You Are Suffering From Gingivitis or Periodontitis?  
 

Since gingivitis and periodontitis are often interchangeably used (even by dentists) you could mistake one for the other. However, there are certain ways to tell the difference –

• Periodontitis rarely happens to teenagers. They can however develop gingivitis. Hence age is considered a deciding factor
• If you are regularly experiencing pain, it could be a sign of either gingivitis or periodontitis. When you feel the pain while chewing, it could be a sign that gingivitis is slowly progressing to periodontitis.
• The condition of your tooth can also indicate whether you have gingivitis or periodontitis. You have gingivitis you will regularly see your gums swollen, irritated or red. However, the teeth will be firmly placed. But if your tooth is loose, you are more likely to suffer from periodontitis.  
• Bad breath is also a sign of gingivitis that is slowly progressing to periodontitis. In such cases bad breath is the result of excess bacteria in the mouth.

Gingivitis can be easily treated if diagnosed early. Periodontitis is a more severe disease and needs immediate treatment by a dentist.

15 Tooth Problems You Need To Be Wary About

A smile is the face’s most beautiful accessory. But tooth problems can dampen this accessory and make your face look dull. That is not all – dental problems can have major health implications too! If you care for your teeth, it is best you know more about the different types of tooth problems and how to treat them. 

1. Toothache

Toothache is one of the common dental problems. If you are experiencing toothache, rinse your mouth with warm water, use a floss to remove food caught between the teeth or have a pain reliever.  

2. Stained Teeth

To get rid of stained teeth brush regularly use whitening toothpaste. If your problem is acute, consult a dentist who will use a whitening agent to whiten them.   

3. Cavities

To prevent cavities, brush your teeth twice daily, preferably with fluoride toothpaste. Cut down on snacks. Do not forget to visit the dentist regularly and floss daily.     

4. Chipped Teeth

Dentists term chipped teeth as one of the common dental accidents. Consult the dentist, who will fix a strong resin material to the tooth, replacing the chipped area. You may need a root canal if the injury is serious.  

5. Impacted Teeth

Many adults complain of impacted tooth. This problem occurs when a tooth sticks out against another tooth, bone or soft tissue. If the tooth doesn’t hurt, they should be left alone. In case of major problems, an oral surgery may be necessary.  

6. Cracked Tooth

Sensitive teeth or an injury can cause a cracked molar. If a crack is only on the surface, filling it may be enough. In cases of major cracks, root canaling may be necessary but for deeper cracks, they may be pulled out.   

7. Teeth Sensitivity

Teeth sensitivity can make you stop eating your favourite ice-cream. There can be numerous causes of teeth sensitivity – cavities, worn-our enamel or fillings, gum disease, exposed roots or fractured teeth.    

8. Hyperdontia

An adult should have 32 teeth. But in rare cases, some have extra teeth, a problem known as hyperdontia. In such cases, dentists extract the extra teeth. 

9. Crooked Teeth

Crooked teeth can be easily straighten. Orthodontists often use braces, aligners and retainers to improve the dental health and relieve you of jaw pain.

10. Gap Between Teeth

Gaps between teeth can be easily corrected by visiting an orthodontist who moves the teeth closer using cosmetic solutions such as veneers or bonding. 

11. Gum Problems

Gum bleeding can be early signs of gum disease. They can also be due to plaque or sticky bacteria. To avoid gum bleeding, brush and floss daily. 

12. Grinding Teeth

Do not think that grinding your teeth is a normal habit. It can be due to stress, sleep issues, misaligned teeth etc. Grinding teeth is called bruxism and can loosen the teeth.  

13. Wisdom Teeth

Most adults complain of problems when their wisdom teeth grow. If your wisdom tooth is causing unbearable pain, consult a dentist who will take the necessary action. 

14. Less Room for Flossing

If a regular floss doesn’t fit in between your teeth, switch to a thinner floss or a waxed one. Do not give up flossing as it is a good habit for the well-being of dental health. 

15. Bonding Grills On Teeth

Many use decorative grills on teeth as a fashion statement. In such cases, you need to use good quality grills, preferably those made of gold or silver.  

Caring for your teeth helps you keep them healthy for a long time. Brushing them daily, eating the right food, flossing and consulting the dentist regularly all help in keep the teeth bright and shiny.  

How a Simple Cup of Green/Black Tea can Give You Healthier Teeth and Gums

Tea is perhaps the last thing that you would associate with dental health. Some are even wary of drinking tea thinking it be a reason behind stains in your teeth. To clear these doubts, drinking moderate amounts of tea everyday doesn’t cause staining in your teeth. While most of us enjoy the cup of tea but we aren’t aware of its numerous benefits for our oral health. Research has shown that drinking tea makes your gums healthier and also helps in treating bleeding, swollen and infected gums. Tea has in fact been used across different parts of the world in oral treatment for many centuries. Let us share with you a few benefits of tea that you may not have known till now. 

Black Tea’s Astringent Properties

We all are aware of the anti-oxidants properties of black tea, but it also contains a compound known as tannic acid which is known to have the natural healing properties of astringent. This can easily heal your gums and also helps in countering bad bacteria in your mouth. Many people use tea bags as a home remedy to treat abscesses, bleeding and swollen gums. For this, you can take a tea bag with black tea and soak in a cup of hot water for two to three minutes. Pull out the tea bag and let it cool and place it on the affected area.  Let it remain there for an hour or so during which you shouldn’t eat or drink anything other than water. Remove it after an hour or so and rinse your mouth with lukewarm water and you would experience immediate relief in your gums. 

Get Rid of Mouth Odor

People who suffer from bad breath can experience marvelous results from both green and black varieties of tea. Bad breath is caused by microbes that quickly germinate inside your mouth. When you eat food it also fuels the growth of these microbes resulting in bad odour that can severely affect your social and professional life. Tea has anti-microbial properties and helps in countering microbes and lets you have a fresh breath throughout the day. Green tea also neutralizes the sulfur compounds in your mouth that can also lead to bad breath.

Tea Prevents Cavity

As discussed earlier, tea both green and black helps in countering the effect of bacteria and also lower the acidity levels in your saliva they are also helpful in preventing cavities. Even if you enjoy your cup with sugar or other sweetener, drinking three to four cups of tea would prevent cavity in your teeth which also keeps gums healthy. Drinking tea is also useful in dealing with the problem of dental plaque and also arrests tooth decay. People who do not enjoy drinking tea also rinse their mouth with warm tea and enjoy the benefits of its anti-bacterial properties. 

Even we here at our dental clinic in San Diego recommend our patients to have green or black tea every day. The next time you are enjoying your favorite tea; do rejoice the benefits it would have on your gums and teeth. 

Foods to Keep Your Teeth and Gums Healthy

You may have come across numerous advisories on what’s good for your teeth and gums and what can cause them serious harm. The fact is everything that you eat affects your teeth and gums some adversely while others help in keeping them healthy. Let us take a look at some of the food items that helps in keeping your teeth and gums healthy and also add to your beautiful smile.

• Water – Let us begin with water which is important for your survival in the first place. Water helps in cleansing your teeth and gums and doesn’t allow pigmented food to stay in your mouth and also reduces the acidity level in your mouth. Drinking a glass of water after treating yourself to chocolates and other sweet food items is highly recommended. 
• Milk and Yogurt – Calcium acts as the building block for your teeth and these items are rich in calcium and help in strengthening your teeth also making the enamel whiter and healthier.
• Cheese – Yes Cheese! It not only makes your photographs appear beautiful it also helps in strengthening your teeth. White cheese is the best among all as it contains large amounts of calcium which is food for your teeth.
• Oranges – You may have heard citrus food stripping away the tooth enamel but the fact having oranges in small doses can also help in killing a wide range of bacteria in your teeth and also wash away the food debris from your mouth.
• Seeds and Nuts – Munching seeds and nuts are beneficial for your teeth as these help in cleaning the surface of the teeth by scrubbing them. Being rich in proteins and vitamins these types of food are also good for your health. 
• Apples – You may have heard the proverb “An apple a day keeps the doctor away” but Apple can also keep the dentist away. Their crispness strengthens your gums and the juices help in washing away plaque and bacteria.
• Tea - While most of us associate tea with staining compounds, black tea can help in preventing cavity causing bacteria in dental plaque. This can also help in preventing cavities and gum disease.
• Onions – Perhaps you only associate onions with bad odour but it also has great cleansing properties and wouldn’t let your teeth stain.  For the bad odour you can always brush the teeth after a meal.
• Pears – They are not only sweet and tasty but also help in reducing bacteria that leads to bad odour and staining in your teeth. Their juice also helps in removing food particles from between with your teeth.
• Baking Soda – It is one of the key ingredients in most toothpaste. You can also use this salt to rub your teeth as this mild abrasive can easily scrub away plaque and along with it surface stains.

All these food items can help in keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Most of these are a part of your regular diet and so the next time you eat them just keep in mind that your teeth and gums would be thanking you! At the same time, it’s important that you seek a renowned dentist in your area on regular intervals for check up.

What is Dental Bonding and How Can it Improve Your Smile?

Cosmetic tooth bonding is a cosmetic dental procedure that is used to repair teeth that have been injured or for closing small gaps. Dental bonding is one of the least expensive, yet one of the most effective types of cosmetic dentistry in San Diego to repair injured teeth. Although dental bonding may not be appropriate in every dental situation, it is a quick, virtually painless and inexpensive way to improve your smile.

What is Dental Bonding?

Some procedure in cosmetic dentistry in San Diego, such as veneers or crowns, often require more than one dental visit. Cosmetic tooth bonding can typically be completed in one visit and there is less enamel removed than with veneers or a crown. The bonding procedure consists of the tooth surface being roughened and a conditioning liquid applied, which helps with adherence of the bonding material. Tooth-colored resin/composite material is applied to the tooth, molded and smoothed. The material is hardened with an ultraviolet light before further shaping is done. Once the bonded material has been shaped it is polished to match the sheen of the surrounding tooth area. The entire process takes between 30 to 60 minutes for each tooth.

What is Dental Bonding Used For?

Tooth bonding is typically best suited for small cosmetic changes, correcting teeth, such as front teeth, with low bite pressure and the temporary correction of cosmetic defects. The most common uses of cosmetic tooth bonding includes:

• Repairing chipped or cracked teeth
• Repairing decayed teeth (the resin is used to fill cavities)
• Teeth with spaces or gaps
• Changing the shape of teeth
• Improving the appearance of discolored teeth
• As a cosmetic alternative to amalgam fillings
• Making teeth look longer
• Protection for a portion of the root of a tooth that has been exposed due to receding gums

What are the Advantages of Dental Bonding?

There are several advantages with dental bonding, including the price, which is often covered by many dental insurance plans, especially when the procedure is done to fill a cavity or for structural reasons. One of the best benefits of dental bonding is that anesthesia is typically not necessary and the entire process for each tooth can be completed in one hour or less.

What are the Disadvantages of Dental Bonding?

The material used in dental bonding is similar to the natural enamel of teeth, unfortunately, this means that it can become stained and discolored over time. Bonding material is also porous, so it will stain yellow with exposure to cigarette smoke. The material used for tooth bonding is not as strong as crowns or veneers and it can easily chip. With proper maintenance tooth bonding typically lasts from 3 to 7 years.

There is no special care required for tooth bonding. Usually good oral hygiene practices is the only care required. Since the bonding material may stain, it is important to limit your use of items that may cause staining, such as coffee/tea, red wine and smoking tobacco products. The tooth bonding material can chip, so you should avoid chewing on hard food, ice and other hard items.

Are you are interested in learning more about how tooth bonding can help to improve your smile? Please contact us for an appointment and we will be happy to discuss your options on how cosmetic dentistry in San Diego can help improve your smile.

Soft Touch Dental

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