Category Archives: Self-Confidence

Bad Dental Habits, Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Health, Extrinsic and Intrinsic Dental Issues, Self-Confidence

10 Ways You Are Destroying Your Smile – And Might Not Know About It

Regular washing and teeth cleaning is not enough to preserve their appearance or their health. Sometimes small everyday habits can ruin your teeth without you knowing it. Some habits show its negative effect immediately (breaking of teeth), and some destroy teeth slowly and imperceptibly. The second type is worse because you aren’t aware of it happening . The smile is the mirror of your happiness, but no one wants a poor smile when they look at a mirror.

The real point is “Are you wrecking your teeth without even knowing it?”

If you chew your pencils or suck on Jolly Ranchers at work, you’re doing your pearly whites wrong. And did you know that biting your nails is not only bad for your fingers, it can actually hurt your teeth, too? People who use their teeth like a tool to tear open an envelope or pull a tough knot loose are wrecking their teeth.  You might not even be aware of the harm you are causing – it’s just not something you think about.

Carefully look at the following habits and find whether they are part of your everyday life!

Constant Snacking

Snacking produces less saliva than a meal, leaving food bits in your teeth for hours longer.  Avoiding starchy foods like potato chips and salty crackers is a good place to start. The bacteria in your mouth and in plaque break down starchy foods into acid. This acid can attack the teeth for the next 20 minutes — even longer if the food is stuck between the teeth or you snack often. You might want to floss after eating potato chips or other starchy foods that tend to get stuck in the teeth.

Saltine crackers are not so good for your oral teeth.  Saltine crackers convert to sugarcane immediately which means that it feeds the bacteria that is already in your mouth, which eventually can cause it to multiply and that causes high acidity in you mouth and is what will give you bad breath.

Avoid snacking too frequently, and stick to snacks that are low in sugar and starch — for example, carrot sticks.

Incorrect Dental Hygiene

Brushing your teeth regularly is part of good oral hygiene, but if you brush too vigorously, you can cause more harm than good.

Brushing your teeth too hard can wear down enamel, irritate your gums, make your teeth sensitive to cold, and even cause cavities.  Brushing two times a day is important, but so is how you brush: Too hard could hurt your teeth and lead to gum abrasion. To make sure you aren’t over-doing it, try to hold the toothbrush with two fingers and a thumb versus with your whole fist. That will usually give you the adequate amount of pressure that you need to.

Also, you could be using the wrong toothpaste. Wait, there is a such a thing as “wrong” toothpaste? Absolutely! Some toothpastes on the market are abrasive and can actually wear down enamel. Try buying toothpaste that contains fluoride and has the American Dental Association seal of approval.

Maybe you are really desiring a bright, white smile. But be careful. Frequent teeth whitening may do more harm than good. Over time, it can start to break down tooth enamel.  Check with a dentist to make sure that the products you use are done as directed to protect your pearly whites.

Taking diet pills or too many vitamins

Did you know that your quest for a thinner waistline may be negatively affecting your teeth?  There are certain diet pills that  contain chemicals which can cause a decreased salivary flow.  This results in a higher risk of tooth decay and oral problems. Remember, the saliva in your mouth not only naturally washes away food particles that cause decay, but it also helps to neutralize acid levels.  If the acid levels in your mouth become  too high, it can thin tooth enamel, making the teeth appear darker, not to mention more brittle and prone to chipping and cracking. So before you start taking diet pills to lose weight, make sure to consider how it might also affect your smile.  The goal should be to feel positive about your “entire” self.

Cough Drops

Just because cough drops are sold in the medicine aisle doesn’t mean they’re healthy. The truth is that most are loaded with high amounts of sugar to make them more pleasant to taste.  It’s important to keep in mind that after soothing your throat with a lozenge, be sure to brush well. Whether the sugar comes from a cough drop or a hard candy, it reacts with the sticky plaque that coats your teeth in the same way. Then bacteria in the plaque convert the sugar into an acid that eats away at tooth enamel. Hello, cavities.  Remember – exposing your teeth to too much sugar, from whatever the source, is extremely bad for your body and your teeth.

 Gummy Candy

All sugary treats promote tooth decay, but some candies are worse than others. Gummies are very popular treats for kids and parents alike. The problem is that they stick in the teeth, keeping the sugar and resulting acids in contact with your enamel for hours. If your day just isn’t the same without a gummy critter, pop a couple during a meal instead of as a separate snack. More saliva is produced during meals, which helps rinse away candy bits and acids.

 Soda & Energy Drinks

Candy isn’t the only culprit when it comes to added sugar.  Did you know that sodas can have up to 11 teaspoons of sugar per serving. To add insult to injury, sodas also contain phosphoric and citric acids, which eat away at tooth enamel.

Diet soft drinks let you skip the sugar, but surprisingly, they may have actually even more acid in the form of the artificial sweeteners.

Cold sports drinks may help your body recover quicker from fatigue, but these drinks are usually high in sugar. Yes, most energy drinks replenish fluids and minerals that your body has lost during exercising,  But just like soda or candy, sugary sports drinks create an acid attack on the enamel of your teeth. Drinking them frequently can lead to decay. Truthfully, a better way to stay hydrated at the gym is to chug sugar-free, calorie-free water.

 Chewing on Things

Do you ever chew on your pencil when concentrating on work or when you are studying?  Many of us feel this helps us to focus and concentrate better. But this habit can also cause teeth to chip or crack.

Chewing on ice can cause similar damage to teeth. It’s natural and sugar free, so you might think ice is harmless. But munching on hard, frozen cubes can chip or even crack your teeth. And if your mindless chomping irritates the soft tissue inside a tooth, regular toothaches may follow.

Sugarless gum is by far a better option when you feel the need to chew. It will trigger the flow of saliva, which can make teeth stronger and protect against enamel-eating acids.Next time you get the urge for to chew something, chew some sugarless gum instead. It’s much better for your teeth in the long run.

Grinding.

Grinding your teeth is usually not something you are conscious of doing. Many people grind in their sleep and don’t realize it until teeth start breaking or wearing down. Grinding your teeth can lead to tooth breakage and painful problems with the jaw joint (TMJ). If you think you might grind your teeth talk to your dentist about a protective device that can be worn during sleep to protect your teeth and jaw.

Tongue Piercings

Tongue piercings may be trendy, but biting down on the metal stud can crack a tooth. Lip piercings pose a similar risk. Also, when metal rubs against the gums, it can cause gum damage that may lead to tooth loss. The mouth is also a haven for bacteria, so piercings raise the risk of infections and sores. Also, with a tongue piercing there is a risk of accidentally piercing a large blood vessel, which can cause severe bleeding. Bottom line, discuss the health risks with your dentist first.

 Limit Your Time In The Pool

With the coming of Summer and with the kids let out on break swimming can be where your family spends much of their time escaping the heat.  Swimming is a sport many agree is one of the best exercises you can do. But, in the wrong environment, it can also  hurt your teeth. Yep, you read that right.

Swimming in pool water that is excessively chlorinated can erode and stain tooth enamel. Excessive chlorine lowers the pool’s pH level, making it dangerously acidic which erode tooth enamel and damages gums.

When you and your family head to the pool, take note. If you can smell chlorine, or if your eyes tend to get very sore when swimming – then perhaps it’s best to limit your time in the pool. If you’re a frequent swimmer, pack a toothbrush along with that towel of yours. Brushing your teeth and using a fluoride rinse immediately after swimming will help make a big difference.

 

Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Veneers, Orthodonics and Aligners, Self-Confidence, Teeth Whitening

Top 6 Most Asked Cosmetic Dentistry Questions

TOP Six Cosmetic Dentistry QuestionsCosmetic dentistry is more popular than ever, from whitening and shaping to closing spaces and replacing teeth.

Cosmetic dentistry is dentistry aimed at creating a positive change to your teeth and to your smile. Most think of cosmetic dentistry as tooth whitening or porcelain veneers, but a cosmetic dentist can provide much more.

Today’s dentists have a wide array of tools and techniques at their disposal for improving the look of your smile. From subtle changes to major repairs, your dentist can perform a variety of procedures to improve your smile.

But with so many options available, it’s difficult to know which ones will best suit a person’s goals.  Here, at Klug Dentistry, we often have people asking us to help sort out some of the confusion for them.

Here are 6 of  the most frequently asked questions we get and some quick information to help clear the confusion:

  •  I don’t really like the way my teeth or my smile look – what can I do?

A wide variety of options are available to improve tooth function and how your smile looks.

Here are generally the most popular procedures:

  • Tooth Whitening
  • Dental Bonding
  • Porcelian Crowns
  • Tooth Repair
  • Veneering
  • Dental Implants
  • Orthodontics and Aligners
  • Dentures

Tooth Whitening is where the teeth are whitened (another term is bleaching) and there are a number of ways to whiten teeth. External tooth whitening happens when vital teeth are bleached by direct contact with a safe and commonly used whitening agent, either in a dental office or at home. For most situations, tooth whitening is possible and safe.

Dental Bonding is a popular treatment option because it provides a successful attachment between the filling material and the tooth’s original enamel and dentin. It looks like the original tooth and functions like it as well. Direct composite bonding is used to recreate a smile in an additive manner, where little or no tooth reduction is needed. Direct bonding, in the hands of a skilled operator, is less costly than porcelain veneers and crowns and can be long-lasting with proper maintenance.

Porcelain Crowns can be sculpted to closely replicate the look of natural tooth enamel, while providing desirable strength and resilience. Porcelain crowns are an excellent choice when recreating the form and function of a damaged tooth, because a crown basically replaces the entire external portion of the tooth down to the gum level. Crowns are not limited to simply replacing the original tooth, but can be designed to create an even better aesthetic appearance.

Repairing Damaged Teeth is accomplished in several different ways, but is probably most used for repairing chipped teeth. Bonding materials (high-density, space-age plastics called composite resin) and porcelain–are more natural in color and can be designed to perfectly match the surrounding teeth making it difficult to discern there ever was a broken tooth. Logically, it is imperative that you seek a dentist’s help to as soon as possible to ascertain how badly the tooth is damaged and what treatment is best suited.

PorcelainVeneers are thin pieces of porcelain used to recreate the natural look of teeth, while also providing strength and resilience comparable to natural tooth enamel. It is often the material of choice for those looking to make slight position alterations, or to change tooth shape, size, and/or color.

Dental Implants replace the roots of lost teeth. A dental implant–along with a crown built on the implant–replaces a missing tooth or teeth and helps to maintain the bone support of the adjacent teeth, extending their life span. Dental implants are considered a permanent service and can be expected, in most cases, to last many, many years. They are the optimum choice for replacing missing teeth. A tooth replaced with a dental implant should be imperceptible from a natural tooth.

Orthodontics and Aligners  -more commonly referred to as “braces,” is done in order to reposition the teeth, but also is meant to solve certain issues that has caused the teeth to arrive at their current positions and what future movement is possible. Your cosmetic dentist now has many options available, from conventional braces to “invisible braces” (clear orthodontic aligners) and reduced treatment times. Consult your dentist about the possibilities. Each option offers its own benefits and issues and should be carefully selected to suit the situation.

Dentures and Overdentures have been considered a tried and true method for tooth replacement for years, but they come with their own set of issues. The main problem is that dentures rest on teeth and gums for stability, which can encourage bone loss, tooth decay, and periodontal disease. However, dentures can be relined every few years to compensate for bone loss and any compromised facial integrity. There have been modern advances in dentures, as there have been in many other areas of dental healthcare, and an overdenture retained by implants may be an option. Overdentures are a combination of traditional dentures and the newer science of dental implants to prevent bone loss that could result from dentures alone.

 

  • How much does it cost to get that great smile?

Like most services, cost varies based on the amount of time required and the difficulty of the procedure(s). Generally, when improving a person’s smile, it requires a combination of several treatment options such as bleaching, reshaping gums, and using bonded materials (resin or porcelain) to improve the appearance of the teeth. A great way to start is by having a consultation with a dentist to determine how you can reach your goals. Remember, improving your smile is an investment in you.  Call our office and talk to one of our friendly professionals about possible options.

  •  If I have dental insurance, will it pay for the costs?

Most dental insurance has very low total benefits per year, which may offset the cost for regular checkups, but probably won’t pay toward cosmetic services. Insurance is a business; thus, your carrier will often contract to pay for the least expensive option instead of the best solution for your particular needs or desires. Many dentists will work to maximize your benefits, and may have suggestions for alternative methods of financing so you can obtain the treatment of choice. Talk to one of our staff members to ask about dental insurance and financing.

  • How long do these cosmetic procedures last – are they a permanent solution?

With good home care and regular visits to your dentist, modern materials can last for many years, and possibly decades. Like most things, excellent maintenance will extend the life of your dental restorations.

For example, the lifespan of porcelain veneers tends to be somewhere between ten and twenty years.  It is possible that veneers sometimes come off or chip. If this happens, they can be repaired or replaced. However, over time, the living tooth and gum tissue around the veneers will undergo changes that may require alterations to your veneers.

  • How many office visits will it require for me to get the smile I want?

This varies with each individual, depending on the need. Sometimes, you can dramatically improve your oral health and appearance in just a couple of visits. We will work to make your treatment as convenient as possible, perhaps choosing slightly longer visits instead of frequent trips to the office. If you have questions, give us a call to discuss your goals and concerns  so that the best plan can be developed for your individual situation. If you start today, a new smile can be yours sooner than you think.

  • Are these procedures suitable for my child?

These questions are typically the first ones asked when a child has injured his or her mouth or teeth. Dealing with children’s dental issues is very subjective and depends on the situation. But, if your child suffers a mouth or tooth injury, it is important to see a dental professional as soon as possible to evaluate the situation and to possibly prevent further damage.  For teeth that are growing out of position or crowding other teeth, orthodonics treatments are required. “Aligners” are meant to solve certain issues that has caused the teeth to arrive at their current positions and to predict future movement as soon as possible  , or in some cases, if braces should also be considered as a long-term solution. If you have questions, give us a call to discuss your goals and concerns  so that the best plan can be developed for your individual situation.

Cosmetic Dentistry, Self-Confidence, Teeth Whitening

An Overview of Dental Bonding

Dental Bonding

Teeth Bonding: A Dental Tooth Restoration Overview

Tooth bonding is the application of a tooth-colored composite resin material (a dental plastic) to repair chipped, broken, or severely decayed teeth. Bonding is typically used for cosmetic dental purposes in order to improve a person’s appearance, making teeth look longer or more uniform and well-shaped. The procedure gets its name because materials are bonded to the tooth.  The bonding application is attached using adhesives and a high intensity curing light that adheres the form to the tooth. Dental bonding is also often suggested as a cosmetic alternative to amalgam fillings, or even to protect a portion of the tooth’s root that has been exposed when a person has receding gums.  The process of bonding is very easy and can often be done in a single visit to your dentist.

When To Consider Dental Bonding

Dental bonding can be considered to fix the following dental issues:

  • To improve the appearance of discolored teeth
  • To close spaces between teeth
  • To make teeth look longer
  • To protect a portion of the tooth’s root that has been exposed when gums recede
  • To change the shape of teeth (provides a more uniform smile)
  • To repair decayed teeth (when composite resins are used to fill cavities)
  •  To repair chipped or cracked teeth
  • As a cosmetic alternative to amalgam fillings

Costs of dental bonding vary depending on your specific dental conditions, amount of teeth that need cosmetic repair, additional procedures performed in conjunction, and the dentist performing the operation. On average a dental bonding procedure can cost between $100 to $400 per tooth. Give us a call and we would be happy to check with your dental insurance provider to see if you are eligible for coverage.

If you’d like to schedule an appointment, contact us at our office located in the Stanley Park Professional Building in Overland Park at (913) 681-8668.

We look forward to having the opportunity to be your Overland Park family dentist.

Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Veneers, Extrinsic and Intrinsic Dental Issues, Self-Confidence, Teeth Whitening

Teeth Whitening: DIY Methods vs Dentist Supervised

Teeth Whitening

Having  a dazzling smile is something that many of us seek to achieve.

Lots of people have smile makeovers to improve the attractiveness of their teeth and to feel better about themselves.  But many patients remain unaware of some of the other social and lifestyle benefits of good teeth.  A recent study done by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry has found a host of other – sometimes surprising – benefits to a great smile.

As you might expect, a great smile bestows many social advantages – and, conversely, a poor smile is detrimental.  84% of Americans ages 18 to 50 see an attractive smile as an important feature.  Likewise, the vast majority of people surveyed, 85%, say that a person’s smile is very or somewhat important when meeting someone for the first time.  Not surprisingly 9 out of 10 people surveyed also said that people with a good smile are more attractive and appear more intelligent and professional.

Over time it’s natural for teeth to become discolored and stained from all sorts of things such as drinking tea, coffee and red wine, or from the foods we eat.  Teeth can also become stained by smoking or chewing tobacco.

Brightening your smile is as easy as visiting your dentist for a whitening treatment, or purchasing one of the many at-home treatment options available.

Often people want to know about the difference between typical DIY treatments at home versus the treatment provided by a professional. So here’s a quick, simple breakdown of the facts:

What Is It?
Your teeth can become discolored by stains on the surface or by changes inside the tooth. There are three main types of tooth discoloration:

  • Extrinsic — This occurs when the outer layer of the tooth (the enamel) is stained. Coffee, wine, cola or other drinks or foods can stain teeth. Smoking also causes extrinsic stains.
  • Intrinsic — This is when the inner structure of the tooth (the dentin) darkens or gets a yellow tint. You can get this type of discoloration from things like trauma that affected a tooth, or over-exposure to fluoride during early childhood. It may even be from a genetic disorder called dentinogenesis imperfecta. This causes gray, amber or purple discolorations.
  • Age-related — This type of discoloration is a combination of extrinsic and intrinsic factors. As we age, dentin naturally yellows over time. The enamel that covers our teeth gets thinner as we get older, which allows the dentin to show through. Foods and smoking also can stain teeth as people get older. Finally, chips or other injuries can discolor a tooth, especially when the pulp has been damaged.

Many extrinsic stains caused by food and drink can be removed by regular professional cleanings and good home care. Good home care includes brushing, flossing and rinsing after meals.

Discoloration often can be removed by applying a bleaching agent to the tooth enamel. One technique is called “power bleaching.” With this method, the dentist applies a light-activated bleaching gel. It causes the teeth to get significantly whiter in about 30 to 45 minutes. We offer this type of treatment with our Phillips Zoom! treatment which produces wonderful results.  Sometimes follow-up treatments  may be needed to get the type of smile you are looking for, but there are also take-home bleaching trays that give you the flexibility to do-it-yourself.

It’s also possible to remove discoloration at home using over the counter products from your local grocer or drug store.  For example, there are several bleaching gels, like RapidEffect or Plus White Premier, which can also be quite effective. The bleaching gels designed for use at home aren’t as strong as those applied by a dentist, but they also tend to cost much less.  However, this means that the process takes longer — sometimes as long as three to five weeks.

You also can buy whitening products, like whitening strips, over the counter.  The main difference is that these products contain a  much weaker bleach than the products you can get from your dentist and tend to require a much longer time frame in order to produce good results. The whitening agent is applied as a gel placed in a mouthpiece or as a strip that sticks to your teeth.  One of the issues with over-the-counter mouthpieces is that the fit tends to be less secure than the kind you get from a dentist and the effects can be inconsistent.

There are also many whitening toothpastes which can remove minor stains. They can be good for steady maintenance of an already bright smile, but they do not actually change the overall color of your teeth.

If you happen to have a tooth that has darkened after due to a root canal or some type of tooth trauma, bleaching the enamel won’t help. This type of tooth discoloration  (intrinsic) is an internal staining.  In such instances, a dentist can apply a bleaching material to the inside of the tooth, or you may consider a crown or veneer.

Also, bleaching will not lighten some stains, such as tetracycline stains as discussed earlier. In this case, a dentist may recommend covering the discolored areas with a color-matched composite bonding material. Another option is to get veneers.  A tooth can be covered with thin ceramic shells that shield the outer surfaces of the teeth. This also may be useful when the tooth is chipped or badly damaged.

So When To Call a Professional
The truth is that tooth discoloration is mainly a cosmetic problem. If you are unhappy with how your teeth look you should really call a dentist  and set up an appointment to perform a detailed evaluation and to help set up a plan of treatment.

Finally, when dealing with discolorations in the teeth of children,  it is highly-recommended that you immediately seek the assistance of a dentist who can perform an in-depth evaluation as some of these discolorations can be indicators of more critical health concerns.

If you’d like to schedule an appointment, contact us at our office located in the Stanley Park Professional Building in Overland Park at (913) 681-8668.

We look forward to having the opportunity to be your Overland Park family dentist.