Category Archives: Teeth Whitening

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.

 

Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Veneers, Teeth Whitening

Dental Veneers: A Quick Guide

Quick Guide to Dental Veneers

Reprint Courtesy of WebMD.

Dental veneers (sometimes called porcelain veneers or dental porcelain laminates) are wafer-thin, custom-made shells of tooth-colored materials designed to cover the front surface of teeth to improve your appearance. These shells are bonded to the front of the teeth changing their color, shape, size, or length.

Dental veneers can be made from porcelain or from resin composite materials. Porcelain veneers resist stains better than resin veneers and better mimic the light reflecting properties of natural teeth. You will need to discuss the best choice of veneer material for you with your dentist.

What Types of Problems Do Dental Veneers Fix?

Veneers are routinely used to fix:

  • Teeth that are discolored — either because of root canal treatment; stains from tetracycline or other drugs, excessive fluoride or other causes; or the presence of large resin fillings that have discolored the tooth
  • Teeth that are worn down
  • Teeth that are chipped or broken
  • Teeth that are misaligned, uneven, or irregularly shaped (for example, have craters or bulges in them)
  • Teeth with gaps between them (to close the space between these teeth)

What’s the Procedure for Getting a Dental Veneer?

Getting a dental veneer usually requires three trips to the dentist – one for a consultation and two to make and apply the veneers. One tooth or many teeth can simultaneously undergo the veneering process described below.

  • Diagnosis and treatment planning. This first step involves your active participation. Explain to your dentist the result that you are trying to achieve. During this appointment, your dentist will examine your teeth to make sure dental veneers are appropriate for you and discuss what the procedure will involve and some of its limitations. He or she also may take X-rays and possibly make impressions of your mouth and teeth.
  • Preparation. To prepare a tooth for a veneer, your dentist will remove about 1/2 millimeter of enamel from the tooth surface, which is an amount nearly equal to the thickness of the veneer to be added to the tooth surface. Before trimming off the enamel, you and your dentist will decide the need for a local anesthetic to numb the area. Next, your dentist will make a model or impression of your tooth. This model is sent out to a dental laboratory, which in turn constructs your veneer. It usually takes 2-4 weeks for your dentist to receive the veneers back from the laboratory. For very unsightly teeth, temporary dental veneers can be placed.
  • Bonding . Before the dental veneer is permanently cemented to your tooth, your dentist will temporarily place it on your tooth to examine its fit and color. He or she will repeatedly remove and trim the veneer as needed to achieve the proper fit; the veneer color can be adjusted with the shade of cement to be used. Next, to prepare your tooth to receive the veneer, your tooth will be cleaned, polished, and etched — which roughens the tooth to allow for a strong bonding process. A special cement is applied to the veneer and the veneer is then placed on your tooth. Once properly position on the tooth, your dentist will apply a special light beam to the dental veneer, which activates chemicals in the cement, causing it to harden or cure very quickly. The final steps involve removing any excess cement, evaluating your bite and making any final adjustments in the veneer as necessary. Your dentist may ask you to return for a follow-up visit in a couple of weeks to check how your gums are responding to the presence of your veneer and to once again examine the veneer’s placement.

What Are the Advantages of Dental Veneers?

Veneers offer the following advantages:

  • They provide a natural tooth appearance.
  • Gum tissue tolerates porcelain well.
  • Porcelain veneers are stain resistant.
  • The color of a porcelain veneer can be selected such that it makes dark teeth appear whiter.
  • Veneers offer a conservative approach to changing a tooth’s color and shape; veneers generally don’t require the extensive shaping prior to the procedure that crowns do, yet offer a stronger, more aesthetic alternative.

What Are the Disadvantages of Dental Veneers?

The downside to dental veneers include:

  • The process is not reversible.
  • Veneers are more costly than composite resin bonding.
  • Veneers are usually not repairable should they chip or crack.
  • Because enamel has been removed, your tooth may become more sensitive to hot and cold foods and beverages.
  • Veneers may not exactly match the color of your other teeth. Also, the veneer’s color cannot be altered once in place. If you plan on whitening your teeth, you need to do so before getting veneers.
  • Though not likely, veneers can dislodge and fall off. To minimize the chance of this occurring, do not bite your nails; chew on pencils, ice, or other hard objects; or otherwise put excessive pressure on your teeth.
  • Teeth with veneers can still experience decay, possibly necessitating full coverage of the tooth with a crown.
  • Veneers are not a good choice for individuals with unhealthy teeth (for example, those with decay or active gum disease), weakened teeth (as a result of decay, fracture, large dental fillings), or for those who have an inadequate amount of existing enamel on the tooth surface.
  • Individuals who clench and grind their teeth are poor candidates for porcelain veneers, as these activities can cause the veneers to crack or chip.

How Long Do Dental Veneers Last?

Veneers generally last between 7 and 15 years. After this time, the veneers would need to be replaced.

Do Dental Veneers Require Special Care?

Dental veneers do not require any special care. Continue to follow good oral hygiene practices, including brushing, flossing, and rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash as you normally would.

Even though porcelain veneers resist stains, your dentist may recommend that you avoid stain-causing foods and beverages (for example, coffee, tea, or red wine).

Are There Alternatives to Dental Veneers?

Yes, alternatives to veneers include bondings and crowns. Veneers offer a nice intermediate option. Veneers may be best suited for individuals who want to change the shape of their teeth more than just a little bit — as is done with bonding — but not enough to require a crown.

How Much Do Veneers Cost?

Costs of veneers vary depending on what part of the country you live in and on the extent of your procedure. Generally, veneers range in cost from $1,000 to $2,000 per tooth. The cost of veneers is not generally covered by insurance. To be certain, check with your specific dental insurance company.

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, Teeth Whitening

Question: Should You Whiten Your Teeth?

smiling teethIf you are thinking about getting your teeth whitened at your dentist’s office or doing it yourself at home, then you need to answer these questions first.

There are many teeth whitening systems and products including whitening toothpastes, over-the-counter gels, rinses, strips, trays, and whitening products obtained 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.

The first step in deciding whether or not to whiten teeth should always be a proper dental examination — with x-ray pictures — to determine the cause of the tooth discoloration. This is the best context in which to explore whitening options, with the person who is in the best position to advise you: your dentist. The optimal, most natural-looking tooth shade is always the one that creates a match between the whiteness of the teeth and the whites of a person’s eyes.

Whitening is not recommended or will be less successful in the following circumstances:

  • Age and pregnancy issues. Bleaching is not recommended in children under the age of 16. This is because the pulp chamber, or nerve of the tooth, is enlarged until this age. Teeth whitening under this condition could irritate the pulp or cause it to become sensitive. Teeth whitening is also not recommended in pregnant or lactating women.
  • Individuals with sensitive teeth and gums, receding gums, and/or defective restorations should consult with a dentist prior to using a tooth-whitening system. Anyone allergic to peroxide (the whitening agent) should not use a bleaching product.
  • Gum disease, worn enamel, cavities, and exposed roots. Individuals with gum disease or teeth with worn enamel are generally discouraged from undergoing a tooth-whitening procedure. Cavities need to be treated before undergoing any whitening procedure. This is because the whitening solutions penetrate any existing decay and the inner areas of the tooth, which can cause sensitivity. Also, whitening procedures will not work on exposed tooth roots, because roots do not have an enamel layer.
  • Fillings, crowns, and other restorations. Tooth-colored fillings and resin composite materials used in dental restorations (crowns, veneers, bonding, bridges) do not whiten. Therefore, using a whitening agent on teeth that contain restorations will result in uneven whitening — in this case, making the teeth without restorations appear lighter than those with restorations. Any whitening procedure should be done prior to the placement of restorations. People who have undergone numerous restorations that would result in uneven whitening may be better off considering bonding, veneers, or crowns rather than a tooth whitening system.
  • Unrealistic expectations. Individuals who expect their teeth to be a new “blinding white” may be disappointed with their results. Smokers need to be aware that their results will be limited unless they refrain from continued smoking, particularly during the bleaching process. A healthy guide to is to achieve a shade slightly whiter than the whites of your eyes.
  • Darkly stained teeth. Yellowish teeth respond well to bleaching, brownish-colored teeth respond less well and grayish-hue or purple-stained teeth may not respond to bleaching at all. Blue-gray staining caused by the antibiotic tetracycline is more difficult to lighten and may require up to six months of home treatments or several in-office appointments to successfully lighten.Teeth that have dark stains may be better candidates for another lightening option, such as veneers, bonding, or crowns. Talk to your dentist and discuss the options best suited for you.

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.