Tag Archives: #teeth Whitening

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, 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.