But what happens when the healthy things we do for our bodies aren’t exactly healthy for our smiles? These four health trends have been touted as beneficial, but they could actually be hurting your teeth!

Lemon Water

Drinking lemon water, particularly in the morning, has become a popular practice. The idea is that you add the juice of about half a lemon to a glass of water and drink first thing in the morning to rev up digestion, detox the body, and even help with weight loss.

Despite the fact that these claims have little scientific evidence to back them up, there’s another problem with lemon water: it has an extremely low pH of just 2.25, meaning it’s very acidic [1].

In fact, this pH is even more acidic than most types of soda, which means that lemon water could be eroding your tooth enamel, leading to sensitive teeth and an increased risk for tooth decay.

Oil Pulling

Oil pulling is another practice that’s gained popularity. An ancient method of pulling toxins out of the oral cavity, this regimen requires that you swish sesame or coconut oil around in your mouth for 20 minutes upon waking every morning.

Not only does the American Dental Association not recommend oil pulling due to lack of evidence, but oil pulling requires that your brush your teeth after spitting the oil out [2]. As we know, tooth enamel is porous and brushing immediately after your teeth come into contact with food isn’t recommended.

Kombucha and Other Fermented Foods

Foods such as kimchi and kombucha are fermented and packed with probiotics, which are beneficial organisms that exist in food. Research is showing that probiotics play a much bigger role in our oral and bodily health than previously thought [3].

However, as a result of their fermented nature, these foods are also acidic, which can weaken tooth enamel and leave it vulnerable to damage. For example, kimchi, which is fermented vegetables, has a pH of around 4, which is lower than the neutral number of 7 on the pH scale [4]. You can still reap the probiotic benefits of these foods by drinking water after consuming them, and, of course, avoiding brushing your teeth until about one hour after consumption.

Charcoal Toothpaste

You may have seen black toothpaste at the store or advertised. For some people, the charcoal toothpaste trend has been in full swing for a few years now. Charcoal toothpaste is said to remove toxins from the mouth, naturally whiten teeth, and even help sensitive teeth.

Unfortunately, charcoal toothpaste is also known for being extremely abrasive. When used daily, charcoal can actually remove tooth enamel and lead to even more sensitive and discolored teeth [5]. Until more research is done, the efficacy of these products is still in question.

Have you heard of any of these health trends? Use caution when adopting practices without knowing how they can affect your body or your smile. Talking to your professional dentist can help you know what’s safe, and to take the best care of your teeth!

Sources:
1. https://www.ada.org/en/~/media/ADA/Public%20Programs/Files/JADA_The%20pH%20
2. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/o/oil-pulling
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22632388
4. http://farmtotable.colostate.edu/prepare-ferment/kimchi.pdf
5. https://now.tufts.edu/articles/charcoal-and-white-teeth

The post These Health Trends Could Be Hurting Your Teeth appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Meanwhile, Lumineers are made of a patented form of ceramic and offer an even thinner
option for restoring your smile. So which one should you choose? Here are the fundamental
differences between these cosmetic treatments and why some patients would favor one over
the other.

The Difference Between Lumineers and Traditional Veneers

Lumineers provide many of the same benefits as traditional veneers. They’re strong, thin, and
transform your smile. However, Lumineers offer a difference that porcelain veneers can’t
provide—in many cases, no tooth preparation is necessary.

In traditional porcelain veneers, a bit of tooth enamel needs to be removed in order for the
veneer to bond properly to the surface of the teeth. Many patients would prefer to skip this
step to avoid the removal of some of their tooth enamel, even if it is only a tiny amount.

Lumineers allow patients to keep more of their natural tooth structure and tend to be less
translucent than porcelain veneers, which can look slightly less translucent but provide a robust
shade of white that’s resistant to stains.

Why Lumineers Appeal to Some Patients

Lumineers appeal to many patients for a few reasons, the first being the ability to forgo tooth
preparation and keep more of their tooth structure.

Another reason is that the procedure has the possibility to be reversed without permanently
damaging your natural teeth. With porcelain veneers, the removal of tooth enamel is
irreversible and so these are considered a permanent form of treatment.

However, since Lumineers allow the patient to keep their natural teeth the way they are, they
tend to not fit as snugly against the natural teeth as porcelain veneers do. This means they may
protrude slightly, which can make the lips appear fuller (which some patients like).

Making the Best Choice for Your Smile

Both porcelain veneers and Lumineers are custom-made, meaning that your dentist will help
you decide on the best size, shape, and color for your smile. Your restored smile should always
suit your preferences and provide you with confidence and functionality.

Lumineers and porcelain veneers can provide very similar results, but the choice you make will
be based on your unique smile and what you’d like the end result to be. Your dentist can help
you make the best choice for you by discussing the pros and cons of using each in regards to
what you want to accomplish with your smile.

If you want to change the appearance of your smile, considering either Lumineers or porcelain
veneers can help dramatically improve your smile without the need for teeth whitening,
orthodontics, or even tooth bonding. Schedule a consultation with your dentist to ask how one
of these cosmetic treatments can improve your smile!

The post Are Lumineers or Porcelain Veneers the Better Choice for Your Smile? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

When you want to have a beautiful smile but aren’t thrilled about the idea of getting orthodontic work done, you can talk with your dentist about the following options to finally get the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted!

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are thin, sturdy shells that cover the visible surfaces of your teeth. Veneers are versatile and can help fix a variety of issues with your smile. Whether you have crooked teeth, stained teeth, chipped teeth, or gapped teeth, veneers can provide a beautiful, long-term solution for you.

Veneers are often considered to have the most impact on your smile for the least amount of work. You can customize the look of your veneers including the shade to target and fix your alignment problems so that all people see when you smile are your beautiful teeth!

Dental Bonding

Dental bonding consists of using a composite resin material much like the one used in non-mercury fillings to help fill gaps in the teeth and also to remedy spacing issues. The composite resin matches your natural teeth and is used to cover any alignment problems you may want to hide, or if you want to fix gaps or even the shape of your teeth.

Although dental bonding is effective when it comes to shaping teeth and filling gaps, it’s best used for minor dental problems rather than a complete smile makeover. Your dentist can better help you determine if dental bonding would be a good fit for what you’re looking for!

You and your dentist can discuss porcelain veneers or dental bonding would work as an alternative for braces, whether you want to delay your orthodontic treatment by a few years or if you want a permanent solution for your
smile!

You deserve to have the smile you’ve always dreamed of. If you need orthodontic work done but don’t want to have braces, consider these alternative cosmetic treatments. In just a couple dentist visits, you can improve the look of your smile and enjoy the benefits of beautiful, healthy-looking teeth!

The post ​Need an Alternative to Braces? Check Out These Cosmetic Dentistry Options appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

When it comes to dental insurance, every plan will be different. Maybe you have a plan that’ll cover braces or dental bridges, but won’t cover teeth whitening or porcelain crowns. Regardless of what type of dental insurance you have, most dental insurance plans cover at least a portion of cosmetic dentistry. Some plans may even cover the entire procedure, depending on your needed treatment.

Cosmetic dentistry may include porcelain veneers, inlays and onlays, and gum surgery to correct “gummy” smile. Your insurance company may even consider Invisalign, dental implants, and dental bonding for gaps in-between teeth to all be cosmetic dentistry procedures. Talking to your insurance company about what’s covered and what isn’t can help you determine what your out-of- pocket costs will be—if any—and what procedures your plan will fully cover!

Finding a Qualified Dentist Is Crucial

If your insurance plan only covers part of the procedure you want done, you may be tempted to find a less experienced dentist who offers a lower price for your procedure. However, consider the high cost of bad dental work—your smile is priceless. You need a qualified, experienced dentist to complete your dental work. Even if the price is different, you’ll be secure knowing your cosmetic dentistry procedure was done properly and won’t cause you problems later. Although a high-demand dentist may cost more, often, the cost is absolutely worth it.

Ask Your Dentist about Your Options

Maybe you’re set on getting porcelain crowns or veneers, but ceramic will be more budget-friendly and look just as beautiful. Ask your dentist about your options when it comes to cosmetic dentistry. Of course you want a functional smile with an improved appearance, and there’s often more than one way of attaining your goal. Talk to your dentist about any cheaper options that may be available to you. You might be surprised at just how cost-friendly cosmetic dentistry can be!

You can also talk with your dentist’s office about your insurance plan. Often, their staff have experience in working with insurance companies and can help you figure out what your plan will cover. If you find out your plan will only cover part of the procedure, ask them about third-party financing. Often, you can get dental work financed at 0% interest with affordable payment plans!

Getting the smile of your dreams is affordable with cosmetic dentistry—your dental insurance plan should cover at least some of your cosmetic dentistry. By working with an experienced dentist and considering all your options, your perfect smile is more affordable than ever. Schedule an appointment with your local dentist to talk about cosmetic dentistry!

The post Does Dental Insurance Cover Cosmetic Dentistry? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

How Lumineers Work

Lumineers can be completed in just two visits to your dentist office! You’ll first have a consultation to determine if Lumineers are right for you. Then, during the first visit for your Lumineers procedure, your dentist will take impressions of your teeth and send them to a laboratory to ensure a perfect, custom fit. You’ll come back for a second visit once your custom restorations are complete to bond them to your teeth. Your dentist will ensure they fit perfectly and check to make sure your bite fits with the Lumineers to prevent chipping or premature aging.

Who Qualifies?

Anyone who is unhappy with their smile should schedule a consultation with their dentist to talk about the possibility of transforming your smile with Lumineers! Not every dentist will be experienced with Lumineers, so you should ask your dentist about their experience in helping people get their dream smile with Lumineers and work with a dentist who specializes in the procedure.

Lumineers Can Transform Your Smile

Lumineers are very thin, thinner than traditional veneers, and therefore enamel removal is not needed in most cases. Your teeth will be slightly etched in order to allow proper bonding of your Lumineers. Lumineers can last for 20 years or more if cared for properly, and the procedure is entirely painless and easy at your dentist office.

Lumineers cover your natural teeth, but should you ever decide you’d like them removed, they can be removed to reveal your natural smile. Lumineers are a great option for many patients who are unhappy with their teeth and want an easy alternative to achieve their dream smile. You can light up your smile with Lumineers by choosing what shape and color you’d like your new smile to be, and talking with your dentist about the best fit for your custom look!

Talk to Your Dentist

Talk to your dentist about whether or not you’d qualify for Lumineers. Lumineers provide a cost-friendly alternative to other types of dental work, and the procedure is less invasive and time-consuming as well. Lumineers allow your natural teeth to remain unaffected in most cases, and yet provide you with beautiful teeth so you can feel confident about smiling again!

Lumineers allow you to feel better about your smile in just two short dentist visits. Your teeth will be instantly transformed with the placement of your Lumineers. Don’t feel uncomfortable about your teeth anymore—smile proudly with your new Lumineers and retain full functionality of your teeth. Ask your dentist if Lumineers could be a good choice for your smile!

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Implants

No longer are dentures or partial dentures your only options for missing teeth. Dental implants effectively replace your missing teeth and even help retain the bone structure in your jaw. Dental implants accurately replace your natural teeth and they never need to be replaced. A screw will be placed in your jaw to hold your missing tooth’s spot, and a crown will be attached to the end. Completely indistinguishable from your natural teeth, dental implants restore your smile’s beauty and functionality!

Lumineers

Lumineers are a type of dental veneer that work as perfect solutions for a variety of cosmetic dental problems. If you have discolored, chipped, gapped, or crooked teeth, Lumineers could be a great choice for you. An impression is made of your teeth and then sent to a lab. After your Lumineers return, they will be bonded to your teeth. They differ from regular veneers in that less drilling is needed. Talk with your dentist to discover if Lumineers could make your smile shine again!

Veneers

Porcelain or ceramic veneers are strong, thin, and mimic your tooth’s natural enamel. To restore your smile’s appearance, veneers go on top of your teeth, yet are made of porcelain and ceramic to remain strong and functional. Veneers are bonded to your teeth to give your smile the perfect color, brightness, and functionality that becomes you. You may choose to consider veneers if you have fractured, gapped, or poorly shaped teeth. Even stained teeth could benefit from veneers!

Bridges

Dental bridges can help if you have a missing tooth or teeth. Over time, the space left by your missing tooth will cause the other teeth to shift. This could result in an improper bite, loss of bone, and even crooked teeth. Bridges help to hold and cover the space between your missing teeth. They’re affixed to your natural teeth and will help to hold the space, improve your appearance, and match the color of your other natural teeth!

Whitening

Teeth whitening is an effective, affordable, and safe procedure that improves your appearance and gives you a dazzling smile. Whether you’d like white teeth for your wedding day or a special event in your life or even just to love your smile a little more every day, teeth whitening is a great option. Using at-home kits can create uneven whitening and even damage the enamel on your teeth if overused. A professional bleaching at your dentist’s office will give you a gorgeous smile for life.

Cosmetic dentistry offers you many options to restore your smile. Whether you have crooked or missing teeth, chipped or fractured teeth, or unsightly gaps or discoloration, cosmetic dentistry can help. Talk with your dentist to discover how cosmetic dentistry can improve your smile and quality of life!

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Who Should Get Lumineers or Veneers?

These products are both used for the same purpose: correcting imperfections in a person’s teeth. If teeth are damaged, crooked, short, or in another way do not match the teeth around them, veneers and lumineers are ways to make a smile symmetrical and more visually appealing. So which one is right for you?

Benfits of Veneers

Some refer to veneers as porcelain veneers, but this is merely one type and composite veneers are also available.

Veneer Pros:

– Aesthetic Appeal – This is a great way to even out your smile and create a more aesthetic appearance.

– Natural Coloration – Veneers can be color matched to the rest of your teeth providing a natural appearance without the need to cover every single tooth.

– Strength – Composite veneers are extremely strong and can last for 20 years if cared for well.

– Stain Resistant – Porcelain veneers will actually resist stains better than your natural tooth

enamel, so you can drink your coffee, tea, and wine without regrets.

Who Should Get Veneers?

– If you grind your teeth composite veneers are the right choice for you.

– Veneers are the right option for those seeking a permanent cosmetic solution.

– If a tooth is misshapen or discolored and you want all of your teeth to match.

Benefits of Lumineers

Lumineers are another way to instantly improve your smile. Consider the following benefits.

Lumineer Pros:

– Reversible Procedure – If you ever decide that you no longer want lumineers, you can go back to your regular teeth. This is the primary advantage of lumineers over veneers.

– A Perfect Fit – There is no need for any drilling or numbing. Lumineers are painless.

Who Should Get Lumineers?

– Those who do not want their cosmetic dentistry to be irreversible.

– Individuals with slightly extra space between their teeth since lumineers add a very thin layer to the teeth.

Veneers and Lumineers are two great ways to spruce up a smile. Your dentist can help you determine which is better suited to your needs.

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