With so many people receiving a professional whitening treatment, it’s natural to wonder how this procedure affects your teeth and gums. For those who want a whiter smile and are considering teeth whitening, is this procedure harmful to your oral health?

Teeth Whitening Is Considered Safe and Effective

When done correctly, teeth whitening is considered to be a safe procedure [1]. Dentists have developed teeth whitening to be an effective treatment that poses minimal risk to teeth. While dentists use a higher concentration of the whitening agent than at-home bleaching kits, these are trained professionals who have done many teeth whitening procedures and know how to keep your smile protected during the entire whitening process.

Some of the minor risks for teeth whitening include temporary heightened tooth sensitivity following the procedure. If you already have sensitive teeth, it’s important to let your dentist know so that you can discuss what protective measures to take to ensure the safety of your smile.

Using Store-Bought Kits Is Riskier

If you’re using store-bought kits to whiten your teeth, the risk to your oral health is going to be higher than getting your teeth professionally whitened at the dentist office.

When using these kits, the whitening agent is more likely to come into contact with your gum tissue, which can cause gum irritation and inflammation. At the dentist office, your gums and the soft tissues of your mouth are fully protected before the whitening process begins.

There’s also the risk to overuse the kits and cause tooth sensitivity. Many people want a white smile for an upcoming event such as a graduation, a wedding, or a job interview. Unfortunately, many people to overuse the kits to accelerate the whitening process which can strip tooth enamel and cause permanent tooth sensitivity.

Professional Care Is Always Best

Your dentist will always take the utmost precautions to protect your teeth during your professional whitening procedure. When done by an experienced dentist, teeth whitening doesn’t pose any serious risks to your smile.

Most side effects—such as tooth sensitivity—are temporary and will last a few hours to a few days after your appointment. Any extreme pain or sensitivity you experience should be reported to your dentist so you can follow up.

Many dentists will even conduct a fluoride treatment following your whitening procedure to ensure that tooth sensitivity is kept to a minimum. Fluoride has been shown to be an effective treatment for patients who experience sensitivity following teeth whitening [2].

It’s also important to note that teeth whitening is not recommended for children by The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry [3].

Considering Teeth Whitening?

Proven to be safe for teeth, a professional teeth whitening isn’t harmful to your oral health. Like any procedure, it’s not without its risks; however, talking with your experienced oral healthcare professional about your teeth whitening procedure can help ensure that this is the best treatment for you based on your goals for your smile!

Source:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4058574/
2. https://bmcoralhealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1472-6831-14-113
3. https://www.ada.org/en/member-center/oral-health-topics/whitening

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While traditional metal braces have long been the standard of care, Invisalign offers people
who want to straighten their teeth with a subtle, removable form of treatment with reduced
orthodontist visits.

But which option is going to be right for you? Although both options work to correct your teeth,
only your professional orthodontist can tell you which would work for your specific case. The
following guidelines can help you evaluate your options in advance!

For Faster, More Effective Treatment: Braces

Braces are considered to be the fastest, most effective form of orthodontic treatment that can
solve virtually any issue you want to correct with your smile [1].

While Invisalign can tackle a wide variety of orthodontic concerns, braces can almost always get
the job done faster. If you’re not worried about appearance and want to get your treatment
out of the way, traditional braces might be the way to go.

For Invisible, Comfortable Treatment: Invisalign

For when you don’t want people to know you’re receiving orthodontic treatment, Invisalign is a
great choice.

Invisalign can fix most bite issues as well as gapped or crowded teeth. Although many people
think Invisalign is designed for issues that are easy to fix, this isn’t necessarily true. Invisalign
can fix many problems with your smile.

Many people report that Invisalign is more comfortable than metal braces, especially since it’s
able to be removed for eating and cleaning. Whereas braces limit the ability to eat some foods
(think biting into an apple), the same isn’t true for Invisalign, making it a popular alternative.

For Complex Cases: Braces

For people who need more intensive orthodontic work, Invisalign may not be an option. Braces
are your ideal pick for complex orthodontic cases.

In addition, Invisalign isn’t able to fix every issue, nor can it rotate teeth, fix gaps that are quite
large (think 6mm or larger), and it has limited force when moving the front and back teeth.

Extractions may also limit your candidacy for Invisalign, as patients who need to have a tooth
extracted before their orthodontic treatment or during won’t be able to qualify for this form of
orthodontics [2].

For People Who Can Commit: Invisalign

Since Invisalign is removable, it certainly requires commitment. The clear aligners need to be
worn for at least 22 hours every day.

If you can’t commit to this (or are worried your child or teen won’t be able to commit), non-
removable braces may be the better choice.

However, Invisalign’s removability has its benefits: it enables you to clean your teeth much
easier than with braces. Research shows that patients who received Invisalign treatment had
healthier gums than those who had fixed oral appliances such as braces [3].

Both Invisalign and traditional braces have their pros and cons. Only a board-certified
orthodontist can tell you which form of treatment will make the most sense for correcting your
teeth. Schedule a visit with your orthodontist today to talk about braces or Invisalign!

Sources:
1. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/b/braces
2. https://www.cda-adc.ca/jcda/vol-73/issue-3/263.pdf
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4478712/

The post Invisalign vs. Braces: Which Option Is Right for You? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

The bridge relies on the surrounding teeth for support and typically consists of two dental
crowns on these supporting teeth with an artificial tooth in the center to fill in the gap of your
missing tooth.

For people who have lost teeth due to trauma, decay, or gum disease, a dental bridge can
prevent the remaining teeth in your mouth from shifting into the gap left from the missing
teeth.

If you and your dentist decide a dental bridge is your best option to replace missing teeth, what
can you expect during and after the procedure?

First Visit: Preparing Teeth

During your first visit for your dental bridge, your dentist will need to prepare the auxiliary
teeth for the device by removing a small amount of tooth enamel and reshaping the teeth.
These are teeth that will receive dental crowns in order to support the bridge.

During this appointment, your dentist will use local anesthesia. If you have anxiety about the
procedure and would prefer a different type of sedation, you can talk with your dentist [1].

Next, your dentist will take an impression of the area receiving the restoration and send the
impression to the lab to make your dental bridge. Based on this impression and your natural
teeth color, your bridge should match your teeth perfectly.

Before you leave the office, you’ll be fitted with a temporary bridge until your permanent one is
ready.

Second Visit: Permanent Restoration

Once your dental bridge has arrived, you’ll visit your dentist a second time to remove your
temporary bridge and place the final restoration. Dental bridges aren’t removeable, so your
dentist will use a permanent solution to fit the bridge in your mouth [2].

You may receive a professional teeth cleaning before your permanent bridge to ensure bacteria
won’t be trapped underneath the restoration. Your dentist will also want to ensure the bridge
fits properly, so you may need to come in one final time to confirm the fit is comfortable.

After: Caring for Your Dental Bridge

You’ll be able to resume your normal activities once completing the procedure for your dental
bridge, unless you received local anesthesia during your bridge placement, in which case you’ll
need to avoid eating or drinking until the numbness goes away.

You’ll need time to adjust to your new restoration in regards to speaking, eating, and drinking.
However, your normal oral care habits will stay the same, including brushing and flossing,
visiting your dentist, and eating a healthy diet.

A dental bridge can last for ten years or longer with proper care, so be sure to care for your new
restoration!

Getting a dental bridge can help you avoid teeth shifting after tooth loss and restore the
function of your smile. If you’re missing teeth, don’t wait to schedule an appointment with your
dentist to discuss your options for replacing them. A dental bridge could be right for you!

Sources:
1. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/a/anesthesia-and-sedation
2. https://www.dentistry.uiowa.edu/patient-care-definitions

The post What to Expect During and After Your Dental Bridge Procedure appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

The actual implant consists of a small screw that’s inserted into the jaw onto which a dental
crown will be placed. These sturdy restorations are designed to last a lifetime.

But can dental implants actually help prevent gum disease? Here’s what you need to know
about gum health after getting dental implants.

Implants Support Alveolar Bone

Dental implants help support the bone that supports teeth, which is called alveolar bone. This
bone—located in your jaw—helps keep your teeth healthy along with your gums and other
connective tissue.

When your alveolar bone is strong, you’re less likely to lose teeth. Jawbone naturally recedes
when a tooth is lost, as the bone is no longer being stimulated by that particular tooth and so
the body doesn’t see a need for it.

Lost jawbone can make your face appear less full and more sunken, leading to an older
appearance. Dental implants can essentially halt the bone loss process and generate better
jawbone density even if you’ve been missing teeth for years.

Dental Implants Can Still Be Affected by Gum Disease

Just because dental implants can support healthy alveolar bone doesn’t mean that your teeth
will now be immune to gum disease.

Dental implants aren’t able to get cavities, but gum disease can still affect the gum tissue
surrounding your new dental implant. This means that your dental implant is still susceptible to
the effects of gum disease.

For this reason, your dentist will want to ensure your gums are healthy before considering
dental implants for your smile. You cannot have existing gum disease and get dental implants,
but you can have dental implants and get gum disease.

How to Know if You Qualify for Dental Implants

Fortunately, even if you’ve had gum disease in the past, you can still qualify for dental implants
as long as your gum disease has been resolved by your dentist.

If you have an existing gum infection, your dentist will need to cure the problem before
considering your candidacy for dental implants.

You’ll also need to have enough alveolar bone to support dental implants. However, even if
you’ve sustained jawbone loss over the years, you may be able to get a bone graft in order to
receive dental implants.

Patients who may not qualify for dental implants include those who currently have gum
disease, those who smoke, or those who don’t have enough jawbone and are not able to
receive a bone graft.

Considering Dental Implants?

You don’t have to live with missing teeth. Dental implants have a 98% success rate and the
majority of patients are very satisfied with their restorations [1].

Dental implants may help prevent bone and tooth loss, but remember that keeping your smile
healthy is going to be key to preventing gum disease with your dental implants. Talk to your
dentist today to see if you qualify for these quality tooth replacements!

Sources:
1. https://www.perio.org/consumer/gum-disease-myths

The post Can Dental Implants Help Prevent Gum Disease? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Tooth reshaping may be the right choice for people who want to subtly alter the appearance of their teeth but don’t need dramatic cosmetic work done. Here’s how dental contouring may be able to help you and what you can expect during your appointment.

Issues Dental Contouring Can Fix

Dental contouring is considered to be a cosmetic procedure, meaning it won’t be able to fix any major issues with your teeth. However, dental contouring can fix several cosmetic issues with your smile, including:

 Pointy or irregularly shaped teeth
 Visible chips in the teeth
 Teeth that overlap
 Uneven length of neighboring teeth

Tooth reshaping procedures are most often done on the upper front teeth such as your central incisors, lateral incisors, and sometimes the canines, as these teeth are seen the most when you smile.

How Dental Contouring Is Done

During your consultation for dental contouring, your dentist will want to take x-rays to evaluate your oral health to determine if tooth reshaping is the right procedure for you.

Tooth reshaping is used to fix smaller imperfections in the smile, so if you’re looking for more extensive work or dramatic results, this procedure might not be your best choice.

If you and your dentist decide to move forward with the procedure, you’ll discuss what teeth you want reshaped and why. During your actual appointment for dental contouring, your dentist will use tools to remove a small amount of tooth enamel to subtly change the shape, length, or appearance of one or more of your teeth.

The amount of enamel removed during this procedure is tiny, but even this miniscule amount can make a difference in the appearance of your teeth. Your dentist may also combine the procedure with tooth bonding, which uses a tooth-colored composite resin to correct imperfections.

Finally, your dentist will polish the teeth so that everything looks uniform and normal for your new and improved smile!

Benefits of Tooth Reshaping

One of the best benefits of tooth reshaping is that the procedure is relatively quick and provides instantaneous results. You’ll be able to go home that same day and enjoy your new smile!

Another benefit of tooth reshaping is that it’s a painless procedure that doesn’t require anesthesia. As there aren’t any sensory nerves in your tooth enamel, you won’t feel any pain with the tiny amount of enamel that your dentist removes.

Dental contouring is considered to be a safe procedure that can solve numerous cosmetic issues with your smile that’s cost effective compared to other treatments!

Dental contouring provides an effective, fast solution for people who want minor things changed about their smile. You and your dentist can discuss if this procedure would be the best solution to make changes in your teeth to create a flawless smile. Contact your oral healthcare professional today to ask about dental contouring!

The post What Is Dental Contouring and How Does It Work? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Generally, bridges are used in place of actually having to replace the missing tooth. For implant
supported bridges, the use of this restorative procedure prevents the need for more implants
than are necessary and instead relies on surrounding implants to support the bridge.
Here’s what you need to know when considering an implant supported bridge for missing teeth.

More Flexibility When Placing Dental Implants

Implant supported bridges give your dentist more flexibility when placing your dental implants.
For example, if you have an area in your mouth that’s missing more jaw bone, your dentist can
opt to place the implant in an area that has sufficient bone to properly support the bridge.

Implant supported bridges also evenly distribute pressure. For example, if you grind your teeth,
your dentist might not want to replace each tooth with a dental implant and instead opt for an
implant supported bridge, which will distribute your biting and chewing pressure across the
bridge rather than just on individual teeth.

Your dentist may want to skip a space in your mouth for a variety of reasons, so an implant
supported bridge gives your dentist this flexibility when restoring your smile.

What You Can Expect During the Procedure

An implant supported bridge will be a multi-step process. First, your dental implants must be
placed and allowed to heal. During this time, the actual implant part of your dental implant will
fuse to the bone in your jaw to make a sturdy replacement for your natural teeth. You may
receive a temporary bridge during this time while your permanent bridge is made.

Then, the restoration process is completed. Your dentist will have crowns made that match
your natural teeth and place the crowns on the end of your dental implant while an additional
crown will be made to fill in the space in the middle. Once the procedure is complete, the
bridge will look like part of your natural smile!

Benefits of an Implant Supported Bridge

An implant supported bridge offers benefits over having other, less secure restorative work
such as a partial denture. Implants last for life, so they’ll feel more permanent and comfortable
than a removable denture. In addition, an implant supported bridge will look just like your
natural teeth and allow you to chew and speak well. An implant supported bridge may also be a
more cost-effective option, as it won’t require every tooth to be replaced with a dental implant.

If you’re considering getting dental implants, you may be able to qualify for an implant
supported bridge. Your dentist can help you determine how this restorative option would help
restore your smile and if you’re a candidate for the procedure. You can securely replace missing
teeth with an implant supported bridge!

The post What Is an Implant Supported Bridge? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Dental implants have many long-term benefits that you’ll soon see. Here’s why implants are the
best investment for your smile in the long run!

Stimulate Bone Growth

One of the best benefits of dental implants is that they stimulate bone growth in your jaw.
When you lose a tooth, the bone that once supported that tooth will begin to diminish over
time. Without a replacement, the body has no need for this bone. When your jaw bone loses
density, your face can begin to have a shrunken or aged appearance.

With dental implants, the bone in your jaw is once again stimulated by a “tooth”. This will help
enhance the fullness of your face and may even give you a younger appearance. This will also
help your jaw remain strong and healthy over your lifetime!

Save Money on Future Replacements

Since dental implants have the potential to last a lifetime with the proper care, they save you
money on future replacements. With dentures and bridges, a replacement is inevitable after a
few years. With dental implants, you have a permanent solution that will never need to be
replaced. Only the dental crown will need to be replaced, and these crowns have the potential
to last a decade or even longer!

Reduce Risk of Cavities

Since dental implants aren’t able to get cavities, you’ll help reduce the chances that bacteria
from tooth decay or gum disease will build up on your replaced teeth. This could facilitate a
healthier smile with the proper home care and regular visits to your dentist!

Keep Teeth from Shifting

Dental implants prevent your teeth from shifting over time. Teeth shifting happens as the result
of missing teeth, which the body will then compensate for by slowly moving the remaining
teeth into their place. Dental implants help your teeth stay in their proper positions over your
lifetime, so you won’t have the need for cosmetic work as the result of shifting!

Enjoy Food Again

You’ll never have to worry about your dental implant falling out or causing you any discomfort,
unlike some cosmetic tooth replacements. This means you can enjoy all the foods you used to
enjoy before you lost your tooth or teeth. In fact, since dental implants function just like your
normal teeth, you’re unlimited in what you can have to eat!

Improve Confidence

Dental implants not only provide you with an array of long-term physical benefits for your
smile, they provide lasting emotional benefits as well. They often give patients the confidence
to smile again, to fully express themselves, and to enjoy foods out in public. Even your speech
may improve, as missing teeth can make it difficult to pronounce words properly.

From inspiring confidence to providing you with a sturdy, functional, and beautiful solution to
your missing teeth, dental implants are rapidly becoming the most popular choice to restore
smiles. Have you been considering dental implants? Make an appointment with your dentist
today to discuss the long-term benefits dental implants may have in store for you!

The post What Are Long-Term Benefits of Dental Implants? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Studies Show Avoiding the Dentist Makes You Unhappier

Recent research has shown that people who avoid the dentist tend to be unhappier in their lives. This is because people who regularly skipped their dental appointments were more likely to have missing teeth, gum disease, and other oral health issues that impacted their day-to- day life.

The research also showed that people who neglected to care for their oral health were also more likely to have poorer overall health. People who have a healthy, beautiful smile are more likely to be happier and take better care of their bodies than people who don’t. This is why having your best smile is so important—not just for overall health, but for your happiness!

Research Proves Smiling Improves Your Mood

Studies have also proved that smiling—whether genuine or faked—can boost your mood and even your immune system. This is because the act of smiling releases endorphins, and your body can’t tell the difference between a real and a fake smile. People who smile more tend to be happier and more confident!

Unfortunately, people who are severely self-conscious of their smiles often avoid smiling altogether. Having oral health issues such as gum disease or tooth decay can progress if not treated. These problems often get to the point where your smile is compromised and you no longer feel comfortable showing your teeth. When you have a gorgeous smile, you can speak and laugh without holding back and enjoy the increased happiness that comes with it!

A Beautiful Smile Increases Success and Confidence

Often, self-esteem begins in childhood. While having an imperfect smile is considered cute among children, it can be hugely damaging to the image of an adult. Having a subpar smile can impact your success, confidence, and even your approachability. A beautiful smile can make you more attractive and appear more trustworthy and approachable. Your smile affects how people perceive you. A great smile can help you be more warm and open, while hiding your smile or having an unpleasant smile can lead people to be more distrusting or less attracted to you.

Don’t wait to get the smile of your dreams. With all the benefits a perfect smile offers you, why not see what can be improved? Maybe you need a simple whitening to help get your confidence back on track, or maybe you need more involved restorative work. Regardless, schedule a consultation with an experienced dentist to talk about your perfect smile!

The post Studies Prove Your Smile Has a Direct Impact on Your Self-Confidence appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Since it can take a couple weeks for your dental crown to be ready for your smile, your temporary crown serves an important function—it helps to protect your damaged tooth from pain and discomfort. Your temporary crown will help stop food from entering the cavity of your tooth and protect it from chewing, food temperature, and further injury.

Without a temporary crown, your tooth will be open and could be painful. Food debris and bacteria could further harm the tooth without some type of protection there. With a temporary dental crown, you can keep the space protected and prepare it for the restoration when the time comes.

Prepare Your Mouth for the Permanent Crown

A temporary crown helps hold the space for your permanent dental crown. Your gum tissue will adjust to the shape of your crown and create a more comfortable, healed space for your permanent crown. Since teeth are also susceptible to shifting, the temporary crown helps keep everything in place until the permanent crown is ready.

Your temporary crown will also help you adjust to the look and feel of your crown. Your final restoration will look very similar to your temporary crown and will help you see what your smile will look and feel like when the restoration is done. Your mouth should be comfortable and healed with your temporary dental crown by the time your new, permanent crown arrives.

Brush and Floss

Fortunately, your temporary dental crown will be relatively easy to care for. You’ll need to brush your teeth as normal, but pay special attention to the area near the gumline in order to keep the space between your crown and your gums clean and free of debris.

You can and should continue flossing your teeth. Again, pay close attention to the gumline where your temporary crown meets your gum tissue. You’ll want to floss this area carefully, and floss out rather than down toward the crown of your tooth. You want to keep the crown intact while also removing plaque and food particles.

Beware of Sticky Foods

During the time your temporary dental crown is in place, you’ll want to be wary of any sticky foods, especially foods that are both sticky and hard. They can attach to your temporary crown and threaten to pull it loose! These foods include:

 Caramel
 Candy
 Chewing Gum
 Popcorn
 Nuts
 Peanut Butter

Don’t worry, you don’t have to avoid these foods forever —just until your new permanent crown is set in place! When your dentist fits you with a temporary dental crown, this is an excellent opportunity to adjust to your new smile. Allow your gums to adapt to the new addition. Take care of your crown by continuing to brush and floss, but try to keep sticky foods out of the picture. Your new crown will be in place before you know it!

The post Temporary Crowns: Why You Need Them, How to Care for Them, and More appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

After your procedure to place the implant, it’s imperative that you follow your surgeon’s instructions. These care tips usually include avoiding hot or cold drinks in addition to not touching or disturbing the area in any way—this includes brushing. Avoid brushing the site for a few days, but keep the area clean and free of food particles.

The swelling should go away after a few days. Your surgeon may suggest you use ice as needed at first, then mild heat after 24 hours. If you notice any increase in pain and swelling after a few days, you should contact your oral surgeon’s office to evaluate the problem.

Continue to Brush and Floss as Normal

You’ll want to ensure you still brush and floss your teeth after your implant has healed. Always use a toothbrush with soft bristles and floss once a day. Some dentists suggest avoiding any type of abrasive toothpaste during brushing, as this can limit the lifespan of your crown.

An electric or manual toothbrush is fine, as long as you choose soft bristles. To protect the area around your implant, using unwaxed tape floss is recommended. Many people with dental implants find success with water flossers as well. As soon as your site has healed, you can begin to brush gently around the implant until your dentist places the crown. Once your crown is in place, continue to brush and floss gently around the site. Once it’s fully healed, flossing may require a bit more work to get underneath your crown, but flossing in that area can help keep your implant free of plaque and bacteria.

Stay on Top of Care for the Best Results

Continue to visit your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings as recommended. Any buildup of plaque around your gumline could still cause an infection whether or not you have dental implants. Staying on top of your oral care will provide the best results for your beautiful new tooth!

Should you be experiencing any type of problem with your new dental implant, getting in to see your dentist sooner rather than later is always the best idea. Talk to your dentist about how often you should come in for checkups after the placement of your implant.

Dental implants are an excellent replacement when you’ve lost a natural tooth. To take care of your dental implants, get a good start by following your surgeon’s instructions. Continue to brush and floss around the site as normal after healing. Stay on top of care to see the best results and extend the life of your dental crown. Dental implants last for life, so take care of them!

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