How can I whiten my teeth?
What is a veneer?
What is a crown?
When should my child start seeing a dentist?
Should I let my preschooler brush his teeth by himself?
Does sucking on a pacifier affect my child’s teeth?
How often should I visit the dentist?
Should I go to the dentist if I’m pregnant?

Over-the-counter whitening products like strips are very effective for some people, but can cause severe tooth sensitivity for others. Bleaching trays, however, offer the convenience of over-the-counter products because they can be used at home, but since they are molded to your own mouth and minimally touch your gums offer less tooth sensitivity. To use the trays, place the teeth whitening gel into the trays and place over your teeth and wear for 30 minutes to 2 hours a day for 2 weeks; ask your dentist for the length of time best for you. Both the tray and the strip systems are clear and virtually invisible to others so some patients even wear them to work or out and about. These whitening systems are most effective when you complete the initial 2-week process and perform 2-week touch ups periodically. Laser whitening, while heavily advertised, has several drawbacks. We would happily discuss these with you.

For optimal effectiveness, whiten after a dental cleaning, brush and floss regularly, stay away from food and drinks that commonly stain teeth such as coffee or soda, and drink plenty of water to flush teeth.

What is a veneer?
Veneers are thin coverings bonded to tooth surfaces. They are another solution for whitening teeth. They also correct misaligned teeth, broken or chipped teeth and spaces between teeth. This is a more permanent procedure when porcelain veneers are bonded onto the front of teeth.

Veneers can be used as an alternative option to crowns or caps, or a combination of both. Talk to your dentist about the right options for you.

If you decide on veneers, you can see results quickly – within 2 weeks. Your first appointment may include slight shaping of the teeth and then taking an impression for proper fit of the veneers. Approximately one week later, the veneers will be dry fitted and then bonded into place. The final appointment will be a quick follow-up visit within a couple of weeks to see how the gums are responding to the veneers.

What is a crown?
A crown, also known as cap, is most often used to protect a weak tooth from decay or fracture, but can also be used for cosmetic purposes, such as a broken tooth or discolored tooth. They can be made out of porcelain, metal or gold. Unlike veneers which typically cover all or most teeth, crowns are more often used for one tooth or a few teeth. The process of installing a crown is similar to that of veneers.

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At your child’s first visit, we try to make the visit fun by giving him stickers, coloring pages and his own toothbrush. And since children learn most by visualization, we will let them see cool teeth models and pictures of his own teeth on our computer screen to teach them proper preventative care like brushing and flossing. We will also check your child’s teeth for proper growth development.

Remember, baby teeth can have some of the same issues of adult teeth, such as cavities and tooth pain. Additionally, baby teeth are in a sense “bookmarks” of your child’s adult teeth and improper care can affect the space that will hold your child’s permanent teeth.

We know how difficult it can be to take away something that is comfortable to a child, but this is one hurdle as opposed to many that could occur with mouth and teeth problems. Please ask us if you would like some tips on helping with this process.

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General dentistry
How often should I visit the dentist?
You should get a regular dental cleaning every 6 months which removes plaque build up that can only be removed by a professional cleaning. Regular dentist visits also help detect issues that may not be visible to you, such as cavities, gum disease and oral cancer.

Should I go to the dentist if I’m pregnant?
Yes, it is actually even more important to visit the dentist when you are pregnant as gingivitis, (red and swollen gums), is a common problem for women who are pregnant. An increase in hormone levels is usually the cause. It is easily reversible.

Dental care is also important when you are pregnant to keep your mouth healthy, which inevitably keeps baby healthy. Brush teeth and floss regularly and have regular dental cleanings every 6 months. Make sure to tell your dentist and hygienist if you are pregnant, nursing or if you think you may be pregnant so they can delay x-rays.

More of your dental care questions, such as “What is a dental implant” or “What do I do when a tooth gets knocked out” are answered on our services page. We welcome all questions so if your question is not answered here, please call us at 262-598-8750.

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