Blog, Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Topics 2
With advances in cosmetic dentistry, almost every aspect of your smile can undergo a transformation with a smile makeover. If you are unhappy with the appearance of your smile, a combination of cosmetic and restorative dentistry treatment procedures can help you to achieve the beautiful smile of your dreams. Some of the dental issues that can be changed with a smile makeover include:
- Dull, yellow or stained teeth can be whitened and brightened up to 10 shades through a variety of teeth whitening methods.
- Chipped, cracked, stained or gapped teeth can be hidden, repaired and straightened by utilizing porcelain veneers or dental bonding.
- Missing teeth can be replaced with dental implants that restore the look, feel and function of natural teeth.
- The problem of missing teeth can also be corrected with the placement of a dental bridge.
- Receding gums, or an uneven or low gum line can be fixed with gum contouring and grafting procedures.
- Crooked or misaligned teeth can be corrected with orthodontic options like Invisalign or traditional metal braces.
In coordination with a qualified cosmetic dentist, a customized treatment plan can be created to address any or all of your cosmetic dental concerns. Your plan may start with just one procedure or include a combination of several treatments to achieve the look you desire for your smile. A smile makeover can not only change the look of your smile through a series of dental treatments, it can also change your self-confidence by giving you a beautiful new smile with which to face the world.
If you live in the Gaithersburg area contact us today
Blog, Dental Topics 2, Veneers
When your appearance gets you down because you are embarrassed about flaws in your smile, dental veneers can turn your life around. The process is simple and in only a couple of visits to your dentist, you’ll have a brand new beautiful smile.
Getting dental veneers is painless. Your dentist just takes impressions of your natural teeth and then the mold is used to create veneers just for you in a dental lab. The thin shells, usually made of porcelain or composite resin, are bonded onto the fronts of your teeth to hide all kinds of imperfections.
There are many reasons that patients consider veneers to transform their smile. Here are some common ones:
- Stains – severely discolored and stained teeth sometimes do not respond to teeth whitening treatment, or the results just aren’t dramatic enough to make you happy with your smile. The shade of dental veneers is chosen by you and your dentist, so you can achieve the exact color you’d like.
- Chips – teeth that are chipped or cracked are easily hidden under veneers. The damaged portion of the tooth is supplemented so that it looks brand new, and the hard coating supplied by the veneers protects the weakened tooth from further damage.
- Misalignment – if braces or other orthodontia didn’t work for you or if you want to avoid the sometimes lengthy and embarrassing process, veneers make your smile appear straight and perfect. Uneven or crooked teeth can cause low self-esteem, but veneers will make you proud to smile.
- Gaps – extra spaces between your teeth can also be upsetting, especially large gaps that might even call for invasive procedures like dental implants. Your dentist may be able to cover awkward gaps with veneers to give you an even smile without any pain or prolonged recovery time.
Veneers aren’t for every dental problem, but many of them can be addressed with this easy and quick solution. Ask your dentist if they are right for you.
Our dental office is located in Gaithersburg
Blog, Dental Information, Dental Topics 4
Why Snacking Right Matters for Your Teeth
Oral health is essential not just for maintaining a beautiful smile but also for overall health. Diet plays a significant role in promoting healthy teeth and gums.
From the time we are children, we are taught about brushing and flossing our teeth to keep them healthy. While these habits help keep our teeth clean and free from food debris, the food we eat has a much bigger impact on our oral health than we realize.
The Role of Diet in Promoting Healthy Teeth and Gums
What you eat affects more than just your waistline; it can have a significant impact on the health of your teeth and gums. A balanced diet that includes nutrients such as calcium, vitamin D, phosphorus, and fluoride helps build strong teeth that resist decay.
Foods that are high in sugar or acidic content can erode tooth enamel over time if consumed frequently. Acidic foods gradually break down tooth enamel leading to cavities or sensitivity issues.
Good oral hygiene practices combined with healthy eating habits are necessary for maintaining optimal oral health throughout life. In the next section, we will discuss snacks to avoid when it comes to maintaining good oral health.
Snacks to Avoid
While snacking provides a quick and easy way to satisfy hunger pangs, not all snacks are created equal. Some snacks can harm your teeth by promoting the growth of harmful bacteria or eroding tooth enamel. Here are some types of snacks you should avoid:
Sugary and Acidic Snacks That Can Erode Tooth Enamel
Sugary and acidic foods and drinks can cause significant damage to your teeth over time if consumed in excess. When you eat sugary foods, the bacteria in your mouth convert the sugar into acid, which erodes the hard outer layer of your tooth enamel. Acidic foods also contribute to enamel erosion by softening the protective layer that covers your teeth.
To minimize damage from sugary and acidic snacks, it’s best to consume them in moderation or avoid them altogether. Common examples of sugary and acidic snacks include candy, soda, sports drinks, fruit juice, pickles, tomatoes, citrus fruits such as oranges and lemons.
Sticky Snacks That Can Get Stuck In Between Teeth
Another type of snack that can be harmful to your teeth is sticky food. Sticky food has a tendency to cling onto tooth surfaces for extended periods, promoting bacterial growth that causes decay over time.
Candy bars with caramel or nougat centers are common culprits for getting stuck between teeth. Similarly dried fruits like raisins can get stuck between teeth making it challenging for saliva to wash away food particles from these areas creating a breeding ground for bacteria.
To minimize harm from sticky snacks try opting for crunchy alternatives like apples or carrots instead of candies or dried fruits. Avoiding these types of snack will go a long way toward maintaining healthy oral hygiene as well as reducing the risk of cavities and tooth decay.
Great snacks for your teeth
A healthy diet plays a significant role in maintaining good oral health. Choosing the right snacks not only helps to keep your body healthy, but also promotes healthy teeth and gums. Here are some great snack options that can improve your oral health.
Crunchy fruits and vegetables
Crunchy fruits and vegetables such as apples, carrots, celery, and cucumbers are great choices for snacking. These foods are high in fiber which helps to scrub away plaque from teeth while stimulating saliva production. Saliva neutralizes harmful acids produced by bacteria in the mouth that can cause tooth decay.
Apples are particularly beneficial because they contain malic acid which aids in cleaning teeth and removing surface stains. Carrots have abrasive qualities that help to remove plaque from teeth while celery is rich in vitamins A and C that promote gum health.
Dairy products
Dairy products like cheese, yogurt, and milk are known to be rich sources of calcium which is essential for building strong bones including teeth. They also contain casein which helps to prevent tooth decay by neutralizing acid produced by oral bacteria.
Cheese is especially beneficial since it contains phosphate which helps to balance the pH level of the mouth preventing dental erosion. Yogurt contains probiotics which fight against bad bacteria that can cause gum disease.
Nuts and seeds
Nuts such as almonds, cashews, and seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds provide an excellent source of protein with low sugar content making them ideal for snacking. They also contain essential minerals like phosphorus, magnesium that help strengthen tooth enamel. Almonds have abrasive texture that provides a scrubbing action on teeth surfaces removing plaque buildup while cashews stimulate saliva production aiding in washing away food particles trapped between teeth surfaces.
Sugar-free gum
Sugar-free chewing gum has been shown to help prevent tooth decay by increasing saliva flow which neutralizes acid in the mouth and washes away food particles that can contribute to plaque buildup. Look for gum with xylitol, a natural sweetener that has been proven to have positive oral health benefits. Chewing sugar-free gum after meals also helps to freshen breath, making it a great option if you don’t have immediate access to a toothbrush.
Incorporating these healthy snacks into your diet not only promotes better oral health but also provides many other benefits for your overall well-being. Remember, choosing whole foods over processed snacks is always the best choice for maintaining optimal health.
Tips for Snacking Smartly
Snacking is an essential part of our daily routine, but it can have a detrimental effect on our teeth if we don’t choose the right snacks. Here are some tips to help you make smart snacking choices that promote good oral health.
Limit Snacking Frequency to Reduce Exposure to Acids and Sugars
Frequent snacking throughout the day exposes your teeth to acids and sugars, which can lead to tooth decay and other oral health problems. Instead of snacking all day long, try limiting your snacking frequency and opt for healthier snacks like fruits, vegetables, or nuts.
Rinse Mouth with Water After Snacking if Brushing Is Not Possible
If brushing is not possible after you snack, rinsing your mouth with water can help wash away food particles and neutralize any acid produced by bacteria in your mouth. This helps reduce the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Choose Whole Foods Over Processed Snacks
Processed snacks often contain high amounts of sugar and unhealthy fats that can harm your teeth and overall health. Instead of reaching for packaged snacks, choose whole foods like fresh fruits and vegetables or low-fat dairy products like cheese or yogurt. These types of foods are low in sugar, rich in nutrients like calcium that promote healthy teeth and gums.
By following these simple tips for smart snacking choices, you can maintain good oral health while still enjoying delicious snacks throughout the day. Remember always to consult a dentist if you have any oral concerns or questions about dietary habits that may affect your dental hygiene regimen.
Choosing healthy snacks for healthier teeth
Choosing healthy snacks is essential for maintaining excellent oral health. Snacks high in sugar, acid, and stickiness promote tooth decay and gum disease. On the other hand, snacks rich in fiber, calcium, protein, and water content strengthen the tooth enamel and promote saliva production.
Limiting snacking frequency
It’s essential to limit snacking frequency to reduce exposure to acids and sugars that cause dental problems. Frequent snacking creates an acid attack on the teeth by reducing saliva production. The less time it takes between meals and snacks increases the likelihood of developing cavities.
Rinsing mouth with water after snacking
When brushing your teeth is not possible after a snack or meal, rinsing your mouth with water can help remove food particles from the mouth. This action also helps neutralize acidic content in the mouth before brushing later.
Choosing whole foods over processed snacks
Choosing whole foods over processed snacks is beneficial for good oral health. Processed foods contain high levels of sugar which can be harmful to your dental hygiene in many ways.
A diet that includes healthy snack options like fruits, nuts, vegetables as well as dairy products such as cheese and yogurt will provide you with all the necessary nutrients required for good oral health. Practicing proper oral hygiene measures like brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste along with a balanced diet can help keep your teeth strong and healthy.
Our dental office is located in Gaithersburg
Blog, Dental Topics 2, Teeth Whitening
Your smile is a noticeable part of your appearance, and yellow dingy teeth can leave a negative impression on others. Most people have to work at having a bright sparkly smile, because teeth can discolor with age, diet, and lifestyle.
You may not realize that sipping a glass of red wine or coffee can be a detriment to your smile, as can sugary items that allow acids to attack your tooth enamel. Smoking is an even worse culprit. It not only leaves ugly spots on the surface of teeth, it also contributes to poor gum health.
If your teeth are already stained or if you’re having a hard time breaking the habits that discolor them, teeth whitening is a good way to improve the look of your smile. There are numerous methods to regain the natural glow of your teeth, ranging from over-the-counter techniques for home use to professional treatments in an office setting.
Whitening products available at your local drug or grocery store include things like toothpaste, chewing gum, mouthwash, gels, and whitening strips. These are readily available and usually inexpensive options. Most of these products are simple to use and can be done in the convenience of your home when you choose. However, over-the-counter products are not as strong as professional methods. This means that results are not dramatic and usually take a long period of time of consistent use. Also, the effects may not last as long as you hope before it’s time to consider whitening again.
Professional teeth whitening is often performed by general and cosmetic dentists in an office environment. Bleaching is a popular professional method. The biggest advantage of in-office treatment is the fast results, with a visibly brighter smile evident in about an hour. Results are often dramatic, lightening teeth by several shades. Professionals trained and experienced in these methods provide safe and effective treatment. Methods available professionally may cost a bit more than home options, but the dramatic results may be worth it.
We look forward to seeing you in our Gaithersburg dental office
Blog, Dental Topics 2, Teeth Whitening
Life is full of special events that you will remember forever. When you look back at photographs from your special days, you will want to know that you looked your very best. Weddings, birthdays, reunions, graduations, anniversaries, job interviews, or that very special first date are times you will want to put your best face forward. Everything begins with your smile. Your dentist can help you prepare for these kinds of events by brightening your smile, making you look younger and more vibrant and boosting your self-confidence.
Your teeth naturally discolor with age, and this process is accelerated as you eat various foods and dark beverages. Blueberries, blackberries, and beets can all leave stains on your teeth. Dark sodas, coffee, tea, and red wine can also leave their mark with residual color on your teeth. Don’t find yourself feeling self-conscious about your discolored smile; talk to your dentist about what teeth whitening options are available to you. Not all whitening processes are good for every type of teeth. Your dentist will know what is ideal for you.
Before you whiten, it is important to have a dental exam and cleaning. The results of your whitening depend on the initial condition of your teeth. Cleaning your teeth ensures that the whitening procedure affects all of the areas of your teeth, and doesn’t leave out areas currently hidden by plaque or tartar.
Because some teeth whitening techniques require time to achieve the best results, you need to plan ahead. Begin with a consultation with your dentist several weeks prior to your special day, to allow time for the whitening process to work. Some people experience increased sensitivity to their teeth after whitening. Starting early will allow your teeth to recover from the whitening process.
A brighter smile will always help you look and feel better. It will help you make the most positive first impression. On your special day, when you smile for the camera, your confidence will show. You’ll love what you see in photos for years to come.
If you live in the Gaithersburg area contact us today
Blog, Dental Topics 1, Implant Dentistry
Losing teeth for one reason or another is not as uncommon as you might think. Injuries and severe tooth decay are only a couple of the causes for smiles to have holes in them from missing teeth. The good news is that you don’t have to go through life with an incomplete smile. Dental implants provide one solution for replacing lost teeth.
Popularity
These restorations that involve a titanium root with an artificial tooth on top have become increasingly popular. Instead of using bridges or dentures that are known to have some hassles with them, implants are a permanent and secure solution. Once the area has healed, you can go back to your normal habits without any concerns related to the implant. They look very natural, preserve neighboring teeth, improve speech, restore the mouth’s function, and help maintain your facial features.
Candidates
Good candidates for implants have strong enough jaw bones to be able to support the implant. Patients with significant bone loss may not be able to successfully maintain implants. Good oral health is helpful, as is good general health since surgery is required. Smokers and those with certain health conditions may not be recommended for dental implants.
Procedure
Once you’ve been identified as a good candidate, the first step is having the titanium rod inserted into your jaw bone. It can take up to three months for it to completely fuse with your bones. Then your dentist will make an abutment to hold the implant, and a mold will be taken of your mouth so that the crown can be created. Until it is ready, a temporary crown will be placed. Finally, your crown will be placed and adjustments will be made if needed.
Maintenance
After you implant is complete, you can resume your regular lifestyle. Your normal dental hygiene routine of brushing, flossing, and checkups should be maintained for the best results.
We offer dental implants at our Gaithersburg dental office.
