Is home bleaching safe and can I safely use store bought bleaching systems?

After almost 10 years of prescribing home bleaching, numerous clinical studies have shown home bleaching to be safe, as long as the bleaching is done under the care of a dentist. We make a bleaching tray (called a stent) to exactly fit your teeth. It does not cover the gum tissue at all. The bleaching gel is 10% carbamide peroxide, which can be irritating to the gums. It can also cause temporary tooth sensitivity if not used correctly. Since the bleach is in the form of a gel, there is little chance of swallowing the bleach. Store bought bleaching systems have you make the stent by heating a block of tray material and then having you bite into it. There is nothing to prevent the bleach from sitting on your gum tissue. The bleach used in store bought systems is more fluid and can be easily swallowed.

Are gold fillings still used?

Absolutely. Where esthetics allow, gold is still one of the best restorative materials. Unfortunately, it is a costly material to use. Where cost is not a factor, it is recommended, especially in the 2nd molar areas.

Can a tooth be replaced? (Prosthodontics)

Using present day techniques and materials, a properly done tooth colored filling (bonded composite) will wear almost as well as a silver filling. In addition, bonding to the remaining tooth, strengthens the tooth rather than weakening it. Newer composites, which require 2 appointments and are laboratory processed, are even more wear resistant. Almost all of the fillings that I do now are bonded composites.

Are tooth colored fillings as strong as silver fillings?

You can diligently floss and brush your teeth and still lose a tooth to gum disease or an accident. If this happens, the tooth or teeth should be replaced in order to restore your smile, regain your chewing and prevent other teeth from shifting to an undesirable or less functional position. There are three main types of artificial teeth and each one is designed for a particular situation. They are dental implants, removable dentures and fixed bridges. A DENTAL IMPLANT is made by surgically placing one or more small metal posts beneath the gum into the jawbone. In a few months, when they are attached to the surrounding bone, they are exposed and have the artificial tooth or teeth attached to them. A REMOVABLE OR PARTIAL DENTURE replaces all or some of the lost teeth in the arch with one appliance. The denture is held in place by clasping some of the remaining teeth - or by suction where none of the natural teeth are left. A FIXED BRIDGE is a replacement that is cemented to the adjacent teeth and cannot be removed.

What is the best way to brush?

How well you brush your teeth is more important than how often you brush. Remember it's the spots you miss where the problems start. Here are five tips to improve your brushing: Take the time to carefully and gently clean each tooth, ideally twice a day. The average person brushes for less than 35 seconds. A good brushing takes at least two to three minutes. QUICK TIP: Keep brushing for as long as a song. Be gentle, particularly when cleaning where the gums meet the teeth. Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle to the gum line, and gently work the bristles back and forth using short strokes. Don't forget to brush your tongue, too. Use a soft toothbrush, which is less likely to damage your teeth and gums. Choose a size and shape that enables you to easily reach every tooth. Be sure to change your toothbrush frequently. Every three months is recommended - more often if you've been ill. QUICK TIP: New season - New toothbrush. Remember to floss too since no amount of careful brushing can clean between your teeth!

 

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