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If you’re dissatisfied with the appearance of your smile, a cosmetic dentist can help you address virtually any aesthetic flaws. Whether you suffer from crooked, stained or damaged teeth, our practice can improve on your pearly whites. Many of the treatments offered by your cosmetic dentist require a minimal investment of time on your part, as well. You can dramatically change your smile’s appearance in a matter of weeks, sometimes in a matter of days. Furthermore, these interventions result in minimal, if any, discomfort. Here are just a few of the interventions that a cosmetic dentist might use to enhance your smile: Composite fillings: Dark amalgam (metal) fillings can significantly detract from your smile, but they can easily be removed and replaced with tooth-colored composite fillings. The materials used today are even strong enough that they can often be suitable to restore cavities on the large chewing surfaces of the rear teeth, which typically were addressed with amalgam fillings in the past. Teeth whitening treatments: Dingy teeth are certainly a drag. Whether your teeth are discolored due to staining, aging or some other factor, teeth whitening treatments can brighten your teeth by as many as 8-10 shades. Furthermore, these treatments can be completed at your convenience in the comfort of your own home, and they’re much more effective than over-the-counter options available in your local drug store. Porcelain veneers: These handy devices are the best multi-use tool that your dentist provides. They can conceal chips, cracks and deep stains that don’t respond to teeth whitening. They can also be used to create the appearance of proper alignment of slightly crooked teeth or to make an undersized tooth look proportionate with the rest of the smile. Porcelain crowns: When a tooth needs more extensive restoration than can be addressed with a filling or veneers, a porcelain crown may be a suitable treatment. As with porcelain veneers, the material looks quite realistic and can be very strong when bonded to the tooth. Don’t suffer with a less-than-stellar smile. Schedule a consultation at our office to learn more about the cosmetic treatments that can help you get a mega-watt grin!
If you’ve already experienced one episode of gum disease, you face a much higher risk of developing this condition again in the future. Therefore, it’s essential that you follow the guidance of your dentist in regard to your home oral hygiene routine as well as follow-up professional care and monitoring. Periodontal treatment becomes necessary when the inflammation associated with gum diseases causes symptoms that need to be addressed, such as bleeding, swelling or redness of the gums, or in more advanced phases, gum recession and loosening of the teeth. That inflammation is caused by a buildup of oral bacteria. Therefore, if you can minimize the presence of those bacteria, you can reduce your risk of future bouts with gum disease that might warrant further periodontal treatment. Unsurprisingly, a solid daily oral hygiene regimen that includes brushing and flossing is the foundation of maintaining your oral health after receiving periodontal treatment. Be sure to brush twice each day for two minutes each session, using proper technique. Believe it or not if you brush too hard or too long, you may actually be doing more damage to your smile. Effective flossing is also a must to clean the spaces that your toothbrush can’t reach. You must also continue to follow up with your dentist after getting treatment for gum disease. It’s generally good practice to get an exam and professional cleaning every six months, whether you have a history of gum disease or not. If you do have a history of gum disease, your dentist may advise for more frequent cleanings to minimize bacteria and check-ins to monitor for signs of a recurrence. If you have already received one course of gum disease treatment, it’s important to maintain your oral health to make a recurrence less likely. Follow the guidelines offered by your providers, and speak with one of our knowledgeable professionals if you have any questions about your home oral care regimen or the professional care that you receive on an ongoing basis. We want to support you in your efforts to preserve a healthy, beautiful smile! Contact our office today!