Is teeth whitening safe?

The term “cosmetic dentistry” refers to a broad range of dental procedures designed to improve the appearance of your smile. Cosmetic procedures can range from a simple touch-up to a full-blown smile makeover, completely dependent on the needs and desires of the patient.

Patients seeking a minimally invasive, safe and effective cosmetic dental option may be interested in teeth whitening in Littleton. Since teeth whitening does not require the removal of any tooth structure and does not change the composition of the enamel in any way, the procedure is often viewed as one of the most conservative cosmetic procedures.

Natural tooth structure may become stained or discolored as a result of:

  • dark foods or drinks such as coffee, tea, red wines, and whole grains
  • lifestyle habits such as smoking or medications
  • The natural aging process

In addition to the external factors that can cause staining, many patients are interested in lightening the natural shade of their own enamel. In virtually all of these circumstances, .

By introducing oxygen into the enamel, teeth whitening solutions can bleach away impurities without altering the structure of the enamel. Stains and discolorations are eliminated, and patients are left with a brighter, whiter smile.

When applied properly, and under the instruction of an experienced cosmetic dentist, teeth whitening is one of the safest cosmetic choices available. Even with professional application, patients may experience a mild level of temporary tooth sensitivity following whitening. This type of response is normal and completely reversible, not the result of damage to the enamel.

Patients should note that no method of teeth whitening is permanent. As you return to your daily life style, a certain level of shade rebound is common. Depending on the shade of white that you wish to maintain, a periodic whitening touch-up is safe and appropriate.

A consultation with our cosmetic dentists is recommended in order to find out if teeth whitening is right for you. Schedule your appointment today.

Teeth to-Stay – All in 1 Day: Improve your quality of life

dental implants BurnabyJust because you may be missing all of the upper or lower teeth, you are not destined for a life without comfortable teeth. There is no reason to settle for ill-fitting dentures, bone loss, sore spots, or drugstore denture glue. If the idea of dropping your teeth into a glass of water each night is unacceptable, you may be interested in learning more about dental implants in Burnaby.

In a cutting edge, affordable, same-day procedure, you can have a beautifully permanent smile designed to replace your traditional denture. By using a minimal number of dental implants, your denture can be securely anchored to the jaw bone in a single appointment. Your new teeth will be fully functional immediately after the procedure is complete, due to the incredibly short recovery and healing period.

Through the use of state of the art diagnostic equipment and surgical techniques, your implants will be placed with incredible accuracy. By utilizing advanced CT scan technology (Computerized Tomography), your implant dentist can visualize every detail of your jawbone in order to determine the appropriate location for the dental implants. This form of digital imaging is also used to formulate the custom template that will guide your implants into place.

Once the implants are in place, your new denture teeth will be permanently attached. The teeth will not need to be removed for eating, drinking, or cleaning. Due to the implant’s ability to stop bone resorption, the jaw bone will not shrink or change, eliminating the risk of a slipping denture. Patients who have chosen to restore their missing teeth with the All in 1 Day technique can appreciate a life with stable, durable teeth. They can enjoy easy social interaction with no worries about embarrassing shifting denture teeth.

The All in 1 Day technique is the least invasive and most stable method of complete tooth replacement available. Patients can appreciate the high level of comfort and the speedy recovery that the technique provides. To find out how you can have Teeth to Stay, schedule your visit with Dr. Bernard Jin today.

Feeling Self-Conscious About Your Smile?

Denver cosmetic dentistry A beautiful smile is an important part of looking your best. If your teeth are discolored, chipped, misaligned, or unattractively shaped, you might feel self-conscious about the way you look. Fortunately, cosmetic dentistry can help by providing easy correction of all these problems. At our Denver cosmetic dentistry office, we can supply teeth whitening, veneers, implants, tooth colored fillings and other techniques to give you the perfect smile.

Common Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures

Some cosmetic dentistry procedures are more popular than others, either because they are easier, less expensive, or more in demand than others. Some of the most common procedures are:

Teeth whitening. In a single visit, your teeth can be transformed from dingy brown or yellow to bright, sparkling white. Teeth whitening is one of the easiest and quickest ways to improve your smile.

Veneers. Veneers are thin shells of porcelain that are bonded to the surfaces of your teeth. Veneers can correct seriously discolored, chipped, pitted, cracked, or slightly misaligned teeth in two short visits to the cosmetic dentist. They can also be used to correct small gaps between the teeth.

Dental implants. Implants are a more complex procedure, but provide a permanent solution to missing teeth. Artificial, titanium roots are placed directly in the jawbone, and are used to support natural-looking prosthetic teeth. Implants remain stationary in the mouth and are not removed for cleaning.

Deciding What Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures Are Best For You

The easiest way to determine the best cosmetic dentistry procedures for you is to sit down for a consultation with one of our experienced cosmetic dentists. Based on your goals for your smile, they will make recommendations to give you the results you desire. This might involve a single procedure or a combination of procedures. Combining procedures is sometimes referred to as a smile makeover.

Whatever your desire is for your perfect smile, our cosmetic dentistry experts can help you decide how to achieve it. Please call our office at 303-832-7789 to schedule a consultation and find out how you can end any self-consciousness about your smile.

Dental care for infants and toddlers

Even before the very first tooth has erupted, it is important to think about providing proper dental care for infants and toddlers. Many parents and caregivers are unsure as to how the care should be provided, or even what type of care is necessary. Just as you can turn to your pediatrician for guidance and advice about your child’s medical needs, you can also trust your to keep you informed regarding your child’s dental health.

In the very earliest stages of infancy, gently wiping the gums with a soft cloth is an important part of daily dental hygiene. It is not uncommon for an infant to be born with a small tooth, called a neonatal tooth. These teeth can also be gently wiped clean each day.

As infants begin to grow, keep a watchful eye on thumb-sucking. Even before the teeth have fully erupted, thumb-sucking can a negative effect on the shape and size of the palate. At this early age, your dentist can evaluate the size and shape of your child’s palate, upper jaw, and lower jaw. This type of early examination is useful for identifying developmental abnormalities or orthodontic concerns.

At home, as soon as the baby teeth are in the mouth, controlling plaque and preventing cavities becomes a high priority. A soft-bristled child’s tooth brush and training toothpaste are an effective method of introducing proper brushing after meals and snacks. To establish a habit of good oral hygiene, allow your child to participate in this daily routine, as well as observe other family members perform normal brushing and flossing.

Babies and toddlers should never be permitted to sleep with bottles containing any beverages other than water. Even milk, baby formula, and fruit juices contain natural sugars that can lead to decay. In addition to drinks that can cause tooth decay, many snack foods can cause cavities. Rather than choosing snacks high in sugars and carbohydrates, offer babies and toddlers a wide variety of fruits and vegetables whenever possible.

Even with diligent home care and healthy diets, unexpected dental conditions can arise. Introduce your child to the dental office as early as possible, and contact the doctor Family Dentistry at our office with questions and concerns as soon as possible.

How Careful Must I Be With My New Veneers?

Porcelain veneers are a great way to remake your smile without expensive orthodontics or crowns that require your teeth to be altered. Though lightweight and easy to apply, veneers can give you the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted, transforming chipped, cracked, pitted, discolored, and even slightly misaligned teeth.

If you are considering veneers in Denver, you might wonder how much care your veneers might require.

What Are Veneers?

To understand the kind of care veneers require, it is helpful to understand what they are and how they work. Veneers are made of porcelain—a delicate material that mimics the light reflection properties of natural tooth enamel. Although veneers are very thin, once they are bonded to the surface of your teeth, they become strong and durable. The porcelain is color matched to your natural teeth, and because they are semi-translucent, teeth treated with veneers are virtually indistinguishable from those that are not treated.

The strong bond of the veneer to the tooth means that you can perform most everyday activities without worrying about damaging the veneers. However, there are some precautions that will help your veneers last for many years.

Taking Care of Veneers

Veneers, like your natural teeth, must be brushed daily, and don’t forget to floss teeth that have been treated with veneers. Regular visits to the dentist are also important, both to keep your teeth healthy and to spot any possible problems with the veneers before they become serious.

When you go to the dentist, though, be sure to tell your hygienist that you have veneers. Some tools and cleaning compounds can be abrasive to veneers. Also, be sure to follow any recommendations your cosmetic dentist makes in regards to care. Typically, you should avoid biting hard substances, such as ice, and avoid staining agents that could turn your bright veneers into dingy surfaces just as they would affect your natural teeth.

For information about veneers, what they can do for you, and how to care for them, please contact our office for an appointment or a consultation.

Root Canal: Purpose and Procedure

The term “root canal” is a noun used to define the pulp filled channel in the root of a tooth.  The procedure of “root canal” is defined as a treatment in which diseased tissue from this part of the tooth is removed and the cavity is then filled with an inert material.  A root canal in Littleton can bring you much needed relief if you are suffering from discomfort or pain.

Why would someone need a root canal?  If a tooth is damaged due to excess decay or infection, the root canal is a process that could repair a tooth in an effort to save the tooth.  During a root canal, the nerve and pulp of the tooth is removed.  Once removed, the dentist will clean out the cavity of the tooth, and the tooth is then sealed.

The primary purpose of the nerve itself is to provide the sensation of heat or cold.  Since the nerve of the tooth is not needed once the tooth has emerged through gum tissue, having it removed will not affect the tooth’s day to day function.  And if the nerve and pulp become infected due to damage, the ensuing bacteria can result in an abscessed tooth.

If the dentist does not perform a root canal when needed, an abscess or infection at the root of the tooth can result in facial swelling, bone loss near the tip of the root, and eventual loss of one or more teeth.

What causes damage to a tooth’s nerve and pulp?  Irritation, inflammation or infection as a result of decay, repeated dental procedures to a tooth, a crack or chip in a tooth or a trauma to the face can lead to needing a root canal.

There are no definitive or specific symptoms that identify the need for a , but a severe toothache, prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold, tooth discoloration, swelling or gum tenderness, or persistent or recurring pimples on the gums are possible indicators that you might need a root canal.

Any or all of these conditions should encourage you to visit your dentist for needed treatment and relief, and to try to save your natural teeth for as long as you can.

What is the success rate of dental implants?

Dental implants are becoming an increasingly popular tooth replacement method because they offer patients the closest approximation of natural teeth both structurally and aesthetically. Dental implants also are quite reliable. According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, the procedure has an overall success rate of 95 percent.

Several factors influence the success of dental implants. Most importantly, dental implants must have sufficient bone available in the jaw to support them. However, when a tooth is lost, the jaw bone begins to recede because the tooth’s root is no longer present to serve as an anchor. This process proceeds more quickly toward the rear of the mouth, leading to greater bone loss.

Before placing your dental implants, Dr. Bernard Jin, your Vancouver dental implant dentist, will complete a thorough evaluation of your mouth and jaw to determine if you are an appropriate candidate for implants. Even if you have experienced substantial bone loss, you may still qualify for dental implants, as implant dentists can use a variety of techniques, such as sinus augmentation, to provide sufficient bone material for implant placement.

Certain oral diseases may also compromise the bone, increasing the risk of implant failure. Therefore, the implant dentist must make sure that you do not have any untreated gum disease or advanced tooth decay prior to placing the implants.

The patient plays an important role in the success of dental implants, as well. Maintaining good oral hygiene habits is essential, as the failure to keep the mouth clear of bacteria and plaque can lead to gum disease and decay. Additionally, you will need to keep all of your scheduled follow-up appointments with the implant dentist. These appointments offer the dentist an opportunity to identify any dental implant problems in their early stages, when they can be fixed more easily.

Smoking is another concern for dental implant patients. While smokers are typically eligible for implants, the habit can also increase the risk of gum disease, which may jeopardize the implants. When implant patients quit smoking, they reduce the risk of complications with the dental implants.

If you would like to learn more about dental implants, please contact the office of Dr. Jin at 604.939.6111 to schedule your consultation.

Common Questions About Dentures

dentures denverPeople who are considering dentures in Denver often wonder how the appliances will look, feel and fit into their daily routines. Here are a few of the questions that dentists often field from patients who are pondering dentures.

Will my dentures be uncomfortable? Will they be noticeable?

When many patients begin to consider dentures, they have flashbacks to the ill-fitting, uncomfortable devices that their parents wore. Fortunately, modern dental technology has advanced to the point that today’s dentures are barely even noticeable – both for the patient and the people they interact with on a daily basis. Dentures are custom-designed to fit the unique structure of a particular patient’s mouth, and they have a natural appearance.

As you get adjusted to the appliances, you may notice some discomfort, but that should ease up after your first few weeks as a denture wearer. You may also feel like your speech has been affected, but that, too, will abate over time.

What can I eat with my dentures?

A denture wearer can enjoy most of the same foods that anyone else can eat, although in some cases they may need to be prepared or served differently. Corn kernels may need to be removed from the cob, for example. Initially, many patients prefer to stick to a soft diet as they adjust to their dentures to minimize discomfort.

How do I keep my dentures clean?

You will need to take several steps to keep your dentures clean. Begin by removing them after meals and rinsing them to remove any remaining food particles. You should also brush them daily using a soft brush and denture cleaner. Lastly, soak your dentures overnight and rinse them before putting them back in your mouth in the morning.

How often will I need to replace my dentures?

This will vary by patient. Your dentures will last as long as they are cared for properly, but you may notice that the fit deteriorates over time. This phenomenon is due to changes in a denture wearer’s bone structure over years. If you notice that your dentures are not fitting as well or are less functional, contact Governor’s Park Dental Group at 303-832-7789 to get them refitted or get a new set of dentures.

Can crowns improve the appearance of natural teeth?

For heavily compromised teeth, a crown may be the recommended restoration. A history of excessive forces such as clenching and grinding can fracture and crack the teeth. Widespread decay or very large, defective fillings can also take a toll on the teeth. Teeth that are severely broken down or not fully functional are common candidate for crowns, as well. Crowns are designed to protect and preserve your own tooth’s structural integrity.

A damaged tooth is not only uncomfortable; it can be unattractive in many instances. A dental crown is a widely utilized restorative option because it provides strength and stability where necessary. Fortunately, crowns can also be customized to a beautiful and natural appearance, improving the look and feel of the natural teeth.

Traditionally, dentists could only use amalgam, gold, and other metals to fix damaged and decayed teeth. While these options were proven to be durable, creating an attractive restoration was challenging. Today, strong tooth-colored ceramic materials are also an option to restore your teeth to their natural strength and beauty. Porcelain or ceramic materials are biocompatible; meaning the risk for an allergic response is low.

Your dentist will recommend a crown when it is necessary to completely cover, or cap, the entire tooth. The procedure generally involves the use of a local anesthetic for comfort. The existing defective filling and decay are removed from the tooth. The tooth will be shaped and prepared for the new crown, and an impression of the tooth is taken. This impression is critical to ensuring that your new crown fits well and provides adequate coverage.

Your crown will be designed with precision and shade matched to mimic the natural tooth appearance. Once the crown is in place, it should blend perfectly with the surrounding teeth and feel completely natural during eating and drinking. Crowns are considered permanent restorations and will not require any additional maintenance in terms of your homecare routine.

For more information about how you can improve the appearance of your natural teeth with , contact our dentistry team at 303 -730-1222 to schedule a consultation.

Benefits of Implant Supported Dentures

dentures CoquitlamA dental implant is basically a unit imbedded in your gum tissue to serve as the root of the tooth you no longer have.  If you are missing several teeth, your problem may be resolved by investigating implant supported dentures in Coquitlam.

The loss of several teeth due to trauma, infection or periodontal disease no longer means the discomfort or hassle of dealing with partial or traditional dentures.  Years ago, the discovery of dental implants and implant supported dentures advanced the procedure of obtaining dentures to a new level.

Missing teeth can lead to many problems.  In addition to the loss of confidence one might feel, the inability to chew or speak properly can affect your physical health as seriously as your dental health.  Dental implants to support dentures are like having your own teeth restored.

Permanently placed in your gum tissue, a dental implant serves as the anchor for your new denture.  And having a new denture is a big enough adjustment for the wearer, so knowing your teeth are as secure as your natural teeth once felt will allow you the ability to once again smile, chew and speak with confidence.

If you need a lower denture to replace your entire lower arch, your dentist would likely recommend several implants to affix your new denture.  For the upper denture, the need for as many dental implants is not as critical as the upper denture has more stability.

Your dentist will likely offer you the option of permanently placing your denture or fitting you with a denture that you can remove.   Being able to remove your denture allows you the ability to make sure you are keeping your denture as clean as possible while also being able to keep the implant area healthy.

Whichever denture is determined best for you, having implant supported dentures provides the wearer with the security that their teeth will stay in place when laughing, speaking and eating just as naturally as if you still had your original teeth.  But with the aesthetically pleasing appearance you will enjoy with your new dental work, you will never miss them.