You can see your tiny pearly whites from pictures as a kid, but they can start to dull and yellow as you get older. It’s embarrassing shaking an executive’s hand, going on a date with a significant other, or smiling in a family photo with your mouth closed. The teeth whitening industry is booming with products that help you live with less self-consciousness and constant tooth stress.

Any dentist can recommend in-office treatments you can try to get rid of your yellow teeth. However, we have some home remedies you should try first before spending extra money on a dental visit. They can help start the process of getting rid of your yellow teeth and help you to feel proud of your smile rather than hide it.

What causes yellow teeth?

It’s no surprise that your teeth will yellow naturally over time due to regular eating and hygiene habits. But what you may not know is how enamel and dentin play a role in your teeth yellowing process.

Your teeth begin a very crisp white shade as a baby. As you age and use your teeth more often, the outer tooth layer, or enamel, will start to break down. The hidden layer beneath your enamel, also known as dentin, will appear.

You can tell dentin has shown up by its yellow color that provides a tooth’s bone-like structure. This enamel-wear not only affects your tooth color but also causes tooth sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures.

Another obvious reason your parents have explained for your yellow teeth is the foods you eat. They probably limited your Halloween candy as an eight-year-old because they know sugary sweets break down your enamel. However, red wine, blueberries, coffee, tea, and other teeth-staining substances can also yellow your teeth, so you need to be careful.

At-Home Remedies for Yellow Teeth:

You’ve probably been to the dentist before, and they’ve recommended a host of expensive treatments you can’t afford. Or you haven’t been to the dentist in a while and still have yellow and staining teeth that need taken care of. We believe these home remedies are a great way to begin the process of getting rid of your yellow teeth.

Brushing

The number one way to avoid yellow tooth coloring is to brush regularly. Dentists will tell you this all the time, but it really is the best way to prevent yellow teeth and other cosmetic issues. We recommend The American Dental Association’s quota of two brushes per day with fluoride toothpaste for two minutes each time. This will keep tooth stains from setting in and will keep your teeth pearly white.

Whitening Products

Although your dentist will likely up sale these after a visit, they are great products that will help whiten your teeth. These include whitening toothpastes, mouthwashes, whitening strips, whitening trays, LED light trays, and more. If you decline these during an appointment and change your mind, you can also buy these from grocery stores and online.

Oil Pulling

The ancients used to perform oil pulling as a normal method to avoid plaque and bacteria build-up. It is as easy as swishing your mouth with oil for 30 seconds and spitting it out into a trash can. You do not want to spit down your sink or a drain since it will clog them after so many times. Many people love trying sunflower oil, sesame oil, and coconut oil, which are great first options.

Natural Whiteners

Another way you can get rid of yellowing is to use natural whiteners that wouldn’t strike you as teeth cleaners. For example, you can brush your teeth daily with activated charcoal or baking soda and hydrogen peroxide for whiter teeth. Rinse your mouth with apple cider vinegar or purchasing toothpaste containing baking soda can also decrease yellowing without using harsh or synthetic chemicals.

Be Wary with Whitening Products

You want to be extra careful when using teeth whitening products since they often carry abrasives and chemicals that wear down the enamel. While they will help get rid of your yellow teeth in the short term, pursuing teeth whitening in this way will not help or strengthen your teeth. Therefore, you should use whitening products with caution and under the supervision of a dental professional if you want the best and safest results.

Teeth Whitening at EVDP

These home whitening remedies will help you get rid of your yellow teeth and forget you were ever self-conscious of your teeth. They are great ways to remove surface stains and approach any social function with confidence. However, there are some serious cases where the enamel layer has broken down to the point where you need dental help. They have deeper treatment options that will help restore the dazzling smile you started out with.

We would be happy to answer any questions you have about professional cleanings and give additional information about dental visits. You can give our Mesa office a call at (480).838.3033, and we will pick up as soon as possible.

The post How to Get Rid of Yellow Teeth with Home Remedies appeared first on East Valley Dental Professionals.

If you don’t have the perfect smile and want to correct it without the glare of traditional, metal braces, you may want to consider Invisalign. These clear aligners improve your smile just as well as tradition orthodontic treatments without the potential risks to your oral health traditional braces create. However, on your hunt for information about this popular technology, you may also see it comes with a pretty heavy price.

In the article below, we will uncover some of the benefits of Invisalign, why we think they are well worth the premium, in addition to some payment options that help lower the cost of Invisalign treatment. In combination, these factors will ultimately uncover whether Invisalign is the right choice for you.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a custom made clear aligner that is changed out every two weeks for around 6 to 18 months or longer if needed. Each aligner is specifically designed for the individual patient to gently shift the teeth to the desired position. As the teeth shift, a new aligner is made to continue the movement until the teeth are exactly where they need to be.

The Benefits of Invisalign

When compared to traditional braces, the convenience and oral health benefits of Invisalign are clear, offering a wide range of benefits ranging all the way from cleaning to comfort.

1. They Are Less Noticeable
   Having a mouth full of metal braces is an eyesore that grows exponentially more embarrassing when getting them later in life. As the name suggests, Invisalign is nearly invisible.
2. You can Eat Whatever You Want
   Because the trays can be removed just like a retainer, you are free from the many dietary restrictions that come with traditional braces.
3. Clean and Floss as Normal
   For anyone that has had braces in the past, you know it’s difficult to clean them. Getting into each crevice around the brace, threading your floss, and potentially needing a Waterpik to get your entire tooth clean, creates quite the hassle. With Invisalign, simply remove the tray then brush and floss as normal.
4. Better Gum Health
   The way metal braces sit on your teeth and the challenge they pose to proper brushing leaves many opportunities for poor gum stimulation. This can cause gum problems over time. With removable trays, there is no adverse effect to the gumline.
5. No Metal and No Sharp Edges
   The metal of braces can result in sharp edges and soreness on the inside of the mouth. Because Invisalign is custom made to fit your teeth, they sit flush on the surface. This, in combination with the smooth plastic material, nearly eliminates all possibilities for irritation to occur.

Financial Considerations

The average cost of a full set of aligners costs around $5,000– roughly $2000 more than traditional braces. This should not discourage you however, as there are ways to either financially plant for the procedure or receive a reduced price.

1. Check Your Insurance Coverage
   Most dental insurance plans cover at least part of the cost for your Invisalign aligners. A rule of thumb here is that if your insurance has coverage for metal braces, alternative treatment options will likely be covered as well.
2. Ask About Payment Plans
   Most dental professionals will work with your budget and help you with monthly payment plans to enable you to pay for your treatment. With children, early intervention can help determine the extent of care needed and estimate the overall budget of the aligners will be.
3. Flex Spending Accounts
   If you have healthcare through your employer, you may be able to utilize a flexible spending account (FSA). You contribute pretax dollars to an FSA and can, in turn, use that money for items such as copays, deductibles, and medical costs. Your employer may even make contributions to your FSA, although this is legally required.
4. Health Savings Account
   An HSA works similarly to an FSA, in that it allows you to set aside tax free dollars to use towards medical expenses. This type of savings account is used in conjunction with a high deductible health insurance policy.

Limitations of Invisalign

While there are many benefits to Invisalign, this type of treatment is not designed for everyone. If you have teeth that need extensive adjustments, such as very crooked teeth or teeth that sit at different heights, traditional braces and possibly other treatments will be more effective. This is because it is more difficult for plastic to shift the teeth into complex movements.

Your age may also play a part in choosing the right dental solution. Older teenagers and adults are good Invisalign candidates because their teeth and jaw are fully developed. Younger teens or children see leff effect from Invisalign as they may outgrow the size captured in thor initial impression kit.

Furthermore, maturity and responsibility also play an important role. Invisalign needs to be worn at least 22 hours a day to work. Young children may take advantage of being able to remove the aligners without remembering to put them back in, significantly delaying the process or rendering the align technology useless.

Contact a Trusted Provider

The key to straightening your teeth with the best results possible is to work with a professional team that can help you meet your goals. If your teeth need moderate adjustments and you want a nearly invisible, flexible option, Invisalign might be perfect for you.

Contact our office today and we’ll formulate the best treatment plan possible for your specific needs. Then all that’s left to do is order aligners to give you a perfect smile.

The post Invisalign Cost, Benefits, and Convenience appeared first on East Valley Dental Professionals.

There are many reasons you may need braces. If you suffer from an overbite or underbite, crooked teeth or a jaw disorder, braces can move your teeth and provide relief. Patients of all ages, including adults, use braces to improve their dental health and the appearance of their smile. If you have children with teeth that need to be adjusted or are dealing with dental issues yourself, you may be wondering what’s the best age to have braces.

What Causes the Need For Braces

Some bad habits such as thumbsucking can cause the front teeth to protrude and create an unnatural bite pattern. While other times, dental issues may be hereditary. If your parents needed braces, you may be predisposed to the same issues and need them as well.

When to Get Braces

There is no hard and fast rule about how old you should be when you get braces. Kids, parents, and grandparents may all be candidates for orthodontic work. If you believe your child may need braces, an initial consult should be performed by age 7. This gives time for an orthodontic evaluation and treatment plan to be developed and monitored.

Your orthodontist may recommend an interceptive approach prior to braces. This means that your child may benefit from having a dental appliance at an earlier age while their baby teeth are still present. It is thought that earlier intervention may cut down on the total treatment time and achieve the desired result sooner.

Braces are generally applied when the head and mouth are still growing, typically between ages 10 and 14. Preventative care at these ages can be used in conjunction with medical intervention to guide the teeth to the desired positions.

While there are physical considerations, you should also consider the maturity of your child. When braces are applied, the patient needs to be responsible enough to properly care for them. This means avoiding foods that may damage or break their braces and taking extra care to remove food particles from the wiring and brackets. Foods such as gum, popcorn and hard candy also need to be avoided as they commonly damage or break braces. The patient needs to diligently practice good oral health habits such as flossing, brushing and keeping cleaning appointments.

Types of Braces

There are three basic types of braces. Metal braces include wires, brackets and rubber bands. The wires are slowly tightened to move the teeth to the desired placement. This traditional style of braces is now available in clear and ceramic materials and can be much less noticeable. These may also be applied to the back of the teeth making them barely visible.

Aligners are an alternative that consists of a clear plastic, removable trays. Aligners tend to be more comfortable than traditional braces but are not a fit for every patient. An orthodontist visit is needed to determine if you are a suitable candidate.

In addition to braces, there may be other dental appliances that are needed to achieve your desired result. This can include items such as headgear, which wraps around the back of your head to increase the force used to move your teeth. Headgear is typically only worn at night.

How Long is Treatment?

The treatment time depends on your existing teeth, how much movement is needed and how diligent you are about maintaining your treatment. If you opt for aligners but regularly miss appointments and tray changes, you can slow down your progress. If you stick to your treatment plan, you can expect to have braces for anywhere from 12 to 30 months.

Each person and his or her needs are specific to the individual. That’s why it is so important to work with a dental team that does not believe one size fits all. Contact our office today and let us partner with you to meet your goals. We will work hand in hand with you to achieve your healthiest, most radiant smile.

The post What’s The Best Age For Braces? appeared first on East Valley Dental Professionals.

No matter how good you take care of your teeth, if you notice bleeding gums, something must be wrong. You might notice bleeding gums when you floss or brush them.

While some cases of bleeding gums can be temporary, there are serious cases which might be a sign of an alarming health issue. In case you feel worried about the state of your teeth, contact a dentist immediately.

Bleeding Gums might be an indication that you have gum disease. Gum disease is a dangerous bacterial infection that can negatively affect your health and destroy your gums. It might also erode your jaw bone leading to teeth fall out.

The American Academy of Periodontology suggests that 80% of the adult population suffers from periodontal disease and only 10% of the people are aware of that.

What causes bleeding gums?

The primary cause of bleeding gums includes dental care issues. The following might be other reasons why your gums are bleeding.

Gingivitis

When plaque stays on your gum lines for some time, you might develop gingivitis. Plaques are the bacteria and debris on your teeth. You can only avoid them by brushing your teeth which also prevents you from getting dental caries.

If you fail to remove plaque from your teeth, it might harden into calculus which increases the rate of bleeding gums.

Below are symptoms of Gingivitis:

• Sore mouth and gums
• Bleeding gums
• Puffy gums
• Periodontitis

Periodontitis occurs out of advanced gingivitis. This is an infection of the jawbone, gums, and tissues connecting the gums and the teeth. It is a dangerous complication that can lead to falling out of teeth.

Vitamin c and k deficiencies

When you are deficient of Vitamin C and K, your gum might bleed. While research shows that lack of Vitamin C and K is not a common problem in the developed countries, you might want to ask the doctor to check your Vitamin levels if you have bleeding gums.

In case you are deficient in Vitamin C, you can take foods such as broccoli, citrus fruits, tomatoes, strawberries, bell peppers, and potatoes. You can get Vitamin K from kale, watercress, Swiss chard, spinach, mustard greens, lettuce, canola oil, soybeans and olive oil.

Tight dentures

Do you wear dentures? If you experience bleeding after wearing dentures, the reason might be dentures fitting too tightly. If you experience this, get in touch with your dentist.

Pregnancy

During pregnancy, hormonal changes occur. Such changes cause the gums to be sensitive leading to bleeding.

Medications

Some medications can cause blood thinning, and that leads to bleeding gums. According to the American Dental Association, such medications inhibit the ability of your blood to clot leading to more bleeding. If you experience bleeding gums, inform your dentist about your history with medication.

New toothbrush

If you were using a soft-bristled toothbrush and shifted to a firm brush, it may cause your gums to bleed. Always use a soft-bristled brush to avoid such problems.

Changing your flossing routine

After how long do you floss your teeth? You may notice bleeding in your gums if you haven’t flossed your teeth for some days, then begin doing it frequently.

Others diseases

Other blood-related disorders can cause bleeding gums. Such diseases include Leukemia, Aplastic Anemia, and Hemophilia.

How can you treat bleeding gums?

If you are suffering from bleeding gums, you can treat it by maintaining good dental hygiene. Cleaning your teeth after meals help you to get rid of the plague which causes gum disease. Ensure that you also visit a dentist two times a year so that your teeth can be cleaned professionally.

Through frequent trips to the dentist, he might discover any disorder like gingivitis and show you how you can brush your teeth. Treatment of bleeding gums can vary depending on your condition. Visiting a dentist will help him determine its cause and recommend a possible solution.

Other ways of treating gum disease

While your best option for treating bleeding gums is visiting the dentist, you can still stop bleeding gums using some simple methods. However, these methods only apply in case the cause is due to using hard bristle toothbrush, flossing and other issues not related to a serious health problem. Below are ways you can do to stop that kind of bleeding.

Method one: Use sea salt and baking soda

• You can use a mixture of sea salt and baking soda.
• You need the ½ teaspoon of salt
• A wet soft bristle toothbrush
• A tablespoon of baking soda
• Mix baking soda with sea salt and stir the mixture with your toothbrush.
• Brush your teeth for three minutes and rinse it.

Method 2: Use hydrogen peroxide and water

You can create a mouth rinse using hydrogen peroxide and water. You will need ½ cup of water and a ¼ cup of hydrogen peroxide. Swish the mixture for three minutes then spit it out. Avoid swallowing it.

Bleeding gums can be dangerous if you fail to treat them. Persistent bleeding of gums can lead to insufficient blood in your body system. Ensure that you get in touch with your doctor if you experience bleeding gums so that you can find out the cause and treat it.

The post How to Deal with Bleeding Gums when Brushing your Teeth appeared first on East Valley Dental Professionals.

Crooked teeth can be very unattractive. Just imagine if you have an important event or a date, and your smile ends up scaring the whole crowd in the room. This does not sound like a good situation. Luckily, there are ways to fixing crooked teeth. It will require a trip to your dental office to have a consultation to find out which method is best for you.

Here are the most common ways to fix crooked teeth.

Invisible Braces

Invisible braces sound just like what they are, invisible. The medical imaging will create a bracket and wire system that adapts perfectly to your mouth. This fantastic technique and phenomenon are called lingual braces. They are invisible because they are placed behind your teeth which makes it less noticeable when you smile. They are an effective treatment in which patients often experience a speedy recovery. That means, if you have invisible braces, expect to remove them between 6 to 12 months. Like all braces, invisible braces can be quite painful and uncomfortable. They can cause some sort of oral irritations and can be quite expensive. They cost between $6500-$14,000. Fortunately, they are effective, fast, and quite appealing.

Nearly invisible braces

This is the most common method because it’s comfortable and unnoticeable. Invisalign is a popular brand that is often known as nearly invisible braces. They are an extraordinary way to straighten your teeth. It’s great for teenagers or adults. The orthodontic system will create an invisible aligner that is designed to fit comfortably in your teeth and to gradually straighten it out. The average treatment for Invisalign is between six months to a year depending on the severity of the crooked teeth. Before getting Invisalign, the dentist will need to check if you are a suitable candidate. Not everybody is a candidate; for example, if you have a missing tooth that is causing some misalignment or that it’s a very severe case, then you might need to consider another option.

Visible braces

This is the most popular type of method to treat crooked teeth. unfortunately, they are not aesthetically appealing and are often visible. they are also uncomfortable and can cost anywhere between $4000 to $7000. However, they are ideal for fixing severe misalignment, gaps, and other issues. Majority of these braces are metal wires, but the brackets can be very thin. The brackets can be made of tooth-colored ceramic or plastic. Even though visible braces works very well for severe cases, they can be quite uncomfortable, painful, and unappealing.

Porcelain veneer

Porcelain veneers are cosmetic solutions to treating crooked, gap, chip, or stain teeth. A lot of people prefer porcelain veneer as an alternative to Invisalign when it comes to managing crooked teeth. Since they are made of porcelain material, patients can expect a long lasting and stain free solution that can fix their problems. The porcelain veneers can last between 10 to 20 years after the original replacements. If you take good care of your dental health with daily brushing, flossing, mouthwash, and visiting your dentist, The porcelain veneer can last longer. There are other strategies that can help make your porcelain veneer last longer, and our dentists will be glad to share them with you.

Teeth bonding

Teeth bonding is a fast way of fixing crooked teeth. It’s also a pain-free and easy way to manage uneven teeth. The dentist will apply resin filling material on the front space of your tooth. The bonding method will help reshape your teeth by closing gaps or reduce stained teeth. It’s a minimally invasive procedure which means that you will not be on anesthesia or any needles. The advantage of bonding is that it can be done in one office visit. Plus, it’s mercury free which makes it a suitable replacement for silver or gold fillings. With teeth bonding, you can expect amazing results with a natural look to it. It would be as if you have never had crooked teeth.

Crooked teeth can be very annoying, but with EVDP dentistry, we are knowledgeable about different strategies and techniques to fixing uneven teeth. All you have to do is schedule a consultation with our expert dentists. They can physically examine your teeth and provide you with different solutions that you can take to fix your crooked teeth. Our dentists have many years of experience in managing crooked and uneven teeth. They know the importance and what it takes to revitalize your smile. With our dentist, you will never frown again.

The post How to Fix Crooked Teeth appeared first on East Valley Dental Professionals.

Keeping a great smile is largely made possible by practicing healthy dental habits. Many dental and oral issues may be prevented from developing if you just practice good oral hygiene and other habits that are good for the teeth. Of course, you will still need to go the dentist for regular checkups. But at least you will prevent any possible dental problems at the onset and be able to maintain healthy teeth.

Dental Habits You Should Always Keep Up

You should keep up dental habits so that you will maintain and achieve that perfect smile you’ve been dreaming of. These habits are very easy to develop if you just practice them. Aside from regularly going to the dentist, other healthy dental habits include brushing, flossing, staying away from tobacco, and limiting sweet intake.

How to Keep Your Teeth Healthy

The following are some of the basic but helpful habits that you can incorporate in your daily life to your teeth healthy:

• Brush your teeth two to three times a day. Everybody brushes their teeth, but not everybody does it right and regularly. Dentists advise that a person must brush his teeth at least twice a day. And it’s not enough that you brush your teeth, you must do it properly. You can also ask a professional or your dentist on what toothbrush and toothpaste are best for you. Also, you need to replace your toothbrush at least every three months to ensure the best results.
• Floss daily. Brushing alone is not enough. There are spaces and parts of your teeth that brushing can’t reach, particularly space in-between your teeth. The most effective way to clean the spaces in-between the teeth and between the teeth and gums is flossing. This helps prevents tartar and plaque build-up. You must at least floss once or twice a day.
• Limiting your snack intake. You must avoid eating foods that contain high amounts of starch and sugar. These snacks are usually the cause of plaque build-up. Minimizing your sugar intake helps reduce the development of tooth decay. Instead of eating unhealthy snacks, better eat vegetables and fruits. But if you ever eat sugary and starchy foods, don’t forget to rinse your mouth after and drink plenty of water.
• Stay away from tobacco as much as possible. Smoking or chewing tobacco and other tobacco-based products can lead to gum and dental problems, not to mention the risk for oral cancer.

Healthy Dental Habit #1: Visit the Dentist!

This is the most important habit that you should keep up: visiting the dentist for a dental cleaning and regular check-ups. While the other habits help you prevent dental issues, there are things that you cannot just control without proper intervention from the professionals. Plaque build-up is bound to happen despite the fact that you regularly floss and brush your teeth. To make sure that you achieve and maintain healthy teeth and smile, it’s highly advised you visit the dentist twice a year for check-ups and cleaning.

Speaking of dental check-ups, look no further. East Valley Dental Professionals provide high-quality dental services. Make an appointment with us today.

The post How To Keep Your Teeth Healthy appeared first on East Valley Dental Professionals.

Oral health is an important part of our overall health. A lot goes into caring for our teeth, both at home and in the dentist’s chair. To help keep your pearly whites healthy and shining we’ve compiled a list of five tips to care for your teeth.

Teeth Whitening Tips

1. Brush with care – We recommend brushing two times a day or after each meal for 2 minutes. To make sure you get that full two minutes we recommend a brush with a built-in timer, available at most super markets and drug stores. Traditional toothbrushes and electric toothbrushes can be equally effective. The effectiveness of either depends on how you brush. As long as you brush well and get all of your teeth, both kinds of brushes will work. Electric toothbrushes can help people who have trouble moving the brush around and hitting all their teeth, such as people with motor disabilities or arthritis. One of the biggest dental problems people face when brushing their teeth, whether using a traditional toothbrush or an electric toothbrush, is brushing too hard. We recommend using a soft bristle brush that can get between the teeth and will not cause damage.
2. Floss! Yes, you really need to – Floss each night before going to bed. Flossing is very important because even soft bristle brushes can’t get all the way between teeth, and between the teeth is where gum disease starts. There are several options for cleaning between your teeth, including traditional dental floss, dental picks and water flossers, among others. Be sure to ask your dentist about the best tool for you. Flossing can be a difficult part of teeth maintenance and if done incorrectly can cause damage to your gums, so also be sure to ask your dentist about proper flossing technique.
3. Engage in a tooth friendly diet – Diet has a huge affect on the health of your teeth. We recommend three to four servings of calcium and vitamin D daily, especially for children. This can be achieved through dairy products, orange juice and green vegetables like spinach, among others. Avoid acidic or sugary food and drinks, such as soda, coffee, pastries and tomatoes, among others. Moderation in everything is the key to balancing a healthy diet for your teeth. Getting the proper amount of fluoride is another important component of a tooth friendly diet. Fluoride can help teeth both inside and out, but too much fluoride can cause harm. Correct fluoride levels are especially important for children. 75 percent of U.S. community water systems contain fluoride, but people who live in an area without fluoridation may want to ask their dentists about fluoride supplements.
4. Schedule regular check-ups – Even if you are vigilant about cleaning your teeth, you need to have regular check-ups with a professional hygienist or dentist to check on the health of your mouth and remove calcified plaque from your teeth. Calcified plaque is sort of like hard rocks on your teeth and cannot be removed at home. Because dental health is linked to overall health, check-ups are very important. Over 42,000 people are diagnosed with oral cancer each year and early detection can make all the difference in treatment. At check-ups, dental professionals also polish teeth, removing surface stains, which helps your pearly whites stay pearly. Another important component of the dental check-up is X-rays. Dentists X-ray your teeth to check for hidden decay, trauma to the jaw, problems with wisdom teeth, gum disease, cysts and bone loss. This makes X-rays a highly valuable diagnostic tool.
5. Follow your dentist’s recommendations – Having regular dental check-ups can help with at-home care because dental professionals can inform you of problem areas and give personalized recommendations on how you should be caring for your teeth. Everyone’s mouth and dental care needs are unique and having a professional’s recommendation on what product or brushing and flossing technique to employ can make a huge difference in your oral health, so listen carefully at each check-up.

Bonus Tip: The low-down on mouthwash – If you want a mouthwash that is for more than cosmetic use, be sure to buy a bacteria-fighting rinse. Bacteria-fighting mouthwashes can help prevent gum disease. Products with fluoride can help prevent tooth decay. No mouthwash is a replacement for floss. Be sure to get a mouthwash that is not alcohol based for children under six.

Having good oral hygiene habits keep your teeth in top-notch health. Teeth in top-notch health are whiter and brighter and keep you looking younger. Follow these tips and you will have a healthier brighter smile.

The post 5 Tips to Keep Your Pearly Whites Healthy for Years to Come appeared first on East Valley Dental Professionals.

A beautiful smile can make you feel confident.  It is a wonderful thing to be able to turn to a camera and flash your pearly whites.  Not everyone was born with a beautiful smile and over time wrinkles, stains and discoloring can diminish your smile.  Your Mesa cosmetic dentist is your best resource in restoring your smile to its best brilliance.  Here are 5 cosmetic dentistry ideas to quickly rebuild your smile and your confidence in front of a camera.

1. Teeth Whitening: If your teeth have become stained or discolored the first step your Mesa cosmetic dentist may recommend is teeth whitening. By whitening your teeth your dentist can even out the color so that the teeth all look more similar and give you a brighter, whiter smile. Teeth whitening can be done in the dental office or at home depending on the course of treatment recommended.  The whitening process provided by your dentist can be customized to your teeth and can help prevent gum irritation.  This also gives you the benefit of having your cosmetic dentist supervise the process and your progress.  Your dentist may also be able to use a stronger whitening solution than those available over the counter.
2. Botox: Botox is a valuable tool used by your Mesa cosmetic dentist to help improve your smile. Botox can be administered by a properly educated cosmetic dentist to help lessen a “gummy” smile or improve the frown lines around your smile. This can help you feel much more confident.  Denise Merdich, a nurse practitioner explains how Botox can be used to treat a gummy smile, “Botox works by paralyzing the hyperactive muscles in the upper lip, reducing its elevation.  Just two injections and its done.  But Merdich warns you to go to an expert who has been trained because, Merdich says, “Botox is an art and you have to know where to inject it, more importantly where not to inject it.  So, just injecting the tiniest units can cause asymmetry, so one unit in the wrong place can cause a crooked smile for four months.”  Botox can be incredibly helpful when utilized by a skilled and experienced professional.
3. Bonding: If you are self-conscious about the space between your teeth your Mesa cosmetic dentist might recommend tooth bonding. WebMD describes bonding as, “Dental bonding is a procedure in which a tooth-colored resin material (a durable plastic material) is applied and hardened with a special light, which ultimately “bonds” the material to the tooth to restore or improve person’s smile.” This article also explains that bonding can be used to help correct stained or discolored teeth, cracked teeth, and can help to make teeth look longer.  Bonding, while effective, can eventually wear down, stain or decay over time.  The bonding process can be done by your Mesa cosmetic dentist, sometimes in just one office visit.
4. Dental Crowns and Veneers: Dental crowns are custom made caps that go over your regular teeth and are sealed to the teeth. Crowns can be used to help strengthen weak teeth, correct discolored teeth and restore teeth that have been severely damaged. Dental crowns tend to be more expensive than bonding because the crowns are custom made to fit your teeth.  The process also tends to take longer.  You will need one visit with your Mesa cosmetic dentist to have your teeth prepped for the crowns and molds will need to be taken.  You will usually receive a temporary crown while your custom crowns are being made.  Once they are completed, it will take another visit to apply your custom crowns to your teeth.  Crowns can be an effective tool to quickly rebuild your smile.  Veneers are similar to crowns and are able to address the same cosmetic issues that dental crowns can. The primary difference between a porcelain veneer and a crown is the amount of natural tooth structure that needs to be replaced. Generally speaking, greater thickness of porcelain is needed for a crown. In order to place the porcelain crown, at least 2 millimeters (mm) of tooth structure thickness is needed.”  It is important to consult with your Mesa cosmetic dentist and determine together which process would be most beneficial for you.  Which procedure is best for you will depend on the condition of your teeth, if you grind or clench your teeth, how much enamel your teeth have and much more.  Everyone’s situation is different and it is important you understand all your options.
5. Dental Implants: Dental implants are used to install a replacement tooth. “A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is placed into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge. Dental implants may be an option for people who have lost a tooth or teeth due to periodontal disease, an injury, or some other reason. To be a successful candidate for this procedure you must have generally good oral health, healthy gums and enough bone to support the implant.  Taking care of dental implants is the same as taking care of your existing teeth.  It is important to maintain them with regular brushing and flossing.  You will want to work closely with your Mesa cosmetic dentist to determine if dental implants are an appropriate choice.

When it comes to rebuilding your smile you have lots of options.  It is important to partner with your Mesa cosmetic dentist to choose the correct option for your specific situation.  A beautiful smile is within everyone’s reach thanks to cosmetic dentists and the tools at their disposal.  Be certain to work with an experienced professional to quickly rebuild your smile.

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