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How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last?

Teeth whitening can offer a patient a big boost in confidence by giving them a brighter and more radiant smile. It’s one of the most requested procedures in dentistry for this very reason. Below, we look at how long does teeth whitening last.

However, many who might be interested in receiving this type of dental work might not know how long they can expect their results. The good news is that, in general, a patient’s results can last for quite a long time if they’re well taken care of.

How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last?

If you have a teeth whitening procedure planned, take a look at this overview that describes how long you can expect your results to last.

What is Teeth Whitening?

Teeth whitening is a set of practices that can make one’s teeth appear whiter. Because having pearly white teeth is one of the most highly sought-after elements of our culture’s beauty standard, these procedures have become extremely popular.

There are many different types of teeth whitening procedures. Some can be bought over-the-counter, while others are applied in-office in the dental office. Each method has its own set of advantages. Some of the more popular types of teeth whitening procedures include:

· Whitening toothpaste

· Whitening rinses

· Whitening strips

· Whitening pens

· DIY whitening tray kits

· In-Office bleaching

· KoR teeth whitening system

· Laser teeth whitening

Your dentist can help to determine what will be the overall most beneficial for your particular situation during a consultation.

Intrinsic and Extrinsic Stains

Teeth stains come in a variety of forms that can damage and discolor teeth. The origins of these stains are divided into two categories: intrinsic and extrinsic. Whiter teeth can have a positive

Stains that start inside the enamel of your teeth are known as intrinsic stains. There may be instances of intrinsic discoloration in young teeth and gums. Additional causes of intrinsic staining include dental enamel thinning with age and exposure to fluoride. There’s a chance that it may also have hereditary roots.

Stains that appear on the outside of your teeth are known as extrinsic stains. Exposure to environmental factors that discolor teeth causes these stains. The most prevalent causes of these stains include coffee, smoking, and other staining agents.

Factors That Can Influence Your Longevity

Many of the things that can influence the longevity of your results are the very things that can impact the overall health of your teeth and cause staining in general. Taking note of the following can impact your teeth whitening results to a very large degree:

· The food and drink you consume: If you have a tendency to eat large amounts of sugary foods or foods that have a tendency to stain your teeth, you may impact your results and cause them to fade sooner rather than later. Colas, coffee, wine, and other substances are all examples of things that can influence this.

· The type of teeth whitening method you use: Whether you decide to go with at-home teeth whitening or in-office treatment can have an impact on the longevity of your results. In-office treatments are generally thought to last longer.

· The overall color of your teeth: The color of your teeth prior to your treatment can impact how long your results last. If you have darker-shaded teeth, you might need to return for more extensive treatments in the future.

· How old you are: As one ages, their teeth naturally begin to become more yellow. This means that if you receive teeth whitening treatment later in life, there’s a strong chance that your results won’t last for as long.

Professional vs. At-Home Whitening

One of the main benefits of in-office tooth whitening is that patients may usually see noticeable improvements faster. Nevertheless, even with this kind of tooth whitening, it usually takes several sessions to get the desired level of whiteness.

Furthermore, a lot of these sessions can be costly, and insurance frequently doesn’t cover them. To find out whether your operation will be covered, you might need to get in touch with your insurance company on your own.

Power bleaching and laser therapy are two of the main teeth-whitening instruments in a dentist’s toolbox. Before you get treatment, your dentist can decide which one is best for you during a screening session.

The Best Dentist in Arcadia

Premier Dental Esthetics is widely considered to be one of the best dentists in Arcadia. If you’re interested in receiving a teeth whitening in Arcadia and would like to discuss the prospect with a consummate professional, contact us today in order to schedule a consultation.

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Is Sedation Dentistry Safe While Pregnant?

Dental sedation is a very helpful modern method that helps both the patient and the dentist. Some patients might experience acute anxiety during dental procedures. This makes the process extremely uncomfortable. On top of that, if the procedure is difficult or long, having the patient sedated can help the dentist to perform the procedure in a proper manner. 

Is Sedation Dentistry Safe While Pregnant?

Typically, sedation is considered safe for general patients. However, expecting a child is a delicate condition, and patients want to know if sedation dentistry is safe while pregnant. In this article, we will go through the possible concerns patients may have about the effects sedation can have on the unborn child. Also, the article will help you determine if sedation dentistry is right for you when you are pregnant.

What Is Sedation Dentistry

The main focus of sedation dentistry is to alleviate stress and pain during dental procedures. The levels of sedation depend on the individual needs of the patient and on the length and difficulty of the procedure. There are different types of sedation:

Oral conscious sedation

Medication for this type of sedation usually comes in a pill form. Typically, a patient takes the medication an hour before the procedure. You might expect feeling sleepy or actually falling asleep after taking the medication. But it is easy to wake the patient up, and they can communicate with their dentist without any issues. Patients have to make sure that they have someone to drive them back home after the procedure, as the medication can temporary affect memory and motor skills. 

Intravenous sedation

IV sedation is a deeper form of sedation than oral conscious sedation. The medication is delivered into the bloodstream through an IV line. The dosage of the medication can be adjusted at any point during the procedure if necessary. Also, reversal medications can be used if need be. Typically, after receiving IV sedation, patients fall asleep and later have almost no memory of the procedure. This method is usually used in cases of very long and complicated procedures or if the level of anxiety is unbearable for the patient.

Nitrous oxide (also known as laughing gas)

The medication is delivered by inhaling nitrous oxide through the mask. You can expect the calming effects to start in 3 to 5 minutes. The amount of sedation can also be adjusted during the procedure. After the dental procedure, the patient receives oxygen to remove nitrous oxide from their body, which happens quite quickly. Usually, this method does not have any effects once the procedure is over, and the patient can drive home by themselves.

Your general health condition and medical history will determine the choice of sedation appropriate for you.

Is Sedation Dentistry Safe While Pregnant

Even though there are different opinions on sedation dentistry during pregnancy, some doctors advise against using this method when pregnant. In fact, sedation has not been proven safe for pregnant patients. The concern is that some of the chemicals contained in sedation medication might pass through the placenta. This can result in developmental issues in the unborn child. 

The stage of pregnancy can also determine if you can have sedation in cases when it is unavoidable. Usually, the second trimester is considered to be the safest time to undergo sedation. Undergoing sedation during both the first and third trimesters can cause problems with development and labor. 

Dental Treatments While Pregnant

There are still options to alleviate the pain during dental procedures while pregnant. Topically applied numbing medications are safe to use for both you and the child.

On top of that, preventative dentistry is a big help when it comes to pregnant patients. Pregnancy brings a lot of hormonal changes to the body. There is also a possibility of higher carbohydrate consumption and an increased amount of acid in the mouth caused by morning sickness. These lead to weakening of the tooth enamel and to cavities and tooth decay. Make sure to constantly maintain good oral hygiene to avoid acid and food debris collecting in your mouth. This can ensure that complex treatments will not be necessary while you are pregnant.

It is a good idea to see your dentist regularly while pregnant to have checkups and cleanings that are totally safe for pregnant patients. These preventative measures will help you avoid health complications caused by tooth decay and infections.

Make an appointment with one of our qualified dentists at Smiles of Arcadia to ensure your and your unborn child’s health.

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What Causes a Gummy Smile?

A gummy smile is characterized by a smile that is filled with your gums. The proportion between your teeth and your gums can have a serious impact on the look of your smile. Too much gum tissue can be distracting and impact your entire facial aesthetic. This can have a serious impact on your self-esteem. In fact, people who have gummy smiles tend to laugh and smile less. Issues with your confidence can have an impact on your professional and personal life. However, there are several treatment options available to address the issue. Before treatment, it’s necessary to determine the cause of your gummy smile. You may wonder, what causes a gummy smile? Below you will find the causes and what you can do to improve the look of your smile.

What Causes a Gummy Smile?

A gummy smile can make you feel insecure and even smile less. This can impact your confidence and self-esteem. There are options to correct the issue. Understanding the cause is critical to improving the issue. Consider the following causes of a gummy smile.

Short Teeth: 

Teeth that prematurely erupt may remain partially covered by your gums. This can make your teeth appear shorter and result in a gummy-looking smile.

Small Teeth: 

The ratio between your teeth and gums can impact how gummy your smile looks. In fact, teeth that are much smaller can make your smile look gummy. Small teeth may be due to genetics or just natural wear and tear.

Jaw Overgrowth: 

An overgrowth of your upper jaw area can cause bulging gums. This can result in your gums looking prominent when you smile. Upper jaw overgrowth is referred to as vertical maxillary excess.

Upper Lip Issues: 

There are a couple of issues caused by your upper lip that can impact the look of your smile. A small or short upper lip can result in a gummy-looking smile. In addition, a hyperactive upper lip can also result in your gums looking much larger when you smile. A hyperactive upper lip occurs when your lip is normal length when your face is at rest. However, when you smile, the upper lip raises too high and becomes nearly invisible.

Enlarged Gums: 

Sometimes the issue is the result of enlarged gums. Enlarged gums are referred to as gingival hypertrophy. The condition is characterized by gums that are long or enlarged.

Gummy Smile Correction Treatment

Due to the impact a gummy smile can have on your facial aesthetic and confidence, it’s important to address the issue. There are treatment options available that can improve the look of your smile. Gummy smile correction is a great treatment option that can leave your smile looking better than ever. This is a great option if the cause of your gummy smile is due to short teeth or overgrown gums. In other cases, alternative options are available. This includes bone surgery or a lip augmentation. A skilled dentist can determine which treatment option is right for you. The first step in moving forward with treatment is scheduling a consultation.

Laser Treatment: 

Laser treatment is a common treatment option to address a gummy smile. The treatment involves the use of a soft-tissue laser. It is used to trim back your gums and leave your smile looking much better. It helps balance out the proportions between your teeth and gums. It is precise and has a fast recovery period. Patients also report minimal discomfort.

Premier Dental Aesthetics

If you are unhappy with the look of your smile, contact the team at Premier Dental Aesthetics. They are skilled in cosmetic dentistry and can help improve the look of your smile. Contact their team today to schedule an appointment to see if gummy smile correction is right for you!

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How Long Do Dental Veneers Last?

Dental veneers are a popular cosmetic dental treatment. It can transform your smile by improving your teeth’ shape, color, and overall appearance. Veneers are thin shells of tooth-colored material that are attached to the front of your teeth. They are customizable to ensure they fit your overall aesthetic. They are long-lasting treatment options but they are not permanent. You may wonder, how long do dental veneers last? Below you will find helpful information about veneers and how to care for them to ensure they last.

How Long Do Dental Veneers Last?

Most veneers last between ten to twenty years. However, they can last even longer if properly cared for. The lifespan of dental veneers depends on several factors, including the type of veneers, your oral care routine, and individual lifestyle habits. Regular care and maintenance are key to making dental veneers last. Porcelain veneers in Arcadia are the most popular choice as they are long-lasting and look the most natural.

Caring For Dental Veneers

There are several factors that can determine how long your dental veneers last. Consider the following tips on how to care for your dental veneers.

Oral Care Routine: 

It is critical to brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Brush for at least two minutes and avoid using any abrasive products. If possible, brush after every meal. In addition to brushing, floss daily. Even though you have veneers, oral care is still necessary to prevent decay and other harmful oral health issues.

Regular Dental Checkups: 

Schedule regular checkups at the dental office at least every six months. This is necessary to ensure your oral health. Additionally, your dentist can monitor your progress and address any issues with your veneers early on. Talk with your dentist about when and how often you should visit.

Use Caution: 

Veneers are strong and durable, but they are not indestructible. It’s important to use caution when eating. Avoid biting down on hard substances, such as nuts, hard candy, ice, or other hard foods. In addition, avoid using your teeth as tools. Do not use your teeth to open things or even chew on objects. This can place too much pressure on your teeth and damage your veneers.

Address Grinding: 

Teeth grinding can place too much pressure on your veneers. If you grind your teeth, talk with your dentist about a mouth guard. Using a mouthguard at night can protect your veneers. It is also helpful to address the original cause of your teeth grinding as it is often associated with stress and anxiety.

Avoid Certain Foods: 

Veneers are resistant to stains. However, certain substances can impact the shade of your veneers. Avoid consuming teeth-staining foods in excess. This includes tea, coffee, sugar, and other processed foods. Not only is it good for your health but it can also improve the longevity of your veneers.

Dental Veneer Treatment

If you don’t like the way your teeth look, consider dental veneers. Many people are unhappy with the look of their smile. This can result in laughing and smiling less which can impact your confidence and self-esteem. If you feel like this, schedule a consultation with the team at Premier Dental Aesthetics. They can determine if you are a good candidate for treatment and discuss your overall aesthetic goals. 

The team at Premier Dental Aesthetics is skilled in cosmetic dentistry, including dental veneers. They have helped patients achieve their desired dental aesthetic and improve the look of their smile. In fact, they will work with you to ensure your smile is customized to meet your unique needs. Contact their team today to schedule a consultation!