The first thing many people notice about another is the smile. A bright, white smile suggests vibrancy, youth, and exuberance, but many people do not have the luxury of such a glowing grin. With cigarette, coffee, sodas, wine, and other teeth-staining foods consumed over a lifetime, a once-bright smile dulls, making the person appear older. Change that with a simple and effective in-office whitening procedure for the teeth conducted by a professional cosmetic dentist.

Cosmetic dentists are well-versed in helping their patients to get the smile they want. Whether the problem to correct is staining or overall discoloration, a cosmetic dentist can help to bring back the smile of youth. In-office whitening uses layers of thick bleaching gels to cover the teeth. A concentrated light may be applied to the teeth to hasten the action of the bleaching gel.

Opting for an in-office teeth whitening system produces better results than trays from over-the-counter whitening packages because those packages were not customized designed to fit every mouth. When a professional is in charge of whitening teeth in the comfort of the dentist’s office, the results are more immediate and sensitive gums and teeth are less pained by the procedure.

With an in-office whitening procedure, a patient may walk in for an appointment at the lunch hour, and be home in time for dinner with a brighter, whiter smile. Patients are encouraged to discuss with their dentist the need for follow-up treatments of maintenance bleaching. Some patients may require such measures, depending on the level of discoloration before the procedure and the desired shade after whitening.

Patients who opt for in-office teeth whitening choose the procedure to quickly and safely whiten their teeth for an upcoming event. Others may have sensitive teeth and require the supervision of a dentist during the procedure to avoid severe pain that may be experienced by the harsh bleaches used by over-the-counter products. Those interested in in-office teeth whitening are encouraged to discuss the pros and cons with their cosmetic dentist to see if this is the right procedure for their teeth.

Dentures are used to replace sections of missing teeth. They can either be full sets of false upper and lower teeth or they can be partial sets when only a few teeth are being replaced. Typically dentures are made from materials such as bone, ivory and porcelain. Both full-sets and partial dentures are removable and are attached to the gums using a denture adhesive.

While dentures offer some benefit to those wearing them, there are some caveats associated with its use that are important to consider. Because dentures typically rest directly on the gum tissue, they can be a source of constant irritation and have been known to cause bleeding and sore gums. They can also inhibit chewing habits and speech, especially in the initial stages. In addition, dentures require a lot of maintenance and care to ensure proper oral hygiene and longevity of the dentures themselves. Conventional dentures can also sometimes contribute to bone loss in the area where teeth are missing.

Dental implants on the other hand offer a stronger and much more durable restorative option for those looking for teeth replacement. Unlike dentures which rest on the gums, dental implants are anchored directly into the jawbone. A dental implant consists of a titanium post that actually fuses over a period of time with living bone through a process called osseointegration. The titanium posts are then capped with very realistic looking porcelain crowns.

Because they are anchored into the jawbone, dental implants look and function like normal teeth. They are also able to withstand the same chewing forces that natural teeth can. Importantly, dental implants can help maintain the jaw line and prevent the bone shrinkage that usually accompanies tooth loss and gum disease. The crowns on top of the implants typically require only the same sort of care that normal teeth do.

Research has also shown that dental implant procedures have a very high rate of success. According to some estimates, the five-year success rate for dental implants involving the lower jaw stands at around 95% while upper jaw implants have a five-year success rate of around 90%.

Learn more about this wonderful cause.

http://www.ncdental.org/ncds/NCMOM.asp

When you brush or floss your teeth, it is not normal to see blood or experience pain or tenderness in your gums. Bleeding or sore gums are often the first signs of a mild form of gum disease known as gingivitis. Puffiness or redness of the gums may also be noticed. Healthy gums are pink and firm, never swollen, red or tender.

A more advanced type of gum disease, known as periodontal disease, can cause constant bad breath, loose teeth and gums that pull away from the teeth. Many people think that gum disease happens only to the elderly. Teenagers can also get this problem if their teeth do not receive proper care. If you notice any of these signs, it is very important to see your dentist as soon as possible. When left untreated, this condition can advance to a very serious problem, even to the point of having teeth fall out.

Even better news is that gum disease can be prevented with a daily routine on your own along with visits to your dentist at least twice a year. Your dentist will be able to remove any plaque and tartar that you may be missing at home. Committing yourself to preventable maintenance will keep gum disease from having any chance of becoming a health problem.

For over 21 years, Dr. Hoard has devoted his career to helping individuals achieve the smile of their dreams and maintain excellent oral health. He is dedicated to ongoing professional education and is a teacher at the Dawson Academy where he teaches other dentists the latest advancements in restorative and comprehensive dentistry.

Dr. Hoard has perfected a variety of dental treatments including, dental crowns, dental bridges, dental implants, and porcelain veneers. His skill and artistry allows him to replace cracked, worn, and missing teeth to create smiles that look natural, feel comfortable and last for years.

Dr. Hoard attended the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, for both undergraduate and graduate dental studies. He is a sustaining member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the American Dental Association, and the North Carolina Dental Society. He also is a charter member of the New Bern chapter of the Seattle Study club for dentists. In Dr. Hoard’s spare time, he enjoys boating, golfing, and spending time with his wife Tina and two daughters, Lake and Nicole.