Dental Veneers for Seniors

Elderly patients frequently turn to dental veneers to improve their smile after wear and age have led to dental health issues.  It is important to have regular health checkups as you age.  That includes checkups for your oral health.  Elderly patients are at greater risk for health concerns, and oral health is no exception.

Seniors are more likely, than their younger peers, to suffer from:

·         Tooth loss.  The loss of a tooth can be devastating.  It can alter your appearance, speech, and ability to eat comfortably.

·         Gum disease.  Plaque, diabetes, poor diet, smoking, and disease can cause this issue.  Elderly patients that wear dentures or ill fitting bridges are also at greater risk for gum disease.

·         Denture Induced Stomatitis. This is inflammation of the tissue underneath of the dentures.

·         Broken teeth.  Dehydration, lack of calcium, and deteriorating health can lead to teeth chipping and breaking.

There are ways to help patients suffering from oral health issues.  Modern technology has made it easier to correct tooth loss with implant dentistry, while chipped or broken teeth will look brand new with dental veneers. Simultaneously gum disease can be treated with techniques like laser dentistry.

Dental Veneers Improve Your Smile

Chipped, cracked, uneven, and severely stained teeth may make it embarrassing to smile.  Healthy teeth are signs of youthfulness and vibrancy; things people of all ages want to hold on to.  Seniors can have the bright white smile of their twenties regardless of how old they are when veneers are placed over their existing teeth.  Veneers can transform yellow, brown, chipped, cracked, uneven teeth into a smile celebrity’s dream of. Modern dentistry has made it possible to regain a youthful appearance with minimal effort.

How are Veneers Installed?

Dental veneers are typically made of porcelain or a resin composite material.  Porcelain is preferred by patients that want to have the most natural looking smile.  They will reflect the light like a normal tooth, but they also require more preparation work on the existing teeth.  Resin veneers require less prep work ahead of time.

Step One:            Visit the dentist to discuss what your goals are. They will recommend a treatment plan and determine how many veneers need to be installed.  They will also take X- Rays and a dental impression.

Step Two:            The dentist will prepare your tooth by removing a portion of your front enamel. You may have anesthesia during this process to make you more comfortable.  The dentist will take an impression of the tooth or teeth and send it to the lab for custom veneers to be created.  This can be a two week process.

Step Three:        Your tooth will be cleaned and etched so that when they apply the cement bonding agent it will stick better to your tooth.  The dentist will make sure the veneer is the perfect shape and color before installing it.  Once everything looks god they will apply cement to the tooth and place the veneer on top.

The dentist will examine your bite to make sure that the dental veneers are fitting and working perfectly prior to sending you home.  Once the process is complete you will have a beautiful and youthful smile you can be proud of. 

Dentures Are More Comfortable Than Ever

If you wear dentures, we have good news for you.  Technology has made dentures more comfortable than ever.  If yours are causing you pain or discomfort, it is time to upgrade to a set that fits you better and feels great.

We provide patients with both partial and full sets of dentures.  Our lab technicians are highly skilled and make sure that each set of dentures is customized to fit your mouth perfectly.  We also make sure that the teeth in your dentures appear perfectly natural so that no one can tell you are wearing them.

Modern dentures suction to your gums and do a better job of staying in place.  This prevents slippage and the embarrassment of having your dentures move while talking or eating.  If you are still concerned about them moving, we can use implant technology to secure them in place.

Dental implants have revolutionized dentistry.  They are a way to permanently replace your teeth.  Patients that would still prefer to wear dentures can do so while still benefitting from this technology.  We can install a metal piece (or pieces) underneath your gum line that is attached to your jawbone.  Over time, this piece will fuse to your jawbone, providing complete security and durability.  The piece can either be long enough to protrude from your gum line or we can attach a second metal piece to it.  Once completed, your dentures can snap into place.  They will hold your dentures in place and eliminate “floating” or the risk of them popping up into your mouth while you are speaking or eating.  This can give you the confidence to eat the food you want and enjoy life, without worrying about your dentures.

When you use implant technology to secure dentures, you can also eliminate adhesives and pastes.  This will save you from performing an additional step in your daily routine and save you money.  We want to make you as comfortable as possible and believe that your teeth shouldn’t get in the way of you enjoying life.  Modern dentures make this much easier to do.

We are the Smile Design Specialists and will help you to have the best oral health possible.  If you have lost only some of your teeth, we can provide you with a partial set of dentures while helping your remaining teeth to stay healthy so that they won’t fall out.  Cleaning your teeth twice a year can prevent tooth decay and further tooth loss.  We will remove any bacteria and plaque that forms on your teeth or at your gum line.  In this way, we can eliminate gum disease, a major cause for tooth loss.

You are not alone in this struggle.  The majority of adults suffer from some form of tooth loss.  In fact, 30 percent of adults ages 35 to 44 do not have all of their permanent teeth.  This number only grows with age.  The key is to visit the dentist and take steps to avoid further tooth loss and wear dentures that are as comfortable as possible so that you can enjoy life.

Preparing for Your Wedding With Cosmetic Dentistry

If you want a gorgeous smile cosmetic dentistry can help.  Your wedding day is one of the most special days in your life.  It is a day that people spend months if not years preparing for and the pictures will last a lifetime.  Many people spend months exercising, picking the perfect hairdo, dress and accessories. Why not prepare by giving yourself the gift of a beautiful smile? 

Your smile is often the first thing people see.  A bright white smile is youthful and welcoming.  When you smile boldly it speaks to high self-confidence and excitement, two things you want to portray on your wedding day.  With a professional photographer in tow you are likely to be grinning from ear to ear for hours at a time.  Make sure that you are pleased with the results of those photos.

If you are getting married in a couple of weeks, you may not have a lot of time to prepare.  Take heart there is still something that you can do to improve your smile even the week of the wedding.  Our teeth whitening procedure can be completed in only one hour and will whiten your teeth by up to eight shades in a single sitting.  This will create a drastic improvement and help your smile to look more youthful.  It is inexpensive, easy to schedule, and will leave a lasting impression.

If you have a month to go you can do even more to improve your smile.  For a Hollywood style, perfect smile consider dental veneers.  Veneers are placed on the surface of your existing teeth so the procedure can be done in as little as two visits without any surgery.  This cosmetic dentistry procedure is used to solve a variety of issues.  Veneers can cover up dark stains that can’t be removed through teeth whitening alone.  They can also close small gaps in between your teeth, fix crooked teeth, chips, and cracks.  They are ideal for solving most appearance issues when it comes to your smile.  There is minimal pain, and we offer sedation dentistry to make you even more comfortable during your visit.

More severe issues, like missing teeth, can be solved with dental implants.  The only catch is that you need six months to a year to complete the procedure.  The exact amount of time is up to your body.  If you are missing a tooth, or teeth, we an implant a metal piece underneath your gum line and attach it to your jawbone.  This piece will fuse, overtime, with your bone to create a new synthetic root system.  A second metal piece is attached to the surface of your gums, and a new synthetic tooth is attached to that.  Once the process has been completed your new teeth are extremely sturdy so you can eat and drink whatever you want and care for them like you would natural teeth.  Simply brush, floss, and enjoy your new smile.

If you are engaged and preparing for your wedding, schedule an appointment to see how cosmetic dentistry can help you look fabulous on your special day.  We are here are ready to help you. 

Why We’re the Best Scottsdale Dentist

If you need a Scottsdale dentist, we are exactly what you have been looking for.  We are the best in town and are patients love the results.  We know we are the best because we make sure that our patients are always first.  Delivering exceptional patient are isn’t only about doing a good job.  It also requires all of our staff members to be courteous and pay attention to how our client are feeling.  Things like booking an appointment quickly and providing pain relief are all a part of providing exceptional care, something we take very seriously.

We understand that having the right staff is the first step in providing quality patient care.  Our team is highly trained, and we continue to provide ongoing training to ensure that everyone is up to date on how to use the latest technology and dental best practices.  The small details can make all of the difference in whether you receive average dental care or exceptional care.  We are committed to providing patients with the best care in town.

 As a Scottsdale dentist, we treat patients of all ages and recommend that you bring in your child as early as one year of age.  When baby teeth are growing in, they are still susceptible to getting a cavity or other infection. Babies and toddlers that take a bottle to bed or are breast fed at night are at a higher risk for cavities.  Many parents are surprised to find that their small child could be suffering from ongoing tooth pain.  No one should suffer, and a regular teeth cleaning, and dental examination can identify any issues so that we can correct them before your child experiences too much pain.

As an adult, it is important to continue to visit the dentist on a regular basis because many problems start by creating only slight discomfort.  For example, a cavity may cause a sticky feeling when you bite down or the occasional discomfort at first.  When it spreads and becomes more severe, you will experience a more intense level of pain. Similarly, gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease and will cause your gums to feel uncomfortable at times or bleed slightly while brushing.  Many people ignore the discomfort until it becomes painful.  This is a mistake.  Both cavities and gum disease, when caught early, can be corrected, and the damage reversed.  If they are left alone both will cause intense pain and can lead to tooth decay and you losing your tooth forever. 

Don’t risk tooth loss, severe pain, or oral health issues that cannot be corrected.  There is no need when you have a local dentist that can help you to avoid all of these issues.  Schedule a teeth cleaning and examination every six months to a year and prevent damage to your teeth and gums.  By removing bacteria, we can prevent plaque from forming, gum disease, cavities, and tooth decay. Call us today and experience why we are the best Scottsdale dentist. 

Visit the Dentist to Prevent Cavities

People of all ages suffer from cavities and the dentist can help.  It is common to think that a cavity can be prevented by simply brushing and flossing.  These steps do help to prevent cavities, gum disease, and all oral health problems.  The problem is they are not always enough to stop cavities from forming, causing even healthy people to experience an occasional tooth infection.

A cavity is formed when bacteria builds up on your tooth.  Certain types of bacteria will attach themselves to hard surfaces.  Once there, bacteria have the ability to multiply and grow.  When the bacteria combine with your saliva, it forms plaque.  If the plaque is not removed in time, you are at risk for cavities and gum disease.  

As a dentist, we treat patients of all ages and see cavities in toddlers all the way up to senior citizens.  No one is immune.  You can, however, do things to help prevent cavities, including:

·         Drink a lot of water. When you stay hydrated, it helps your body to produce more saliva.  This saliva will in turn wash away a lot of the bacteria that forms in your mouth.  If you are drinking sugary soda or juice, replace it with water to improve your overall health.

·         Use mouthwash.  Carry a travel size mouthwash with you and use inbetween meals.  They sell it at the drug store and rinsing with it will help to kill bacteria before it can damage your teeth and gums.

·         Brush and floss.  While this isn’t enough to stop cavities, not brushing and flossing will cause them.  You must do this at least twice a day.

·         Avoid sugar.  Candy, soda, cake, and pie, or anything that is high in sugar content can cause damage to your teeth.  Replace these sugary foods with healthy fruits and vegetables.  Brushing after meals will help to reduce any damage the food you eat may cause.

·         Apply fluoride.  Fluoride can be applied at the dentist or found in over the counter toothpastes.  Using fluoride will add important minerals to your teeth.  These minerals are what help to keep teeth strong and protect them against cavities or tooth decay.  Strengthening your teeth will make them less susceptible to all types of infection.

·         Regular teeth cleanings.  You should visit the dentist twice a year for a teeth cleaning.  Dental tools are used to remove bacteria, plaque, and tartar that can build up over time.  A professional can reach areas of your teeth and gums that you are unable to do at home.  Preventative visits are a proven way to reduce the occurrence of cavities.

We recommend that patients focus on preventative care in order to avoid needing to have dental procedures.  If, however, you start to experience pain it is important to schedule an appointment immediately so that we can correct the problem before the bacteria spreads.  Unfortunately, bacteria have the ability to multiply so if you don’t remove it, other teeth can become infected. 

Top Ten Teeth Whitening Tips

Everyone wants a gorgeous smile and teeth whitening is an excellent way to get one.  Unfortunately, it is easy for teeth to become yellow and stained over time.  Things like coffee can permanently discolor teeth unless they are whitened to bring back their original luster.

Our dental practice helps to create beautiful smiles.  There are things you can do at home and the dentist’s office to get whiter and brighter teeth.  Here are our top ten tips.

1.       Use whitening strips.  You can purchase whitening strips to use at home.  Make sure they are approved by the American Dental Association.  This is an affordable way to treat your teeth in between trips to the dentist.

2.       Brush with whitening toothpaste. If you are looking for the simplest way to incorporate teeth whitening into your routine, this is it.  Simply replace your toothpaste with one that has whitening agents.

3.       Make a mouth rinse with hydrogen peroxide.  The American Dental Association has approved this treatment for at home teeth whitening.  Simply make a mixture that is half water and half hydrogen peroxide.  After it starts bubbling swish it around inside of your mouth then spit out.  Make sure to brush your teeth afterwards.  The only downside is it won’t taste that great.

4.       Baking soda.  You can place baking soda onto your toothbrush and brush gently.  Leave it on your teeth for a minute before rinsing.  You have to be careful with baking soda because it is harsh and could erode the enamel on your teeth.  A safer alternative is to brush with a commercial toothpaste made with baking soda.

5.       Laser teeth whitening.  The most effective way to whiten teeth is to have a laser treatment completed at the dentist office.  This is safer than many at home treatments because it wont erode the enamel on your teeth.

6.       Stop smoking.  Cigarette smoke will stain your teeth.  Stop smoking to avoid discoloration.

7.       Avoid tannins.  Drinks with tannins will stain your teeth. This includes red wine, coffee, soda, and tea.

8.       Eat strawberries.  Strawberries contain a natural astringent that will help to lift stains.  Rub a strawberry over your teeth and leave it for a minute before drinking water.

9.       Eat cheese.  Hard cheese helps to produce saliva which removes the bacteria that causes stains.

10.   Visit the dentist.  You should schedule a teeth cleaning appointment for twice a year.  The dentist can do a thorough teeth cleaning and remove plaque from your teeth.

A bright white smile can increase your self-confidence and make you look younger. A trip to the dentist can include a teeth whitening procedure that is completed in less than an hour.  You can brighten your smile by several shades in one sitting, making professional whitening the fastest way to improve your smile.  Once your treatment has been completed make sure to avoid drinking things that can stain your teeth.  If you absolutely cannot cut out the hourly cup of coffee, consider drinking it through a straw to keep the coffee from directly touching your front teeth. 

Schedule your appointment today and brighten your world.