Ways to Keep a Whiter Smile

Just about everyone wants to have a beautiful white smile. From home remedies to tooth paste people will try just about anything to get their teeth even just a shade lighter. If you’re serious about getting whiter teeth and keeping them whiter here are some habits to get into and some habits to lose.

Toothpaste

Using whitening toothpaste can slightly remove surface stains caused by different foods and drinks. When choosing toothpaste it is important to read the manufacturer’s directions.

Most often than not it is safe to use whitening paste daily but checking the warnings is important because of the chemicals inside. Another factor to consider is that over time whitening paste may damage the natural enamel of the teeth so it is best to cycle on and off of them occasionally.

Oral Hygiene

Proper dental habits can keep your teeth sparkling. The recommended brushing twice a day and flossing once is to remove plaque buildup and residue. The plaque is one of the many things that can stain teeth so it is also recommended to visit the dentist twice a year for cleanings to get the plaque in places the brushing can’t.

Smoking is not in the good oral hygiene column either. Apart from all of the other reasons not to smoke, here is another. It stains your teeth and actually contributes to the bacteria and plaque buildup in your mouth.

Beverages

Certain liquids can stain the teeth. Coffee, tea and red wine are among the most common. Some people cannot start their mornings without coffee, but the effects could be lowered by reducing the intake by even half.

If that isn’t a fair enough trade off then it can help to brush your teeth directly after consuming the beverage. Another alternative is to drink those liquids through a straw as to avoid staining the front teeth that show. It would be pretty funny to see someone drink red wine through a straw, but you’ll impress more people with your smile.

Treatments

With such a high demand to have whiter teeth many companies now make whitening treatments that you can buy at the department store. Whitening strips can work but need to be used very precisely and can sometimes leave an uneven coloring.

If none of this is enough to satisfy you than dental offices do have a more expensive solution. Bleaching and other whitening treatments can remove the majority of all stains and leave your teeth shining.

Even after using a bleaching treatment your teeth will start to yellow again if proper habits aren’t formed. A lifestyle change to give your teeth the best chance to remain white will be the most effective way to a smile you’re proud of.

Contact Dr. Kevin Gasser

Gasser Dental Implant Center is located in Sun City, Arizona, just east of Boswell Hospital.

(Dr. Gasser and his team will be moving the Bell Plaza soon.)

Kevin L. Gasser, D.D.S.
13000 N. 103rd Avenue, Ste. 76,
Sun City, AZ 85351
Phone: (623) 972-8217
Fax: (623) 972-1406

Single Tooth Implant Replacement

A single tooth implant might be a better solution than a bridge for many reasons which will be discussed in this article.

Even at a young age some people can lose a tooth for many reasons. No matter the reason there are different options to choose from for a replacement. A single tooth implant is one of the better options.

The Procedure

The single implant will be placed into the bone tissue provided that bone is still undamaged. If this is a problem it can hopefully be corrected with the modern technology of a cosmetic dentist in Arizona.

After the implant is placed it needs time to heal so a temporary crown will allow the patient to have a normal smile until the final customized tooth crown can be placed at a later date.

Once the implant has healed it almost becomes an extension of the jaw bone. This is a solution to all of the dental problems that can be caused by a missing tooth. There won’t be any bone or jaw shifting, teeth will remain where they are, and your smile will be just as beautiful as before.

Advantages

A single tooth implant allows you to treat your smile no different than you would have if it was all your natural teeth. It still needs brushed and flossed just like natural teeth, but that’s something that should be done every day regardless.

Certain sticky or tough foods won’t be any more challenging to eat with an implant. Not only is the crown durable, but it is fixed in place creating a strength that all of your other teeth naturally have.

Bridge Verses Tooth Implant

Another alternative to a tooth replacement is a bridge which requires the neighboring teeth to be shaved down to support the cemented bridge. This solution isn’t as long term. The surrounding bone will continue to deteriorate which is a major concern.

With a bridge, gums can recede and allow the metal bridge underneath to be seen ruining the natural appearance of a smile. After a while it becomes hard to keep the bridge clean and bacteria can lead to decay of the surrounding teeth.

Smiling

The best thing about a tooth implant is its ability to look just like your natural teeth. No one will even notice that you have a replacement, unless of course you tell them. Even then you’ll have complete confidence in your smile for almost a lifetime.

If a beautiful lifelong smile is a concern let a cosmetic dentist know and they can recommend the best solution to your personal problem. Be sure to ask if a single tooth implant is in your best interest.

All about Dentures

This article seeks to inform people of important aspects of dentures and the positive and negative side effects that come along with them.

As a kid some people remember their grandparents playing with their teeth or watched them take them out completely. With age, those kids learned that these are called dentures, a removable replacement for missing teeth.

A lot of people in the local area can avoid needing dentures in Arizona, but for those who do it is important to know how they function.

How they are made

The first thing a dentist will do is take impressions of the jaw to get the spacing right for the dentures to fit properly. Once they have an impression a mold will be made, such as the one in the picture above.

This mold will need to be tried on a few times to check for fit, shape, and possibly color. Once you and the dentist agree the final cast will be made allowing for adjustments just as needed.

Types of Dentures

There are different kinds of dentures available in Sun City dentistry. You will either need a partial or complete set.  Based on how many teeth are lost or need to be removed will clarify this decision for you.

People lose teeth from gum disease which affects the roots of the teeth and causes decay. If all of the teeth have been removed a complete denture can be worn 12 weeks after. A partial set can be placed almost immediately.

Partial Dentures

Partial dentures are more similar to a style of an implant in that it prevents the other teeth from shifting. These partial dentures have to be cemented in place in order to be effective. It is usually still removable and has internal adjustments instead of clasps.

Complete Dentures

There are two styles of complete dentures, immediate and conventional.  Conventional are the better option. This style isn’t placed until the 12 weeks after mark to accommodate the shifting of the gums as it heals from tooth removal.

Immediate dentures allow the patient to not go without teeth, but these will need to be adjusted and refitted throughout the healing process. It is recommended to use these as temporary dentures.

Problems

Most dentures rub against to gums and cause irritation and excessive discomfort. They are removable and don’t always stay in place especially when eating. This limits the foods available for denture patients to eat.

If the denture isn’t fixed in place it allows the jaw bone to shift and deforms the natural shape of the face over time. They also need to be replaced every few years at the patient’s expense because durability is an issue.

Price

They start at around $300 for a partial set and can get as expensive as $4,000 for a premium full set (approx.). Most insurances cover most to all of the cost so it’s a good idea to look into your options.

If money isn’t an issue dental implants might be an even better option to consider. This option just allows for less hassle and a one-time cost verses needing adjustments every few years.

Dentures can cause different problems but it is a relatively cheap solution to missing teeth. Talking to the dentist about your options is a great place to start.

Cost of Dental Implants

One of the big questions to any decision is the cost. This article discusses the cost of dental implants along with what you get for your money.

Many factors contribute to every decision people make. Fit and color are just as important as cost and quality in some cases. When it comes to a new smile, what factors matter most? Everyone is different, but cost seems to be a big contributor.

One of the most popular solutions to tooth loss in AZ is currently dental implants. Some people would argue that it is the best bang for your buck, but it depends on what factors you personally value most.

Quality

Before cost even becomes an issue the quality needs to be proven.  Liking the product is the first step. When shopping most people don’t look at a price tag until after they have tried it on and fallen in love with it.

Dental implants have almost lifetime longevity with the proper care. This care isn’t anything more expensive than what it takes to keep natural teeth healthy. As long as you follow the doctor’s instructions there won’t need to be another surgery or replacement. It will be a one-time expense.

Reviews

Most cosmetic dentists in Arizona have patient reviews on their websites. The majority of their patients are thrilled with the work they had done. Even when sifting through reviews on various different sites you’ll find it difficult to find an unsatisfied customer.

With a success rate of over 95% and 4 out of 5 stars on most patient reviews it is hard to say that this procedure isn’t worth at least considering.

Cost

Here it is; the big one. Just like with any other product the price range varies. Depending on how many teeth need implants increases the cost. One tooth will range around 4,000 and go up from there.

For a full set of upper and lower implants the average cost is $34,000 (approx.). All-on-4 implants tend to be cheaper because of how permanent they are. With other implants temporary dentures need to be fixed as well, adding to the cost.

With these higher prices it is imperative to check with your insurance agency to see what part of the surgery will be covered. Unfortunately most insurance companies see dental implants as a cosmetic surgery only and will cover 10% or less.

If this is the case than talking to your dentist about payment plans or other solutions might be a better option if it becomes too expensive. Most dentists are willing to work with your budget in order to get you the best service available.

Quality comes at a cost most of the time and dental implants are no exception to that rule. With a high success and satisfaction rating, implants are one of the top options, but cost can keep that out of reach for some. Exploring your payment options is a good place to start if implants are something you still want.

How All on 4’s are Made

This article will describe how the All on 4’s are made and placed to keep them so durable.

For many years the easiest solution to tooth loss was dentures. Dentures are not known for their durability and even make eating certain food nearly impossible. Then All-on-4 implants arrived and are just as durable as normal teeth.  Technology truly has advanced, but what makes these implants so durable and comfortable?

Material

These implants are made of titanium which is a light but durable metal. For example, most aircrafts, missiles, golf clubs, and even body piercings are made of titanium.  All of those objects need to be exceptionally durable to function properly.

Titanium is the reason that All-On-4 implants practically last a lifetime and is comfortably light. Heavier metals would damage the bone in the jaw that holds the implant in place making it impossible to stay put.

Parts and Procedure

The reason for the name All-On-4 is that only four screws, know are roots are required for the placement of a full set of teeth. The implants are angled into the jaw bone for the firmest grip.  Four predetermined sites will receive the anchors or roots which will be inserted into the jaw bone and left alone to heal first.

During the healing phase the patient will have light weight dentures as a temporary solution. These dentures are designed to put minimal pressure on the treated area for a speedy healing process.

After the body has had time to fuse with the jaw bone and heal the surrounding tissue it will then receive the arch. There are two arches of the durable teeth, upper and bottom. The teeth themselves are made of porcelain while the framework is made of titanium.

Recovery

Once the arches are in place the procedure is over. Other then carefully following the directions of your Sun City dentist to ensure proper recovery there is no extra work required.

It is paramount to continue to brush and floss daily as you would with natural teeth. It is necessary to keep the two yearly appointments with your dentist for cleaning as well. Unless any new problems arise later down the road it won’t take any extra maintenance than natural teeth.

Overall just be sure to be truthful with your doctor during and after the procedure to ensure the best possible outcome with your All-on-4 implants.