FAQ
Why do I get decay (cavities)?
Frequently Asked Questions about Whitening
Who can benefit from tooth whitening?
Do many people whiten their teeth?
What causes tooth discoloration?
Will my dental insurance cover this procedure?
What makes Porcelain Veneers so unique?
How long would porcelain veneers last and will they stain over a period of time?
ANSWERS
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I get decay (cavities)?
Dental decay happens when the germs in your mouth eat the sugar you take in to form acids that accumulate on your teeth. The acids literally dissolve the teeth, making the holes we call cavities. As the holes get bigger, they trap more germs, so the cavities continue to grow to the point where an abscess will form if the cavity is not cleaned out and repaired.
To Prevent Decay, We Stress:
1 ) Daily effective oral hygiene measures at home including brushing, flossing, oral irrigators etc., to remove bacteria, plaque and accumulating acids.
2) Early detection of open crevices on teeth and leaking old fillings to eradicate decay in its earliest stages.
3) Reduction in dietary sugar to minimize the acid making potential of the bacteria that even the best brushing and flossing might miss.
4) Prescription-strength Fluoride treatment to harden the teeth to make them more decay-resistant, for children and adults.
5) Most important, consistent and regular professional dental examinations, cleanings and x-rays when appropriate to keep you apprised of your dental condition, increase home care effectiveness and clean the spots that are hard for you to get.
The topical application of fluoride has been investigated since the early 1940s. Numerous clinical studies have evaluated the cavity protection offered by topical application of specific fluoride products. Most of the early caries (cavities) studies involved the permanent teeth of children. The clinical results in studies involving adults, however, are positive; and the same protective mechanisms that are active in children also apply to adults.
A recent National Institute of Dental Research survey found that adults had an average of 23 decayed and filled tooth surfaces, with 30% of adults having more than 30 decayed or restored surfaces. Recurrent or secondary decay around fillings represents a major dental problem. Surveys demonstrate that 40-50% of replaced fillings were caused by recurrent cavities.
As we grow older, many of us suffer from gum recession. This means root surfaces become exposed, providing a new group of susceptible areas not generally found in children. In the U.S., adults are living longer and keeping a greater number of their teeth; therefore, the incidence of root cavities in the adult population is steadily increasing On another related issue, tooth sensitivity (hot or cold sensitivity) now affects one in seven adults, some 40 million Americans, at one time or another.
Fluoride treatments can be the answer for you. The latest research has demonstrated that properly applied Fluoride not only inhibits cavities by forming a more acid resistant surface layer, but it also works by reversing or remineralizing early forming cavities (white spots). It is now understood that fluoride is capable of enhancing the rate of natural remineraliziation by saliva. Fluoride relieves tooth sensitivity by initiating a rapid mineralizion of the exposed root surfaces.
Your dental professional can best advise you whether Fluoride treatments are indicated. The bottom line is that many adults can benefit from Fluoride treatments.
Gingivitis is the most common periodontal disease, affecting 90% of the population. It is an infection of the gums caused by bacteria that form plaque. In small amounts (when it is newly formed), plaque is invisible and relatively harmless. But when left to accumulate, it increases in volume and the proportion of harmful bacteria grows. These bacteria release toxins that result in inflammation of the gum tissue. Eventually, the plaque hardens and forms hard deposits called calculus or tartar.
If not properly treated, gingivitis may progress to periodontitis, a periodontal disease in which there is loss of the bone that supports the teeth.
The American Dental Association says that over 75-80% of all adults have or will have some form of gum disease. Gum disease, or more correctly called “periodontal disease”, is a bacterial infection in the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. It can be divided into several categories. The first stage is called “gingivitis” and is characterized by gum tissue that is red, puffy, and bleeds easily when touched with a toothbrush, floss or dental instrument. The second, third, and fourth stages are initial, moderate, and advanced “periodontal disease”, respectively. These stages are different from gingivitis because the infection has destroyed the bone supporting the teeth, causing eventual tooth loss.
Frequently Asked Questions about Whitening
Who can benefit from tooth whitening?
Almost anyone! However, treatment may be more effective for certain types of discoloration. We perform a thorough oral examination with tooth shade assessment to help predict your level of success with tooth whitening procedures.
Do many people whiten their teeth?
More people than you might imagine. A bright, sparkling smile can make a big difference for anyone. Multiple advances in tooth whitening make whitening easier, faster, and more dramatic than ever before.
Is there any difference between tooth whiteners available at the pharmacy and products available at your office?
Absolutely! While over-the-counter tooth whitening strips, brush-on gels and toothpastes work, they take weeks to months to whiten your teeth just a few shades. The results require patience, diligence, and expense for modest results. Only a dentist can get your teeth this white, this fast.
What causes tooth discoloration?
There are many causes. The most common include aging and consumption of staining substances such as coffee, tea, colas, tobacco, and red wine. These stains respond extremely well to whitening. Certain antibiotics especially tetracyclines or excessive fluoride may also cause tooth discoloration during tooth formation. These types of stains also respond to treatment but less dramatically than “garden-variety” staining described above.
The results of whitening are long-lasting but not indefinite. Continuing the foods that originally stained the teeth will eventually start to stain the teeth over time. However, following simple post whitening care instructions, will keep your teeth bright.
Yes. Extensive research indicates that whitening teeth under the supervision of a dentist is safe. In fact, many dentists consider whitening the safest cosmetic dental procedure available. Although generally safe, we do not recommended or offer whitening for pregnant women, nursing mothers, or children under 14 years of age.
Will my dental insurance cover this procedure?
No. As with most cosmetic dental procedures, insurance will not cover the treatment cost.
What makes Porcelain Veneers so unique?
The uniqueness of veneers is their ability to produce the most natural white teeth appearance possible. This “natural teeth” appearance is a result of the inherent translucency of the veneer material. In most previous approaches, the light reflected of the surface of the restoration resulting a clean but “flat” look to the restored tooth. Porcelain veneers allow light to penetrate the wafer shell and reflect only from the inside surface of the tooth structure. This penetration of light produces a translucency which is very natural looking and attractive.
How long would porcelain veneers last and will they stain over a period of time?
Porcelain veneers will last for a long time provided routine care is taken to maintain good oral health, say up to 7 to 10 years or more. Porcelain Veneers may need replacement if they are damaged or chipped or indicate loss of bonding with the underlying tooth structure. The following are a few suggestions to maximize the life of veneers:
1. Practice good oral home care. Decay in the underlying tooth structure may result if regular oral hygiene is not maintained.
2. Avoid grinding or clenching your teeth (”Bruxism”) since these actions put tremendous forces on the teeth and can break or move the veneer. An occlusal guard is frequently recommended to prolong the life of the veneers.
3. Avoid biting on hard things, such as bottle caps, fingernails, ice cubes etc.
Porcelain veneers can be an effective method to make cosmetic changes in teeth which are chipped, stained, crooked, or worn out. The decision on whether or not porcelain veneers are a good choice is only possible after a thorough cosmetic evaluation and examination by a dentist. In general, veneers are recommended for patients when:
1. Teeth are crooked or badly stained.
2. Minor orthodontic improvements to straighten appearance of the teeth
3. Closing unsightly gaps in the front teeth of the mouth.
