Tooth whitening can be a very effective way of lightening the natural color of your teeth without removing any of the tooth surface. It cannot make a complete color change, but it may lighten the existing shade. There are a number of reasons why you might get your teeth whitened. Everyone is different; and just as our hair and skin color vary, so do our teeth. Very few people have brilliant-white teeth, and our teeth can also become more discolored…
Invisalign are like braces, but are designed to be invisible. Aligner trays made of smooth, comfortable, BPA-free clear plastic are worn over your teeth to subtly and gently move your teeth. X-rays, pictures, and impressions to create a precise 3-D image of your teeth are used to configure your aligner trays accordingly. Invisalign does have it’s pros and cons, very much like braces. Clear/invisible Treatment time is 22-24 hrs/day for 6 to 18 months, depending on patient needs Cost averages…
For most teenagers, getting braces is a rite of passage. If you have crooked teeth or a misaligned bite, regardless of your age, braces are often the best option to help straighten teeth. Not only do braces provide you with straight teeth, a good bite, and a beautiful smile, but they also prevent long-term tooth damage caused by poor tooth or jaw alignment. For most people, a beautiful smile is the most obvious benefit. Alleviating and preventing long-term health problems is just…
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is placed into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge. Dental implants may be an option for people who have lost a tooth or teeth due to periodontal disease, an injury, or some other reason. Types of Dental Implants Endosteal (in the bone): This is the most commonly used type of implant. The various types include screws, cylinders or blades surgically placed into the jawbone. Each implant holds one…
Veneers are thin pieces of porcelain used to recreate the natural look of teeth, while also providing strength and resilience comparable to natural tooth enamel. It is often the material of choice for those looking to make slight position alterations, or to change tooth shape, size, and/or color. The Hows And Whys of Veneers Porcelain laminate veneers consist of a compilation of several thin ceramic layers which replace original tooth enamel, and an adhesive layer. To apply a veneer, a…
Missing teeth can cause a number of problems with regard to overall dental health and aesthetics. This is especially true when a person is missing multiple teeth. Thankfully there are plenty of solutions to consider. When you meet with a skilled dentist, you can go over all of these matters in much greater detail. Problems Associated with Missing Teeth When you are missing many teeth, there’s more to worry about than just smile aesthetics. The area around your lips and…
Missing teeth can cause a number of serious problems such as the shifting of remaining teeth, or additional tooth loss. We can provide dental bridges at our office to restore the structure and function of your smile, and to renew your self-confidence. If you are interested in dental bridges or another of our restorative dentistry services, contact our office today. Understanding the Procedure Dental bridges are natural-looking porcelain restorations that are anchored either by a dental implant, or by the…
Dental Crowns Dental crowns are a secure way to fill gaps and help restore your smile if you have missing or damaged teeth. A crown can also help you bite and chew better, which can positively impact other systems in your body, such as a your digestive system. Martinez Family Dental offers a variety of handcrafted crown styles. We will will help you determine what crown is best for you based on your requirements. What is a crown? A crown…
When A Tooth Can’t Be Fixed… It needs to be removed. Your dentist may recommend extracting a tooth if: Your tooth is too damaged by a fracture or deep cavity to repair. You have a sizable infection that cannot be resolved by a root canal alone. You have teeth that are blocking other teeth from coming in. These may be extra teeth or baby teeth that have not fallen out yet. Wisdom teeth, which typically come in during your teens or…
Do You Clench Your Teeth? Studies suggest that as much as 30% of the adult population grind or clench their teeth to some degree while sleeping. Not only is sleep lest restful this way, but this practice can have long-term harmful effects on teeth, gums, bones, and the TMJ (temporomandibular joint). The sooner that this practice is discovered and corrected, the more discomfort and damage may be eliminated. What Is A Nightguard? A simple device may be prescribed to reduce…