Everything You Wanted to Know About Dental Implants: A Cosmetic Dentist in Pueblo CO Addresses Your FAQ, PART 2

Welcome to the second installment of this four-part FAQ guide to teeth replacement using dental implants! Previously, in Part 1, an experienced cosmetic dentist in Pueblo CO provided the insightful answers to our initial questions, which included an explanation of what dental implants are and how the cost of implant surgery is determined.

Now, let’s move on to some questions on how dental implants compare with traditional teeth replacement technology…

Question: Oftentimes, it’s the cost of a service that determines whether or not consumers choose it. Do you find patients opting for cheaper technologies over dental implants even though it is clear that implants are superior?

Answer: “To correct you, it’s actually not clear to most of our patients that implants are superior,” explains the cosmetic dentist. “The Pueblo residents we treat come to us knowing very little about why they are experiencing tooth loss in the first place and what treatment options they have to correct it. And so we explain to them that they could have a denture fitted or they could have dental implants done. Unfortunately, patients tend to tune out the very long list of implant benefits we provide and focus only on the cost difference. Naturally a few hundred dollars sounds far better than a few thousand.

“What’s especially sad is that these same patients will come back in our office every year complaining about the increasing pain, discomfort and difficulty caused by wearing dentures and there’s really very little we can do about it if they’re unwilling to foot the bill for a more sophisticated dental solution. These concerns didn’t matter at the beginning of treatment, because these patients were just so relieved to have a set of teeth that looked healthy. Now, however, they are faced with the reality of denture-wearing… and it’s not pretty.”

Question: Why are dentures so problematic?

Answer: “Two reasons: they don’t replace the roots of the teeth and as a result, the underlying jawbone actually begins to atrophy and waste away, because it’s not getting any functional stimulation. This causes the bite to weaken and the maxillofacial region to develop that sunk-in appearance typically associated with denture wearing.

“The next reason is that dentures rely on their bulkiness and the underlying gums to remain stabilized in the mouth. Their bulk causes unnatural smile aesthetics by stretching the lips and they’re very uncomfortable to eat with – some patients complain that their dentures make them gag. Additionally, the fact that dentures push down on and rub against the gums causes incessant pain and discomfort, so much so, that it can lead to malnutrition,” says the Pueblo dentist.

Question: So, dental implants are the industry recommendation for a very good reason?

Answer: “Absolutely! Wearing dentures can totally wreck your quality of life, as well as shorten your life expectancy by 10 years due to lack of proper nutrition and depression.”

Stay Tuned for Part 3

Stay tuned for the third installment of this four-part article series to read the answers to more of your frequently asked questions about dental implants.

Cosmetic Dentistry for Pueblo CO: Your FAQs on Teeth Whitening Answered! PART 4

This four-part article series provides a comprehensive overview of in-office teeth whitening as a fantastic cosmetic solution to stained and discolored teeth.

Welcome to the third installment of this four-part FAQ guide to teeth whitening and the advice cosmetic dentists have for Pueblo CO residents whose teeth have become slightly discolored, stained and dulled over the years. Previously, in Part 3, the technique used to professionally whiten teeth was explained, as well as the possible side effect, which is most commonly tooth sensitivity.

Let’s now take a look at the answers to just a few of your remaining questions about this cosmetic dental treatment…

Question: How long do the outcomes of a professional treatment last?

Answer: “This really depends on your diet and whether or not you’re a smoker. If you tend to consume a lot of dark beverages and foods, such as coffee, tea, soda and red wine, then you’ll probably notice your teeth becoming duller after a year or more. If you’re a smoker, the same will likely apply. If, however, you avoid dark foods and beverages as much as possible, don’t smoke and clean your teeth regularly, then the outcomes of your treatment could last seven years and longer! We also advise patients to keep up a maintenance program to ensure that their outcomes last as long as possible.”

Question: What can I do to prolong the outcomes of my professional teeth whitening treatment?

Answer: “Once your teeth have been whitened, there’s nothing preventing them from becoming stained or discolored again,” explains a cosmetic dentist in Pueblo CO. “So, it’s really up to you to make sure you prevent this from happening in order to prolong the beautiful outcomes of your treatment. We generally recommend that patients avoid tobacco-use and beverages that contain pigments, tannins and colorants, as this is probably how your teeth became stained in the first place.

“Another crucial component of keeping your teeth beautiful and white is good home oral hygiene and routine visits with the dentist and oral hygienist. If you look after your teeth, they’ll remain beautiful for life. And the occasional professional teeth whitening treatment can help you retain that Hollywood smile.”

Question: What would be your final word of advice to the Pueblo CO residents reading this article?

Answer: “Good oral hygiene is key! Everyone comes to the cosmetic dentist looking for smile improvement; everyone wants a gorgeous and confident smile, but what few Pueblo CO residents realize is – in most cases – just how easy this is to do at home. By brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing every night and maintaining a healthy lifestyle (which means eating healthy food and NOT smoking) you can keep your teeth and gums in beautiful lifelong condition.

“You don’t necessarily need to spend tens of thousands of dollars on cosmetic dental treatment if you take the time to care for your pearly whites. If, however, you do find yourself unhappy with the appearance of your teeth, we are here to help you achieve smile perfection. So, the take-home message is that smile beauty through good oral health is the way to go,” say teeth whitening experts in Pueblo CO.

Teeth Whitening for Pueblo CO: Your FAQs Answered! PART 3

This four-part article series provides a comprehensive overview of in-office teeth whitening as a fantastic cosmetic solution to stained and discolored teeth.

Welcome to the third installment of this four-part FAQ guide to teeth whitening for Pueblo CO residents whose teeth have become slightly stained, discolored and dulled over the years. Previously, in Part 2, we looked into the difference between professional whitening treatments and over-the-counter products, the former of which is able to deliver far more effective and immediate outcomes, while the latter is good for maintenance.

Our team of cosmetic dentists also explained that the bleaching agent in professional whitening kits does not work with the inorganic compounds used to fabricate veneers, artificial crowns, fillings and bridges. This is why it’s best to have your teeth professionally whitened prior to having any restorative work done.

Let’s continue exploring the capabilities, methods and benefits of this treatment…

Question: What method is used by cosmetic dentists in Pueblo CO to professionally whiten teeth?

Answer: “Many cosmetic dentists make use of a bleaching gel, which you squeeze out into a custom-designed mouth tray before inserting it into your mouth and pressing it against your teeth. We create this tray – or retainer – from molds we take of your teeth during a routine examination. Once your mouth tray has been made, you come to the office to collect it and you can begin your treatment from the comfort of your home.

“We typically recommend that patients wear their mouth trays (lined with the bleaching gel) for an hour or two every day,” explain teeth whitening dentists in Pueblo CO. “The length of treatment time depends on the individual patient, so this will be explained to you during your appointment; however, most people will undergo treatment for two weeks or until they have achieved the desired whiteness.

“Once the initial desired results have been achieved, you should wear your tray every so often – perhaps once a month or as recommended to you by the dentist – to maintain your beautiful new smile.”

Question: What if I’m still not happy with the color of my teeth after the recommended treatment time?

Answer: “It’s very important that you don’t mess around with the treatment times and dosage recommendations,” warn teeth whitening experts in Pueblo CO. “Overexposure to the bleaching agent in the gel could do damage to your gums and teeth. If you still feel that your teeth aren’t white enough after treatment, give your dentist a call and find out what he or she recommends. Remember, hydrogen peroxide – the bleaching agent - is a very strong alkaline and strong alkaline can do the same kind of damage strong acids do.”

Question: Are there any side effects of a standard teeth whitening treatment?

Answer: “The most common side effect of teeth whitening is tooth sensitivity. In most cases, it’s not problematic, but some patients do report feeling a little uncomfortable. If this happens, call your dentist and see what he or she recommends. Tooth sensitivity can always be managed with special toothpastes, such as Sensodyne, but if your teeth respond unnaturally to treatment, may require re-evaluation.”

Stay Tuned for Part 4

To read the answers to a few last questions about professional teeth whitening treatments, stay tuned for the final installment of this four-part article series (coming next week).

Want New Teeth? The Cosmetic Dentist’s Repertoire For Working Magic On Pueblo CO Residents’ Damaged Teeth, PART 2

This four-part article series takes a closer look at the various technologies and techniques available for the repair and replacement of damaged, worn and discolored teeth.

Welcome to the second installment of this four-part article series on the various tools, treatments, techniques and technology available for the perfection of smiles. In our previous article, Part 1, we spoke to a panel of Pueblo CO cosmetic dentists who explained what a remarkable difference a simple professional teeth cleaning or teeth whitening treatment can make for the appearance of one’s smile. If, however, your dental woes are a little more serious and you feel that you’re in desperate need of new teeth, there are still several options for you. We will be exploring those in this article and in the next.

Dental Veneers

Have you ever owned a table that had its fair share of stains, coffee rings and burn marks from the time you learned the hard way that incense ash is as hot as the actual cinder? Most of us have. The solution? Throw a pretty tablecloth over it to make it look like new!

Dental or porcelain veneers are similar in concept. A dental veneer is an ultra-fine shell or covering of porcelain material that is custom-made by a cosmetic dentist to fit over the front surface of a tooth. The tooth in question will be very stained or perhaps deeply discolored. It may even be chipped, cracked or fractured, or it may have a large gap between it and the next one. Whatever the imperfection, your Pueblo cosmetic dentist can custom design a veneer to fit over it, camouflaging it quite neatly!

If you are totally unhappy with your smile, you can have veneers fitted to all of your teeth, quite literally giving you a smile makeover, or you can have just one mounted onto a particularly unaesthetic tooth. The sky’s the limit!

Veneers are considered a cosmetic treatment, but in cases where they are replacing portions of the tooth structure that have been lost to accidental trauma or decay, they can actually help to preserve the health of the tooth. They can actually help to prevent you from needing new teeth sooner rather than later.

Dental Bonding and Tooth Colored Fillings

Gone are the days when dentists would recommend amalgam fillings to patients in need of dental repair. New, tooth-colored fillings are the most aesthetic and beneficial solution for teeth that require a cavity filled, areas of decay patched up or particularly deep cusps filled in (sealants). If you still have amalgam fillings from childhood, it is more than possible to have them replaced with a far more attractive and natural looking ceramic tooth-colored filling, so speak to your dentist!

“A timely filling or dental bonding can go very far in helping to prevent a tooth sustaining further damage or decay and with the development of today’s advanced, durable and tooth-colored restorative materials, the job can be just as aesthetically pleasing as it is functional,” say Pueblo CO dental implant dentists.

Stay Tuned for Part 3

To learn more about the various treatments that can be done and dental technologies available to improve the appearance of your teeth and gums, stay tuned for the third installment of this four-part article series.