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).

Cosmetic Dentistry for Colorado Springs: Your FAQs on Teeth Whitening Answered! PART 2

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 second installment of this four-part FAQ guide to teeth whitening: a wonderful cosmetic dentistry treatment for Colorado Springs residents whose teeth have become slightly stained, discolored and dulled over the years. Previously, in Part 1, we established that teeth whitening is suitable for patients who are essentially in good oral health and who wish to eliminate the appearance of surface staining, as opposed to the deep discoloration caused by decay and a neglect for oral hygiene.

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

Question: There seem to be a lot of over-the-counter teeth whitening products on the market. How do these compare with the kind of professional treatment you’d receive from a cosmetic dentist in Colorado Springs?

Answer: “The answer is quite simple. Cosmetic dentists are trained medical professionals and so, we are legally allowed to use teeth whitening kits with a greater concentration of the active whitening agent, which is typically the bleach hydrogen peroxide. This agent is a very strong alkaline, which can do the same kind of damage to your body as a strong acid. And so, the prescription of professional teeth whitening products by a qualified dentist is legally necessary.

“The benefits of undergoing a supervised professional treatment is that a greater concentration of bleaching agent delivers more immediate results and a far more effective treatment. The beautiful outcomes simply cannot be compared to that of over-the-counter products, which can take weeks and months to show and even then aren’t all that impressive.”

Question: Who might benefit from over-the-counter treatments in that case? Surely they must work to an extent?

Answer: “Oh yes, they do work,” say teeth whitening experts in Colorado Springs. “These over-the-counter products can lighten the shade of your enamel, but we often encourage the patients who have just had their teeth professionally whitened to invest in them as a part of their maintenance program. Whitening toothpastes, flosses and mouthwashes are excellent for preserving the outcomes of professional treatment, especially if you love your coffee, tea and red wine. However, if you’re after fast, highly effective treatment, a cosmetic dentist is the way to go.”

Question: How does teeth whitening actually work?

Answer: “The kits we use contain the bleach hydrogen peroxide, which actually lightens the shade of your dental enamel,” explain cosmetic dentist in Colorado Springs. “Through doing this, it eliminates the appearance of staining and discoloration. The action is somewhat similar to adding regular bleach to your white laundry.

“What we have to warn patients about is the fact that this bleach doesn’t work on inorganic compounds, such as porcelain and ceramic. These materials are used to restore teeth, so if you’ve had porcelain veneers, ceramic crowns, bridges or fillings done, you must understand that the whitening treatment won’t have any effect on these surfaces. You might want to consider having your teeth whitened before having restorative work done, so that your new teeth match the beautiful white color of your healthy teeth.”

Stay Tuned for Part 3

To read the answers to more of your frequently asked questions about professional teeth whitening treatments, stay tuned for the third installment of this four-part article series (coming next week).

Teeth Whitening for Colorado Springs: Your FAQs Answered! PART 1

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

If you’re one of Colorado Springs’ many residents who are interested in undergoing teeth whitening treatment, this is a must-read for you! In this four-part article series, we shall be asking a team of cosmetic dentists all the questions we could think of concerning this vastly popular aesthetic dental treatment. Their answers could guide you on your journey to a more beautiful and glitteringly white smile!

Question: Who is the ideal candidate for teeth whitening?

Answer: “As long as you’re in good oral health, almost anyone can get their teeth whitened, which is one of the great features of this treatment,” explain cosmetic dentists in Colorado Springs. “If your teeth have become a little stained or dulled over the years as a result of the foods and beverages you consume, a professional bleaching treatment can totally change the appearance of your smile. Even smokers can have the evidence of their habit reversed somewhat, however, the effects aren’t permanent. If you continue to smoke or drink a lot of coffee, the enamel of your teeth will become stained and darkened again.”

Question: Are there cases of advanced staining that a professional teeth whitening treatment cannot address?

Answer: “Yes there are. In advanced cases where the stains have penetrated deeply into the dental enamel, or the enamel has become discolored right through, we may recommend porcelain veneers as a more effective treatment,” say teeth whitening experts in Colorado Springs. “The bleach contained by the whitening products dentists use only lightens the appearance of surface staining, so anything else would firstly require diagnosis and then possibly a different course of action.”

Question: So are you saying that discoloration caused by, for example, tooth decay cannot be reversed by a professional teeth whitening treatment?

Answer: “Yes. Many people take a look at their teeth in the mirror and think that a teeth whitening treatment will improve their smiles, which should be the case. But, this train of thought becomes hugely problematic when the issue causing discoloration is internal decay or build-up of yellowish-white plaque and tartar. If you don’t maintain proper dental hygiene at home, the appearance of your smile will suffer and you will likely require a professional teeth cleaning and treatment for decay and cavities before you can be considered a candidate for teeth bleaching.

“The very best way to maintain a beautiful white smile is simply to brush and floss your teeth regularly! But, if your teeth have become dulled or discolored because you enjoy your coffee or you were simply genetically gifted with darker, more yellow dental enamel, then a professional teeth whitening treatment could be an excellent solution.”

Stay Tuned for Part 2

It would seem we’ve arrived at the first very important lesson concerning cosmetic dental treatment, which is the importance of good oral health and hygiene. No teeth whitening dentist in Colorado Springs is going to perform a cosmetic procedure on a decayed, unhealthy smile without first eliminating signs of decay and infection.

To read the answers to more of your frequently asked questions about professional teeth whitening treatments, stay tuned for the second installment of this four-part article series (coming next week).

Colorado Springs Dentists Get Candid About Dental Implant Technology, PART 4

In this four-part article series, we speak to an experienced Colorado Springs dentist about dental implants, what they are, how they work and what patients can expect from getting them.

Welcome to the final installment of this four-part article series in which we speak to experienced Colorado Springs dentists as a comprehensive solution to missing teeth. Previously, in Part 3, we discussed what patients could typically expect from having dental implants placed. It was also revealed that most procedures seldom take more than one dental appointment and that, in spite of its unfair reputation, implant surgery doesn’t usually leave patients in that much pain!

“No more than a straightforward tooth extraction might,” adds the dentist.

This is the final installment, so let’s wrap up this series by taking a closer look at the more complex dental implant procedures designed to provide patients with a brand new set of teeth.

Can you tell us a little more about the dental implant procedure you might use to give someone a complete set of new teeth?

Colorado Springs Dental Implant Dentists: “At our practice, we like to make use of the “All-on-4” dental implant technique, which, as the name pretty much says, only requires four dental implants to provide patients with a complete set of new teeth. This procedure is considered revolutionary because it overcame many of the problems faced by traditional implant techniques. These achievements enable us to provide patients with beautiful, new, non-removable teeth in just one day with a single surgery, in almost all cases.”

What kinds of problems did these traditional dental implant techniques face?

Colorado Springs Dentists: “First of all, they would often require up to 10 dental implants per jaw in order to give patients a new set of teeth. That works out to be incredibly expensive, especially if you require new teeth in both your upper AND lower jaw. In order to place this many implants, dentists would be forced to break the procedure down into a series of more manageable surgeries and recovery periods. So, patients would be looking at spending up to 18 months in and out of the dental clinic while they gradually receive treatment. Finally, these more traditional techniques frequently required patients to first undergo bone-grafting surgery, owing to the volume of jawbone these patients had lost as a consequence of atrophy.

“When you add together all of the costs of surgery, the number of dental implants and the possible need for bone grafting, it becomes appreciable just why so many patients chose to have dentures placed instead of implants. The journey to fixed oral rehabilitation was just too long, too painful and too expensive.”

And that’s all changed with the “All-on-4”?

Colorado Springs Dental Implant Dentists: “Thankfully yes! The All-on-4 only requires four dental implants per jaw, which can quite easily be done in a single surgery. Also, owing to the careful and strategic planning of this procedure, we can provide most patients with new teeth without the need for painful bone grafting surgery. This means new teeth in one day and at a cost that is tens of thousands of dollars less.”

So the “All-on-4” is the modern standard of treatment for patients who need a full set of teeth?

Colorado Springs Dentists: “We certainly think so, as do most dentists across the country. The outcomes of the All-on-4 are fantastic and we have no shortage of patients who are utterly ecstatic with their new teeth, which look, feel and function just like a complete set of natural teeth.”

Colorado Springs Dental Implants Dentist Gets Candid About Teeth Implants, PART 3

In this four-part article series, we speak to an experienced Colorado Springs dentist about dental implants, what they are, how they work and what patients can expect from getting them.

Welcome to the third installment of this four-part article series in which we speak to an experienced Colorado Springs family dentist about implants as a comprehensive solution to missing teeth. Previously, in Part 2, the differences between implants and the more traditional approach to replacing teeth – the porcelain bridge – were explored. We also discovered a key benefit of dental implants and that was that they replace the roots of missing teeth, which helps to maintain good jawbone health.

Let’s now take a look at what patients can expect from dental implant surgery!

All right, so we’ve established that dental implants are the preferred treatment choice of many dentists across the country. Now, let’s move on to what the procedures involved in having them placed are. Can you give us a rough idea of what patients might expect?

Colorado Springs dental implant dentist: “Most patients who are only having one or two teeth replaced can have the procedure done in our office in a single dental appointment. Modern dental implant technology and techniques have really made most procedures very quick, predictable and simple. Even full mouth reconstruction can be done within the space of a single day using advanced surgical protocols, such as the All-on-4.”

Does it hurt to have dental implants done?

Colorado Springs family dentist: “We always provide patients with the gentle sedation and local anesthesia necessary to keep them completely relaxed and totally pain-free throughout the procedure. We also send patients home with prescription medications to help manage any post-operative discomfort, although most report that this is only necessary for the first few days.

Would you then say that dental implants have a bit of an unfair reputation for being painful? Because that’s what I’ve always heard.

Colorado Springs dental implant dentist: “You must remember that dental surgery has come a very long way, even over the past decade. Where dentists used to “feel our way in the dark,” we now have powerful diagnostic technology and sophisticated computer imaging software to help guide us. As a result, modern dental implant surgery is meticulously planned, minimally invasive and therefore causes minimal trauma and discomfort. Perhaps the stories you heard were from patients who had dental implants done many years ago and who, as a result, may have experienced a more painful recovery.”

Let’s talk about the success rate of dental implants.

Colorado Springs family dentist: “Ah yes, the success rate of our dental implant procedures are very high. 98% for simple cases involving single tooth replacement and 95% and higher over a period of 10 years for complex cases requiring full mouth reconstruction.”

Do you ever have cases where patients come to you with their dental implants having fallen out of their mouths?

Colorado Springs dental implant dentist: “Patients who experience any kind of post-operative difficulties usually return to our office well before anything quite so dramatic happens! It’s very rare for patients to experience problems, but if they do we insist that they contact us immediately. We also perform standard post-operative examinations after 10 to 14 days, which enables us to identify any existing or potential concerns. So, to answer your question: no. Not yet, at least and hopefully never!”

Stay Tuned for Part 4

Stay tuned for the final installment of this four-part article series to find out more about dental implants and what patients can expect from getting missing and/or irreparably damaged teeth replaced. 

Dental Implants Dentist in Colorado Springs Gets Candid About Teeth Implant Technology, PART 2

In this four-part article series, we speak to an experienced Colorado Springs dentist about dental implants, what they are, how they work and what patients can expect from getting them.

Welcome to the second installment of this four-part article series in which we speak to an experienced dental implant dentist in Colorado Springs about the virtues of this cutting-edge teeth replacement technology. Previously, in Part 1, it was explained what dental implants are, how it is they become non-removable once surgically placed and what kind of cases they can be used to treat.

We concluded Part 1 with the revelation that today’s dental implant procedures have become far more cost effective than those of yesteryear. Before we delve deeper into that issue, however, let’s take a look at how dental implants compare with alternative teeth replacement technologies.

Many Colorado Springs residents and those across the country are understandably concerned about cost. When it comes to replacing missing teeth, what options can you provide patients with and which are the cheapest?

Cosmetic Dentist in Colorado Springs: “Understandably, yes. We do offer patients a variety of tooth replacement options, depending upon their specific case. Generally speaking, porcelain bridges are the least costly. We do, however, recommend dental implants to our patients because they typically work out to be more cost effective in the long run. Dental implants don’t usually require any professional maintenance once placed and they are substantially more comfortable. They can also last at least three times longer, while bridges can require replacement after 12 years. So, while dental implants may constitute a greater initial investment, they pay off in the long run.”

What are traditional bridges?

Colorado Springs Dental Implant Dentist: “A traditional bridge is really just a device – usually made of porcelain and other composite materials – that is used to replace one or more missing teeth. It makes use of the neighboring healthy teeth for support and provides the patient with an aesthetic and functional replacement crown/s.”

Do you find them to be problematic?

Cosmetic Dentist in Colorado Springs: “To be fair, bridges can provide patients with perfectly good outcomes and they do tend to cost less than dental implants, which is why many people opt for them instead. The problem with traditional bridges is that they only replace the crowns of the teeth and not the roots. This can cause the underlying bone to atrophy over time, which results in a drop in the bone level. Infection can then become a problem because food and other debris can become trapped underneath the bridge.

“Many patients also complain about bridges not feeling natural. They are then looking at the need to have their bridge replaced or repaired after 10 or more years, so this is why many dentists simply recommend that patients have problematic teeth replaced with dental implants from the get go.”

Do dental implants prevent this atrophy from happening?

Colorado Springs Dental Implant Dentist: “Well you see, what many people don’t know is that the roots of the teeth are essential for channeling the eating forces into the supporting bone tissue. This keeps it stimulated and healthy, much like muscles are kept bulky and healthy through regular exercise. When the roots of the teeth are lost and not replaced, the underlying bone atrophies and wastes away over time, which is why people without teeth have such small, fragile lower jaws. Dental implants replace the roots of the teeth and this helps to maintain jawbone health and bulk. This is one of the most important reasons dental healthcare professionals prefer dental implants to any other teeth replacement solution.”

Stay Tuned for Part 3

Stay tuned for the third installment of this four-part article series to find out more about dental implants and what patients can expect from getting missing and/or irreparably damaged teeth replaced.