5 Reasons You Shouldn’t Be Afraid of Cosmetic Dentistry

What Is Cosmetic Dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry is a branch of dentistry that focuses on enhancing the appearance of your smile. It combines cosmetic and dental procedures to improve teeth’ size, shape, color, alignment, and overall look. As cosmetic dentistry becomes increasingly popular, it’s important to know the facts before you make any decisions regarding cosmetic treatments. Here are 5 reasons why you shouldn’t be afraid of cosmetic dentistry:

1. You Can Improve Your Self-Confidence

Cosmetic dentistry can positively impact your self-esteem and self-confidence by giving you a beautiful smile. A cosmetic treatment like teeth whitening or veneers can make you feel more attractive and confident regarding your appearance.

2. It Can Help Improve Your Oral Health

cosmetic dentistry can help boost your oral health as well. Procedures like dental implants and crowns replace missing or damaged teeth, which can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Furthermore, cosmetic treatments such as braces can realign crooked teeth so that you can properly chew food and clean all the surfaces of your teeth for a healthy mouth.

3. You Don’t Need To Sacrifice Comfort For Beauty

Cosmetic dentists use advanced technology to ensure the cosmetic procedure is comfortable. Many procedures are done under local anesthesia without discomfort during treatment.

4. Results Are Long-Lasting

When it comes to cosmetic dentistry, the results are long-lasting and durable. Cosmetic treatments like veneers or dental implants can last many years with proper care and maintenance.

5. It’s Affordable

Finally, cosmetic dentistry is more affordable than ever before. Many cosmetic procedures are covered by insurance plans, meaning you don’t have to worry about paying for a costly procedure out of pocket. Furthermore, cosmetic dentists offer financing options so that you can budget your payments over time.

Summary

Cosmetic dentistry is an increasingly popular choice for those looking to enhance their smile – and with good reason! Not only can cosmetic dentistry improve your self-confidence, but it can also help improve your oral health, and the results are often long-lasting. Furthermore, cosmetic procedures are becoming more affordable than ever before. If you want to enhance your smile with cosmetic treatments, don’t hesitate to speak with a cosmetic dentist about all your options.

Q: What cosmetic procedures are available?

Cosmetic dentistry covers a wide range of treatments, such as teeth whitening, veneers, dental implants, crowns, and braces. Your cosmetic dentist can help you decide which treatment is right for you.

Q: How long do cosmetic treatments last?

Depending on the type of treatment, cosmetic treatments can last anywhere from several months to several years. For example, teeth whitening typically lasts between 6 and 12 months, while dental implants can last for many years with proper care and maintenance.

Q: Does insurance cover cosmetic procedures?

Insurance plans cover many cosmetic treatments. However, it’s important to check with your provider, as coverage can vary depending on the plan.

How Do I Know If I Need A Dental Filling?

Good dental health is essential for living life to its fullest. Dental fillings can help restore proper function and keep your mouth healthy, but how do you know if you need a filling? In this article, we’ll discuss the signs that indicate a dental filling is required and answer some frequently asked questions about the process.

Signs You Might Need A Dental Filling

One of the most common signs that you may need a dental filling is experiencing tooth sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures. Other indicators include discomfort when biting down hard on something, pain when chewing food, discoloration or changes in the shape of your teeth, and holes or visible pits. If you experience any of these symptoms, you must visit a dentist for an examination and X-rays.

Sensitivity to Hot and Cold Temperatures

The most common sign that you may need a dental filling is experiencing sensitivity when consuming hot or cold food or beverages. Pain in the teeth can range from mild to severe, depending on the extent of the decay. If you are having trouble eating your favorite foods due to sensitivity, it’s essential to get checked out by a dentist as soon as possible.

Discomfort When Biting Down Hard On Something

If you experience pain when biting down hard on something, such as popcorn kernels or ice cubes, this could indicate that you have decay that needs to be filled. Having this type of discomfort checked out as soon as possible is essential, as it could lead to further damage and the need for additional treatment.

Pain When Chewing Food

If you experience pain when chewing food, this can be an indication that you may need a dental filling. The pain may range from mild to severe, making it difficult or uncomfortable to eat certain foods. If you are experiencing pain when chewing food, you must visit your dentist for an examination and X-rays so they can determine the cause and provide the necessary treatment.

Discoloration or Changes in the Shape of Your Teeth

If you notice any discoloration or changes in your teeth’ shape, this could indicate that you may have decay. If left untreated, the decay can cause further damage, such as holes and pits in the tooth enamel. Visiting a dentist for an examination is important to detect any issues early and prevent serious dental problems.

Holes or Visible Pits in Your Teeth

It’s essential to visit your dentist as soon as possible so they can provide a proper examination and provide the necessary treatment. Visibly seeing holes or pits in your teeth can signify that you need a dental filling. Decay can start small, but it can spread and worsen if left untreated.

Changes in the Shape of Teeth

Decay can cause your teeth to become chipped or cracked, resulting in further damage if not treated properly. Changes in the shape of your teeth can also indicate that you may need a dental filling. It’s essential to visit your dentist as soon as possible so they can detect any issues early on and provide the necessary care.

Discoloration of Teeth

Discoloration of your teeth indicates that you may need a dental filling. This discoloration could be due to decay or other factors, such as tea, coffee, smoking, or medications. If you notice any changes in the color of your teeth, you must visit your dentist for an examination and X-rays.

Dental Filling Process

Once a dentist has determined that you need a dental filling, they will begin removing any decayed material from the affected area and replacing it with a composite resin material. The process typically takes about one hour and can be done in one appointment at the dentist’s office.

Prepping Teeth Before Filling

Before placing a filling, the dentist must first prepare the tooth by numbing it with local anesthesia and then cleaning out any decay or damaged material. It is necessary to ensure that the filling adheres properly to the tooth and does not cause further damage.

Placing the Filling

Once the tooth is prepped, the dentist places a composite resin material into the cavity and uses a special light to harden it. The entire process takes about one hour and does not require multiple appointments.

Aftercare for Dental Fillings

After receiving a dental filling, taking care of your teeth with proper brushing and flossing techniques is essential. You should also avoid hard or sticky foods that could dislodge your filling and schedule regular check-ups with your dentist to ensure the filling is secure.

Final Words

Knowing potential signs that you need a dental filling can help you detect any issues early and reduce the chances of serious dental problems. It’s essential to visit your dentist as soon as you notice any changes in your teeth, such as pain when chewing, discoloration, or changes in shape. The entire dental filling process typically takes about one hour and can be done in a single appointment at the dentist’s office.

1. How do I know if I need a dental filling?

You may need a dental filling if you are experiencing pain when chewing food, discoloration or changes in the shape of your teeth, visible holes or pits, or any other changes to your teeth. It’s essential to visit your dentist for an examination and X-rays so they can determine if you need a dental filling.

2. How long does the dental filling process take?

The entire dental filling process typically takes about one hour and can be done in a single appointment at the dentist’s office.

3. What type of aftercare is required for my dental fillings?

After receiving a dental filling, it’s essential to take care of your teeth with proper brushing and flossing techniques. You should also avoid hard or sticky foods that could dislodge your filling and schedule regular check-ups with your dentist to ensure the filling is secure.

Know What You Should do If Your Veneer Falls off!

Are you worried about your Veneer falling off? Veneers are used in cosmetic dentistry to enhance the appearance of stained, chipped, broken or misaligned teeth. Unfortunately, veneers can sometimes come loose and need a quick fix. If this happens to you, don’t panic! This blog will discuss what should be done if your Veneer falls off.

Steps To Take If Your Veneer Falls Off

Consult with a Dentist

Veneers are cemented directly to the tooth’s surface, which means they are not removable. It makes it difficult for you as a patient to repair on your own. The chances of successfully reattaching a veneer depend significantly on how long ago it came off and whether any damage was done to the tooth’s underlying structure. If your Veneer falls off, you should make an appointment with your dentist. Your dentist will be able to provide you with guidance about what steps you can take to fix or replace your Veneer.

Repair Veneer at Home

If your Veneer has only become slightly loose, you may be able to repair it at home. Veneer repairs involve cleaning the veneer and tooth surfaces, then temporarily reattaching them with a powerful dental adhesive. It should only be done if your Veneer has not been off for more than 24 hours; any longer and the surfaces will have had time to become damaged or contaminated. It would help if you used a high-quality dental adhesive explicitly created for this purpose.

Reassemble Veneer with Glue

If your Veneer has come completely off, you can attempt to reattach it using a strong dental adhesive. Start by ensuring that both surfaces are clean and dry before applying glue. Carefully match the pieces together, then carefully position them on the tooth and press down firmly to ensure they stick. This method should only be used if your Veneer has been off for less than 24 hours.

Replace Veneer Completely

Veneers are usually made of porcelain, which means they can break easily and may not survive reattachment. If you have tried reattaching the Veneer with glue and it hasn’t worked, or if your Veneer has been off for more than 24 hours, then it is likely that you will need to replace it entirely. Your dentist will advise you on what type of Veneer would best suit your needs and provide guidance on how to care for it.

Final Words

If your Veneer has come off, don’t panic! There are a few steps to repair or replace your Veneer, depending on how long it has been off and what damage might have been done. It is always best to consult your dentist, who can provide you with the best advice on how to proceed.

1. How long do Veneers last?

Veneers usually last between 7 and 15 years, depending on care and lifestyle habits such as grinding or clenching teeth.

2. Can the Veneer fall off?

Yes, Veneers can become loose or fall off if they have not been placed correctly or if the tooth’s underlying structure has weakened.

3. Can Veneers be repaired?

If your Veneer has only become slightly loose, you may be able to repair it at home with a powerful dental adhesive. However, if it has been off for longer than 24 hours, then it is likely that you will need to replace it completely.

Teeth Whitening For Kids: A Good Thing Or Not!

Teeth whitening is used almost everywhere in the world today. Teenagers and younger kids may worry about the color of their teeth when their permanent teeth come in because their favorite celebrities and other role models have perfect teeth, and there are a lot of ads for over-the-counter whitening products. It’s not a big surprise that people in their 20s and 30s want to whiten their teeth. We wouldn’t say that kids and teens should never whiten their teeth, but we warn them to be careful. Here is some information that can help parents decide whether or not to whiten their kids’ teeth.

When Can I Start Making My Child’s Teeth Whiter?

The American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry say that whitening procedures should wait until a person is 14 or 15 when all of their permanent teeth are in, unless there are exceptional circumstances. Baby teeth have much thinner enamel than adult teeth, which can make them sensitive and change their color.

Why Do Children Want To Whiten Their Teeth?

Some kids may be able to get their teeth whitened early because of exceptional circumstances. Some kids’ teeth may get stained more quickly than others by soft drinks and other drinks, and taking off braces may leave ugly marks. A child’s self-esteem can be hurt when an accident or illness causes their teeth to change color. If this were to happen, we’d get together with the parents and kids to figure out what to do.

How Do You Make Your Child’s Teeth Whiter?

Hydrogen peroxide is often used in both professional and over-the-counter whitening products. The main difference between professional products for adults and children is usually the amount of peroxide in the adult products. You can get help from a professional at the dentist’s office or at home with molded trays. Most gels and strips of hydrogen peroxide you can buy over the counter have a lower ingredient concentration. Home remedies take longer to work than those given by a doctor.

Can I Expect That Whitening My Child’s Teeth Will Make Them More Sensitive?

Both the ADA and the AAPD agree that more research needs to be done to determine the long-term effects of teeth whitening on kids. We know that if peroxide bleach is used to whiten teeth incorrectly, it can damage tooth enamel and make teeth more sensitive. The AAPD says that children are more likely to get peroxide into their tooth pulp because their dentin is thinner and their enamel is more porous. If peroxide gets on the gums, it could irritate them. This is more likely to happen with home treatments.

How Do I Decide Which Way To Whiten My Child’s Teeth Are Best?

If you and your child’s dentist decide whitening is the best option, using an over-the-counter whitening product on kids and teens is not a good idea. Instead, we recommend a custom-fitted tray. This activity can be done anywhere, including at home, with parental supervision (even for teens). Children’s and teens’ whitening solutions usually have less peroxide and are used in much smaller amounts than those used on adults. Use and security are both at the top of the list. Don’t let your children or teenagers use whitening strips on their own.

If your child is worried about the color of their teeth or feeling pressure from their peers, you should tell them how important it is to keep their teeth strong and healthy. Parents who want to give their kids more power can also give them natural medicines or whitening toothpaste made for kids.

Talk To Your Child’s Pediatric Dentist Before You Whiten Their Teeth

In conclusion, there are times when whitening is safe for young people, but they should always be conscientious and watchful. Because of this, unless there are special reasons, we recommend waiting until at least the teen years. So, avoiding over-the-counter medicines that could hurt you if you take them wrong or too long is best. You can visit our dental clinic for the best teeth whitening treatment for your kids.

1. Is Teeth Whitening Safe For Kids?

Teeth whitening makes your teeth look better and makes you smile more. On the other hand, dentists say that kids shouldn’t get their teeth whitened until they are at least 14 years old.

2. Teeth Whitening: At What Age Is It Safe To Start?

Giving their teeth time to get hard and calcified would be best. This will take another two years after the last tooth comes in. But around 16 is the best age to whiten your teeth.

3. How Can I Make My Child’s Teeth Less Yellow?

Mix a teaspoon of baking soda with two teaspoons of water and use it to brush your child’s teeth twice a week. As a mild bleach, hydrogen peroxide may help whiten discolored teeth. Mix it with baking soda for best results, and have your child brush their teeth with it twice a week.

Reasons You Need A Cosmetic Dentistry treatment in Richmond

When you make decisions about how to look better, it’s not usually something you do on the spur of the moment. Most of the time, you give it some thought and think about the risks and benefits of the changes you’re thinking about.

Maybe you’ve thought about getting a new haircut. People who live on the edge might decide to cut their hair and change their color in the stylist’s chair. Hair is just hair. Change the paint back and wait for the cut to grow back.

A more methodical approach

Because cosmetic dentistry is more long-term, the decision to go through with it or not can be a lot scarier. But whether you change your look quickly or with much thought, everyone thinks about the benefits and risks before making a final decision about how to look. Today, we’re going to talk about how to know when it’s time for cosmetic dentistry, so stay tuned!

Cosmetic dentistry: What to think about

To figure out why you do what you do, you. Think about why you want to improve the look of your smile and what your goals are. Is this the first time in your life that you’ve had the chance to get a better smile? Perhaps you want to be more confident in yourself to pursue your dreams, whether that’s in your personal, professional, or romantic life.

All of these are good reasons to change your appearance, as long as it’s something you want to do on your own and not to please someone else. It must be the best choice for you!

Many times, there’s a need for dental work that isn’t just for looks

For example, our cosmetic dentist may utilize veneers to help repair important forms of damage to your teeth, such as chips and cracks. But the best part is that veneers also give you a dramatically better smile in terms of looks. It’s a great way to solve many different problems with your smile!

In general, fixing and protecting your teeth is essential to good oral health for years to come. Then, there’s not much to think about. You don’t want minor dental problems to turn into big dental problems in the future, so you need to take care of them now.

Psychological Needs

When you think about cosmetic dentistry, you should also think about your emotional and psychological need for it. The way you feel about your smile will affect your whole body.

A beautiful smile can help you feel better about yourself, which is good for your overall health, so it’s worth thinking about.

This may help if you thought about how your teeth and gums are doing, too

As we said before, oral health is the most important thing. A dentist in Richmond, TX can help you get your teeth and gums back to good health. Cosmetic dentistry can be done even if you don’t have any visible dental problems. Thorough cleaning and exam can make sure that your mouth is healthy enough for this type of dentistry in the first place.

Costs are an important factor when making a choice

Most insurance companies don’t pay for cosmetic treatments and procedures, so you’ll have to think about the cost before you get them. Talk to our Cosmetic Dentist in Richmond, TX about the possible treatments and payment options before you make a decision that’s right for your money.

5 Teeth-Whitening Mistakes that you must avoid at all cost

Have your teeth become stained over time? Want those pearly whites back? Teeth whitening is the solution to all your problems. Our teeth tend to lose their original white color due to our habits. Consuming food that stains, smoking, and consuming sugary beverages harm the natural sheen of our teeth.

How does Teeth Whitening work?

Teeth bleaching is an extremely simple procedure. Whitening products are applied to the teeth which break down the stain. This makes your teeth appear bright and the stain becomes visibly lighter in concentration. Hence, professional teeth whitening is all your smile needs right now.

Teeth Whitening Mistakes you must avoid at all costs

There are several things that you must bear in mind while bleaching your teeth. Avoid these mistakes listed below at all costs to get the best results from the whitening procedure.

Read the instructions on the package carefully

The most common mistake is not reading the instruction manual which is provided along with your whitening kit. These rules specify the amount of time the whitening products should be left on your teeth. If you exceed the timeframe, it does more harm than good. People think that leaving these gels and strips for a longer duration will make the teeth whiter. The result is the opposite. There is a blotchy appearance on the teeth which looks extremely unappealing. Excessive bleach can also result in enamel erosion and tender gums.

Regular Usage of Whitening Toothpastes

Whitening toothpaste is different from your regular everyday toothpaste. They contain a high level of abrasives which should not be applied regularly at any cost. These abrasive substances can corrode your enamel extensively causing it to wear away faster. This exposes your dentin, which in turn makes your teeth vulnerable to harmful bacteria and tooth decay. Hence, the overuse of whitening tubes of toothpaste must be avoided. Consult your dentist to figure out the number of times to use it in a week.

Not Following After-Care Instructions

You cannot go back to your daily habits after a teeth whitening process. There are certain instructions that you must follow to make the results of the bleaching process last longer. Avoid consuming fruits and food items that tend to stain for a couple of days after the treatment. Try to avoid drinking caffeinated beverages too during this time. Smokers must stay away from tobacco for at least 24 hours following the treatment.

Treating it like a One-Time Procedure

Teeth whitening can not be treated as a one-time thing. Proper precautions must be taken to maintain its longevity. One teeth bleaching treatment will not miraculously make your teeth white for the rest of your life. Follow instructions to maintain it properly and consult the dental care professional if you need to repeat the treatment.

Not Consulting the Dentist before Whitening

Wondering if teeth whitening is safe? Well, it can be unsafe if you forget to consult the dentist before a teeth whitening procedure. The dentist will be able to examine your mouth for potential complications and warn you. Oftentimes, several tooth restorations do not whiten and your smile looks weird due to this. It is best to seek guidance from your dentist when you decide to bleach your teeth. They will be able to determine if you are a good candidate for teeth whitening or not.

We hope this blog has provided you with an informative insight on common whitening mistakes you must avoid. If you are looking for professional teeth whitening services in Richmond, TX then visits us at Grand Mission Dentistry. Professional teeth bleaching is the safest option and our dentists will tell you why.

Dry Mouth: Causes, Consequences, Treatment And Prevention

Dry mouth, medically termed as ‘Xerostomia’, is the condition of not having adequate saliva to keep the mouth wet. Saliva performs a crucial role in maintaining your dental health.

Dry mouth may seem like a little frustrating but could do a major damage to your teeth. It’s also painful.

Causes

Stress, severe panic attack or depression
Smoking or drinking
Autoimmune disorder or Sjogren’s syndrome
Nerve harmed from a head or neck injury
Chemotherapy
Dehydration
Radiation
Sleep apnea
Aging
Specific drugs
Diseases like Diabetes, HIV, Parkinson’s or Periodontitis

Why should you never ignore its symptoms?

Saliva keeps your mouth clean and even battles against bacteria. It decreases the acids that cause tooth decay.So when you get a dry mouth at night, you’re creating a room for harboring bacteria inside your mouth. You’ll be asleep for hours, so for the whole night you wouldn’t even be drinking water. With a lack of saliva, your teeth slowly become exposed to cavities and bacterial infection.
Dry mouth also gives you an everlasting bad breath.
Insufficient saliva makes the skin in and around your mouth dry and tight. Your lips can crack. You may also develop sores at the corners of your mouth. It may be even difficult to swallow and talk.
Dry mouth can disturb your taste buds. You may experience a metallic, salty, or other taste in your mouth. Your tongue may become rough and dry.
The saliva also eases your digestion. It helps to break down food particles into simpler forms.You may also experience troubles with your digestive system due to a lack of saliva. Especially, when you swallow your food, you can face problems, since they are not broken down properly.
You can get red spots in your mouth. You may also have ulcers due to dry mouth.
The bacterial content in your mouth increases and there is a chance of dental infection. So when the food reaches your stomach, the food contains bacteria. And this can lead to food poisoning.
The glands in front of your ears, known as parotids, may get swollen.
Note that a dry mouth may also be a symptom of severe oral cancer.
Dentures become painful. Dry mouth and dentures don’t go together. If your mouth is dry, the dentures can result in sores.

When Should I See My Dentist?

If your dry mouth at night is chronic or began when you started taking new medicines, then visit your dentist. Your dentist may recommend altering the dosage or switching to another drug.

You may also receive medications to improve the function of your salivary glands.

Seek immediate dental help if you have dry mouth along with other serious symptoms like- difficulty in breathing and swallowing or high fever.

Prevention

Go for regular dental checkups
Brush and floss daily
Use an antibacterial mouth-rinse
Stay hydrated throughout the day
Chew sugar-free gums to boost saliva production
Utilize a humidifier to add additional moisture to the air

If you are suffering from dry mouth, and looking for a ‘Dentist near me’ in Richmond, TX, then surely call Grand Mission Dentistry. Let your Dentist in Richmond help you with the quality dental care that you deserve!

Planning Your Child’s First Trip To The Dentist? Here’s Everything You Need To Know!

If you’ve kids, their dental health should be your top priority. This is a fact that parents are typically not aware about when to take their kid to a dentist. Studies reveal that you should not delay unless all of his teeth have emerged, or until there is any serious problem. The American Association of Pediatric Dentists suggests that a child’s first dental visit should be done when you find their first tooth appears. And it’s basically within 6-12 months at the latest.

Dental tension and nervousness typically begin during childhood. And this is likely to become worse if not given proper guidance and care. Hence, a child’s first dental visit is crucial. The trip will set the tone of proper oral regimen your toddler will retain for a lifetime.

Prepare yourself

Ask all your queries to the Pediatric Dentist. If you have dental nervousness, then don’t panic and remain calm! Also do not show those fears or dislikes to your kid.

Prepare the Dentist

Hand-over your toddler’s entire health history to the dentist as it is your kid’s first visit. At Grand Mission Dentistry, we are skilled to treat your toddler and always focus on patience. We won’t make your kid rush or pressurize them anyway. We also use child-friendly language!

What you can expect at the First Visit?

The visit is everything about introducing your toddler to the office ambience and staff! It will help your child to explore the instruments and even take a first ride in the chair. When he/she becomes comfortable, it will build trust! Then, the dentist can take a quick look at his/her mouth.

The session may include an entire examination of the teeth, jaws, bite, gums, and oral tissues. But this depends on your child’s age. If required, the Pediatric Dentist may also recommend a gentle cleaning. It includes getting rid of plaque, tartar, and other stains and polishing teeth. The dentist may guide you and your child, how to maintain healthy oral regimen, diet and fluoride needs. The dentist might also inform on baby bottle tooth decay, infant feeding practices, finger-licking habits, dental issues and so on. The first session generally takes 30 to 45 minutes.

Protect your Kid’s Teeth at Home

Before teeth emerge, clean your toddler’s gums with a clean, damp cloth.
Start to brush with a small, soft-bristled toothbrush and a very little amount of toothpaste only when the first tooth appears. After 3 years of age, apply a very tiny amount of fluoridated toothpaste.
Never offer your child milk, juice, or any kind of sweet items at bedtime or just before nap.
Reduce food items that cause tooth decay.

If you’re searching for ‘Pediatric Dentist near me’, in Richmond, TX, then surely call us at Grand Mission Dentistry to avail top dental treatment for your kid! Our Pediatric Dentist in Richmond, Dr. Tam Nguyen will make your toddler’s first visit a memorable and exciting one. Let your kid undergo this exciting first step!

How Most Does Teeth Whitening Cost?

Smiling is often considered to be one of the most precious and attractive human possessions. Everyone wants to have a smile that turns out to be the reason for someone else’s. Now, other symmetry and oral health, whiteness of the teeth is a pivotal factor behind making a smile beautiful. To achieve the smile of their dreams, people opt for professional teeth whitening sessions. If you are also interested to avail it, then it is imperative to gain detailed knowledge about the process and the cost. In this blog we have provided you with all necessary information related to teeth whitening. Hence, going through it will end all your queries and enable you to bid goodbye to confusions related to this topic.

This is to let you know that the cost of teeth whitening depends on whether you choose to get it done at a dental clinic or you prefer doing it at home.

Whitening of teeth can be done at home with the help of whitening strips. It is the cheapest way of getting the job done. But, for pretty obvious reasons, you should be aware of the fact that the end result of this method is never at par with the one you can achieve by booking an appointment at a dental clinic. The whitening strips cost around $20 to $40 per box. These boxes consist of enough strips which will be enough to treat your teeth for a span of a week or more. Another method of teeth whitening includes finding over-the-counter trays that you fill with a whitening solution and place over your teeth. The counter trays are available at around $100. Some other ways of naturally whitening your teeth at home are being mentioned below:

- Oil pulling
- Using baking soda to brush your teeth
- Adopting preventive measures to avoid stains on your teethF
- Intake of fruits and vegetables
- Use hydrogen peroxide

You should also know that the methods of teeth whitening which can be done at home are time taking and doesn’t assure an overnight result. Hence, you should never lose hope and patience.

Now let us talk about the teeth whitening at a professional dental clinic. Firstly, it is important to bring under your notice that the process is safe if it is performed by a trained professional. The average cost of getting your teeth whitened can range between $650 to $1000. The price generally varies on the basis of the amount charged by the dentist and the products used in the process. When it comes to discussing the cost of whitening your teeth, you should also count the cost of maintenance once the process is complete. None of the methods for teeth whitening are permanent and demands maintenance. Though, Not having food and drinks which can leave stain on your teeth i.e chocolates, red wines, tea etc definitely extends the results. You should also know that the whitening strips that are available at the store contain 10% of hydrogen peroxide. On the other hand the ones used by the bleaching agents can contain between 25 and 40 percent hydrogen peroxide.

We hope that you have now gained a clear idea about the cost of teeth whitening and the various methods of doing it. If you are looking to get your teeth whitened in or around Grand Mission Blvd Ste E, Richmond, TX, get in touch with Grand Mission Dentistry. We are here to provide you with the best dental care in Richmond that will fulfill all your needs. Contact us today.

Missing a Tooth

Has it been hard for you to smile due to a missing tooth? According to the Kelton study for Invisalign, teeth are the most standout feature people notice when meeting the first time. About 66% will likely remember you due to having beautiful teeth and smile. If you have a missing tooth, especially in the front, it’s hard to smile. You not only lose confidence in yourselves, but missing teeth causes long-term damages to your facial structure and the way you bite. However, there are a few options for you to regain back a healthy beautiful smile.

First let’s start with doing nothing. When a tooth is pulled malocclusion can happen if we don’t get a replacement for the missing tooth. Malocclusion is a condition where our teeth shift, and it changes the way we bite. Teeth are supposed to touch one another so when a tooth is extracted, both the adjacent tooth and the tooth opposing the missing tooth will shift. This means that you will see a change in your smile such as gaps, uneven alignment, and a tooth longer than the others. Another consequence is, loss of jawbone and gum tissue, which results in an older appearance because of a sunken look to your facial features.

However, we can prevent all the consequences of not replacing a missing tooth or teeth. There are few options with the pros and cons for each of them.

Dental Implants:

Dental implants are the most effective way to replace a missing tooth. Not only is it durable, but its lifespan is longer compared to the others. This is also the nearest thing to a natural tooth available today. Implants are made from titanium that is safe for your body. It is surgically placed in the jawbone where you are having a missing tooth. However, the process is a bit longer than the others. Dental implant consists of the implant itself, abutment, and a crown. This does not a one-day procedure, but at least 3 months. Everyone is different, and it all just depends on if you need bone graft material, how fast your implant settles in, or if you have periodontal disease. This may seem like a long journey for some, but the reward for waiting is much more beneficial for long term durability, and lifespan of about 15 to 20 years.

Dental Bridges:

Dental bridges are good for people who want a faster solution that does not require surgery. This procedure takes 3 weeks and just two visits to your dentist. It is more affordable than the implant. However, with dental bridges, the dentist would have to shave down the adjacent teeth, which are your two good permanent teeth to use as an anchor. The lifespan of the dental bridge is about 5-7 years, which is shorter than the implant. This does not help with keeping the bone in the area from atrophy occurring though. You will continue to lose bone in that area over time compared to the implant that will secure the bone indefinitely. Hygiene will be harder to keep up with because you can’t floss normal. You’ll have to buy a special floss that will get under your bridge since food can get caught there. Unfortunately, for the perfectionist, dental bridges are not as aesthetically pleasing than an implant.

Removable Partial Denture (RPD):

Removable partial denture known as a flipper, is the least expensive and the fastest thing you can have after an extraction to walk out the office without a missing tooth. However, it is primarily for esthetic purposes. You can’t chew with it on because it is a resin base that can break easily. You would have to take it off every night still leaving you with a gap that will create shifting of your teeth and bone loss. In order to hold the artificial tooth or teeth in place, a bulky plastic frame will be sitting in your mouth all day. Flipper is best used for just a temporary solution until you get a permanent replacement.

With all the options given to you, it is still ideal to speak to your dentist to help you choose what is best for you. Not everyone is a good candidate for implants, that’s why we offer free consultation here at Grand Mission Dentistry to make sure you are a good fit for an implant. Give us a call or make an appointment today so we can make sure you are on the right track in replacing a missing tooth.

References:

https://www.nobelbiocare.com/content/patient/international/en/home/541561/why-is-it-important-to-replace-a-missing-tooth-.html

https://fourseasonsdentistry.com/2018/07/20/should-you-replace-your-tooth-after-an-extraction/

https://www.gotoapro.org/dental-implants-faq/

http://www.ada.org/~/media/ADA/Publications/Files/ADA_PatientSmart_Tooth_Replacement.ashx

http://www.ironwooddental.com/long-dental-implant-placement-take/

https://www.carefreedental.com/resources/26-implants-and-bridges/96-dental-implants-vs-bridges-how-to-know-what-s-best-for-you

https://www.nhcenterforcomprehensivedentistry.com/removable-partial-dentures-pros-and-cons-to-consider/