Author: CdA-AdmiN

If you are unhappy with the appearance of unsightly teeth, porcelain veneers may be the solution you need to improve your smile.

If you have discolored, cracked or worn out teeth, dental veneers can cover up imperfections and add strength to damaged enamel. In addition, porcelain veneers can be used to correct teeth misalignments and uneven spacing.

Dental veneers are thin sheets of porcelain or composite material that gets placed over a damaged tooth surface. This is not a reversible cosmetic option because the application requires some tooth stripping to make room for the restoration.

How are Dental Veneers Placed?

To apply a porcelain veneer, your dentist will first prepare the tooth by stripping away some of the structure. While your permanent veneer is being created, you will wear a temporary film.

You might experience some tooth sensitivity after your dental veneer is placed because a portion of your protective enamel has been removed. However, it will not take long before the sensitivity subsides.

What are the Benefits of Porcelain Veneers?

Tooth colored porcelain veneers are aesthetically appealing, they look like natural teeth, they protect tooth enamel, and can eliminate the need for additional treatments, like dental crowns. Dental Veneers are strong and durable, and they require less tooth reduction than crowns.

Are Veneers Always Included in a Smile Makeover?

Not always. You and your dentist will decide which cosmetic procedures will help you achieve your goals during your initial consultation. Smile makeover suggestions are based on your vision and what tooth problems need to be corrected or treated. Your smile makeover may include porcelain veneers, teeth whitening, gingival sculpting, or bonding.

Maintaining Your Dental Veneers

You can practice the same oral hygiene routine you regularly would to maintain your good dental health. Brush your teeth twice a day and floss at once daily. Porcelain veneers are gentle on the gums and you don’t have to worry about causing damage to the veneers with regular brushing with a non-abrasive paste and flossing.

How Long do Porcelain Veneers Last?

Dental veneers can provide strength and durability to damaged teeth for up to 20 years. The veneer will not change, but the gum tissue and attached tooth may change over the years. If the gum line starts to shrink, the veneer may need to be replaced or rebounded.

More time outdoors in the warmer weather usually brings ample opportunities to flash that summer smile. However, are your teeth selfie-ready?

Cosmetic Dentistry

Wouldn’t you love a brighter smile with fewer flaws? Are your stained, chipped, or crooked teeth putting a damper on the success of your would-be summer smile selfie?

Well, rest assured, you can have a brighter smile and look your best for summertime fun and vacation selfies with cosmetic dentistry.

Cosmetic Dentist Houston

Our Houston cosmetic dentist offers the following dental procedures and more to improve your summer smile so that every selfie displays the snapshot you’ve desired.

Teeth Whitening

Teeth stains can be very unsightly and they rob you of your youthful appearance. Staining develops as we age or due to habits such as smoking, poor oral hygiene, drinking coffee or tea, or because of genetic factors or health issues. Drugstore teeth whitening kits are an option, but results are not always optimal and sometimes damage to the enamel occurs. The best choice for a brighter smile is professional teeth whitening by your Houston cosmetic dentist.

Porcelain Veneers

The most effective way to repair slightly flawed teeth is to apply porcelain veneers. The thin sheets are permanently secured to the problem tooth areas to easily correct cosmetic dental issues. If you are unhappy with gaps between teeth, chips, or severe discoloration, veneers can make a dramatic change for the good. Our Houston cosmetic dentist can discuss your concerns and determine if you are a candidate for porcelain veneers or some other cosmetic treatment.

Taking selfies is almost as much a part of our lives as taking a breath these days. Some people snap pictures of themselves throughout the day, every day, it is just modern day trend. Keep your smile posted amongst your summer memories. There is no need to avoid selfies when you can perfect your smile with the help of cosmetic dentistry.

Practicing good dental habits like brushing your teeth at least twice each day, flossing a minimum of one time per day, and keeping up with regular routine dentist visits will help maintain better oral health. However, it is also important to understand that some mindless behaviors can damage teeth. Thoughtless everyday actions like biting nails, brushing your teeth too hard, or chewing ice are some of the worst habits to have regarding dental health.

1. Biting Nails Habit

Biting nails is a very common nervous habit among dental patients. It appears to calm people during times of stress or anxiety, but it can damage teeth over time. The biting nails habit puts continued stress on teeth, eventually causing cracks or chips. In addition, this bad dental habit can cause the jaw to protrude and lead to dysfunction.

A good way to avoid biting nails is to occupy your hands in other ways. Use a stress ball or rake sand in a Zen garden. Find alternate methods of managing stress.

2. Chewing Ice

Chewing ice can be refreshing, but it is one of the worst habits for your teeth. The harsh temperature and brittle texture of ice can damage teeth by causing tiny fractures that eventually develop into large cracks in the surface. Chewing ice should be avoided to protect your dental health.

3. Aggressive Teeth Brushing

Many people have the mistaken belief that harder teeth brushing is more effective. Nothing could be farther from the truth. More aggressive brushing doesn’t remove more stains and plaque; it is a bad dental habit that will only damage teeth and gums. Patients who brush their teeth too hard destroy precious teeth enamel and cause gum irritation. Instead, use a soft bristled brush and use gentle pressure to remove plaque and food debris.

By practicing good oral hygiene and breaking these worst dental habits, you will be on your way to a lifetime of optimal dental health.

By the age of 17, a whopping 78 percent of Americans have developed at least one cavity. The sad fact is that cavities are virtually an epidemic. This doesn’t have to be, cavities and other dental conditions are very preventable with proper oral hygiene practices. Do you want better oral health and overall health? Here are four easy ways to take control and manage your dental health.

Proper Oral Hygiene Practices

1. Brush your teeth at least twice every day.

This is your first line of defense against tooth decay and gum disease. Brush your teeth for no less than a full two minutes, twice daily. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles to avoid damaging the enamel and fluoride toothpaste. This important first step will remove damaging plaque and debris.

2. Floss once per day.

Many people skip this step, even though it is just as important as brushing your teeth. Floss cleans out those hard to reach areas between teeth. Once a day flossing, gets rid of food particles and plaque build-up beneath the gums and in-between the teeth. No toothbrush can sweep through these tight places.

3. Drink a lot of water.

Tap water is fortified with fluoride, a natural tooth strengthening mineral. By both rinsing your mouth after you eat and drinking plenty of water, you will remove food particles and debris, and provide added protection against the damaging mouth acids that attack enamel and wash away plaque buildup.

4. Visit your dental office.

Finally, make sure you stop by our office at least every 6 months for a regular dental checkup and cleaning. Even if your teeth look and feel okay, we can use preventative methods such as professional dental cleanings to make sure that your teeth stay that way!

Your dental health is extremely important, and by managing and taking care of your teeth with good dental care and visiting our office twice a year, you will continue to have a healthy smile for years to come!

Having foul breath, also known as halitosis, can be very embarrassing for the person with it and for those around them. It is a difficult thing to bring to the attention of someone who doesn’t realize just how bad their breath stinks. It can negatively affect social interactions and ruin relationships.

Luckily, it is easy to get rid of bad breath while maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Use the following simple steps to keep your mouth fresh and smelling clean.

Brush your teeth and use dental floss

Sticky plaque buildup collects bacteria on teeth causing bad breath odor. Food that gets trapped between teeth and below the gumline adds to the problem.

Brush twice daily and floss once a day. This is the minimum. If breath odor is a concern, brush, and floss more often. Remember not to overdo it and brush too hard. Too much pressure can wear down the enamel, making teeth more vulnerable to decay.

Use a good mouthwash

A good mouthwash with freshen your breath and provide added protection against oral bacteria. Look for an antibacterial rinse that kills the germs that cause bad breath. Some brands only mask the smell.

It is also helpful to make it a habit of rinsing your mouth with plain water after you eat. This will dislodge food particles that may be stuck between teeth.

Clean and scrape your tongue

Use a tongue scraper to remove the coating that forms across the top of the tongue and hosts a layer smelly bacteria. You can also gently brush your tongue with a toothbrush.

Avoid foods that cause bad breath

Pungent foods such as garlic or onions are big offenders. Even brushing after you indulge doesn’t rid you of the odor because these substances enter the bloodstream and the smells are emitted through the lungs as you exhale. Either avoid eating such foods altogether, or don’t eat them prior to socializing.

Stop smoking

Here is one more reason to stop smoking, or not to start in the first place. Smoking can stain your teeth, destroy your gums and cause bad breath.

Chew sugarless gum

Oral bacteria thrive on sugar. The evil critters use it to make the acid that breaks down tooth enamel and causes unpleasant mouth odors. Instead of a sugary after-dinner mint, choose sugar-free gum instead. It will stimulate saliva production, a powerful natural defense mechanism in the fight against plaque and bad odors.

Keep your mouth moist

If you are not producing enough saliva, you will be more prone to tooth decay and bad breath. If you suffer from dry mouth, increase your water intake through the day. Suck on hard sugarless candy or chew sugarless gum, and consider using a humidifier to moisten the air in your home.

If despite these efforts, you continue to suffer from bad breath, consult with your doctor or dentist.

Many patients experience discolored teeth, either as a result of pigmented foods, natural wear, tobacco products, trauma, or even the side-effects of medication. Because of the frequency of this common aesthetic problem, advances in dental technology have allowed dentists to now offer teeth whitening treatments as a solution! Teeth whitening has now become a popular cosmetic treatment to help patients achieve a brighter, healthier-looking smile.

Types of Teeth Whitening Solutions

There are several types of teeth whitening solutions available, ranging from over-the-counter products to professional teeth whitening treatments in the dentist’s office.

• Whitening toothpaste – Although all types of toothpaste help remove surface stains from the teeth, there is special whitening toothpaste that is solely dedicated to teeth whitening by using certain polishing agents that better aid in stain removal. However, because this toothpaste only removes surface stains, patients often find that they are not effective enough to give their teeth a whiter appearance.
• Whitening strips – Whitening strips are another popular over-the-counter treatment for teeth whitening. The whitening strip is designed to stick to your teeth and is left there for a certain period of time while the bleaching agent in the strip brightens your teeth. Because the concentration and strength of the bleaching agent in these whitening strips are much lower than the solution you’ll find in the dentist’s office, however, they are also viewed as ineffective by patients.
• In-office whitening – In-office bleaching at the dentist’s office offers teeth whitening solutions that are much more effective than traditional, over-the-counter solutions because the bleaching agent used is much stronger. Patients are given a set of trays filled with the agent to wear for a period of time, ranging from 30 minutes up to an hour. Some dentists even use a special light during the treatment to expedite the teeth whitening process and its effectiveness. Some dentists also offer similar teeth whitening treatments in the form of a kit that you can actually take home and use on your own.

If you are interested in achieving a brighter smile, book an appointment with our office today for a teeth whitening treatment. We offer different options for teeth whitening, and are happy to provide you with the best solution for a brighter smile!

Have you ever wondered why the American Dental Association and your dentist recommend you to go for dental checkups once every six months? Practicing good preventative care and getting regular checkups and professional cleanings and treatment are imperative to help you maintain a good oral health. While you schedule your next visit to your dentist, here are few points to consider for better oral hygiene.

• Regular brushing and flossing is a key to keep plaque miles away, as the build-up of plaque can result in periodontal disease. Regular dental visits will help you clean the built-up tartar and calculus which cannot be reached by brushing alone.
• Prevent halitosis (bad breath) by taking care of your gums and teeth. Certain food lingers on the hard-to-reach areas where brushing or flossing might not help.
• It is vital to be aware of the issues related to your health. With science and technology updating every hour, there is a pool of knowledge to explore. In case of any confusion, consult your doctor.
• Having teeth cleaned removes all the stains of coffee, tea, drinks, and other food items you consume, as well as tobacco and other products. Some medications can also cause teeth to become pale.
• One of the most important parts of dental visits should be to keep a check on the probability of oral cancer, where your mouth is surveyed for early signs of one of the very deadliest cancers.
• Eating healthy food is also a way to keep half of your oral problems away.

These are just preventive steps. However, it is always advisable to schedule a regular dentist visit for a detailed check-up. Call or book an appointment online with our office today and carry a confident, happy smile!

Because your teeth are always coming in direct contact with the foods you eat, what you choose to consume is very important; different foods can either help or harm your dental health, depending on the ingredients they contain and how often you eat them. For example, if you drink a lot of sodas or other sugary drinks often, you’re more likely to be at risk for tooth decay. However, there are actually quite a few foods that can provide benefits for your dental health; here are 5 foods that promote healthy teeth:

1. Whole Grains

By eating whole grains like oatmeal, quinoa, and brown rice, you can actually reduce your risk of developing gum disease! These foods have more complex carbohydrates, which means their starches do not stick to your teeth as easily as other starches. In addition, whole grains have plenty of minerals that promote stronger teeth and reduces the risk of gum disease.

2. Fruits

Certain fruits that are packed with vitamin C like strawberries and kiwis, can help your gums stay healthy! Vitamin C fights bacteria, reduces inflammation, strengthens blood vessels, and is required for the production of collagen, an important protein that aids in fighting gum disease.

3. Vegetables

Leafy or crunchy vegetables like spinach, greens, and carrots take a little more effort to chew and break down compared to other foods. Because of this, whenever you eat these foods, you produce more saliva, which is your mouth’s natural way of washing away lingering food particles and neutralizing bacteria.

4. Lean Protein

Foods that contain lean protein—such as fish, eggs, and lean beef—are rich in minerals like vitamin D that help your body—and teeth—absorb calcium better. Calcium is especially important for protecting your teeth from decay.

5. Low-Fat/Fat-Free Dairy

Dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cheese are excellent sources of calcium and phosphorus, minerals that help strengthen tooth enamel. Dairy products also contain casein, a type of protein that studies suggest can help stabilize and repair damaged tooth enamel.

Try adding these few foods into your diet for a healthier smile!

A fear of the dentist—also known as dental anxiety and dental phobia—isn’t uncommon. In fact, many children and adults alike have dental anxiety and dental phobia. It’s been estimated that at least 9 to 15% of Americans avoid seeing the dentist as a result of this fear; that’s nearly 30 to 40 million people! So many people are putting off their dental care and putting their overall oral health at risk by avoiding the dentist, and that makes us concerned. We don’t want any of our patients to feel uncomfortable with a dentist, so here are 3 ways you can begin to overcome your fear:

1. Admit your fear to someone you can trust.

One of the best ways to get over a fear of the dentist is to admit your fear and talk about it with someone you trust or anyone else you feel would be an appropriate outlet. Simply talking about it will help you feel calmer about it.

2. Set aside a day to go to the dentist.

Request a day off of work to go to the dentist, or pick a day solely dedicated to going to the dentist. This way, when you visit the office, you’re not already stressed from work or anything else going on in your day. The extra stress could heighten your stress and fear at the dentist’s office.

3. Let the dentist office know about your fears.

It’s very important that you let the dentist know if you’re feeling any anxiety about being there. Don’t neglect to tell us because you feel embarrassed about your fear, it’s completely normal. Dentists have plenty of experience with anxious patients, and they’ll be able to help you relax and feel as comfortable as possible before your exam and cleaning.

A fear of the dentist shouldn’t prevent you from receiving the dental care you need. Our job is to help protect you and your oral health by providing dental care, so if you’re feeling nervous, let us know; we’ll do anything we can to make you feel at home!

Baby teeth first erupt through the gums around 6 months of age; they serve as a placeholder for teeth until a child’s permanent teeth are ready to come in. Caring for baby teeth is important because it allows children to develop a healthy dental care routine in preparation for their permanent teeth. Teaching your children good dental habits early on in life will allow them to maintain healthy teeth for years to come. Here are some things you can do to start encouraging positive dental habits:

Start Dental Care Early

A few days after your child is born, you can begin cleaning their mouth by wiping the gums with a clean, moist washcloth or gauze pad. You should start helping them brush their teeth twice a day as soon as they come in, only using a rice-grain size amount of fluoride toothpaste.

Visit the Dentist

It’s important that you start bringing your child to our office for regular dental exams no later than their first birthday. Between the age of 6 months and 1 year, your child is likely to have their first few teeth. When you bring them to our office, we can examine their mouth for any signs of future decay or dental issues. We also offer preventative dental care such as professional cleanings and fluoride treatments.

Continuing Dental Care

As they become older, begin helping your child brush their teeth twice a day using a child-size toothbrush and only a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Continue this process until you feel comfortable that they can brush on their own. Once your child has teeth that are touching, you can help them start flossing daily. Continuously bring them to our office every six months, so we can continue monitoring their oral health and provide preventative care services to reduce their risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Following these methods for your child’s dental health will allow them to enjoy healthy, happy teeth as they become older!