10 Things You Didn’t Know About Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry is becoming one of the most popular ways to enhance the aesthetic and beauty of teeth. Patients who hide themselves due to their embarrassment of crooked, misshapen, or dull teeth no longer have to feel self-conscious with the variety of cosmetic procedures available. But along with an increase in popularity comes an increase in the rumors surrounding cosmetic dentistry. Is cosmetic dentistry safe? Is it painful? Is it affordable? These are questions we can answer for you here, and by scheduling a consultation at our Gilbert office, we can personally help you decide if a cosmetic procedure is right for you.

However, until you are able to come in for an appointment at Red Canyon Dentistry, debunk some of those rumors for yourself with our quick cosmetic dentistry fact sheet.

White and straight teeth are associated with good health. Studies have shown that whiter and straighter smiles are associated with proper dental hygiene and good overall health. Smiles that are appealing also create better first impressions and positively impact professional as well as personal relationships.

Cosmetic procedures, such as teeth whitening, do not damage tooth enamel. Many people believe that teeth whitening procedures scrape off and permanently damage tooth enamel. This is not the case. Studies have shown that when applied correctly, teeth whitening causes no additional harm to the hardness or mineral content of teeth.

Cosmetic dentistry can solve certain health problems. Tooth loss creates open spaces in the mouth that could provide a breeding ground for infection. Cosmetic procedures such as dental implants or porcelain bridges will not only improve the appearance of your smile, 

but also decrease the chances of infection.

Cosmetic dentistry procedures are completed rather quickly. Usually, a cosmetic procedure can be completed in a span of three dental appointments. Dentists are willing to work around your busy schedule to make sure your treatment is completed in a timely manner. Cosmetic procedures, like teeth whitening, even have the option of being done either in the dentist chair or at home, depending on what best fits your schedule.

Cosmetic dentistry involves little pain or downtime. The details of what a certain cosmetic procedure entails could seem daunting and painful, but with various sedation dentistry methods available, patients experience little to no discomfort after their procedure, and with how quickly procedures are performed, patients find themselves back to their normal daily routine in a matter of days.  

Convinced? To schedule an appointment or find out more information about cosmetic dentistry in Gilbert, AZ, call us today. At Red Canyon Dentistry, we will conduct a one-on-one consultation to determine your qualifications for your desired cosmetic procedure. Get in touch with us today!

Why are Dental Exams Important?

Many patients fear the dentist, and therefore avoid their bi-annual appointment. Dodging the dentist is not recommended, and it’s important to keep up with regular dental care. A dental appointment has a number of benefits that impact not only the care of your mouth, but also the overall health of your body. If you are someone who allows too much time to pass before seeing the dentist, the following list might be helpful and convince you to call your Gilbert, AZ dentist to schedule an appointment.

Regular cleanings will help:

Prevent tooth decay. General cleanings remove soft plaque and hard plaque buildup from teeth. Along with regular dental care, a general cleaning is the only way to prevent cavities and tooth decay. However, a professional cleaning can target hard-to-reach places in the mouth that may be overlooked during your at-home care. A dentist will typically remove plaque and tartar, polish teeth, floss teeth, and possibly provide a fluoride treatment.

Detect problems early. A dentist will perform diagnostic tests to determine whether any oral problems exist or whether they could exist in the future. A dentist will examine the teeth, gums, and jaw as well as perform a head and neck examination to check for any health concerns. A dentist might check your bite, examine your tongue, check for broken or loose teeth, and take x-rays.

Give advice on what to do between visits. Although your dentist will remove most of the hard and soft plaque present on your teeth, it’s still important to keep up with regular dental care in between visits. This means brushing and flossing properly, and you can learn the correct technique and guidelines by seeking advice from your dentist. Routine checkups not only professionally clean your teeth, but they also help you learn beneficial oral hygiene tips.

After a routine cleaning, your dentist will comment on the health of your teeth and gums, and will suggest any additional care you could be taking in between visits. It is important to visit the dentist every six months for a general cleaning and examination. By visiting the dentist regularly as well as demonstrating good daily oral hygiene, you can be sure your teeth will be healthy for years to come.

The Best Solution for Tooth Restoration: Dental Implants

When you lose a tooth, there are a variety of options available for restoring your smile. The hard part is deciding which method is right for you. In the past, patients with missing teeth would resort to wearing dentures, but as time went on, they began to notice certain ailments that arose while wearing their false teeth. Patients began to complain about discomfort and embarrassment when their dentures slid around and out of their mouths. The instability of dentures led to difficulty eating and speaking, as well as provided a breeding ground for gum sores and other mouth infections. On top of all of these issues, dentures added oral maintenance to existing dental routines with their requirements to soak and be brushed with cleaner.

Those experiencing tooth loss now have a better and more reliable way to restore their natural smile – Dental Implants.

Dental implants are a more permanent and fixed alternative to traditional dentures and involve a titanium screw or “root” that is placed into the existing jawbone. The screw is then topped with a replacement acrylic tooth. Dental implants are like bridges in that they can replace multiple missing teeth, but unlike bridges, dental implants involve no additional reshaping to your existing teeth.

Since dental implants are fixed into the jawbone, none of the slipping and sliding associated with traditional dentures is present. There is no need to be self-conscious with dental implants, and you can experience more efficient chewing, better digestion, and stronger facial tissues with their installation. Dental implants also involve none of the added maintenance of traditional dentures and follow the same dental routine as your existing teeth.

Call Today!

At Red Canyon Dentistry in Gilbert, AZ we perform dental implant procedures for patients who are tired of pulling away from social occasions and want to regain a natural-looking and healthy smile. For more information about dental implants or to schedule a consultation, call our Gilbert, AZ office today!