So many patients come in to our Boca Raton cosmetic dental office because they’ve noticed that their teeth have lost some of the shine and luminosity they used to enjoy. Young, strong dental enamel is naturally white and bright, which is why most patients don’t think too much about their appearance of their teeth when they’re young. With age, however, dental enamel thins and becomes stained. Consequently, adult patients are often looking for cosmetic dentistry treatments that can whiten their teeth and take years off of their appearances.

Today I’m going to be discussing two cosmetic treatments that we offer here in Boca Raton. These two treatments—teeth whitening and dental veneers—can both achieve stunning results, and are suitable for a wide variety of patients.

Teeth whitening treatments are simple, efficient, and effective. In just one or two appointments, many patients can achieve drastic cosmetic improvement with professional teeth whitening treatments. Teeth whitening is especially effective for patients with environmental surface stains—stains accumulated from substances such as red wine, cola, coffee, and tea, all of which can stain enamel over time.

If you find that your teeth are not receptive to professional teeth whitening treatments, however, dental veneers may be an option for you. These thin, white layers of porcelain are affixed to the outside of teeth. They can correct a wide variety of cosmetic problems including dark or stained enamel. Patients suffering from dental fluorosis or tetracycline staining often choose dental veneers. Additionally, if your teeth are looking dull or damaged, veneers can correct chips and cracks as they whiten.

These cosmetic dentistry treatments are helping patients all over Boca Raton enjoy fresher, younger-looking smiles. Give us a call to learn more about your options or to schedule an appointment with our Boca Raton cosmetic dentist!

When Maria came into our office, she didn’t know what exactly was wrong with your dental health, but she knew something wasn’t right. Over a period of months, she noticed increasingly swollen and tender gums, and she found that her gums were even bleeding sometimes—especially after she brushed her teeth. After a thorough evaluation, our Boca Raton dentists were able to determine that Maria was suffering from gingivitis.

Maria was shocked when we explained her situation—she didn’t really understand how gingivitis develops, or how her gum disease progressed. We explained that gum disease progresses in two stages, and that if left untreated, periodontal problems can destroy an otherwise healthy smile.

So what are the two stages of gum disease?

Gingivitis

The first stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. Gingivitis occurs when gum tissue becomes infected with harmful oral bacteria. Patients may notice that their gums become more sensitive and prone to bleeding. If your gum tissue feels swollen or tender, let your dentist know so that he or she can evaluate you for gingivitis. It is easiest to treat gum disease in its early stages, so it’s important to recognize the signs of gingivitis and seek treatment in a timely manner.

Periodontitis

Gingivitis, if left untreated, progresses to a condition called periodontitis. Once gintivitis progresses, dental bacteria infects not only gum tissue, but teeth, connective tissues, and bones as well. Periodontitis is quite serious—it can lead to loosening teeth, tooth loss, and bone deterioration.

A dental professional can help you recognize the signs of gum disease and treat existing bacterial infections. Don’t hesitate to discuss your concerns with your dentists, and seek treatment if you notice any signs of periodontal problems. Give our Boca Raton dental office a call for more information about gum disease, or to schedule a consultation. 

Every patient wants to maintain a healthy, strong smile. Our Boca Raton dental office is committed to helping patients reach their goals by providing high quality dental care and educating our patients about preventative dental care. If, you, like most patients, want to keep your teeth strong and avoid having to undergo root canal therapy, it’s important to understand how severe dental problems develop.

Most patients already know that if you leave cavities untreated, you could develop a severe infection and have to undergo root canal therapy. Cavities move from the outside of the tooth—the dental enamel—to the inner core of the tooth—the pulp. When an infection reaches the inner core of the tooth, you’ll need a root canal to clear away the diseased bacteria and reseal the tooth. Without a root canal, a patient with a severe tooth infection may lose their tooth and suffer from spreading infection.

You may also require root canal therapy, however, if you sustain a dental injury.  A fractured or chipped tooth can leave the inner dental pulp vulnerable to infection. Dental fractures can result from dental trauma—accidents ranging from car accidents to sporting accidents—but they can also result from chronic dental grinding and clenching. If you notice any structural problems with your teeth, notify your dental professional immediately.

It’s also important to pay close attention to your dental restorations if you have older amalgam fillings. Metal fillings can actually shrink and pull away from the tooth. Once your amalgam filling shrinks, bacteria can accumulate under the restoration and destroy the tooth.

If you notice any of these problems with your teeth or dental restorations, let your dentist know right away. Our Boca Raton dentists can help you conquer these dental problems and many more—give us a call for more information or to schedule an appointment.

If you’ve looked in the mirror lately and thought that your smile was starting to show its wear and age, you’re not alone. Our Boca Raton cosmetic dental office frequently works with adult patients who feel that their teeth are starting to look worn down and dull. The truth is, that as you age, your teeth will change in appearance and physical structure. Our teeth are constantly exposed to pressure and eroding substances, which over time may weaken and damage dental enamel.

In many cases dental veneers can help patients reclaim their ideal, white smiles in just a few appointments. Dental veneers are thin layers of porcelain that are affixed to a patient’s teeth. Because dental veneers completely resurface the appearance of teeth, they are often effective for adult patients who want to correct a number of aesthetic problems with one treatment.

Have you noticed any of these changes in your teeth?

• Worn down dental enamel—your teeth may begin to appear dull or yellower in color
• Damaged teeth—you may begin to see small cracks or chips appear in your dental enamel as your enamel weakens. This damage is often readily apparent for patients who chronically grind their teeth.
• Unevenly spaced teeth—patients with small spaces between their teeth may find that these gaps widen with age. This dental change is often due to compounded pressure on the teeth.

Because dental veneers completely cover existing enamel, they can make dull, dark enamel appear bright and white again. Additionally, dental veneers can be shaped and sized to eliminate large gaps in a patient’s smile.

Our teeth naturally change with age, but that doesn’t mean that you have to live with a smile that you don’t love. You have cosmetic dental options no matter what your age, so give our Boca Raton veneers dentists a call to learn more or to schedule a consultation.

Your smile is your calling card—it’s the first thing people notice about you. When patients don’t feel confident about their smiles, they may become more resigned in social situations, and develop self-esteem issues. Our Boca Raton cosmetic dentists are here to work with you, and help you achieve the smile of your dream. For many patients, this means brightening and whitening a dull smile. Unfortunately for patients with tetracycline stained teeth conventional whitening treatments are not effective. There are cosmetic treatments, however, that can drastically improve, even transform the appearance of tetracycline stained teeth.

What is tetracycline?

Tetracycline is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. This antibiotic was used for patients of all ages until the 1980s. Although effective at treating bacterial infections, tetracycline had some unfortunate side effects.

How does tetracycline cause dental staining?

When tetracycline is used for small children, whose teeth are still developing, the antibiotic effects normal dental development. Rather than developing adult teeth that are white and shiny, tetracycline stained teeth are dark and dull. The dental staining is actually embedded, or calcified, into the teeth.

What can we do to improve the appearance of tetracycline stained teeth?

Tetracycline is no longer used for children, but there are still many adult patients who suffer from tetracycline stains from their childhoods. Although teeth bleaching treatments are largely ineffective (because these bleaching treatments are designed to whiten surface stains, not calcified stains), there are cosmetic treatments that can transform tetracycline stained teeth. Porcelain veneers completely resurface dental enamel, so any patient can achieve a white, sparkling smile.

Our Boca Raton cosmetic dental office is here to help you achieve a smile that you’re proud to show off. If you’ve been living with unsightly tetracycline stains, give us a call. We’ll walk you through your treatment options and help you choose a cosmetic treatment that works for you.

Lauren came into our office complaining of sensitivity in her teeth that she hadn’t previously experienced. She noticed that although she was still brushing regularly and flossing diligently, her teeth seemed more fragile than they had been in the past. Lauren wasn’t sure what was going on, so she came to our Boca Raton dentists for help. After a thorough evaluation of her teeth, cleaning routine, and diet, we were able to determine that Lauren was suffering from the effects of acid erosion.

Acid dental erosion occurs when teeth begin to weaken, thin, or soften—through a process called demineralization—because they have been exposed to acidic substances. Throughout the day our teeth undergo some demineralization as we eat and drink normally. However, usually the teeth are quickly remineralized through saliva and regular dental hygiene. Teeth suffering from acid erosion, however, are not effectively remineralized. This means that acid eroded dental enamel is more likely to become infected or damaged, and it more likely to feel sensitive.

So how can you minimize your risk for acid erosion? First, keep your eyes open for certain foods and drinks that may lead to acid erosion. Common drinks like fruit juices and carbonated beverages, and foods like fruits, can wear down dental enamel. In order to protect your teeth, you can try drinking acidic beverages through a straw, so that your front teeth are protected from acidic exposure. Additionally, try to rinse your teeth with water after consuming acidic substances. Brush and floss at least twice a day as normal, but refrain from brushing directly after consuming acidic substances, because your teeth may still be in a weakened state.

If you notice any changes in your teeth, alert your dentist at your semi-annual dental check-up. Working with your dentist you can take control of your dental health and maintain healthy teeth. Give our Boca Raton dental office a call for more information!

Our patient Melissa had struggled with her smile for years. She had gone back and forth about pursuing cosmetic treatments for a long time, but she was afraid of making the commitment. Melissa was worried she might not like her final smile, she was afraid that her teeth wouldn’t look “natural” or like “her teeth.”

Our Boca Raton veneers dentists explained to Melissa that porcelain veneers could be customized to fit her smile and her aesthetic. Dental veneers are an exceptional cosmetic option because your dentist can truly craft veneers that fit your personality and style.

The first thing to know is that dental veneers can be used to solve a variety of cosmetic issues. You can use porcelain veneers to straighten the appearance of crooked teeth, correct chipped or damaged enamel, lengthen teeth, or reshape disproportionate smile. If you struggle with one or multiple of these issues, veneers may be the solution for you.

Because veneers are made of porcelain, they can be shaped to fit your specific needs. If you’d like to lengthen or widen the appearance of a tooth, your dentist can shave your veneer to complement the shape of your smile.

In order to ensure a personalized result, your dentist can also shade and color your veneer. Veneers are naturally radiant and multi-dimensional, because they are made of layers of porcelain, which reflect and absorb light like natural enamel. However, the specific shade of your veneer can be customized to blend seamlessly with your other natural teeth. You won’t have to worry about your veneer standing out because it looks unnaturally bright or “techno-color.”

Melissa chose to have three veneers placed, and she’s thrilled with the result. She says her only regret is that it took her so long to decide to pursue treatment! If you’ve been thinking about getting dental veneers, give our Boca Raton veneers dental office a call for more information.

These days it’s more important than ever for adult and teenage patients to have straight, attractive smile they’re proud to show. Very few people are lucky enough to be born with flawless smiles—most of us have to work to achieve the smiles of our dreams! Luckily, Invisalign treatment is an innovative teeth-straightening system that can help you get the smile you want. Many teenage patients love Invisalign because they are able to perfect their smiles without the hassle and discomfort of traditional metal braces.

So how does Invisalign work?

Invisalign is a cosmetic system that uses a series of plastic aligners to gradually move teeth into their ideal positions. Every few weeks our Boca Raton Invisalign dentists will simply give you a new aligner, which moves your teeth along. Adult and teenage patients choose Invisalign again and again because it offers a number of advantages over conventional braces.

Our patients report that, compared to metal braces, Invisalign aligners are:

1.     Easy to keep clean—Because Invisalign aligners are removable, you will take them out to clean your mouth and teeth. It’s easier to brush, floss, and remove plaque without metal brackets and sires impeding your daily dental hygiene routine.

2.     More comfortable—These plastic aligners don’t scratch or irritate oral tissues and the inside of your cheeks.

3.     Much more attractive—One of the worst parts of wearing traditional braces is that they turn your smile into a metallic mess! Invisalign aligners, however, are practically invisible when worn. Teenagers love the fact that they can transform their smiles without drawing attention to their orthodontic work.

Don’t put off getting the smile you love because you’re worried about traditional braces. With Invisalign you really can get a straight smile without the discomfort and metallic appearance of conventional braces. Call our Boca Raton Invisalign office to get more information or to schedule an appointment!

No matter how beautiful and white your smile is, you’re not going to want to smile and join in conversations if your breath doesn’t smell fresh. Don’t let chronic bad breath hold you back; this condition is treatable with diligent, intelligent care. Although it may seem that the best way to freshen breath is by using breath mints and gum, the truth is that conquering bad breath has a lot to do with your regular dental routine.

So what do our Boca Raton general dentists recommend?

Hopefully you’re already brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice a day. Marinating this routine is vital to your dental health. Brushing and flossing clear away bacteria from the surface of your teeth and between your teeth. Plaque and tartar are what cause bad breath—these bacteria laden substances feed on sugars and starches in your mouth. As they feed and grow, the bacteria produce bad odors and tastes.

To keep plaque and tartar to a minimum you should keep brushing and flossing at least twice day. You can additionally us an antimicrobial rinse to kill bacteria in hard to reach places. These at-home measures will help you maintain your teeth day to day. Every six months, you should see a professional dentist for an in-office cleaning. These cleanings are more thorough and effective than at-home brushing and flossing. Many patients notice that their breath improves immediately after a professional cleaning.

Remember that what you eat also affects your breath. As we mentioned, sugars and starches fortify odor-causing bacteria. So try to minimize processed sugars and carbohydrates in your food. When you do eat unhealthy substances, take the time to rinse or brush directly after.

If you’ve tried all of these suggestions and you’re still struggling with bad breath, you may be suffering from periodontal disease, which also causes malodorous breath. Our Boca Raton general dentists can help you combat periodontal problems and regain fresh-smelling breath. Give us a call at (561) 705-0249.

Many of our patients who have suffered from tooth loss—one tooth or multiple teeth—feel like they simply aren’t themselves with an incomplete smile. Finding a tooth replacement solution that works for you is vital to both your self-esteem and dental health. Many patients want to find a tooth replacement solution that will last for years and years—they don’t want to have to worry about getting a new restoration down the line. For many of these patients dental implants provide the perfect solution.

Dental implants are actually small titanium rods that are surgically implanted into the jawbone and then capped with a natural-looking restoration. Thus they are not removable, and they look and feel like natural teeth. In order to keep dental implants healthy patients need to brush and floss at least twice a day and undergo regular professional dental cleanings.

Additionally, following these simple rules can help you maintain the strength and beauty if you implants:

Treat dental grinding and clenching: if you habitually grind or clench or teeth, even in your sleep, you may put unnecessary strain on your dental implants and weaken them over time. If you’re clenching your teeth in your sleep you may experience jaw or tooth pain upon waking—so be sure to address this problem with your dentist if you notice these symptoms.

Don’t chew abrasive foods: patients with dental implants can eat and drink regularly—this is one of the major advantages of dental implants. However, it’s still important to avoid chewing hard candies and ice, as both of these can create micro cracks in your restorations.

Dental implants can last for years with proper care—they are very durable and have the advantage of looking and feeling like natural teeth. Before you undergo dental implant treatment, our Boca Raton dental implant dentists can help you better understand how to extend the life of your dental implant. Give our Boca Raton dental implant dentists a call if you’d like more information—630-994-5174.