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.

Patients today have more options than ever when it comes to whitening teeth and transforming the overall appearance of the smile. Cosmetic teeth whitening treatments are so popular because they are easy, effective, and fast. Our Boca Raton cosmetic dentists are able to whiten enamel several shades, for instance, in just one or two appointments.

Patients often want to know the differences between over the counter whitening treatments and professional bleaching formulations. Both home and professional whitening treatments are actually bleaching products—they utilize hydrogen or carbamide peroxide to bleach dental enamel and stains. Here I provide a brief overview of some of the pros and cons of professional and at-home whitening products, respectively.

Effectiveness

Professional whitening treatments are more effective than at-home products because they utilize a higher concentration of whitening agents. Because they are applied by a professional, these more potent concentrations deliver more predictable and reliable results.

Time

Patients generally see results from professional whitening treatments in only one or two appointments. Self-administered whitening treatments may not work for weeks or months, and they still wont deliver the same level of whitening that professional treatments do. You can use over the counter products, however, at your own pace when it is convenient for you, while professional treatments require a dental appointment.

Cost

Professional whitening treatments are more expensive than at-home treatments, though they are increasingly less expensive. The cost is commensurate with the effectiveness and fast acting results.

Long-Term Results

A dental professional can help you maintain your white smile for a long period of time. After your initial treatment your dentist can provide you with home maintenance kits to keep your smile white at home.

Professional whitening treatments will give you faster, more effective, and more reliable results than over the counter formulations. While at-home products generally cost a little less than professional formulations, and they can be used when it’s convenient for you.  Regardless of how you choose to whiten your enamel, check with a dental professional to make sure that whitening your teeth is appropriate for your oral health. Give our Boca Raton cosmetic dentists a call if you have any questions or you’d like to schedule an appointment— (561)705-0249.