Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Fixing your broken smile without breaking your pocket

San Diego cosmetic dentistMany consumers and dentists agree the best toothpaste for teeth whitening is Arm and Hammer Extreme Whitening tooth paste. It’s been proven to work fastest and last the longest. But for those of us who have extremely stained teeth, or who simply want instantly white teeth, the answer might be teeth whitening San Diego cosmetic dentists shed light on how this procedure works.

Whitening your teeth can cost you a pretty penny. Those at-home whitening kits can cost a fortune, and most don’t work like they promise they will. Going to see a cosmetic dentist for teeth whitening may be pricier than the at-home kits but the results are instant and guaranteed! The prices for the basic whitening procedure start around $150 going all the way up to $600. San Diego cosmetic dentists are a more affordable solution, as the average cost to whiten your teeth with a San Diego dentist is about $250. That’s a great in between price. At this price we can afford to have those pearly whites looking like they should.

Another popular procedure for correcting broken smiles is dental implants. For severely damaged, worn, broken or missing teeth, look to dental implants San Diego dentists can repair that broken smile without breaking your pockets along the way. With dental implants, the replacement teeth are permanently fused to the jaw – they’re just like real teeth! Many people who are looking to dental implants instead of having dentures which are a hassle to clean and remove. Dental implants and other cosmetic dental procedures are becoming increasingly popular as a way to bring back your smile and confidence.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Whiter Teeth: What Works for stains?

teeth whitening San DiegoNot everyone was born with a perfect set of bright pearly white teeth but there are effective bleaching and teeth whitening San Diego treatments that can erase the stains and discoloration.

Stains can be removed easily with a bleaching agent for discoloration on the outer layer of the tooth says San Diego cosmetic dentist. Stains from drinking coffee or tea, smoking or even eating a lot of spaghetti sauce can cause stains on the outer layer of the tooth.

If the inner structure of the tooth are darker or yellowed, it is called an "intrinsic" stain. Intrinsic stains are more difficult to remove and in some cases can't be removed at all. For example, tetracycline (an antibiotic) can cause intrinsic staining. This occurs when it is used by children under age 8 or women in the last half of their pregnancy. These stains cannot be removed by bleaching and a Del Mar teething whitening procedure will be needed says San Diego dentist.

Some stains can also be caused by nerve or blood vessel damage. In this case, a Root canal therapy may be necessary to prevent permanent staining. If external bleaching does not remove the stain, a teeth bleaching product can be applied to the inside of the tooth. Another option is to cover the tooth with veneers.

Another type of stain is called dentin which is age-related. Dentin is a combination of intrinsic and extrinsic factors. As we age, the inner portion of the tooth gets slightly yellow. The outer part of the tooth (enamel) gradually becomes thinner over time and allows the yellow dentin to show through.

Yellow stains are the easiest to remove with bleaching or teeth whitening. Gray or black stains tend to be more difficult. Generally, new stains are easier to remove than old ones so it’s important to see your dentist regularly for a deep cleaning or teeth whitening to maintain whiter, healthier teeth.