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Professional Teeth Whitening vs. At-Home Whitening

Professional Teeth Whitening vs. At-Home Whitening

Aug 25, 2023 | Cosmetic Dentist

 

If you’re one of the many considering whitening your teeth, this article is for you. Teeth whitening has been one of the most requested services among dental offices, and with the trend not slowing down and more at-home options on the rise, you need to know what option is best for you. 

 

Home whitening

At-home whitening can pertain to a variety of products and there are a ton of companies that claim to whiten teeth dramatically. These are the most common over-the-counter products you can buy at your local store:

  • Whitening Strips: The closest you can get to professional results. It generally takes months to see desired results.
  • Whitening Toothpaste- Helpful in reducing stains.
  • Whitening Mouthwash- Helpful in reducing stains.

Some people also choose to use home remedies like activated charcoal, baking soda, or hydrogen peroxide. Mild products like this can improve discoloration over time or be helpful in-between professional visits.

Professional whitening

If you’re interested in professional whitening, there are generally two options, at-home kits, and in-office whitening.

  • At-Home Whitening Kits: These kits include custom-fitted trays that are made in the dental office and worn over your teeth. You then fill it with a whitening gel. Some kits use lower-concentration bleaching agents, and others may require overnight use for several weeks. Most people achieve their desired results within just a few days.
  • In-Office Whitening: These are professional treatments performed at a dental office. Dentists use stronger bleaching agents and sometimes activate them with special lights or lasers. The process usually takes about an hour and typically provides immediate results of up to 14 shades whiter.

 

It’s important to keep in mind other factors that may affect which type of whitening route to pick. Factors like oral health, budget, the severity of stains and discoloration, and how quickly you want the results. While there are a lot of cost-effective products that claim to improve the whiteness of your smile, your best option to see results is to visit the dentist.

 

Choosing The Right Dentist

Choosing The Right Dentist

Aug 9, 2023 | Blog, Cosmetic Dentist

 

Choosing a new healthcare provider can be stressful, and a dentist is no exception. Choosing the right dentist should be a thoughtful process. Whether it’s because you’re not happy with your current dental provider or your new to an area, there’s sure to be a list of dentists to choose from.
Here are some tips on finding a new dentist that is right for you!

  • Ask people you trust: Ask family, friends, co-workers, or neighbors for their recommendations. Personal experiences can provide valuable insights into the quality of a dentist’s care.
  • Read Reviews Look for online reviews and testimonials from other patients. While individual reviews should be taken with a grain of salt, patterns in feedback can give you a sense of the dentist’s reputation and patient satisfaction. There are many popular review platforms nowadays, like Facebook, Google, and Yelp.

  • Cover the basics: If you have dental insurance, verify that the dentist is in-network with your insurance provider. Additionally, discuss the clinic’s payment options and whether they offer payment plans if needed.
    Consider the location and office hours of the dental clinic. Make sure it is conveniently located and offers appointment times that work well with your schedule.
    Some dentists specialize in certain areas, such as orthodontics, endodontics, or cosmetic dentistry. Depending on your needs, you may want to find a dentist specializing in the specific treatment you require.

  • Ask about credentials: Verify the dentist’s qualifications and credentials. Ensure they have completed their dental education from a reputable dental school and are licensed to practice dentistry in your region.
    Look for a dentist with a good amount of experience, especially if you need specific treatments or procedures.
    Dental technology continuously advances, and some practices invest in modern equipment and techniques for improved patient care. 
  • Meet the Team: Schedule an initial consultation or a simple check-up appointment with the dentist. This will give you a chance to meet them in person, assess their communication style, and ask any questions you may have about their practice
    Pay attention to the demeanor of the dental staff during your visit. A friendly and supportive team can contribute to a more pleasant dental experience.
    Taking a tour of the office can give you helpful insights into how things are run. This is an excellent time to see if it’s clean and organized.

Remember, your dentist is a crucial partner in maintaining your oral health, so take the time to choose one that suits your needs and makes you feel at ease, and at the end of the day, trust your gut. If you feel a dentist is or is not a good fit for you, don’t be afraid to act on it. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are vital for preventing more

Dentures vs Dental Implants

Dentures vs Dental Implants

Jul 21, 2023 | Blog, Cosmetic Dentist, Dental Implants Periodontist, Sedation

Your smile is a big part of who you are. The comfort and confidence you feel in your smile affect your mental health. People that suffer from tooth loss tend to lose their self-esteem. They even socialize less. There are many solutions to severe tooth loss, the most popular being dentures and dental implants.

Read on and see the comparison between dental implants and dentures.

Stability and comfort:

  • Dental implants: Implants are surgically placed into the jawbone, providing a stable and permanent foundation for replacement teeth. This stability allows for better chewing and speaking ability. Implants feel more like natural teeth and are generally more comfortable.
  • Dentures: Dentures are removable prosthetic appliances that rest on the gums. They can sometimes be less stable and may move or shift during eating or speaking, leading to discomfort or difficulty in these activities. Dentures require regular adjustments to maintain a proper fit


Aesthetics:

  • Dental implants: Implants are designed to closely resemble natural teeth in appearance, providing a more natural-looking smile. They can also help preserve the shape of the face by preventing jawbone loss.
  • Dentures: Dentures can be customized to match the appearance of natural teeth, but they may not look as realistic as dental implants. In some cases, the denture base or clasps may be visible when smiling or speaking.

Maintenance and care:

  • Dental implants: Implants require regular oral hygiene practices similar to natural teeth, including brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups. No additional care or removal is necessary.
  • Dentures: Dentures need to be removed for cleaning, typically with special denture cleaners, and the mouth should be cleaned as well. Dentures should be soaked overnight to keep them moist and to maintain their shape. Regular dental check-ups are also important for denture wearers.

Longevity:

  • Dental implants: With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime. The implant itself fuses with the jawbone, providing a stable and durable foundation for the replacement tooth.
  • Dentures: Dentures may need to be replaced or relined periodically due to wear or changes in the mouth’s shape. On average, dentures last around 5 to 10 years.

Cost:

  • Dental implants: Dental implants tend to have a higher upfront cost compared to dentures. However, considering their durability and long-term benefits, they can be a cost-effective solution in the long run.
  • Dentures: Dentures are generally more affordable initially, but ongoing maintenance costs, such as relining or replacement, should be considered.

After reading this, you may have a preference for what’s best for you, but it’s essential to discuss it with a dental professional. They take into consideration all the factors of your oral health. Dental Specialty Associates has successfully completed thousands of implants, and is now taking on new patients. Be sure to call and schedule a consultation!

Popular Dental Terminology

Popular Dental Terminology

Jun 27, 2023 | Blog, Cosmetic Dentist, Health & Safety

 

Have A Dentist Appointment Coming Up?

A dental appointment is filled with a lot of information. The medical field is full of complex terminology that your hygienist or dentist may use. We’ve defined the most commonly used terms you may hear during your next dental check-up, so you don’t have to.

 

Terminology

Plaque: A sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth and gums, which, if not removed, can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.

Tartar: Hardened plaque that forms on teeth when plaque mineralizes over time. Tartar can only be removed by a dental professional.

Enamel: The hard outer layer of the tooth that protects the underlying dentin. Enamel is the strongest substance in the human body.

Scaling and root planing: A deep cleaning procedure performed by a dental professional to remove plaque, tartar, and bacterial toxins from the tooth surfaces and root surfaces to treat gum disease.

Examination: The dentist will visually inspect your teeth, gums, and mouth to identify any issues or areas of concern.

Probing: The dentist or hygienist may use a small probe to measure the depth of the gum pockets around your teeth. This helps assess the health of your gums and detect signs of gum disease.

Scaling: Scaling is a procedure performed by a dental hygienist to remove plaque, tartar (hardened plaque), and stains from the tooth surfaces, both above and below the gum line.

Polishing: After scaling, the dental hygienist may polish your teeth using a rotating rubber cup or brush and a gritty toothpaste-like substance. This helps remove surface stains and leaves your teeth feeling smooth.

Dental sealants: Protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars to prevent tooth decay.

Occlusion: The way the upper and lower teeth come together when you bite or chew. Terms related to occlusion may include malocclusion (misalignment of teeth) or overbite/underbite (improper vertical overlap of upper and lower teeth).

Conclusion

We hope that knowing these terms help you navigate your next appointment, so you can focus on your oral health! If you found this article useful, be sure to check out our other ones.

 

Dental Specialty Associates Dentist Gilbert Phoenix Arizona
Our highly trained teams specialize in all areas of dental care treatments, from general dentistry to cosmetic and surgical procedures.
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Dental Specialty Associates of Gilbert

2730 S Val Vista Dr
BLDG 11, # 164
Gilbert, AZ 85295

gilbert@dsaofaz.com
(480) 633-9977

Dental Specialty Associates of Phoenix

4216 N 44th St
Phoenix, AZ 85018

phx@dsaofaz.com
(602) 795-5995

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