WHITENING

This is the procedure of making teeth whiter, and therefore more attractive. Our office uses several methods: Custom Trays with Professional strength whitening gel, Pre-filled Disposable tray whitening and Touch-up Kits for those patients with trays of their own. 

The tray method involves having impressions taken from which laboratory fabricated custom vinyl trays are made. A Carbamide peroxide  or  Hydrogen peroxide gel is placed in these trays and the trays with gel are worn for a minimum of 30 minutes. The entire process takes 1-2 weeks of daily use. Three different strengths of gel may be used, however the higher the strength the greater the likelihood of reactions or tooth sensitivity. The tray method is recommended for badly stained teeth, such as tetracycline staining, and it may take several months of use to see significant color improvement. For maintenance of whitened teeth the trays should be used every several months.

We recommend discussing your individual needs with Dr. Gina Ostrand or the hygienist prior to purchasing other over-the counter products so the product that is best for your situation is chosen and you reach your cosmetic goals.

NEW! FOR OUR ESTABLISHED PATIENTS: You may now preview all of our office tested and approved Whitening products through our Venus Smile Store link. This enables you to purchase PROFESSIONAL STRENGTH products directly online whenever you need them and have them delivered right to your doorstep. You can also take advantage of SPECIAL PROMOTIONS and DISCOUNTS.

VENEERS

Veneers are a dental procedure in which a covering is placed over the outside (visible area) of the tooth. Veneers are usually only done to the part of the teeth that are visible when talking or smiling. The procedure can be direct or indirect.

The direct technique usually involves placing composite resin on the outside of the tooth using bonding. This method is usually referred to as bonding.

The indirect technique usually involves two appointments because the veneers will be fabricated at a dental laboratory. At the first appointment the teeth are prepared, impressions taken, and the teeth are given a temporary covering. In two weeks the veneers are back from the laboratory, the temporaries are removed and the veneers are bonded to the teeth. The laboratory fabricated veneers are usually made using porcelain or pressed ceramic, and are very aesthetic.

The advantage of veneers versus crowns is that much less tooth material is removed, and the procedure is generally less uncomfortable. Veneers are recommended for teeth that have large fillings or little tooth structure.

Invisalign

Invisalign straightens your teeth with a series of clear, virtually invisible custom-molded aligners. By using a series of clear, removable aligners, Invisalign straightens your teeth with results you'll notice sooner than you think.

The course of treatment involves changing aligners approximately every two weeks, moving your teeth into straighter position step by step, until you have a more beautiful smile. And unlike braces, these clear aligners can be removed while you eat and brush your teeth as usual.

What Causes Discoloration?

While people have different colors of skin and hair, they also have genetic differences in tooth color. Some teeth are more yellow, while others yellow with aging. Natural tooth color can be discolored by a number of causes. The surface of the teeth can be stained by tobacco, coffee, tea, berries and other foods as well as by deposits of calculus (which is better known as tartar).

Discoloration of the tooth internally can also result from aging, injuries, excessive fluoride, certain illnesses and taking antibiotic tetracycline during early childhood. Although bleaching successfully lightens most discolorations, certain types (like those caused by tetracycline) are more difficult to remove.

What is Bonding?

Bonding is a term used to describe a number of procedures that involve applying composite resins to the tooth. Regardless of its use, bonding can provide an attractive result.

How Bonding is Performed
Bonding is often completed in one visit and often does not require the use of anesthesia or drilling. The process involves preparing the tooth surface with an etching solution that allow the composite resin to adhere. To match the color of your teeth, various colors of resins are carefully blended so the bonded tooth will look natural.

The resin is applied, contoured into the proper shape and hardened using a special light or chemical process. It is smoothed and polished to appear natural. Sometimes a follow-up appointment will be required for final polishing and finishing.

Aftercare

Because bonding material is not as strong as natural tooth enamel, it can chip and may have to be replaced periodically. Bonded areas of the tooth are also prone to stain. For these reasons, bonding requires careful home and professional maintenance. You can help maintain your bonding by following these tips.

- Avoid acids (such as vinegar, tomatoes, or pineapples) and alcohol which can damage the resins.
- Avoid items that can stain bonding material such as cigarettes, coffee, tea, and berries.
- Do not put excess pressure on resins. Chewing ice, popcorn kernels and hard candy can cause damage.

X-rays

Why do I need X-rays?

Dental X-rays are extremely valuable for helping to detect oral diseases of the teeth and surrounding tissues. An X-ray exam may reveal small cavities that can't be seen by a visual exam, infections in the bone, abscesses, cysts, developmental abnormalities, such as extra or impacted teeth and some types of tumors. Just because such diseases, including early tooth decay, can't be seen by a visual exam does not mean that treatment isn't required.

Is it safe to have dental X-rays?

Yes. Numerous precautions and advances in X-ray equipment help protect patients from receiving unnecessary radiation. The amount of radiation received from a Dental Exam is extremely small compared to other naturally occurring sources of radiation, including minerals in the soil, radon, and cosmic radiation from outer space. A full-mouth series of films, using state-of-the-art technology, will deliver an effective dose that is equivalent to about 19 days of exposure to naturally occurring environmental radiation.

How often are they necessary?

This depends upon the patients individual health needs. If you are a new patient, the dentist may recommend X-rays to determine the current status of your mouth and to check for hidden problems. The need for radiographs varies according to your age, risk for disease, and your past dental history.

Children may need X-rays more often than adults because their teeth and jaws are still developing and they are more prone to tooth decay. X-rays help the Dentist discover developmental problems as early as possible so preventative or treatment measures can be started.

Sealants

What Sealants Do for You

A sealant is a clear shaded plastic material that is applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (premolars
and molars), where decay occurs most often. This sealant acts as a barrier, protecting the decay prone areas of the tooth from plaque and acid.

How Sealants are Applied

Each tooth only takes a few minutes to seal. First, the teeth that will be sealed will be cleaned. The chewing surfaces are then etched (roughened) with a weak acidic solution to help the sealant adhere to the teeth. Finally, the sealant is placed onto the tooth enamel and hardened. Some sealants need a special curing light to help them harden, while others do not.

Who Should Have Sealants

Although children receive significant benefits from sealants, adults can also be at risk for pit and fissure decay and thus be candidates for sealants. Your Dentist can advise you about the need for sealants. Sealants are also recommended even for those who receive topical applications of fluoride and who live in communities with
fluoridated water. Fluoride helps fight decay on the smooth surfaces of the teeth but is least effective in pits and fissures.

How Long Do Sealants Last

When the sealant is applied, finger-like strands penetrate the pits and fissures of the tooth enamel. Although the sealant cannot be seen with the naked eye, the protective effect of these strands continues. As a result, it may be several years before another application of sealant is needed. Reapplication of the sealants will continue the protection against decay and may save the time and expense of having a tooth restored. Sealants will be checked during regular dental visits to determine if reapplication is necessary.

How Sealants Save Money

The American Dental Association recognizes that sealants can play a major role in the prevention of tooth decay.

When properly applied and maintained they can successfully protect the chewing surfaces of the tooth from decay. A total prevention program includes brushing twice a day, cleaning between teeth daily with floss or interdental cleaner, regular dental visits, and limiting the number of between-meal snacks. Ask your dentist how to obtain the right level of fluoride. If these measures are followed and sealants are used well, the risk of decay can be reduced or may even be eliminated.

Aftercare

With the sealant deep within the pits and grooves of the enamel surface, normal eating habits can be maintained.

Twice a day brushing is very important to maximize the benefits of the sealants. Of course, sealants should be
checked during regular dental visits to determine if reapplication is necessary.