Category: Blog

Does your teenager have a missing tooth in the aesthetic zone? It would help if you didn’t leave the gap untreated for long because the remaining teeth shift towards the blank space left by the missing tooth. Instead, it helps if you visit the Columbia dentist to provide the teenager with a replacement tooth to fill the opening of the missing tooth.

Do not ever think the teenager will ever develop a permanent tooth again because they won’t. On the contrary, the missing tooth creates many problems the teenager will find challenging to manage. Their remaining teeth start moving out of position towards the vacant gap and the teeth in the opposing jaw also begin moving upwards or downwards. The teenager encounters problems when chewing and speaking besides being unable to smile because of the visible gap in the aesthetic zone of their mouth. To help teenagers overcome the issues they confront and have a beautiful smile, you must visit the pediatric dentist near you for advice on the type of replacement your kid can get.

Options for Your Teenager to Replace the Missing Tooth

Your kid can get partial dentures if they wish to confront more problems that accompany them. However, although appearing natural, partial dentures are not the most comfortable and last for merely five to six years. Dental implants are another option available for teenagers if they are in good physical health and can commit to the dental implant procedure requiring nearly nine months to complete.

Another excellent alternative available for teenagers is porcelain dental bridges similar to artificial teeth to fill the gap between the natural teeth. Dentists can bridge the gap between the teenager’s teeth with a fake tooth called a Pontic and held in place by the supporting teeth on both sides of the opening. Various materials are used to make pontics, but generally, porcelain helps make them aesthetically blend with the remaining natural teeth.

When teenagers have lost a front tooth, they will likely have it replaced with a traditional dental bridge, also called a fixed bridge. Traditional dental bridges have fake tooth or teeth held by dental crowns bonded onto each supporting tooth. Traditional dental bridges are the most popular and are used when natural teeth exist on both sides of the gap created by the missing tooth.

How Do Porcelain Bridges Help the Teenager?

Porcelain bridges from the pediatric dentist in Colombia help teenagers restore their smile and ability to chew properly and speak without confronting challenges. Besides being aesthetically pleasing, the bridges help to maintain the shape of the face and prevent the remaining teeth from moving out of position. Most importantly, they help readjust the teenager’s bite to distribute biting forces correctly.

Traditional bridges are fixed in the teenager’s mouth and not removable. The bridge is attached to the surface of the teeth neighboring the gap, which are supported by dental crowns. If you think your teenager must have artificial teeth to close the gap in their mouths, it helps if you visit the kid’s dentist, Columbia, who can help your teenager get their smile back.

How Much Will a Traditional Dental Bridge Cost?

Traditional dental bridges with one fake tooth and two dental crowns for the supporting teeth will cost between $ 2000-$ 5000. The teenager might receive reimbursement for bridges from your dental insurer. You may think traditional dental bridges are expensive compared to removable dentures, but you must remember implant-supported bridges cost between $ 5000-$ 15,000. Therefore you have a challenging decision confronting you and must decide which kind of replacement tooth you would like the teenager to have.

You can perhaps reduce the cost of the bridge if you choose materials other than porcelain for the fake tooth. However, it helps to remember you are possibly compromising the aesthetic appearance of the teenager by investing in materials other than porcelain, considered the closest in appearance to natural teeth.

How Much Time Does the Treatment Require?

The treatment for porcelain bridges requires about two to three weeks after Dr. Julie Wehman makes a custom mold of the teenager’s mouth and teeth to carefully fabricate the new bridges and crowns for supporting teeth to ensure the teenager’s new teeth appear and function like natural teeth. Contact the dentist right away to help them examine the teenager’s teeth and help you determine which treatment is suitable for their needs.

Your child loses a permanent tooth due to trauma or congenital reasons. If the child is a teenager, they will be pressing you for replacements to fill the blank space in their mouth. They may overwhelm you with their demands compelling you to visit the kid’s dentist near you with them inquiring about solutions.

The pediatric dentist in Colombia provides different solutions for teenagers to replace lost permanent teeth. They may also explain why you mustn’t leave the blank space in the teenager’s mouth open because the child soon becomes affected by the consequences of tooth loss.

Their remaining teeth start shifting towards the blank space left by the missing tooth to create a shift in their bite. Their teeth in the opposing jaws also begin moving upwards or downwards, creating malocclusion, leaving them with additional problems needing orthodontic treatments. The optimal method for you is to have the gap in the teenager’s mouth bridged with an excellent solution called dental bridges.

What Kind of Bridges Can You Consider?

Teenagers are self-conscious of their image, making it essential for you to let them have porcelain bridges. Different materials are used for making the artificial teeth in the dental bridge, but having one made from porcelain is optimal for your child as it blends in with their natural teeth.

Dr. Diana Jennings can offer you bridges made from gold or other materials, but your child will likely reject them because they are not appealing to the eye. If your child has lost a front tooth with two supporting teeth beside the gap, they receive a traditional dental bridge remaining fixed in their mouth. Conventional bridges are durable and non-removable tooth replacement solutions. Before dental implant technology took over the market for tooth replacements, dental bridges were the premier tooth replacement solution. Implants remain the most popular option because of their strength and durability. However, unless your child is an adolescent, implants are not a viable solution for them. Under the circumstances going by the advice of the pediatric dentists in Colombia to have dental bridges for your child’s tooth replacement requirement is an optimal option you can choose.

Is It Comfortable for Your Child to Undergo the Tooth Replacement Procedure?

Replacing a tooth is never a comfortable procedure for anyone, and teenagers are unlikely to display any bravado while having their teeth replaced. You, along with your child, must schedule multiple opponents with the kid’s dentist near you if you decide to adhere to the advice of the Columbia dentist.

The dental bridge procedure requires the Columbia dentist to reshape your child’s abutment teeth to support the Pontic flanked by dental crowns and affixed to the supporting teeth. Filing down the supporting teeth is essential to shape them to accommodate dental crowns. The procedure is uncomfortable, and your child will likely receive local anesthesia to ease their discomfort. The dentist reshapes the supporting teeth by filing the top and sides of the tooth, leaving stubs in place of healthy teeth.

The dentist takes impressions of the filed down supporting teeth and the gap between getting the porcelain dental bridge customized in a dental lab. Your child receives protection for their compromised teeth by way of temporary bridges.

Fabrication of the customized porcelain bridge requires a couple of weeks, after which you must schedule another appointment with the dentist. The second appointment is for dental bridge placement, beginning with the removal of temporary dental bridges. The dentist checks the fitting, shape, and color of the porcelain bridge to ensure it matches well with your child’s existing teeth. If all things are satisfactory, bonding of the porcelain bridge on your child’s mouth is completed by the dentist shortly. The dental bridge placement procedure is not uncomfortable, but if your child is anxious, they may again receive local anesthesia for comfort.

Getting porcelain bridges for your child will enhance their self-confidence, allowing them to smile without hesitation and perform all other activities they were doing before losing one of their pearly whites. Porcelain bridges are incredibly durable and last for over a decade with proper dental hygiene. The kid’s dentist near you provides appropriate instructions on caring for the porcelain bridge and your child’s dental health. Following the dentist’s advice proves beneficial because it helps your child retain excellent dental health and maintain their dental bridges for long.

Regular dental exams and cleanings are your first line of defense against various painful oral health problems that affect your future financial and overall health. You may have a dozen excuses to put off your dental exam but are advised not to do so if you wish to keep your oral health in good condition.

The one-hour required by dental exam and cleanings from the Columbia dentist ensures you can avoid unnecessary problems so long as you complement the exams by a healthy diet, physical exercise, and other healthy lifestyle habits. The compassionate care provided by dental exam and cleaning near you protect your oral and overall health in the short and long-term.

What’s the Big Deal about Regular Dental Exams?

Regular dental exams and cleanings scheduled are vital for your oral and overall health. Forgoing your regular cleaning is not a good idea because:

The layers of plaque and bacterial buildup on your teeth built up after your last exam needs removal from a dental professional. You may use excellent brushing and flossing techniques for everyday maintenance, but nothing can beat a professional cleaning from Drs Ellis, Green, and Jenkins. These dental professionals have unique tools to give a deep clean, leaving your teeth looking better.

A professional cleaning enhances your smile cosmetically by removing stains and other visible flaws.

Your dental exam is a preventive measure checking for various oral health problems, including gum disease, cavities, oral cancer, and any other issues. The dentist Dr. Julie Wehman takes x-rays to view what the naked eye can’t.

Your visit to the dentist is an educational opportunity because the hygienist offers advice on the best methods and tools you can use to care for your oral hygiene at home.

Dental exams and cleanings are preventive measures that are just as important as getting dental care when problems arise. For example, when disease infects your gums, it is accompanied by other issues that affect you systematically. Various other health issues are also linked to gum disease. Thankfully with proper dental hygiene accompanied by exams and cleanings help prevent gum disease in the early stages.

Who Benefits from Regular Dental Exams and Cleanings?

Everyone benefits from regular dental exams and cleanings. Children, in particular, benefit the most from the kid’s dentist in Colombia, SC, when they attend dental exams frequently as children are chronically susceptible to tooth decay and cavities. Adults also benefit similarly as it helps them keep their natural teeth and avoid unnecessary problems down the line.

What Do You Receive from Dental Exams and Cleanings?

The visit to your dentist for exams and cleanings helps preserve your oral health and prevent other health issues in the future. Researchers have established a link between gum disease and different life-altering health conditions. The situation worsens when you let your mouth harbor bacteria, food, mucus, and various other impurities for an extended period. Overlook dental cleaning, and you are in for trouble with various other health issues.

The health issues will encourage you to forget about losing your teeth because you would have compromised your overall health for years to come. Some health problems that can affect you and are associated with gum disease include diabetes, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and dementia.

You are advised to think about how the occasional hour spent in the dentist’s chair reduces the chances of suffering from any of the conditions mentioned above. We are confident you will schedule the next appointment for exams and cleanings right away.

The Columbia dentist provides cleanings and exams as often as needed. The dentist recommends you visit them at six-monthly intervals or more frequently if you have existing conditions like gum disease in your mouth. If you haven’t seen the dentist for over a year, do not worry yourself about the lack of calls but contact the dentist right away for an appointment knowing full well you will receive the dental exam and cleaning to leave your teeth and mouth feeling fresh.

You will probably express delight when told that dental exams and cleanings are financially beneficial because they help prevent various issues in your mouth that need expensive treatments. The costs of treating dental problems add up quickly, even if you possess dental insurance. Therefore exams and cleaning are essential not just for your oral health but also for your overall health and financial well-being.

Bi-yearly dental exams for kids are vital when it comes to the longevity of your children’s teeth. It does more than just check for decay or cavities and give your kids healthy teeth. It is recommended to take your child to the dentist as soon as their first tooth erupts. If your child has completed his one year, it is the right time to have a dental appointment for toddlers.

Bi-annual dental checkups for your kids are as vital as seeing the doctor once a year. It’s because taking precautionary measures for your dental health is much better than having to deal with oral problems later.

Diana N. Jennings explains that having oral exams & cleaning bi-annually is imperative when it comes to preventive dentistry. In case of any dental urgency for your kids, please connect with an emergency pediatric dentist in Columbia, 29223.

The pediatric dental exam will also give your dentist the chance to check your kid’s teeth. Proper dental care of your kid’s teeth gives them a better chance of keeping their teeth healthy for a lifetime.

Importance of Bi-Annually Dental Cleanings and Exams

Dental exams and cleanings twice a year provide your dentist with a chance to make sure your kid’s teeth and gums are healthy.

Here are some of the benefits of visiting your dentist regularly.

Identify Oral Problems

During screening for oral problems, the dentist examines any signs of decay or disease. This makes your toddler symptoms free in the early stages.

A bi-annual dental checkup can identify the symptoms of oral cancer, thyroid, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and bone loss. Tooth cavity and decay is the most prevalent oral condition in kids with the periodontal disease not far behind.

Bi-annual checkups help a dentist to identify signs of cavities and gum disease in early stages, treat them, and prevent them from progressing/causing additional health problems.

Besides following good oral health habits suggested by your dentist like brushing twice per day and flossing daily, regular dental visits are essential as it doesn’t replace professional teeth cleaning.

Checking for Plaque/Tartar and Cavities

Even after brushing/flossing twice a day, some areas of your mouth are hard to reach. Plaque starts developing in that area, and that makes it harder to get rid of. After a while, it gets hard and turns into tartar that causes cavities.

Dentists have better dental equipment to reach every corner of your mouth to remove plaque and tartar. The experienced dentist near you uses a dental tool called a “scraper” to remove all these stubborn substances by hand. Your professional teeth cleaning also involves a high-powered electric toothbrush and a mild toothpaste.

This combination provides a thorough dental cleaning that is not possible at home. A regular check-up/cleaning cost is also much cost-effective than tooth filling or other tooth restoration treatment. So, it’s worth having a regular check-up.

Checking for Signs of Gum Diseases

Gingivitis is a severe gum disease that is caused by tartar. It is a condition that can cause loss of one/multiple teeth, wear and tear of the jawbone, and systemic infections that may also ruin your heart health. Even the smallest spot of plaque turns into tartar. This decays your tooth and causes infection at the joining point of gum and teeth.

Don’t wait until you start to see signs like bleeding and swelling of the gums or your teeth begin to lose. A bi-annual dental check-up and cleaning will enable you to identify and remove these spots in the early stage for better dental health for kids. Poor oral hygiene contributes to non-oral health problems also. So, finishing off your cleaning with a good polish helps your kids have brighter teeth.

Schedule Pediatric Dental Exam for Your Little One Today

Seasoned pediatric dentists know all about pediatric dentistry. They will not only improve your kid’s oral health but also make them free from dental anxiety. So, you should be sure to take your children for a dental exam and teeth cleaning.

Call and schedule an appointment for your kids with Drs. Ellis, Green, and Jenkins today. These experts will help your kid get a healthy and sparkling tooth in no time.

If you are concerned about your child’s smile’s appearance and health, you may need help from a pediatric orthodontist  who can help you improve the child’s oral health. Your child may face challenges brushing and flossing their crooked, Gapped, or misaligned teeth. Straighter teeth are easy to clean, making children less likely to develop infections like gum disease.

If your child confronts any of the issues mentioned above, you must search for pediatric orthodontics near you because the specialist can diagnose, treat, and prevent dental irregularities. Questioning yourself, what does a pediatric orthodontist do will not have unless you approach the specialist with your child for an evaluation.

Pediatric orthodontists can treat crooked teeth, misaligned bites, and other issues that affect the face’s appearance and functionality. Pediatric orthodontists complete several years of training besides dental school around them to correct dental irregularities in children and teenagers successfully.

Why Choose a Pediatric Orthodontist for Your Child?

Young children are often challenging to manage in most medical situations. A straightforward appointment with a dentist for exams and cleanings can instill panic in the child unless they are accustomed to dental visits. Taking the child to an orthodontist for correcting dental irregularities is an altogether different matter. It is why you must choose a pediatric orthodontist who knows how to manage children effectively while providing the treatments needed by the child.

A pediatric orthodontist aims to improve the appearance and function of your child’s smile by employing various devices and treatments. Orthodontists are specialists providing fixed appliances like braces to use gentle pressure to move your child’s teeth into their correct positions. When you take a child to Dr. Robert Ellis, the child receives thorough teeth and bite assessment. After the evaluation, the orthodontist decides which treatment is best suited for your child’s smile.

Why Must You Give Your Child Orthodontic Treatment Early in Life?

You can avail of orthodontic treatment at any age. Still, if your child has noticeable dental irregularities, making them susceptible to dental infections, the better option for you would be to have the problems corrected early. Orthodontic treatments deliver better outcomes on developing teeth and jaws when moving them into the desired position.

When you take your child to the orthodontist mentioned above, you attempt to give your child excellent treatment from an experienced pediatric orthodontist. The professional fully understands that children’s needs are different from those of adults and therefore treats them accordingly. Any treatment provided by the orthodontist is accompanied by proper guidance on how to manage orthodontic appliances in the child’s mouth. It ensures that you now have to seek treatment from an emergency pediatric dentist in Colombia, 29223 if your child manages to damage or break the orthodontic appliance using any method.

Is Pediatric Orthodontic Treatment Expensive?

Children confront unique orthodontic challenges, and every child is different. The cost of pediatric orthodontic treatment can vary between patients depending on the severity of your child’s condition. The practice of Drs Ellis, Green, and Jenkins’s recognize that orthodontic treatment for children is stressful on the family budget and make every effort to ensure the treatment is as affordable as possible.

Remember you are taking your child to an experienced pediatric orthodontist who understands that your child benefits from a properly aligned smile. The team of doctors offers state of the art pediatric orthodontics to correct your child’s smile as quickly as possible. Do not assume the treatment is accomplished in a month or two because orthodontic treatments require two years or more to complete.

Your child must wear the orthodontic appliance chosen for them by the pediatric orthodontist’s to have better looking smiles and dental health. It helps incredibly if you continuously supervise your child during the treatment on maintaining the orthodontic devices in their mouths to ensure your child succeeds with therapy from the pediatric orthodontist.

Suppose you intend to give your child better dental health and a perfect smile. In that case, it is incredibly essential for you to obtain the treatment they need for dental irregularities from a pediatric orthodontist. You may notice many dentists offering orthodontic treatments but must refrain from visiting them because most dentists are not orthodontists. Although these professionals graduate from the same dental school, merely 3 percent specialize in orthodontics. The number of specializing dentists choosing pediatric orthodontics is even fewer. Therefore if you must select a professional to treat your child for their dental issues, they must receive treatment from specialists who understand pediatrics and provide the necessary treatment appropriately.

A misconception exists in most people that dentists are dentists and teeth are teeth without realizing children have different dental needs than adults. Dentists are undoubtedly dentists, but some specialize in pediatric dentistry, catering exclusively to children’s needs from infancy until adolescence. These specialists are your child’s best friend, helping them develop excellent dental hygiene habits throughout their lives.

The sooner parents understand pediatric dentists can care for their children, the better it will be for them to provide appropriate care for the child’s dental health. The earlier children get regular dental checkups, the healthier their mouths remain throughout their lives. Early dental checkups help prevent tooth decay and cavities resulting in pain, trouble concentrating, and various other medical issues. Pediatric dental health checkups ensure children have healthy teeth to chew food comfortably, smile with confidence, and do not have any speech impediments.

When Should Parents Take Their Child for Their First Dental Checkup?

The American Academy of pediatrics and the ADA both recommend all children must visit a dentist as soon as their first tooth emerges or by age one. The well-baby visit teaches parents the importance of pediatric dental care and helps children remain free from cavities.

For example, the pediatric clinic in Colombia, SC, examine many young patients with cavities resulting from falling asleep with a bottle of milk or juice. The pediatric dentist instructs parents on why the child has developed holes, the significance of encouraging children to drink milk, juices, and water from a cup as they approach their first birthday, and how to brush baby teeth.

Dr. Amy Ellis Green encourages mothers to stop giving in to the child’s nighttime breastfeeding demands from the time the child’s first tooth emerges.

What Is the Significance of Visiting a Pediatric Dentist?

In America, the most familiar chronic condition affecting children is tooth decay. Approximately 40 percent of all children have tooth decay before they reach kindergarten, states the CDC. The problem is worse in some cities where roughly 60 percent of school-age children are affected by preventable tooth decay, and more than 20 percent of children have at least cavities on seven teeth.

Parents may believe their family dentist can handle all the child’s needs as required. Family dentists are treating patients of all ages, including children. However, they haven’t specialized in pediatric dentistry or acquired the additional training and qualifications needed to manage children gently and effectively.

The kid’s dentist near me is a specialist with adequate knowledge on how to manage children appropriately without scaring them or even talking to them harshly. As specialists in pediatric dentistry, they invest in a kid-friendly dental practice with colorful murals and audiovisual equipment. They include playtime activities to ensure children’s dental visits are fun and different from regular dental practices.

Pediatric dental specialists like Dr. Ellis, Green, and Jenkins also invest in specialized tools for treating children and spend time with them explaining every dental procedure. These doctors ensure children are comfortable visiting the dental practice and do not create a stir when any treatments are provided.

Parents are encouraged by the practice to remain by the child’s side or even have the child sit in their lap on the dentist’s chair. Children are rewarded by the dentists when they cooperate with them when undergoing any dental treatment.

How to Prevent Tooth Decay or Cavities in Children’s Mouths?

Pediatric dentists provide advice to parents on how they can prevent tooth decay and cavities in children’s mouths. They encourage parents to teach the child to brush their teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss at least once, and bring them in for six-monthly dental exams and checkups without fail.

Pediatric dentists also provide children with preventive care offering fluoride treatments to strengthen their enamel and dental sealants on their molars to prevent food particles and debris from trapping between their back teeth. If children need orthodontic treatments for crooked or misaligned teeth, pediatric dentists can detect the problem early to provide a referral to an orthodontist for corrective treatments.

This article should confirm all dentists are not similar and specialists like pediatric dentists are different. All teeth are also not the same because children’s teeth have different needs. It is why pediatric dentists are preferable for children than the general dentist.

Do you think your child doesn’t need any dental care from a specialized professional like a children’s dentist, and taking them to your family dentist is sufficient? You are committing a grave error by keeping your child from receiving specialized dental attention early. Your family dentist may undoubtedly be the best professional in South Carolina, treating patients of all ages. However, the pediatric dentist in Colombia, South Carolina, is a specialist understanding children’s needs better than any other professional. It is why you must take children to the kid’s dentist instead of your family dentist.

What Makes a Pediatric Dentist Different?

Pediatric dentists receive additional training and qualifications after completing dental school and work in a residency program treating children exclusively. They are the experts in identifying problems solely limited to children. They receive training to treat children from infancy until adolescence and manage children with special needs.

Children’s dental requirements are distinct from those of adults. Despite treating patients of all ages, family dentists find it challenging to identify issues like delayed teething, malocclusion and misaligned teeth, and other topics familiar with them. Children perceive dental procedures intimidating just like adults and make every effort to avoid visits to dental offices. However, it is crucial to have children’s milk teeth evaluated regularly by pediatric dentists for signs of dental caries and tooth decay. A family dentist may not have the time or the patience to look closely at children’s mouths in an environment non-conducive for pediatric dentistry.

When Should Your Children Have Their First Dental Appointment?

Pediatric dentists recommend children have their first dental appointment on the eruption of their first tooth or by age one, as suggested by the AAPD. These dental professionals recognize every child is different and have a unique approach to helping children complete the required dental treatment. Pediatric dentists offer advice on behavioral supervision methods for children based on their health history, dental needs, special healthcare requirements, type of treatment needed, emotional and intellectual development, parental preferences, and the consequences of receiving no treatment.

Why Must Children’s Teeth Be Maintained in a Healthy Condition?

Children shed their milk teeth eventually for replacements with permanent teeth. However, it is imperative to maintain milk teeth in a healthy condition. The risks of tooth decay and dental caries among children increase when their baby teeth are not maintained properly. Dental plaque and tooth decay often affect children who enjoy sugary and sticky foods while neglecting dental hygiene. Pediatric dentists are professionals encountering tooth decay among children continuously.

You may find this information difficult to believe, but gingivitis and dental abscesses are just as familiar in children as adults. The problem is quickly managed by pediatric dentists who suggest regular dental exams and cleanings besides maintaining good dental hygiene by brushing and flossing the children’s teeth, helping them maintain a healthy set of teeth for life.

Children Enjoy Visiting Pediatric Dentist’s Offices

If pediatric dentists are exclusively managing children, they have realized they cannot have a dental practice scaring away children from visiting them. They have successfully managed to overcome this challenge by creating unique practices designed for children.

Besides investing in decor that children prefer, dentists also have games, audiovisual equipment, and other curiosities to keep children occupied during dental visits. Having children visit dental practices is not the only aim of pediatric dentists who primarily look forward to providing treatments necessary for children.

Pediatric dentists also invest in child-friendly equipment, which they proudly display before children, and even explain what the tools are used for before actually using them on the child. All children receive small gifts when leaving the dental practice giving them an impression they were on a casual trip to have a good time instead of receiving dental treatments.

Finding an appropriate pediatric dentist for your child should not be a challenge in South Carolina, especially if you are willing to make a few inquiries. Your friends and other family members will recommend that you visit Drs Ellis, Green, and Jenkins at Caitlin Cox Reaves with your child for a free consultation. The visit allows you to understand how these dental professionals provide comprehensive treatments needed by children starting from routine exams and cleanings or even anesthesia if they require intensive treatments.

Giving your child a positive start early in life with their dental health helps to educate them to maintain their oral health in excellent condition throughout their lives. You mustn’t overlook this opportunity in Colombia and let your child enjoy the benefits of the children’s dentistry program available over here.

We all like to have a bright and dazzling smile. But, our teeth tend to discolor and tint because of our lifestyle and other factors like age. This is probably why many people are seeking cosmetic teeth whitening. Unfortunately, this has opened the door for many commercial teeth whitening products that have adverse effects.

That is why we recommend getting professional teeth whitening in Columbia. This guarantees that you will get the best whitening results.

What Causes Teeth Discoloration?

Before you visit Dr. Catlin Cox Reeves for a teeth whitening procedure, it is crucial to know the factors that cause your teeth to tint. Our teeth develop extrinsic and intrinsic (affecting the internal part of the teeth). Several factors influence this, such as:

• Age. The dentin (gives the teeth color) changes as we age. Also, because the enamel erodes with time, the dentin becomes more exposed, causing the teeth to appear brown or yellow.
• Lifestyle. Overindulging in taking wine, coffee, tea, and other foods that can stain your teeth will cause the enamel to change its shade. Smoking also affects the shade of your teeth.
• Medication
• Dental trauma can affect the nerves and tissues in your dentin to discolor.

Can I Get My Teeth Bleached?

Teeth bleaching can benefit anyone; however, you need to meet the eligibility criteria to have the teeth whitened:

• You have worn out and thin enamel that may cause sensitivity. Consult our dentist on teeth whitening for sensitive teeth.
• There’s excessive decay.
• You have periodontal or gum infection.
• You have dental restorations such as veneers and bridges. Dental restorations cannot be altered once they are fixed. That is why the dentist normally performs a teeth whitening procedure before the dental restorations are fixed. Once the restorations are discolored, you’ll need to have them replaced.

What Are The Available Teeth Whitening Treatments?

Teeth whitening is available in two options—professional and commercial products. While the commercial teeth whitening products are readily available, they are not the best option. Most toothpaste, mouth rinses, and gels contain too little or too much whitening agent. This will cause undesirable whitening results.

Furthermore, some may damage the enamel and cause it to darken.

Professional teeth whitening treatments are safer and offer the best whitening results. They contain a higher percentage of the whitening agent, but our dentist will apply a protective gel on the gums to shield from bruising.

You can also get at-home teeth whitening kits customized for you by our dental team. These take-home trays enhance the whitening results at home.

How is the Whitening Procedure Done?

The dentist will first do a professional cleaning to remove any plaque buildup. Next, he/she will apply the protective gel in the gums and the whitening solution on the teeth. The bleaching gel is left for 15 minutes and rinsed out. The procedure may be repeated two to three times based on the severity of the discoloration.

Does Teeth Whitening Affect the Enamel and Cause Teeth Whitening?

Teeth whitening can cause slight sensitivity, but it’s transient. This means it lasts for a short time, usually a few hours. However, the dentist may prescribe a tooth-sensitive toothpaste to relieve the discomfort.

How Long Does the Teeth Whitening Last?

Teeth whitening results can last for about a year, depending on your lifestyle and the foods you eat. You can consult the dentist on the frequency of getting the teeth whitening treatment.

Can I Use Home Whitening Products?

There are a few D.I.Y teeth whitening products that are said to help whiten the teeth. The effectiveness of these cosmetic whitening products is yet to be proved. Some, such as baking soda, may erode the enamel and cause it to weaken. It is, therefore, important to visit a dental clinic for the best teeth whitening treatment.

Take Away

Teeth whitening can help brighten your smile when done correctly. Therefore, visit Drs. Ellis, Green, and Jenkins for a professional teeth whitening procedure. Our dentist in Columbia, SC, will evaluate your teeth and recommend the appropriate teeth whitening procedure, whether in-office or at-home whitening kits.