Archives for October 2024

Why Can’t I Whiten My Teeth By Rinsing with Peroxide?

Posted on October 19, 2024 by writeradmin.

I understand that dentists use a peroxide to whiten your teeth. Why can’t I just rinse with some over-the-counter peroxide at home and whiten my teeth that way?

Sandy

Dear Sandy,

Tooth bleaching trays

You are correct that dentists will use a peroxide gel to whiten your teeth. However, the peroxide you get over the counter is a bit different. It’s strength is about 3%. What your dentist uses will be at least ten times stronger than that. Even then, in order for it to have any whitening affect, it needs to be in contact with your tooth enamel for a minimum of fifteen minutes. I don’t think you could rinse your mouth for fifteen minutes.

For argument’s sake, let’s suppose you could. Your saliva would continually dilute it, which would weaken it even further. However, the bigger problem comes with peroxide’s bacteria killing properties. When you have professional teeth whitening done, your dentist will provide you with custom-fit teeth whitening trays. These trays are designed to both keep the whitening gel on your teeth, while protecting your mouth from the peroxide.

Along with the bad bacteria in your mouth, there is good bacteria there too. Peroxide does not discriminate. It will kill both equally. This will lead to you getting oral thrush in your mouth, which is a type of yeast infection. In fact, that will happen faster than your teeth will whiten.

While I appreciate that you are trying to find economic ways to utilize the things you have available to get the smile you want, this will end up backfiring on you and cause you more problems instead of improving your smile.

If it is simply a cost issue, I would talk to your dentist and see if he or she will allow you to pay out your teeth whitening. It’s possible they will not have a problem with that. If they don’t agree to do that, teeth whitening is one of the more affordable of the cosmetic dentistry procedures. I bet if you put a little aside every pay check, it wouldn’t take long for you to save up enough. That is a much safer option for you. Plus, your teeth will whiten much faster.

This blog is brought to you by Portage, MI Dentist Dr. Susan Dennis.
Click here to learn about dental sedation.

Does Invisalign Work with Missing Teeth?

Posted on October 18, 2024 by writeradmin.

My whole life I have been embarrassed about my smile. They always been crooked and had baby teeth long after their recommended expiration date. Things have not improved. Not only do I have two genetically missing teeth (which have now lost the baby teeth), but now I have a damaged tooth that will need to be extracted. I really want to fix my smile, including straightening it. I’m going on the assumption I will need to replace these missing teeth. Do you know if Invisalign is good at working around missing teeth or will I need to go with the metal wires that come with regular braces?

Gina

Dear Gina,

Invisalign does fine working around missing teeth. There are other factors that determine whether or not you are a good candidate. You may find that dentists are more comfortable doing this than orthodontists. This is because orthodontists went to school to learn braces and have been a bit slow in embracing the technology, though they are starting to come around.

You are correct that you will need to replace the missing teeth. Invisalign will open up the space needed to replace them, but if you don’t actually replace them, your other teeth will start drifting or tipping into the extra spaces. The best tooth replacements are dental implants, but you can talk to your dentist about all of your options.

You will find another hidden benefit to Invisalign as well. The clear aligners which are used to straighten your teeth can also double as teeth whitening trays. This means that you can straighten and whiten your teeth at the same time, giving you the equivalent of a mini smile makeover. You just have your dentist provide you with some whitening gel and you can wear in the aligners at a time most convenient for you.

This blog is brought to you by Kalamzoo Dentist Dr. Susan Dennis.

Do I Have to Finish This Reconstruction on my Teeth?

Posted on October 9, 2024 by writeradmin.

I am in my forties and, after a lifetime of grinding my teeth, I have developed TMJ Disorder. She’s recommended a full-mouth reconstruction. She’s done the first half, which is all of my bottom teeth. The problem I am facing is that they are too white and too perfect. I know my smile wasn’t the ideal Hollywood smile. I thought of it as quirky and really liked that part of it. Is it necessary to do the upper part or can I keep my quirkiness. Or, maybe I can just do the back teeth to help with the grinding so I can keep the look of the front? What do you think?

Anne

Dear Anne,

Building up someone’s bite because of teeth grinding is quite an advanced procedure that requires not just a lot of training, but also a lot of planning. If your dentist planned this reconstruction, then she probably planned it to work together. If your main concern is the look of the smile makeover, that is an easy fix.

To be honest, most cosmetic dentists would jump at the chance to create a quirky smile. Most, if not all, of their clients want that “perfect” smile you see on celebrities. That can get kind of boring for them. You’d be a dream come true in allowing them to add some character to a smile makeover.

If you absolutely do not want to go through with all of the uppers, then you can talk to your dentist about it. It may be possible for her to just work with the teeth that are ground down in the back. What you don’t want to do is aggravate your TMJ Disorder any further. Otherwise, you could end up with a lifetime of pain and even have problems with your jaw locking up.

I hope this puts your mind at ease.
This blog is brought to you by Kalamazoo Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Susan Dennis.
Click here to learn about Holistic Dentistry.

Ways to Prevent Dental Implant Failure

Posted on October 7, 2024 by writeradmin.

I would like some advice about my dental implant procedure. I have short listed two dentists that have good reviews. One of them wants me to get a CT scan and the other said it isn’t necessary. A second issue is they both use a different brand of implant fixture. Is there a brand that is considered the best? Will one make it easier for later adjustments than another?

Larry

Hi Larry,

Osseointegration of the bone to the implant is essential.

I am glad you are asking questions. Too many patients go into this blind not realizing how advanced the dental implant procedure is. In fact, dental school training is not adequate for this. There are way too many dental implant horror stories from patients whose dentist did not know what he was doing. Make sure whichever dentist you choose has invested in significant post-doctoral training.

Now, to answer your questions. As for the CT scan, I would not consider that optional at all. In addition to making sure there is adequate bone support, your mouth is three dimensional with nerve endings to navigate around. Plus, if you are talking about an upper tooth, then those roots are close to your sinus cavity. Without a 3-dimensional scan, then you risk nerve damage or a sinus perforation. Get the CT scan.

When it comes to fixtures, there are a few great options. I would not be as concerned about the need for adjustments as I would the quality control of the manufacturer. These have to made to exact measurements and standards. The best dental implant dentists that I know favor these fixtures:

3i
Nobel Biocare
Straumann
BioHorizons
Zimmer
Astrotech

There are quite a few dentists who will cut corners by ordering from a cheaper manufacturer. While this can save the dentist hundreds of dollars, it often leads to dental implant failure. Much of the time this can happen over a year down the road, where the patient will not know the true cause.

Focus on finding a qualified dentist and they will pick a good manufacturer.
This blog is brought to you by Kalamazoo Dentist Dr. Susan Dennis.
Click here to read about sedation dentistry.