Jun 21, 2015 | Blog
If you have to think twice about smiling because you’re embarrassed about your yellowed teeth, then it’s time to do something about it. You might consider having your teeth professionally whitened for quick and effective results, but first you may want to try whitening your smile at home with these natural methods.
Hydrogen peroxide
Most teeth whitening products you find on store shelves contain hydrogen peroxide. The liquid creates bubbles on your tooth enamel that helps remove stains. The higher the concentration of peroxide and the longer you leave it on, the whiter your teeth will become. However, be careful because too much contact can lead to tooth sensitivity. Some people enhance the whitening properties of hydrogen peroxide by mixing it with baking soda to form a paste to put on the teeth.
Strawberries
Regularly using strawberries on your teeth can whiten them. Just cut them in half and rub them on your teeth, allowing the juice to penetrate. After a while of using this technique, you should notice your teeth becoming brighter.
Lemon or orange peels
Rubbing the peels of lemons or oranges against your teeth and leaving the residue on for a few minutes can whiten your smile. Be sure to rinse your mouth afterwards. Don’t leave the peel extracts on your teeth for too long because the acidic content may eventually harm your tooth enamel.
Apple cider vinegar
Stubborn stains like those from coffee or smoking can be especially hard to eliminate. Rubbing apple cider vinegar on your teeth is one way to combat persistent stains. Apply it for no more than ten minutes and then rinse your mouth, because you don’t want to damage your tooth enamel. It take one to two months of consistent daily use to achieve a whiter smile.
Brush immediately
The most well-known way to maintain a white smile is to brush your teeth after every meal, as well as after drinking a dark colored beverage. This helps get rid of stains and prevent new ones from forming.
Professional teeth whitening dentist in Central Falls, RI
Jun 28, 2015 | Blog
If you are looking to enhance the position, shape or color of your teeth, dental veneers are something to consider. These thin porcelain shells are bonded to the fronts of your teeth to hide problems underneath. Issues like chips, cracks, gaps, discoloration and more disappear beneath the flawless porcelain veneers. These restorations typically last for many years, bringing you the brand new beautiful smile you always wanted.
Dental veneers have many benefits for patients:
- They look very natural and others can’t even tell you had any work done.
- You can select the color of the porcelain for your veneers, giving you a way to brighten your smile in exactly the shade you’d like.
- Veneers don’t affect the foundation of your teeth or gums.
- Porcelain resists stains so you no longer have to worry about discoloration.
- Other than avoiding certain extremely hard objects, you don’t have to change your diet.
- Maintenance is simple with just continuing your normal brushing and flossing routine.
Like most things, there are a few disadvantages to consider with veneers:
- The process is not reversible. Once you have veneers, you’ll need to have them your whole life.
- Veneers can’t be repaired if they crack or chip, although the risk is low for this type of problem. But if it happens, you’ll need new veneers.
- Some of your tooth enamel must be removed during application, which makes some patients more sensitive to hot or cold foods and drinks.
- You must avoid chewing very hard items like ice or biting objects like pencils or fingernails, or else you’ll risk breaking your veneers.
Dental veneers can provide an amazing boost to your smile and your self-confidence. If this type of restoration interests you, contact Central Falls, RI dentist Dr. Frias today.
Jul 7, 2015 | Blog
Are you tired of your dark, dingy smile? Have you decided it’s time to brighten up your pearly whites? Teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments to quickly and effectively improve the quality of your smile. However, there are many whitening options offered, and you may be confused about which type of whitening treatment will best help you achieve the look you desire. Whether you are deciding between at-home whitening treatments or professional teeth whitening, there are some things to consider when exploring your options:
How quickly would you like to see results? If you are planning for a special event such as a wedding or trip, professional teeth whitening will offer quicker results than at-home treatment. With professional whitening, your dentist may be able to whiten your teeth up to ten shades in as little as one visit.
Are your teeth highly sensitive? With professional whitening treatment, your dentist can take extra precautions to avoid over-exposing your teeth and gums to bleaching gels, which may be harder to do with at-home treatments.
Are you committed to your whitening treatment? If you are diligent and follow instructions, at-home treatment can be highly effective. However, if you neglect to wear the trays as directed or to follow whitening treatment instructions, you results will be diminished. If you are stretched for time, or forgetful, professional whitening treatment may be the best option to achieve optimal results.
How severely are your teeth stained? Teeth with heavy discoloration may benefit the most and show the greatest improvement with more intense professional in-office treatments.
Talk to your dentist about whitening treatment options to find out more about what procedures would best suit your needs. Regardless of which type of whitening treatment you select, with diligent treatment and proper care, you are sure to enjoy the benefits of a whiter and healthier looking smile.
If you live in the Central Falls, RI area, contact our office today to see if teeth whitening is right for you.
Jul 7, 2015 | Blog
Sometimes a tooth is so severely damaged that the only way to save it is with root canal treatment. There is no reason to turn and run if your dentist advises this procedure. The treatment has advanced to the point that it’s often compared to getting a filling. There are certain steps that will be performed as part of nearly every root canal procedure.
Preparation
X-rays may be taken as part of the diagnosis process or to determine the extent of damage. Once the dentist is ready to begin treatment, a local anesthetic will be used to numb the area throughout the procedure.
Pulp removal
A rubber dam will be placed around the tooth to separate the area from the rest of the mouth, and to keep it dry from saliva. The tooth will be opened, often using a small dental drill, to gain access to the pulp inside the tooth. The damaged pulp will be removed, and if there is an abscess it will be drained.
Cleaning and filling
After the pulp is eliminated, the dentist will thoroughly clean the area. The root canal will be widened if needed to create an adequate space for the filling. Depending on the extent of the damage, this step of the process can take up to several hours to complete or it can be spread over more than one visit. A temporary filling is sometimes used to seal the area between visits. If infection is present, the dentist may prescribe antibiotics.
Sealing
The temporary filling will be removed and the permanent filling placed to fully seal the tooth and prevent future infection. If the tooth has been filled at the root, the risk of breaking is higher so a crown may be recommended for protection.
Crown placement
Crowns help prevent further damage or fracturing. If needed, the tooth will be reduced somewhat to allow space for the crown. It will be held in place securely with dental cement.
Recovery
After root canal treatment, the tooth should survive for many years. The procedure may be repeated if re-infection occurs.
Root canal dentist in Central Falls, RI
Dec 7, 2015 | Blog
Many people are turning to teeth whitening to quickly and easily improve the appearance of their smiles. Professional teeth whitening can offer dramatic results in a short amount of time. If you are considering teeth whitening to beautify your dingy smile, there are some recommendations you can follow to help boost your results and ensure your teeth come out their whitest:
- Have any existing dental issues treated before undergoing whitening to avoid complications or side effects.
- Consult with your dentist to determine the cause of your tooth discoloration or darkening. Some kinds of intrinsic stains are resistant to whitening treatments.
- Have your teeth professionally cleaned to remove plaque and tarter prior to your whitening treatment.
- Use a desensitizing toothpaste for a few weeks prior to your whitening appointment to control the sensitivity that can result from whitening agents.
- Refrain from eating or drinking anything but water for at least one hour after leaving your whitening appointment.
- Avoid food and beverages that are pigment-rich and known to cause staining for a minimum of 24 hours after whitening treatment.
- Keep any follow-up appointments recommended by your dentist.
- Maintain proper home oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly.
- Use a straw when drinking dark liquids, and rinse your mouth thoroughly with water after ingesting staining foods or beverages.
Professional teeth whitening at our Central Falls, RI dental office can brighten your teeth up to ten shades in as little as one dental visit. By properly preparing for your whitening treatment and with vigilant aftercare you can enjoy the dramatic results of a bright, white smile.
Dec 14, 2015 | Blog
Most people are not born with a perfect appearance. Some people turn to cosmetic surgery to correct or enhance the things they find unappealing about their looks. However, if cosmetic surgery is not on your agenda, cosmetic dentistry offers many procedures and treatments to quickly and successfully improve your appearance. Because your smile is usually the first impression you make on the world, fixing stains, cracks, gaps, and other imperfections can make a dramatic impact.
While many cosmetic dental procedures can be performed by your general dentist, a cosmetic dentist has a distinct advantage when you are seeking to improve your smile.
A cosmetic dentist makes it their business to have extensive knowledge and training in the treatments specific to improving the appearance of your teeth. Just a few of the procedures and treatments provided by a qualified cosmetic dentist include:
- Dental implants
- Dental crowns
- Dental bridges
- Porcelain veneers
- Teeth straightening
- Composite bonding
- Teeth whitening
- Dentures
In cooperation with a qualified cosmetic dentist, you can elect to have one or a combination of cosmetic dental treatments to perfect your smile. You may just need whitening to brighten and beautify your discolored teeth, or you may need whitening as well as bonding for gapped or chipped teeth. You may even need clear braces or veneers to straighten a crooked smile. A cosmetic dentist will have the knowledge to coordinate treatments to achieve the desired result with the least amount of time, discomfort, and complications. With the help of an experienced and qualified cosmetic dentist, you can improve not only your smile but the overall appearance you present to the world.
Cosmetic dentist in Central Falls RI
