Modern Dental Office

 The Dangers of Over-the-Counter Teeth Whiteners

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Any random trip to the toothpaste aisle of a drug store, and you’ll see a huge selection of over-the-counter teeth whiteners. Packed with beautiful people sporting sparkling smiles, these products are designed to make you think you can get professional teeth whitening results at home, without visiting your dentist in Charlottesville, VA. The reality is that most of those products are going to be disappointing at least and, at worst, they could actually cause damage to your teeth.

Enamel Erosion

One of the most serious risks of OTC whitening products is enamel erosion. Many kits contain high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide or other bleaching agents. When used incorrectly or too frequently, these chemicals can wear down the protective enamel layer of the teeth. Once enamel is lost, it’s gone forever, so it’s important not to use products that put it in jeopardy.

Increased Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity is a common side effect of whitening treatments, but it tends to be more severe with unsupervised use. OTC products often don’t account for individual sensitivity levels or existing dental conditions, and users may experience sharp pain when eating hot, cold, or sweet foods. In some cases, the sensitivity can linger long after the whitening process is complete.

Gum Irritation and Soft Tissue Damage

Many whitening strips and trays are poorly fitted, allowing whitening agents to come into contact with the gums and other soft tissues. This can cause irritation, inflammation or chemical burns. Repeated exposure to bleaching agents may result in lasting damage to the gums, increasing the risk of gum recession or infection.

Uneven or Unnatural Results

OTC whiteners often deliver uneven results, especially if users have dental restorations like crowns, veneers or fillings. These materials don’t respond to whitening agents the same way natural teeth do, resulting in mismatched shades.

Professional teeth whitening in Charlottesville, VA is customized and supervised by your dentist, reducing risks and ensuring optimal outcomes. Dentists use safe concentrations of whitening agents and protect the gums and soft tissues during treatment. If a brighter smile is your goal, scheduling a professional whitening session is the safest and most effective choice.

6 Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures To Consider For Your Teeth

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Are you happy with the appearance of your smile? If you’re not, your dentist in Charlottesville, VA, can help with cosmetic dentistry procedures that can improve the appearance of your teeth. Whether you’re missing a tooth or dealing with discolorations on your tooth enamel, we can help. Below, we’ve listed six cosmetic dentistry procedures for your teeth.

1. Dental Veneers

If you have teeth that are discolored, cracked, chipped, or suffering from other cosmetic damage, dental veneers can help solve the problem. Dental veneers are covers that your dentist can place over the front of your teeth.

To install dental veneers, your dentist will shave off part of your tooth enamel. This makes space for the dental veneers. Once a porcelain dental veneer is in place, it can last up to 15 years before it needs to be replaced.

2. Dental Bonding

Dental bonding is similar to dental veneers. Bonding covers up cosmetic damage like cracks in your tooth enamel or discolorations that can’t be whitened.

Unlike dental veneers, dental bonding is a minimally invasive procedure that can be reversed if you don’t like the results. Dental bonding lasts for about three to five years before it needs to be replaced.

3. Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is a procedure that can turn discolored teeth white and beautiful. Teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures because it can be done quickly and efficiently. Teeth whitening works, too!

4. Dental Crowns

A dental crown is a cover your dentist will place over your tooth to cover cosmetic damage and dental injury. Dental crowns can be functional and cosmetic. Your dentist may recommend a dental crown if you have a misshapen tooth, a broken tooth, or a tooth that needs extra reinforcement.

5. Dental Implants

A dental implant is an artificial tooth that your dentist will recommend if you’re missing a tooth. Dental implants can help restore your smile after losing a permanent tooth.

6. Tooth Contouring

Do you need tooth contouring? This is a procedure your dentist may recommend if one tooth slightly overlaps with another, or if your tooth enamel is chipped.

Do you need cosmetic dentistry in Charlottesville, VA? We can help. We want you to love your smile. Call today to make an appointment.

The Different Types of Cosmetic Dentistry Explained

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Are you thinking about improving your smile? If so, you are going to need to talk with a dentist in Charlottesville, VA, about getting some cosmetic dentistry. But what is cosmetic dentistry, and what are the different dental procedures that are considered cosmetic dentistry?

Let’s talk about that for a moment.

What Is Cosmetic Dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry in Charlottesville, VA, is the branch of dentistry that focuses on dental treatments that improve the appearance of your smile. Cosmetic dental treatments are those that are elective, not essential.

What Is the Difference Between Cosmetic Dentistry and Restorative Dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry is the branch of dentistry that focuses on improving your smile. Restorative dentistry is the branch of dentistry that focuses on restoring the function of your teeth.

Restorative dentistry includes dental treatments that correct damaging dental issues, such as chipped or cracked teeth, damaged or decayed teeth, etc.

The Different Types of Cosmetic Dentistry

There are lots of popular cosmetic dental treatments. Let’s take a look at some of them.

Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is the most popular cosmetic dental treatment for improving your smile. Professional teeth whitening consists of using a hydrogen peroxide bleaching gel and a UV light to whiten your teeth up to eight shades whiter.

Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are extremely thin porcelain shells that are applied to the fronts of your teeth. They are used to cover a wide range of cosmetic flaws.

Dental Bonding

Dental bonding adds composite to your teeth to fix chips, gaps, and other imperfections. Dental bonding can also be used to change the shape of your teeth.

Dental Implants

Dental implants consist of a small titanium post that is implanted into the jaw with an artificial tooth attached to it. Dental implants can be either a cosmetic or restorative procedure. It’s cosmetic if the implants are used to replace your teeth to improve your smile. They are restorative if your implants are used to replace teeth that are missing due to damage or decay.

There are other dental treatments that are considered cosmetic, but these are the most common. Your dentist will explain any other options that might be available to you based on your goals and budget.

Are You Looking for a Reputable Dentist in Charlottesville, VA?

If you are ready to improve your smile, please Contact South Side Dental Center today. We have superior credentials and a history of proven results. Our team of professionals is caring, compassionate, and dedicated to providing you with the best dental care possible now and going forward.