, , ,

How Did My Teeth Get So Yellow?

Teeth yellow naturally over time. When we’re very young, our teeth are white and beautiful. As you learn to drink tea and coffee, consume wine and tomato sauce, your teeth can start to turn yellow or even brown. Keeping your teeth clean, visiting the dentist in Salina KS on a regular basis, and getting your teeth whitened can help.

What Causes Teeth to Yellow

Teeth can become yellow over the course of many years, as they’re exposed to food and drinks that stain, particularly if the foods are acidic in nature. Smoking can also cause your teeth to become yellow. Over-exposure to fluoride and exposure to certain medications can also cause yellowing of the teeth.

Some people are also more prone to yellow teeth than others. If you’re noticing that your teeth are turning yellow and you’re not sure why, talk to your dentist to find out what might be the cause.

What You Can Do to Prevent Your Teeth from Yellowing

Maintaining good oral hygiene is one of the ways that you can prevent your teeth from yellowing.

  • Brush your teeth twice per day.
  • Floss your teeth once per day.
  • See your dentist for a tooth cleaning every six months.

You can also get your teeth whitened on a regular basis. Whitening your teeth periodically can brighten the enamel for a whiter, more beautiful smile.

How to Whiten Your Teeth Safely

Although there are kits that may allow you to whiten your teeth at home, the best way to get your teeth whitened is to have the work done at the dentist. Tooth whitening done at the dentist also lasts longer and is more effective. For teeth whitening in Salina KS, call today to make an appointment.

, ,

What is the Best Age to Get Teeth Straightened?

With today’s orthodontic technology, almost any age is suitable for braces. Modern orthodontics in Salina, KS are more versatile than ever. The truth is, that if you’re between the ages of 10 and 50, some typ eof orthodontics will likely be able to help you. But the best age for braces for kids is usually around the ages of 12 to 14 years old.

Why Start Then?

Braces work best when the mouth and head are still growing. A more responsive tooth during this stage allows for a speedier treatment period. Waiting until your child’s body has done growing might result in longer treatment times and less effective results. Because your child’s body is still developing, early therapy not only saves time but also usually delivers better benefits.

Metal Braces Recommended For Adolescents

For adolescents with serious alignment issues, metal braces are the most popular and typically recommended. Metal braces are not as cumbersome as they used to be. Also, the bands may be colored to match your child’s grin throughout therapy. This modest adjustable feature might make therapy entertaining for youngsters.

Clear Braces Also an Option

Clear braces are similar to metal braces, but are much less visible than metal braces. For this reason, older folks who need orthodontics in Salina, KS often choose Invisalign. However, it’s worth noting that Invisalign is an option for those whose teeth alignment issues are minor to moderate. Your dentist can help to advise you as to which option is best for your needs.

If your dentist has told you that your child will need braces, you can expect to have it done around the ages of 12 to 14 years old. Talk to your dentist to decide what kind of braces will be right for your adolescent.

5 Signs You Could Benefit from Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry is about more than just making your teeth look beautiful: it’s about having confidence in yourself and your smile. Lots of people can benefit from cosmetic dentistry – and it may be that you could benefit from it too! If you’re dissatisfied with or self-conscious about your smile, here are some signs that you could benefit from cosmetic dentistry in Salina, KS.

1. You’re Afraid to Smile

Are you so self-conscious about your teeth that you don’t like to smile? This could be negatively impacting your relationships with friends, loved ones and even coworkers. Cosmetic dentistry can make your teeth straight, white and beautiful – so beautiful that you’ll love to show them off to others!

2. Your Teeth Aren’t White Anymore

Stains can accumulate on teeth for a variety of reasons. Exposure to staining drinks and foods, like coffee and red wine, can make your teeth become yellow, brown or even grayish over time. If you’re having this problem, your dentist can help.

3. You Have Gaps Between Your Teeth

Gaps between teeth can happen for a variety of reasons. There are many dental procedures that can help straighten your teeth and close the gaps, so your teeth appear to be evenly spaced.

4. Your Teeth Are Chipped

Chipped teeth can make your smile look a little jagged. Working with a dental professional, you can cover up or hide those chips.

5. You Used to Smoke

Smoking can stain your teeth, turning them brown over time. If you’ve quit smoking, then this is the perfect time to whiten your teeth and make them beautiful again.

To learn more about cosmetic dentistry, call your dentist in Salina, KS. Make an appointment today. You deserve to love your teeth!

, ,

Can Invisalign Straighten Adult Teeth?

Have you been considering Invisalign treatment in Salina, KS? If so, you may be under the impression that any form of smile alignment, including Invisalign, is only a viable option for teens. Thankfully, Invisalign is perfectly suitable for adults. In fact, this type of smile alignment may be even more suitable for adults than traditional metal braces.

A Closer Look at How Invisalign Works

Invisalign smile alignment involves using a series of clear aligners that are molded to your teeth to gradually move teeth into the proper position. You will initially be fitted with aligners, and the dentist will make a series of trays that you will wear every day on a pre-determined schedule or as the changes in your smile progress. You wear the trays at all times, except for when you are eating, so the aligners are constantly but gently doing their jobs to align your teeth.

Why Invisalign Works Well for Adults

Invisalign aligners are worn at all times, but they are totally inconspicuous. In fact, most people will not know that you are straightening your smile unless you told them or pulled out your aligner to show them what you are doing. This is one of the biggest draw factors for adults; no metal braces, no wires, and no major discomfort. The treatment time is relatively brief as long as you wear your aligners for the recommended 22 hours per day.

Talk to a Salina Dentist About Invisalign

If you have smile alignment imperfections that prevent you from being fully confident with your smile, it may be time to get a good look at your options with a Salina dentist. If you believe Invisalign may be right for you, reach out to us at Fine Art of Family Dentistry to schedule a consultation.

, ,

Dental Restoration in a Day Using CEREC

It used to take weeks, along with multiple visits to your dentist, to have dental restoration work completed. But new technology now makes the entire process much easier and more convenient. Using CEREC, or Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramic, your dentist in Salina, KS, can perform dental restorations in one visit. As a result, you can be in and out with your dazzling new smile in a single day.

What Is CEREC?

CEREC is a dental restoration technique that uses a CAD/CAM process to fabricate dental prosthetics, including:

  • Crowns
  • Dental Implants
  • Veneers
  • Dentures
  • Fixed Bridges
  • Inlays
  • Onlays

CAD is an acronym for Computer-Aided Design. CAM stands for Computer-Aided Manufacturing. By combining these two technologies, your dental professional can create the ceramic prosthetics you need while you wait. They can then be bonded to your teeth on the same day.

What’s Involved in CEREC?

CEREC is a simple, noninvasive procedure that occurs in three steps: Initially, your dentist in Salina, KS uses a device to take a scan of your mouth. Next, they use a computer program to create a digital model of your restorations. Last, they forward the digital model to in-house fabrication equipment that generates a highly accurate prosthetic device. Your dentist then fits and bonds the crown, veneer, or implant to your existing tooth.

Using the CEREC method, your dentist can complete your dental restoration in one easy visit.

Are There Disadvantages to Using CEREC?

The biggest disadvantage of CEREC is that some dental clinics may not offer this technology. CEREC may also be a bit more costly than the more traditional method of dental restoration. However, many clients find it worth the investment because they avoid multiple dental appointments and see improvement right away.

In Salina, KS, contact the Fine Art of Family Dentistry for more information on the CEREC process and how it can help you bump up your smile factor in just one day.

,

Can You Get a Crown in One Day?

A crown is a relatively advanced procedure, so you may be wondering how long it will take to finish the job. While the industry standard is multiple appointments, there are ways to get a crown in a single visit. If you’re looking for a family dentist in Salinas, KS, the Fine Art of Family Dentistry is here to tell you more about your options.

What Does a Single Visit Crown Entail?

single visit crown in Salinas, KS will design and place the crown in your mouth in just a few hours. By the time you’re done, you’ll have complete tooth restoration. People love this service because it allows them to maintain their schedules and still complete the work.

You won’t have to worry about the quality of the crown either, as the material is strong enough to withstand everyday wear and tear. They’re also made to match your natural teeth so no one will be able to tell the difference. At the Fine Art of Family Dentistry, we make sure the fit is both comfortable and tailor-made for you. Your bite is unique to you, so we ensure we’re taking into account how your chewing patterns affect both the crown and the teeth that surround it.

Is a Single Visit Crown Right for You?

Not everyone will be eligible for a single visit crown, so it’s important to talk to a dentist in Salinas, KS who can give you all the options. To learn more about single visit crowns in Salinas, contact our office today to schedule an appointment. We help families and individuals get the services they need to improve their oral health and love their smiles again.

smiling-woman
, ,

How to Make Your Teeth Whitening Last Longer  

Now that you have finally gone to your dentist in Salina, Kansas, and received that long-awaited teeth whitening procedure, you are looking in the mirror and seeing that beautiful smile for maybe the first time in your life. However, now that your teeth are gleaming like pearls, you want to do all you can to make your teeth whitening last as long as possible. To do so, here are some tips you should follow.

Avoid Teeth-Staining Foods

First of all, it’s time to eliminate as many teeth-staining foods from your life as possible. This includes sugary drinks and foods, coffee, tomato sauce, and many others. Since these can break down tooth enamel and leave behind stubborn stains, you don’t want this after investing in a professional teeth whitening procedure.

Brush After Meals

If you get in the habit of brushing your teeth as soon as possible after each meal, you can reduce the chances your teeth will get stained. Since you’ll be getting rid of bacteria and food particles, they won’t have time to impact your beautiful white teeth.

Use a Straw

Should you be a lover of coffee, tea, soft drinks, or wine and not want to totally eliminate these beverages from your life, one solution is to only drink them when using a straw. By using a straw, you can prevent the beverage itself from actually touching the outside of your teeth. As a result, the enamel won’t get broken down and set the stage for staining.

By taking advantage of these helpful hints and of course visiting your dentist on a regular basis, you can make your professional teeth whitening procedure one of the best investments you’ve ever made in your life. To learn more about teeth whitening and its many wonderful benefits, contact Fine Art of Family Dentistry today to schedule your consultation.