Joseph Arnold, D.D.S. - Teeth Whitening

Know the Basics
Cosmetic Dentistry 101

What Is Cosmetic Dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry is the art and science of smile design. Almost everyone can enjoy the benefits of cosmetic dentistry. Dentistry has many new materials and techniques that enable me to help my patients improve their self esteem through a more beautiful smile. This article provides a general introduction to some of the latest cosmetic techniques.

Bleaching Whitening
Almost everyone wants whiter, brighter teeth. Teeth naturally darken with age. If you are a cigarette smoker or drink a lot of coffee and tea, your teeth are more likely to stain. Extrinsic stains, stains on outer surfaces of the teeth, can usually be removed during a thorough professional dental cleaning. However, intrinsic
stains , stains within the tooth itself, must be removed through bleaching. This can be accomplished with the same results either at home when overseen by your dentist or in the dental office with a carbarnide-peroxide or hydrogen-peroxide solution. Most patients go two to three years before it is necessary to undergo the bleaching process again. Other patients just require a touchup sooner.

Bonding
Bonding is actually a process by which we affix a tooth-colored material (hard plastic) to your teeth, creating a bond. We can use bonding to change tooth color, shape and size, or to repair fractured teeth. We can also use bonding to give the appearance of straight teeth. However, we caution our patients to avoid hard foods, as this may cause the bonded restoration to chip or fracture. A bonded restoration can be polished to look the same as your natural teeth and may also stain in a similar manner as your own teeth. These stains are removed during our patient s regular cleaning appointments by polishing these restorations.

Orthodontics
I work with orthodontists in our practice to straighten teeth, reduce crowding, and close spaces in order to achieve the best possible smiles. Although it often requires a much longer time frame, I often prefer orthodontics over porcelain veneers or bonding. Orthodontics may take at least two to three years to achieve the desired results. Sometimes I find it necessary to use both orthodontics and bonding or veneers to achieve the best aesthetic results.

Periodontics
Sometimes it may be necessary to work with a periodontist (gum specialist) to alter gum tissue to enhance a patient's smile. You may have seen at one time or another a person who will show a lot of gum when they smile, thus limiting the attractiveness of their smile. A periodontist can help correct this problem.

Smile Pretty
Tooth Whitening Tips
Joseph Arnold, D.D.S.
Avoid any whitening procedure without supervision by your dentist for several reasons:

* Not everyone is a candidate for bleaching and must be evaluated first by a dentist. One reason to check with your dentist is to ensure that you will not be sensitive to the procedure. It may be necessary to replace some older fillings with new fillings prior to the procedure to avoid sensitivity. Also, because porcelain and tooth-colored fillings tend not to bleach, you may want to replace them after bleaching in order to improve aesthetics.

* Not all over-the-counter bleaching solutions are pH-balanced. Some may cause irritation of the gums. Bleaching can sometimes lead to sensitive teeth, which your dentist can help by changing the concentration of the solutions or administering fluoride.

* It is important to have a custom-fitted mouth guard so that the bleaching gel remains on your teeth rather than on your gums.

The Combination In-Office/Take-Home Whitening Procedure

Models are taken of your mouth and a custom-fitted mouth guard is made for you. I instruct my patients to wear the mouth guard for a period of two weeks, for four hours each day, or they may wear it overnight. Results vary depending upon the original color and shade of your teeth (i.e., some teeth are naturally yellow, reddish-brown, or gray). I have never encountered a patient who did not benefit from the whitening process.

In-Office Whitening
As a matter of convenience, many of my patients choose in-office whitening. Through this procedure a special external light source is used to activate the bleaching gel solution. The process is safe, easy, and fast. Results are accomplished in just one appointment. Sometimes it may be necessary to use a combination of in-office and at-home bleaching in order to achieve the patient's desired results.

Whitening Toothpastes
Although whitening toothpastes may remove stains, only recommend them for maintenance after the bleaching process has been completed.

Office Hours
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 8:00 am -5:00 pm
Wednesday 9:00 am - 5:00 PM• Friday 8:00 am - 1:00 pm
By Appointment if Possible

Personal Checks Welcome
We Accept:

Joseph Arnold, DDS
1604 12th Street • Columbus, GA 31906
(706) 327-0337 • E-Mail Us at: josephdentaldoc@aol.com

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