February 15, 2012

What Causes Dulling and Discoloration of Teeth?

Filed under: cosmetic dentist — Tags: , — admin @ 10:27 pm

Dulling and discoloration of teeth happen for a number of reasons. The discolorations are usually caused by tooth aging and staining which can be caused by coffee, tea, wine, tetracycline or smoking. Dullness and staining of the dentition can impede a person’s self confidence. If the state of your dentition has become a point of embarrassment, it’s probably time to visit your cosmetic dentist.

There are two possible dental treatments that can solve your problem, for slight yet unsightly stains, tooth whitening is an option you may want to consider. As we age our dental enamel often becomes darker due to natural aging and a combination of the food or vices we consume. Tooth bleaching gently removes the stains and discoloration. You can opt for in-office whitening procedures or at-home treatments that come in an easy to use kit.

Before the treatment, the cosmetic dentist will create a custom mouth tray for the patient to use. This is a crucial step because it helps by providing a barrier which should not leak and ensures that the teeth are exposed to the right amount of whitening solution. A custom tray will provide the best fit compared to a one-size-fits-all tray. It will also improve the margin of safety.

Home whitening kits come with materials provided by the dentist and explicit instructions which have to be followed. Depending upon the results you wish to achieve or the amount of bleaching you need, the cosmetic dentist may ask you to wear your tray overnight. This is why it is important to obtain the right fit. The home whitening regimen will usually last for two to three weeks.

A veneer is a thin layer made up of restorative material. It is placed over the tooth surface to make it more aesthetically pleasing or to protect a damaged surface. The veneer can be made up of porcelain or composite. The composite veneer can be built-up directly in the mouth while the porcelain veneer is fabricated in a laboratory by a dental technician. It is then bonded to the tooth by using resin cement.

If you are considering teeth whitening or veneers, contact Plano Center for Aesthetic at 972-596-5995 to learn more.

February 3, 2012

Can You Just Wear Invisalign at Night?

Filed under: orthodontics — Tags: — admin @ 10:04 pm

orthodontics PlanoInvisalign is the latest breakthrough in orthodontics utilizing clear aligners to slowly move your bite into optimal position. Unlike braces which have to be attached to your dentition for the whole span of the treatment, you will be advised to remove your aligners when you eat and if you plan to drink highly pigmented beverages that may stain your orthodontic appliance. The aligners have to be worn for at least 20 hours a day or the treatment will not succeed.

Your dentist will advise you to wear your aligners as prescribed to obtain the maximum effect. Just like braces, Invisalign slowly moves the teeth in an effort to correct malocclusions that range from simple to severe. The duration of treatment will vary based on the complexity of the case.

Invisalign is an easy and aesthetically pleasing way to improve your bite. Since the aligners are made of clear material, you need not worry about unsightly brackets, rubber and metals. The average number of aligners used will vary from 18 to 25 sets. Keep in mind that more severe cases should expect a longer span of treatment.

Since the treatment is continuous and gentle, many people claim that they notice the effects of Invisalign by the 8th to 12th tray. If you would like to see what the finished product will look like, your dentist has software wherein you can see how your bite will look if you wear your appliance religiously. This software also allows the dentist to review the treatment plan and even request for changes if needed.

To achieve the best results in the shortest span of time, it is best to follow your dentist’s instructions and wear your aligners for at least the minimum number of hours required each day.

To learn more about Invisalign and to determine if you are a candidate, contact our office serving Plano TX today.

January 27, 2012

Smile Confidently With Dental Veneers

Filed under: porcelain veneers — Tags: , — admin @ 12:26 am

Stained or discolored teeth; chipped or broken teeth; misaligned teeth; gaps between teeth; all of these are reasons why people alter their smile to hide their dental imperfections. A consultation with Dr. Darren K. Dickson to discuss dental veneers in Plano TX can restore your confidence and your smile in a few short visits.

Dental veneers are a thin shell like covering that your cosmetic dentist can design to correct many dental issues. If your smile has become dull due to wear and tear, diet, or medication, dental veneers can provide a permanent brightening solution.

Dental veneers can be made in the shape and shade of your existing teeth to correct one or more teeth. For chipped or broken teeth, the addition of dental veneers will once again give you a “wow” smile.

For misaligned teeth or to close unwanted gaps between teeth, dental veneers offers correction in weeks instead of the months needed for orthodontic treatment.

Dental veneers are designed to affix to the front of your existing teeth. Very little of your natural tooth is impacted to place dental veneers making this a much more desirable solution than many other more invasive dental procedures available.

In addition to the aesthetic value of dental veneers, strength and durability are enhanced when teeth are protected with veneers. Although veneers are very thin, they are made of porcelain. When your cosmetic dentist places your veneers, they become permanent and are attached with cement specifically designed to bond the veneer to your tooth. A curing light is also used to aid in hardening the cement used to attach your veneer.

Once the veneers have been placed, you’re treatment is complete. Your veneers do not require any special care, but your cosmetic dentist will likely offer these suggestions:

  • Brush and floss like normal.
  • Visit your dentist twice per year for a professional cleaning and exam.
  • Consume dark beverages like coffee, tea and wine with a degree of caution. Unlike your natural teeth, veneers cannot be whitened with pastes and gels.
  • Avoid biting hard objects like ice or chewing on hard objects like candy or caramels.
  • Do not bite your nails.

Taking care of your dental veneers will provide you many years to enjoy your new smile makeover. To learn more about dental veneers, contact the Plano Center for Aesthetic Dentistry at 972-596-5995

January 16, 2012

Eliminate Tough Dental Stains with Teeth Whitening

Filed under: cosmetic dentist — Tags: — admin @ 12:15 am

cosmetic dentist PlanoTeeth that have become stained due to diet, medication or wear and tear are no longer destined to stay that way. Dr. Darren K. Dickson, your cosmetic dentist serving Plano, can brighten your smile in one brief appointment thanks to the procedure commonly known as Zoom! Whitening.

For most people, your smile will be the first impression you make when you meet someone. Having a bright smile makeover will boost your self-confidence because you know your smile is at its best.

There are several products that claim to whiten your teeth. Over the counter pastes and gels, strips and whitening trays are easily obtained, but the level of whitening obtained from these products pales in comparison to the results obtainable from Zoom! Whitening.

Zoom! Whitening is an in office process that can give you the “wow” smile you have been seeking. Thanks to the correct mixture of whitening agents, your cosmetic dentist can provide you several shades of brightening that over the counter products can’t deliver. Only your dental professional has access to the strength of teeth whitening products that can brighten your smile up to eight shades in one short visit.

Consuming dark beverages like coffee, tea or wine can stain teeth. Smoking can cause your teeth to turn yellow. Many over the counter products that you can purchase at your local drug store promise to deliver the whitening you desire, but results are generally disappointing. Not only can Zoom! Whitening deliver a whiter and brighter smile than those products, but can whiten your teeth faster, safer and with longer lasting results.

One of the problems with do it yourself teeth whitening is the days (or weeks) it can take to complete the whitening process. And these products only work on superficial stains. In addition, in order to maintain the level of whitening you were able to achieve requires consistent use of that whitening product.

Zoom! Whitening eliminates tough dental stains with longer lasting results, and because the process is performed by your dental professional, you can have your teeth whitened knowing the process is safe as well as effective.

A consultation with our Plano cosmetic dentist to discuss the Zoom! Whitening process as well as the results you can expect to achieve is only a phone call away. A smile makeover in one brief visit can change the way you feel about your smile and afford you a bright and memorable first impression.

January 3, 2012

Does Invisalign work for adults?

Filed under: orthodontics — Tags: , — admin @ 12:08 am

For many years it was a popular opinion that only children and teenagers were the most likely candidates to have their teeth straightened. But now with orthodontics in Plano TX 75075, Invisalign has made that opinion a mere myth.

Young professionals and adults of all ages are not immune to wanting to have a dazzling smile with straight teeth. But aesthetically speaking, the bands and brackets that are standard with traditional braces make having your teeth straightened as an adult very unpopular.

Invisalign is a system where a series of soft, clear plastic aligners are designed to gently shift your teeth to their correct position. Because of their transparency, adults of all ages are opting to visit their dentist to see if they are a candidate for this teeth straightening method.

The advantages of Invisalign over traditional braces are numerous:

  • The clear soft plastic aligners are removable. This means being able to maintain a nutritionally delicious diet filled with fruits and vegetables that are not easily consumed with metal bands and brackets.
  • Because they are removable, daily oral hygiene is much easier to maintain. Flossing and brushing with metal bands and brackets is tedious, but being able to remove the aligners makes it easy to floss and brush without any obstacles.
  • The clear aligners make this method of teeth straightening virtually undetectable making it the perfect answer for adults of all ages and walks of life.
  • The absence of metal bands and brackets also means the end of wires that can break or become abrasive causing sores on soft tissue.

Your dentist will be able to explain exactly what will be involved with your teeth straightening. Pictures, x-rays and models will be made and sent to the Invisalign laboratory where their 3-D technology will develop a series of the soft aligners to work to straighten your teeth.

Consistent visits with your dentist will be needed to monitor your progress. Adults can expect their treatment will last from six months to two years.

With Invisalign it is necessary to wear the aligners a minimum of twenty to twenty-two hours per day to achieve the desired results in the recommended time frame.

So if you are an adult that is self-conscious about your smile, a consultation with Dr. Darren Dickson, your Plano Invisalign provider, can bring you results you never thought possible.

December 26, 2011

Treating Dental Anxiety

Filed under: sedation dentist — Tags: — admin @ 7:40 am

sedation dentist PlanoDental anxiety can make it difficult and stressful to maintain your oral health. Unfortunately, many people have had bad experiences at the dentist, especially as children, and now suffer from extreme anxiety when they even think about going to the dentist, much less when they actually sit in the dentist’s chair. Our sedation dentist in Plano, however, can help you overcome your dental anxiety and ensure your ongoing oral health.

What is Sedation Dentistry?

With sedation dentistry, you can visit the dentist in complete comfort. A sedation dentist employs a mild sedative or the use of nitrous oxide to help you relax completely. You will be conscious and aware throughout your dental work, but the sedative or the nitrous oxide provides the ability to avoid any anxiety or panic.

If you suffer from dental anxiety, be sure to ask your dentist about sedation dentistry. It is important to know ahead of time what kind of sedation your dentist will use. If you receive a mild sedative, it will take some time to clear your system, so you should be sure you have a ride home. However, if your dentist uses nitrous oxide, you will be clear-headed a short time after your procedure has been completed.

Advantages of Sedation Dentistry

In addition to helping you feel more relaxed, sedation dentistry can also be helpful to your dentist. In many cases, people who suffer from dental anxiety have avoided going to the dentist for a long time, sometimes for a number of years. As a result, they often need to have several procedures performed. Using sedation dentistry makes it easier both for the patient and for the dentist to catch up with this needed work. During sedation dentistry, you are relaxed enough that time will seem to go faster. Your relaxed state will also make it easier for your dentist to perform the necessary procedures.

If you have delayed or avoided dental work due to dental anxiety, sedation dentistry might be the answer. To find out how our sedation dentist, Dr. Darren Dickson, can help you, please call our office at 972-596-5995 to schedule an appointment.

December 16, 2011

Increase Your Quality of Life with Dental Implants

Filed under: implant dentistry — Tags: , — admin @ 7:17 am

The loss of teeth can have long-ranging effects not only on your appearance, but on your dental health. The overall alignment of your teeth changes when teeth are lost, which can cause premature wear and tear as well as discomfort in the jaw joints, headaches, and other unpleasant side effects. Dental implants, however, can restore your missing teeth and prevent these long-term problems. If you are considering implants, our Plano implant dentistry experts can help you make the decision.

Dental Implants Versus Dentures

Many people, when they think about replacing missing teeth, think only of dentures. However, implant dentistry is much more effective, more attractive and even more comfortable.

Dentures present numerous disadvantages. Among these are:

  • Dentures are not permanent
  • Dentures can shift and move in the mouth
  • Denture wear leads to atrophy of the jaw bone
  • Dentures must be removed for cleaning

By contrast, dental implants are permanent, and do not move. They are carefully color-matched to your natural teeth, and are molded to match your natural look, giving you a completely restored smile.

More importantly for your overall dental health, implants include a root portion that is implanted directly into the jawbone. When you chew, these roots stimulate growth of the jawbone just as natural tooth roots do, so that your jaw does not deteriorate or change shape.

The Dental Implant Process

Dental implants are placed in a two-part process. First the root portions are placed in the jawbone. These artificial tooth roots are actually a titanium screw. After these are implanted, the mouth must heal for a few months to ensure the implants bond with the bone. Without this bonding process, the implants will not keep the bone healthy, and might not remain secure in the mouth.

After this healing period, the visible portions of your new teeth are attached to the artificial roots. You will have a perfect, natural looking smile, custom-made to match the color and shape of your original teeth.

For more information about how dental implants can keep your mouth healthy and reduce the self-consciousness of missing teeth or shifting dentures, please contact Plano Center for Aesthetic Dentistry at 972-596-5995 to schedule a consultation.

December 6, 2011

Harmful Effects of Soda on Teeth

Filed under: DDS — Tags: — admin @ 6:56 am

DDS Plano

Sugary snacks and beverages are not good for the teeth. They can lead to decay if the teeth are not cleaned thoroughly. Many of the characteristics of soda, in particular, make it harmful to expose the teeth to these sugary drinks. Dr. Darren K. Dickson, your DDS serving Plano TX, can provide more information about how to keep your teeth clean and healthy.

The Dangers of Sugary Beverages

Sugar of any kind is dangerous for the teeth. When you drink sugary beverages or eat sugary foods, sugar can collect on the surfaces of the teeth. Bacteria feed off sugar, so a buildup of sugar in the mouth leads to rapid growth of bacteria, as well. Bacteria eat the sugar and leave behind acidic byproducts. These byproducts build up into a white, sticky substance called plaque. Plaque in turn hardens into tartar.

Plaque and tartar, due to their acidic content, can erode tooth enamel. This erosion eventually develops into decay. Regular brushing and flossing at home, as well as regular visits to the dentist, can help reduce the buildup of plaque and tartar on your teeth.

Additional Dangers of Soda

Soda, unlike many other sugary beverages, is naturally acidic because it often contains phosphoric acid or citric acid. Diet soda, although it does not contain sugar, is still bad for the teeth because of its acidic nature. Soda, then, is even more likely to erode enamel than other sugary drinks. This damage does not require sugar to build up on the teeth because the enamel is exposed to the acidic content of the soda simply through the act of drinking it.

Your dentist will probably advocate a significant reduction in soda consumption, especially for children. Soda has no nutritional value, and is often cited as a major contributor to obesity, so there are advantages to eliminating soda from the diet, aside from protecting your teeth. If you or your children drink a large amount of soda, consider reducing your intake to help extend the life of your teeth.

For more information about how to keep your teeth strong and healthy, please contact the Plano Center for Aesthetic Dentistry at 972-596-5995 to schedule an appointment.

November 28, 2011

Can I Still Drink Tea and Coffee with Invisalign?

Filed under: Invisalign — Tags: , — admin @ 9:35 pm

For many people, particularly adults, Invisalign provides high-quality orthodontic care that is more comfortable, more convenient and less visible than traditional metal braces. Invisalign can correct a wide variety of alignment issues, including spaces between the teeth, crooked teeth and improper bite. If you are considering Invisalign in Plano, here are some facts to keep in mind about the treatment.

Foods to Avoid During Invisalign Treatment

Invisalign uses clear plastic trays to gradually move the teeth into the proper position. As with other orthodontics treatments, proper care of your Invisalign trays will help ensure the best possible results, as well as keeping your teeth looking great while treatment is underway.

Some guidelines to follow involve what you should and should not eat during Invisalign treatment. With traditional braces, you must avoid chewy or sticky foods to keep from breaking the wires used to move your teeth into place. With Invisalign, it is important to avoid foods that could stain or warp your Invisalign trays. These include:

  • Very hot foods
  • Dark-colored foods
  • Staining beverages such as tea and coffee

Tea and coffee are both hot and also staining, making them beverages to avoid during Invisalign treatment. Because the trays are made of plastic, hot beverages can warp the trays, changing their shape so that they will no longer fit comfortably over the teeth. Warped trays also will not be able to move the teeth into proper position. Also, if the trays become stained due to exposure to tea or coffee, they will no longer be transparent, and instead of being invisible, the trays will be dingy and unattractive.

Drinking Coffee or Tea During Invisalign Treatment

However, it is not necessary to completely avoid coffee and tea during your treatment. One of the advantages of Invisalign is that the trays can be removed from time to time. In fact, in most cases you should remove the trays when you eat to prevent staining or other damage. While the trays are in place, you should drink only cool water. But if you wish to indulge in a hot beverage like tea or coffee, you can remove the trays to avoid damage.

For more information about Invisalign treatment and what it can do to improve your smile, please call Plano Center for Aesthetic Dentistry at 972-596-5995 for a consultation.

November 18, 2011

Tooth Colored Fillings: Enjoy a More Natural Looking Smile

Filed under: dentist — Tags: — admin @ 7:21 pm

dentist PlanoSince the early days of dentistry, the material used for dental fillings has been a metal amalgam containing silver and mercury. While using this material revolutionized dentistry, in recent years it has fallen out of favor for various reasons. Many people now choose to have tooth colored fillings instead. Dr. Darren K. Dickson, your dentist serving Plano, can provide all the information you need to decide if tooth colored fillings are right for you.

Advantages of Tooth Colored Fillings

While metal fillings are made of silver and mercury, tooth colored fillings are made of a composite material that is the same color as your natural enamel. Tooth colored fillings can also be made from porcelain, which can be color matched to your natural teeth. Unlike metal fillings, which are highly visible as dark patches on your teeth, tooth colored fillings are virtually invisible.

Metal fillings also expand and contract with heat and cold. In the long term, metal fillings can result in cracks in the teeth, or can pull away from the surrounding tooth because they do not bond to your natural enamel.

How Tooth Colored Fillings are Placed

The procedure for placing tooth colored fillings is the same as that used for metal amalgam fillings. Your dentist will remove the area of decay and the space created in the tooth is then filled with the composite material or porcelain. Depending upon the type of composite used, the dentist might use a special light to harden the composite. When your filling is complete, it will feel and look just like your natural tooth.

For more information about tooth colored fillings, please contact the office of Dr. Dickson for an appointment or a consultation.

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