Can You Have Your Gums Bleached?

Teeth whitening is a highly sought-after treatment that can significantly improve the appearance of a smile. Cosmetic gum bleaching may be less well-known but can be just as effective at rejuvenating your look. Gums can become dark and discolored as a result of smoking, medications, diet, and metal restorations. People with darker skin tones may be more prone to naturally dark gums as a result of excess melanin in their gums and skin.

The gums act as a frame for your teeth. Pink, healthy gums create the perfect backdrop against which your teeth can really shine. When you have black gum tissue or your gums have spots and stains on them, the beauty of your teeth can be reduced. Gum bleaching is an effective way to improve the look of your gums and your teeth with just one treatment.

We offer gum lightening treatments that can be completed in about an hour, and the results are permanent. In some cases, a topical application may be all that is needed while more complex issues may also require laser treatment or dermabrasion for the most effective results. Call us today to schedule your appointment and to learn more about available options.

Caring for Teeth with Crowns

Dental crowns can be used to restore the natural look, size, and shape to a damaged tooth. They can also be used to hold a dental bridge in place or cover up a dental implant. Many patients have found success with crowns, but in order for a crown to remain strong, you need to take care of it. Following placement of your dental crown, your top Los Angeles dentist will give you advice to ensure the longevity of your restoration.

Crowns can last quite a long time if they are properly cared for, so to prevent needing a replacement crown too soon, you should follow the advice of our expert in dental crowns in Los Angeles. You can more or less just treat your crown just like a normal tooth. You should brush and floss your teeth twice a day to prevent harmful bacteria from building up. And make sure to floss around the crown since bacteria can develop between the tooth and gums.

You should also schedule regular dental examinations with your dentist twice a year so that your oral structures can be evaluated on a frequent basis. If properly cared for, you can expect your crowns to last up to 15 years.

Are Nightmares a Sleep Disorder?

Everyone experiences a nightmare at some point in time. They usually occur while you are a child, but they can happen to anyone. The frequency at which nightmare occur tends to decrease as you get older, but many adults experience frequent nightmares. No matter how old you are, having constant nightmares can make sleep and dreaming unpleasant, and you may want to seek the help of our sleep apnea doctor to help you rest easy at night.

There are numerous causes of nightmares, including:

•    Eating too close to bedtime
•    Seeing a scary movie or reading a frightening book
•    Stress or anxiety
•    Physical injury or another traumatic event
•    Illness or fever
•    Taking certain medications
•    Chronic drug or alcohol use

Most people will experience a single nightmare and then will not have to worry about it because they will sleep fine the next night. Treatment is usually sought in the occurrence of persistent nightmares. A doctor may recommend going through therapy to help you cope with the nightmares and help pinpoint the source of your stress, anxiety, or whatever else might be causing the bad dreams to occur. However, getting treatment for nightmares is rare. A doctor may recommend having a sleep study performed if the nightmares are excessively frequent.

MS and Sleep Apnea

Studies appear to indicate that treating sleep apnea is patients who also suffer from multiple sclerosis (MS) can help reduce symptoms of fatigue. Fatigue is a common symptom of MS, and it is also a common symptom of sleep apnea since that condition causes the sufferer to wake up repeatedly throughout every night. Therefore, by treating sleep apnea, you could also be helping to treat symptoms of other conditions.

Once you have been properly diagnosed, our expert in treatment for sleep apnea in Thousand Oaks will be able to recommend the best treatment for you. Lifestyle changes are sometimes recommended that can include exercising more, avoiding alcohol, and losing weight. For patients with mild cases of sleep apnea, a custom mouthpiece may be prescribed that will reposition the lower jaw so that your airways have more space.

The most effective treatment for sleep apnea is often considered to be the CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine. This involves placing a mask over the nose that is attached to a machine that gently blows air through the throat so that the airways can remain open. Sometimes the only way to effectively treat a patient’s sleep apnea is with surgery, but this is often saved as a last resort.

Dental Implants and Receding Gums

A receding gum line can make your teeth look longer than they actually are, and if it progresses to an advanced stage, your teeth could fall out entirely. The most common cause for receding gums is periodontal disease. When your gums recede from the tooth, they leave the roots exposed, making you more prone to increased sensitivity. Our dentist can detect if your gums are receding before any teeth fall out, but if your teeth have already been lost, a dental implant could be an option.

Our dentist will need to examine your teeth and gums to make sure implants are the best choice for you. They may not always work since receding gums cause the root portion of the tooth to be exposed. Our dentist will need to make sure your gums are healthy enough to support the implant, and if they are not, another restoration may need to be used.

If your gum tissue or bone tissue has been deteriorated, our dentist might be able to perform a gum or bone graft in order to restore density. Preventative dentistry should be practiced in order to avoid falling a tooth falling out and needing an implant in the first place.

Causes of Dark Colored Gums

What causes dark colored gums? This is a question that plagues people who just do not seem to have healthy-looking gum tissue. Your gums are just as important as your teeth when it comes to having an attractive smile, so dark gum tissue can create a serious toll on your self-confidence. The good thing to keep in mind is that dark gums are rarely a sign of any health problems. It is a cosmetic problem, but it is still something you may want to consider seeing a professional about.

Some people just have naturally darker pigments in their gum tissue as a result of genetics. Dark gums can also be caused by a metal restoration creating a discoloration in the gum tissue. Certain medications can also cause gums to darken. An experienced professional will need to look at your gums to determine the cause and the best course of treatment. Sometimes there are health concerns within the gum tissue, so any diseases will need to be treated before a cosmetic procedure can get underway.

Most dentists can offer a cosmetic bleaching procedure to lighten the color of gum tissue. This is a painless, in-office procedure that can drastically improve the appearance of your gums for a more healthy-looking smile.

Are Dental Bridges Permanent?

Dental bridges are securely bonded to your teeth for a long-lasting restoration. However, it is very likely that your bridge will need to be replaced at a certain point, but as long as you follow good oral hygiene techniques, your bridge will most likely last you a decade or more.

Generally speaking, dental bridges can last between five and 15 years. Although bridges do not require any special maintenance, you should continue to brush and floss your teeth twice a day to prevent harmful bacteria from accumulating. The bridge itself will most likely be made out of porcelain, so cavities cannot develop in the bridge. But bacteria can still infect the other teeth and gum tissue, so good oral hygiene is the first step in ensuring a long-lasting, healthy smile.

You should also maintain regular appointments to see our El Monte dentist at least twice a year. These appointments are necessary for our dentist to examine your smile and make sure everything looks good. We will be able to detect problems you may not be aware of and give you advice on how to improve your oral hygiene routine. Your bridge might not last forever, but it can last for quite a while.

How Do Sleep Apnea Mouthpieces Work?

A mouthpiece is a common treatment option for patients who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea because it is minimally invasive, and the results can be quite impressive. Our expert in sleep apnea mouthpiece in Thousand Oaks will custom-build your mouthpiece so that it fits perfectly in your mouth and does not cause any discomfort. A mouthpiece can be used alone or in conjunction with a CPAP machine or lifestyle changes.

Mouthpieces work by repositioning the lower jaw so that the airways remain open. You can also get a tongue retaining device, which keeps the tongue in a fixed position, preventing it from collapsing into the throat. You may need to schedule follow-up appointments with our doctor to make sure the device is working as it should. If your symptoms have not been reduced, a different treatment may be necessary.

Patients often prefer getting mouthpieces when possible because they barely interfere with their sleep. A mouth guard will allow you to move around freely at night. They are easy to wear, and they are portable so that you can take them with you if you travel anywhere. They may take a while to get used to, but soon enough, you will be enjoying all the benefits mouthpieces have to offer.

How Much Do Porcelain Veneers Cost?

For patients who are looking for an effective and minimally invasive way to restore their smile, you cannot get much better than porcelain veneers. Veneers are thin shells of porcelain that are bonded to the surface of your teeth to cover up minor chips, cracks, gaps, and discolorations. Porcelain is a non-porous substance that will not stain, and it mimics the natural light reflecting properties of natural dental enamel. Our Pasadena porcelain veneers dentist is able to examine your smile to determine if you qualify for this treatment.

During the initial consultation is when the dentist will review your teeth and gums. This is also the time most patients will want to discuss the final price. The porcelain veneers cost in Pasadena can vary from patient to patient because several factors need to be taken into consideration. The more teeth that are treated with veneers, the more the final cost will be. The material the veneers are made of also plays a role. Veneers can be made out of composite resin, which is cheaper, instead of porcelain, but porcelain is much more durable and is more likely to last longer.

It is important to view veneers as an investment in yourself. Most dental insurance plans will not cover veneers since they are a cosmetic procedure, but you can talk with your dentist about setting up a payment plan.

Is Losing a Denture a Dental Emergency?

Most adults will end up losing at least one tooth in their lifetime. In fact, studies show that 70% of adults aged 35-44 have lost one or more permanent teeth. Some people will end up losing all their teeth. Advances in dental technology have allowed people to hang onto more of their teeth throughout life, and there are still many people who never lose a single permanent tooth, but if most of your teeth are missing, our Los Angeles emergency dentists can provide you with dentures.

Dentures help you retain proper oral health. Whether they are full or partial dentures, they help restore your ability to eat and speak, so if you lose a denture, it can become a real dental emergency. If you have lost partial dentures, the remaining teeth in the mouth could shift out of position, and you may find yourself at greater risk of developing gum disease. Seeing our expert in emergency dentures in Los Angeles right away can ensure no negative consequences occur as a result of lost dentures.

Losing a tooth or losing a restoration can both be a serious detriment to your appearance and lifestyle. Get the care you need as soon as you need it.

Advantages of Tooth Bleaching

Teeth whitening is generally considered a mere cosmetic treatment. During a tooth bleaching treatment, a topical bleaching solution is applied to the teeth by our cosmetic dentist in Northridge. As the peroxide penetrates through the dental enamel, it breaks up the stains inside the enamel and dentin. Teeth are left looking brighter and more attractive. However, the benefits of whitening go far beyond a whiter smile. Here is what you can expect after your next teeth whitening treatment.

1.    A more youthful appearance
Discolored teeth are often associated with age not just because older teeth have had more time to accumulate stains but are also more likely to be worn. Bleaching can take years off your smile and your looks.

2.    Increased self-confidence
A bright smile is generally considered more attractive, which can leave you feeling better about yourself.

3.    Greater social, professional, or personal success
Studies have shown that a smile can play a big role in relationships and can make a big difference in your success.

4.    Better dental health
A pretty smile alone may not affect your dental health, but keeping your smile looking its best will require good dental hygiene. Many people find that they are more committed to healthy dental habits once their teeth have been whitened.

Call us today to learn more about how teeth whitening can help your smile or to make your appointment.

Getting Dental Work Loans with Bad Credit

Dental treatment can help patients look and feel better after physical trauma or oral health problems occur. In some cases, dental work also reduces chances of needing restorative treatment later. Here is a deeper look at options for dental loans with bad credit and the application process involved.

Before applying for a loan, patients should determine whether the dental treatment they need is eligible for financing. Braces, dentures, teeth whitening, veneers, and a number of restorations are among the treatments we finance. Patients can contact us to find out if we finance procedures not listed on our website.

All patients can request loans regardless of their credit history. However, credit history is a factor in whether we approve or decline loans. When patients are concerned that their credit rating might reduce their loan eligibility, they can add cosigners to their application.

When we approve loan applications, we may extend a variety of options to patients. For example, different loan term plans may be offered. Monthly payments and interest rates are both reasonable. Depending on provider participation and credit rating, patients may also be able to get interest-free financing. Patients can visit our website or call us to apply for dental and other healthcare loan options.

Cost of Invisalign Treatment

The cost of Invisalign treatment is a popular topic for our patients. Many people want to straighten their smiles to improve both appearance and dental function, but they have concerns about affording treatment. At your consultation, we can give you a quote so that you can better budget for your needs.

Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment. Unlike braces, however, Invisalign uses clear trays that fit much like mouth guards to move teeth. Orthodontic treatments are covered by many dental insurance plans. We will work with you to understand your insurance coverage and to maximize your benefits. The cost of Invisalign treatment can also usually be reimbursed through flexible spending accounts or health care savings accounts.

We are committed to helping you get the treatment you need. How much is Invisalign? The answer is as unique as you are. It can vary based on the complexity of your case, the number of aligners you need, any additional treatments you need or want and other factors. Financing is available to better meet your needs. Call us now to learn more about the cost of Invisalign treatment or to schedule an appointment with our Huntington Beach Invisalign expert.

Is Insulin Resistance and Sleep Apnea Linked?

One of the most common side effects of having sleep apnea is experiencing extreme fatigue throughout the day. This is the result of constantly waking up throughout the night since sleep apnea prevents you from properly breathing while you are asleep. But unless sleep apnea is treated quickly, you could soon find yourself on the road to numerous other health complications, including diabetes.

Several studies have shown that obstructive sleep apnea changes the body’s use of insulin, a hormone that plays a major role in your metabolism. This could lead to a person developing an insulin resistance, which often serves as a precursor to diabetes. Although older patients are more likely to have sleep apnea, it can also occur in children, so make sure anyone displaying the signs of sleep apnea gets the proper treatment.

Once you have been diagnosed by our sleep apnea dentist, the best treatment for you will be recommended. This can include prescribing you an oral appliance or a CPAP machine to help you breathe easier at night. In addition to these devices, you may also want to implement certain lifestyle changes in your routine. The symptoms of sleep apnea can be greatly reduced by losing weight, exercising more, avoiding alcohol, or quitting smoking.

Stages in Full Mouth Reconstruction

A full mouth reconstruction becomes an option for a patient when multiple procedures are necessary in order to get the mouth back to optimal health. The exact stages of a full mouth reconstruction will vary from patient to patient because each reconstruction is composed of different treatments. Every patient who sees our expert in full mouth reconstruction in Los Angeles has different issues with their teeth and gums, so every combination of procedures will differ.

Every reconstruction will begin with a comprehensive examination to determine what exactly is wrong with your dental health. Certain problems like broken teeth, missing teeth, bleeding gums, or misaligned teeth will be readily visible, but other problems like joint issues and infected tooth pulp will require X-rays and other treatments to determine the best course of action. Some of the treatments that might be recommended for you include dental implants, veneers, orthodontics, periodontal treatments, gum contouring, crown lengthening, and bone grafting.

Cosmetic treatments can also be discussed with one of our dentists, but when only cosmetic treatments need to be performed, your best bet is to go with a smile makeover. A full mouth reconstruction focuses more on actual health concerns to the teeth and gums.

What to Do with a Broken Dental Bridge

Any restorative appliance inside the mouth is vulnerable to accidental damage, even if the patient is careful. Dental bridges are used to fill in areas that one or more teeth are missing by attaching to healthy anchors. Although the crowns are durable, the expert in dental bridges in Agoura Hills advises patients to understand the procedure for caring for their appliance if it happens to break.

When it is not possible to see the dentist until the following morning, be careful when eating to not disrupt the area. It may be possible to temporarily repair a broken dental bridge with a denture repair kit found at most pharmacies if there are no pieces missing. If it is a simple solution of re-cementing one side, then it is fairly simple to fix at home. This is not a long-term solution, and it is advisable to visit the Agoura Hills dentist the following business day. It is better to be safe than to ignore a major indication that you need to have an examination before the bridge is repaired. If the bridge itself is still in good shape, but the tooth underneath has sustained damage or decay, then it must be addressed before replacing the appliance.

Options for Curing TMJ

TMJ plagues sufferers with jaw pain, headaches, and other symptoms and can result in immobility issues if left untreated. To maintain normal abilities to speak and eat, patients should seek treatment when TMJ symptoms first emerge. Here is a look at options that can cure TMJ.

Drug Treatments

Our dentist in Houston may prescribe medications not only for symptomatic relief but also for improvement of jaw position in TMJ. Sedatives, muscle relaxers, and tricyclic antidepressants can help by reducing tension that leads to teeth grinding and TMJ worsening. With relaxation, the jaws can also be repositioned more easily.

Clinical TMJ Cures

TMJ can often be cured with surgical or non-surgical options. Non-surgical treatments include physical therapy and counseling to improve mobility and aid relaxation, respectively. Surgical cures include arthrocentesis to remove debris from the jaw joints, corticosteroid injections to relieve inflammation, and ease jaw movement and surgery to resolve structural issues.

Patients who visit our dentist for TMJ treatment can reclaim their comfort and ability to use their jaws normally. With timely resolution of TMJ, patients also are less likely to suffer long-term complications of the disorder. A consultation with our expert in TMJ in Houston can be scheduled to learn more about how this disorder can be cured.

Do All Dentists Offer Invisalign?

Some doctors are more experienced with Invisalign than others, so you should also browse through previous patients’ reviews to see if any doctor you are considering will be able to help you. You can schedule a consultation with our Invisalign doctor in Pasadena, who will be able to examine your teeth to see if Invisalign is right for you. Many of the same orthodontic issues that can be treated with metal braces can also be treated with Invisalign, so many patients find that they qualify for the treatment.

In order to qualify for the treatment, you need to be willing to schedule regular appointment at our office so that our dentist can make sure your treatment is progressing as planned. These appointments are often shorter than what you would get for metal braces because no tightening is involved. Our dentist just needs to make sure your teeth have straightened as much as they should, and then we will give you your next set of aligners.

Aside from these appointments, you should be taking care of your teeth and Invisalign aligners on your own time. This involves taking out the aligners when you eat so that they do not become damaged. Our doctor will also give you an Invisalign cleaning kit so that you have all the tools necessary to care for your aligners on a daily basis.