When Does Laser Bleaching Work Best?

Laser bleaching is an in-office tooth whitening method that quickly and dramatically lightens stains for a smile that is visibly brighter in just an hour. During a laser whitening session, our dentist applies a bleaching solution to each tooth, and a laser activates the solution to boost its effectiveness and speed the process. Because the whitening gel uses a powerful concentration of peroxide, your soft tissues will be protected with special dams to reduce the risk of damage. You might also need to use desensitizing paste or fluoride before or after whitening to reduce the risk of sensitivity.

This is a great whitening option for people with stains from:

•    Nicotine
•    Wine
•    Coffee and tea
•    Soda
•    Energy drinks
•    Juice and berries
•    Tomato sauces and curries
•    Artificial dyes

It is most appropriate for people whose teeth are healthy, strong, and free of any untreated dental problems. It works best when applied after a dental cleaning, which removes any buildup that could prevent it from penetrating the tooth structure evenly.

Although laser whitening is highly effective, it is not right for every candidate. Call our office today to learn more or to schedule an appointment with our cosmetic dentist in Santa Clara.

What is Dental Bonding Made of?

Dental bonding is a great way to quickly and effectively repair small areas of damage on teeth. This process uses tooth-colored materials to restore cavities, chips, cracks, worn enamel, or stained teeth, but it can also be used to protect exposed roots. Dr. Frame, our dentist in Santa Clara, can help you decide if dental bonding is right for you.

Composite resin is used in dental bonding. Composite resin is a type of synthetic resin that uses a combination of silica, monomers, and glasses or glass ceramics. The glass creates a translucent finish that blends in with the natural tooth enamel while the monomers give it the desired properties, such as strength, longevity, and wear resistance. This mixture can be tinted to the desired color to match the color of your tooth.

There are many benefits to using composite resin bonding. The bonding material bonds micro-mechanically to the structure of the tooth, which ensures a strong seal and a reduced risk of leaking. This type of restoration also minimizes the amount of preparation needed, so healthier tooth structure can be preserved. The procedure is fast and can be completed in a single appointment. It is also versatile enough to be used for both restorative and cosmetic purposes. Call us today to find out more or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Frame, our expert in dental bonding in Santa Clara.

Dental Bridges and Dental Implants

Dental bridges and dental implants can be used together to replace several lost teeth. If you have lost multiple teeth in a row, our dentist can use an implant-supported bridge to replace the teeth aesthetically and comfortably.

As with any bridge, an implant-supported bridge consists of porcelain crowns that are connected to prosthetic teeth. These crowns are placed not on the natural teeth adjacent to the gap but on implants. The implants act as the abutments, eliminating the need for abutment teeth. They can create a strong, stable bridge that can last for years without requiring other teeth to be cut down the way conventional bridges do.

If you are a candidate for an implant-supported bridge, the implants will first be placed, and the implant sites will be allowed to heal. Our dentist will place a temporary restoration to fill the gap until the implants can be permanently restored with your new bridge. The bridge can be attached to the abutments on the implants once they have fused with the bone tissue.

As with all restorations, good dental hygiene will continue to be important. Brush the bridge and nearby teeth thoroughly two times a day. You may need to use a special floss threader to thread the floss above and around the bridge. Call us to learn more or to schedule your appointment with our dental implants dentist in Santa Clara.

Is Dental Porcelain Stain Resistant?

Dental porcelain can be used to restore the health, function and appearance of your smile. The porcelain has a naturally translucent appearance that reflects light in much the same way that dental enamel does. Our dentist can use dental porcelain in many different restorations, including inlays, onlays, porcelain crowns and veneers.

Along with its strength and longevity, one of the best benefits of having dental porcelain is its stain-resistance. When you eat and drink staining substances, such as wine, coffee or berries, chromogens can penetrate through the porous dental enamel and discolor your teeth. These stains can stay locked inside the structure of your teeth, where your toothbrush cannot reach and the need for whitening treatment is increased.

Dental porcelain is different. Its surface is impermeable and cannot be stained by most substances. Protecting the porcelain restorations is one of the best ways to keep your teeth bright and stain-free. Avoid using any harsh abrasive toothpaste that could disrupt the glazed surface of the veneers. Call us today to learn more or to schedule your appointment with our cosmetic dentist in Santa Clara.

Inlays and Onlays for Dental Restorations

Dental inlays and onlays are an excellent alternative to traditional fillings and crowns. When a tooth is badly damaged, a conventional filling may not adequately restore the tooth and can sometimes lead to additional damage. However, dental crowns require extensive preparation, which can lead to the loss of healthy tooth structure. Inlays are often used to fill only the area of damage, but can be placed even when large areas of damage exist. Our Santa Clara dentist can help you decide if you are a candidate for an onlay or an inlay.

The two restorations are quite similar. An inlay is used to fill the cavity or damage on the chewing surface between the cusps. An onlay is used when one or more cusps are involved in the damage. For treatment, you will need two dental appointments to complete the process. At the first appointment, the diseased tissue will be removed and an impression will be taken. The impression is sent to the dental lab to make your new inlay or onlay. Once it is ready, it will be sent back to the dentist, who will then bond it to your tooth. These types of restorations can last just as long as crowns but require less preparation. Call us today to learn more or to schedule an appointment with our Santa Clara dentist.