Don't Be Fooled! Debunking The Top Myths About Teeth Whitening

Tooth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures available today, but it’s also one of the most misunderstood. Despite tooth whitening being a relatively safe procedure when performed correctly, there are many myths and misconceptions surrounding teeth whitening that can scare people away from this straightforward treatment. In this blog post, we’ll explore the top five myths about teeth whitening in Albuquerque.

Myth 1: The Results Last Forever

Many people believe that once they whiten their teeth, the results will last forever. However, this is not the case. Teeth whitening is a temporary solution and the results will only last for a few months. The main goal of teeth whitening is to remove yellow stains on the surface of your tooth. The process does not address any cavities or stains in the dentin or enamel of your tooth which are most likely responsible for tooth sensitivity and/or pain.

Myth 2: Teeth Whitening Makes Your Teeth Very Sensitive

You may experience mild sensitivity during teeth whitening in Albuquerque, but it is temporary and will go away once you finish the treatment. Make sure to talk to your dentist about other ways to get whiter teeth if this happens to you. A little bit of sensitivity is worth having when you can obtain brighter teeth and an overall healthier smile. If your toothbrush has not been replaced in six months or more, then that could be causing tooth sensitivity as well!

Myth 3: DIY Kits are Better than Professional Teeth Whitening

Do-it-yourself teeth whitening kits seem like a great way to save money. But the reality is that they’re not as effective as professional treatments. The chemicals in DIY kits are weaker than what dentists use, so they take longer to work. And if you don’t use them correctly, you could damage your teeth or gums. Professional teeth whitening in ABQ NM uses the right materials which can lighten teeth after just one session. So, it's best to see a dentist for this kind of treatment.

Myth 4: Teeth Whitening Will Damage Your Enamel

Enamel is the hardest substance in your body, and teeth whitening will not damage it. In fact, teeth whitening can actually help to strengthen your enamel by removing stains that can lead to tooth decay. If you are concerned about the health of your teeth, your dentist may prescribe you a fluoride treatment or recommend an over-the-counter toothpaste with fluoride.

Myth 5: Teeth Whitening Works on Crowns

While teeth whitening can brighten your smile, it won’t work on dental crowns. Crowns are made of porcelain or ceramic and are designed to match the color of your teeth. If you have a crown, it will remain the same color as when it was first placed.

Teeth whitening near me seems like a quick, effective way to make your smile brighter and whiter. Be sure to obtain this treatment from a professional rather than purchasing over-the-counter kits from drugstores.

Manage Your TMJ Pain With these 4 Tips

TMJ pain, or temporomandibular joint disorder, refers to any pain in the jaw or facial muscles, or even the ears and neck due to abnormal functioning of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). TMJ pain can be severe enough to disrupt your ability to work and lead a normal life. Fortunately, there are several methods of treatment that can help you manage TMJ pain so that you can go about your business as usual. Here are four of the best tips from a TMJ specialist in Albuquerque to help manage TMJ pain. 

Don’t Tense Your Jaw:

The first step toward minimizing your pain is minimizing jaw tension. You can do so by making sure that you aren’t clamping your teeth or clenching your jaw when you’re not trying to. Relax and let your jaw fall open until it rests comfortably on its own, and then think about keeping it there for as much of your day as possible. If you tend to clench your jaw while sleeping, try using a night guard; they keep your teeth from grinding together at night and will help minimize damage to your TMJ.

Practice Good Posture:

According to a TMJ specialist in Albuquerque, the muscles of your jaw, face and head can all be strained or stressed by improper posture. The effects can lead to a wide range of conditions, including jaw pain (TMJ). When you sit at a computer all day or drive for long periods, you are likely causing strain on your body. Properly aligning your head and neck while sitting or standing will allow you to relieve some of that stress and help you maintain a healthy body.

Refrain From Using Chewing Gums:

Chewing gums are no less than pain in a packet for those suffering from TMJ. You may want to chew gum as it helps in keeping you alert and fresh all day, but you should refrain from using chewing gums if you suffer from sleep apnea and/or suffer from migraine or headache as most of these disorders get aggravated by chewing gum. A TMJ dentist in Albuquerque suggests not to use bubble gum as it is full of sugar and can be quite hard on your jaw muscles.

Try Acupressure:

This alternative treatment uses pressure points, or acupressure points, on your face and head to help alleviate tension. These pressure points are similar to those used in acupuncture. As with acupuncture, acupressure can be done by a practitioner, but you can also do it yourself. This at-home treatment is easy and will give you temporary relief from TMJ pain as well as help heal some of your symptoms.

TMD or TMJ pain may be embarrassing and difficult to manage, but don’t let it get the best of you! If you’re experiencing symptoms such as jaw pain, clicking sounds when opening or closing your mouth, or difficulty chewing, it would be ideal to opt for TMJ treatment in Albuquerque from an expert.

How to Tell if You Have TMJ? Lookout for these 5 Signs

Temporomandibular joint disorder, commonly referred to as TMJ, can affect one or both of the lower jaw joints. It can cause pain in your mouth and jaw region, including difficulty chewing and opening your mouth fully. If you have certain symptoms of TMJ, it’s time to see a TMJ specialist in Albuquerque to find out if you have this common but often overlooked condition. Here are five signs that you might have TMJ.

Tense Jaw:

If you have to hold your jaw in an uncomfortable position while talking, chewing or yawning, you might have temporomandibular joint disorder. This condition affects many people and is caused by misalignment of your jawbone. Try wearing a mouth guard at night or avoiding triggers such as stress, caffeine and cigarette smoke. These habits can aggravate your symptoms.

Stiff Neck:

Do you wake up with a stiff neck and shoulder pain? Does it get better after moving around for a few minutes, but then return throughout your day? If so, you might have temporomandibular joint disorder. Although, it’s important to note that in some cases, waking up with a stiff neck can be caused by other conditions as well. See a TMJ specialist in Albuquerque just to be sure.

Grinding Your Teeth:

If you find yourself grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw for no apparent reason, you may be suffering from temporomandibular joint disorder. Your temporomandibular joint connects your lower jaw to your skull and is used for chewing. If it becomes inflamed or gets out of alignment, you’ll have pain and dysfunction in your jaw joints.

Vertigo:

One of the most common symptoms of TMJ, vertigo is characterized by a sense of dizziness. While it can be related to ear problems, vertigo is often associated with jaw issues, especially in those who clench or grind their teeth. If you notice yourself feeling dizzy even when you’re stationary (especially after eating or while chewing gum) this could be a sign that you have TMJ. If symptoms persist and worsen, visit your dentist to discuss about the TMJ treatment in Albuquerque.

Headaches:

Pain on either side of your head is a common symptom of TMJ. The constant grinding and clenching of teeth can cause both jaw pain and headaches. If you’re experiencing headaches, ask your dentist if it could be a result of TMJ or another dental issue. He or she will examine your jaw joints and your mouth for any abnormalities that may be causing your pain.

Although you might experience occasional jaw pain from clenching your teeth or from an injury to your face, TMJ often goes undiagnosed because its symptoms are easy to confuse with those of other disorders. If you think you might have TMJ, consult your TMJ dentist in Albuquerque right away to determine the severity of the problem and discuss possible treatment options.

Why Are My Teeth Discolored? Here Are the Possible Reasons

So your teeth are discolored, and you are embarrassed by your smile. Well, you're not alone. Many Americans spend more than a million dollars yearly on whitening products to brighten their smiles. However, tooth discoloration is more than an aesthetic issue; it could significantly affect the health of your teeth and gums. So, wouldn't that be better if you could understand what causes tooth discoloration and possible steps to prevent them? Indeed insightful, isn't it? That’s why our dentist specializing in teeth whitening abq nm has shared some of the most common causes of tooth discoloration and steps to prevent them in this blog. Keep reading to explore the causes and prevention.

So What Causes Tooth Discoloration?

Medications

Medications are one of the most common causes of tooth discoloration. Antibiotics, antihistamines, antipsychotics, and blood pressure medications can all cause teeth to become discolored. The good news is that this type of discoloration is usually reversible. If you are taking any medications that might be causing your teeth to become discolored, talk to your dentist or doctor about switching to a different medication.

Fluoride in Water

Too much fluoride can cause a condition called fluorosis, which results in white spots or streaks on the teeth. It's important to brush your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste and drink plenty of water to prevent this. If you live in an area with high levels of fluoride in the water, you may need to use a special filter.

Darkly Colored Foods

We all know that eating lots of sugary and starchy foods can cause cavities, but did you know that these foods can also cause tooth discoloration? When these foods are combined with bacteria in your mouth, they can create a sticky film called plaque. Plaque can not only cause cavities, but it can also lead to tooth discoloration. To prevent this, be sure to brush your teeth after eating darkly colored foods. You may also want to consider teeth whitening near me.

Tobacco Use

Tobacco use is one of the leading causes of tooth discoloration. The nicotine and tar in tobacco can cause stains on your teeth, and smoking also decreases the production of saliva, which helps protect your teeth from bacteria. If you smoke, quitting is the best way to prevent tooth discoloration. A professional teeth whitening Albuquerque can help remove the stains from your teeth.

Poor Oral Hygiene

Poor oral habits can lead to tooth discoloration due to bacteria called plaque. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth, and if it’s not removed, it can harden into tartar. Not only is tartar unsightly, it can also lead to gum disease. To remove plaque, brush your teeth twice a day with a toothpaste that contains fluoride. You should also floss daily to remove plaque from between your teeth.

Some teeth stains can be reversed through a professional teeth whitening Albuquerque procedure, while others can’t be. However, your dentist is the right person determine the best treatment option to remove or hide the stains. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for a consultation.

How Much Do Dental Implants Cost? 5 Factors That Influence the Price

Dental implants are an excellent solution to missing teeth, but you might be surprised by how much the procedure actually costs. If you have dental insurance, your plan may cover some or all of the cost of implants, but even with coverage, there are several factors that can increase or decrease the price tag of implants. So what exactly do you need to know about dental implants cost Australia. Read the factors below. 

Number of Implants Needed:

Typically, patients who need dental implants will require two to four implants for the upper arch and one to six implants for the lower arch. Dental implant cost varies based on the number of implants that you need. For example, a dental implant is much more expensive than a single tooth. If you are only needing one implant, there are payment plans available so this process doesn't feel overwhelming.

Material Used:

Titanium is the most widely used metal in dentistry because it is strong, durable, and biocompatible. Titanium-based dental implants are usually priced relatively higher than other implants because of titanium's strength and ability to be aesthetically pleasing.

Bone Grafting:

The lack of bone density is a common reason that people have difficulty finding implants to work with. Over time, the natural bone in the jaw will thin, making it difficult for implants to make a stable connection. If you are struggling with this problem, you may want to explore getting a bone grafting procedure done as part of your dental implant surgery process. Being an additional procedure, it can increase the dental implants cost Australia.

Oral Health of the Patient:

If you suffer from a severe level of gum disease, tooth decay, or other condition that compromises the health of your mouth, there will be additional costs to consider. In some cases, it might even be impossible to complete dental implant surgery. And if you're on certain medications or have medical conditions like diabetes or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), this may also affect how much implants cost.

Location:

Location is another factor that can affect the cost of affordable dental implants Australia. Prices can vary depending on where you live and what dentist you visit. Prices vary between cities, countries, and even states. An implant procedure is never a one-size-fits-all situation, so it's important to get your quotes from at least three different dental offices.

Dental implants are one of the most effective solutions for replacing missing teeth and jaws. While they are more expensive than dentures or bridges, the long-term benefits and health benefits pay off in the long run. If you know where to look, however, you can get good-quality and cheap dental implants Australia at a competitive price.

Six Reasons to Choose Digital Dental Implants over Traditional Implants

If you’re thinking about getting digital dental implants in Sydney, you may be wondering what makes digital dental implants so different from the traditional kind. Digital dental implants are becoming increasingly popular due to their many benefits. In this blog, we’ll discuss six key reasons why it might be smart to go with digital dental implants instead of traditional ones. Let’s get started!

Less Invasive

Digital dental implants in Sydney are less invasive than traditional implants, meaning that the surgery required to place them is often less extensive. This can lead to a quicker, more comfortable recovery period. Additionally, because digital dental implants are less invasive, there is often less damage to the surrounding teeth.

Fewer Visits to the Dentist

A major reason to choose digital dental implants is that you'll need fewer visits to the implant dentist in Sydney. With traditional implants, each tooth needs its own implant, which means more surgeries and more recovery time. With digital implants, a single surgery can implant an entire arch of teeth. That means less time off work, less pain, and fewer overall visits to the dentist.

Recover Quickly

One of the main reasons patients choose digital Sydney dental implants is the fact that the surgery and recovery process is much quicker than with traditional implants. With digital implants, you can be in and out of surgery in just a few hours, and you can expect to see results in as little as a few weeks. Additionally, digital implants are less likely to cause complications or infections, meaning you can get back to your life sooner.

Cost-Effective

Digital dental implants are more cost-effective than traditional implants. With digital dental implants, you can avoid the high costs of traditional implants, which can be upwards of $1,000 per tooth. Plus, digital dental implants are less invasive and require less recovery time, meaning you'll save on both time and money in the long run.

Natural Looking Results

Digital dental implants provide natural looking results. Unlike traditional implants, which can look bulky and fake, digital implants are designed to match the shape and colour of your natural teeth. This gives you a much more seamless and realistic look.

Accuracy

One of the key reasons to choose digital dental implants is accuracy. With traditional implants, the surgery is more invasive, which can lead to a greater chance of complications. With digital implants, however, your surgeon can plan the surgery using 3D imaging, which leads to a more precise placement of the implant. This leads to a quicker and more comfortable healing process.

As you see, there are a lot of good reasons to choose digital implants over traditional procedure. For further information on digital implants, please schedule an appointment with our dentist.