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Teeth Whitening Treatment in Litchfield
Teeth Whitening Treatment Near Me
Do you want a whiter smile? Teeth whitening is a popular treatment
for discolored teeth. When it comes to teeth whitening, you have two
options; In-office treatments and home treatments. Teeth whitening
should be done right to avoid discomfort and sensitivity.
Both in-office and home treatments use peroxide-based bleaching
agents. You should consult your dentist before starting any teeth
whitening treatments.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening done by your dentist can get your teeth brighter more
quickly. Dentists use stronger bleaching solutions carefully
administered while considering the amount of time the solution is left
on your teeth.
You can expect your teeth to change from three to eight shades.
In-office sessions usually take approximately an hour over several
appointments. Most people are conscious of the cost. We we will create a
treatment plan that suits your budget.
At-Home Teeth Whitening
There are many choices when it comes to home treatments but we
recommend that you get the advice of your dentist before trying out any
of them.
Tooth whitening strips and gels – These are
applied directly to the teeth using a toothbrush on a daily basis. You
may notice results between 4 and 6 months of usage.
Tray-based tooth bleaching systems – This
involves wearing a device that looks like a guard which contains the
whitening product. You wear the tray for a few hours daily for
approximately 4 weeks.
Tooth whitening toothpaste – Normal
toothpaste helps to remove minor stains on your teeth. There are special
kinds of toothpaste designed with higher abrasion to drastically whiten
your teeth. Most whitening toothpastes brighten your teeth by one
shade.
Talk to your dentist before starting any home teeth whitening
treatment to ensure that it’s worth your time and money. If you are
looking for a teeth whitening treatment, call us to learn more about our
services.
Teeth Cleaning Near Me in Litchfield
Teeth Cleaning Near Me
Regular teeth cleaning is important for your oral health.
Unfortunately, many people skip teeth cleaning procedures for one reason
or another. Speak to a dentist near you to schedule a simple, painless
teeth cleaning procedure.
If you have dental phobia knowing what to expect can clear your
doubts.
What to expect with teeth cleaning procedures
1. A physical exam
Teeth cleanings are mostly performed by a dental hygienist. Your
dental hygienist will begin by performing a physical exam of your entire
mouth.
The dental hygienist checks for signs of gingivitis (initial stages
of gum disease) using a small special mirror.
If they detect major problems, your dental hygienist will consult
with your dentist to discuss whether it is fine to proceed with the
cleaning.
2. Removing plaque and tartar
Plaque and tartar build-up on your teeth over time. Regular brushing
is not completely sufficient but during teeth cleaning your dental
hygienist uses a scaler to get rid of the plaque and tartar around your
gum line, as well as in between your teeth.
3. Gritty toothpaste cleaning
After your teeth are completely tartar-free, the hygienist brushes
them with a high-powered electric brush, which makes a
grinding noise. This is a great way to get a deep clean and remove any
leftover tartar.
They’ll use toothpaste that has a gritty consistency that scrubs your
teeth. You should not use these kinds of toothpaste at home.
4. Expert flossing
Do you floss at home? Well, you should. Even so, your dental
hygienist will perform an expert flossing session.
5. Rinsing
Next, you rinse out your mouth to get rid of any debris. Your dental
hygienist will usually give you a rinse that contains liquid
fluoride.
6. Applying fluoride treatment
The last step of the cleaning process is a fluoride treatment. This
treatment is used as a protectant for your teeth to help fight against
cavities for several months.
Looking for a dental hygienist near you? Let’s clean your teeth, call
us.
Dental Exam and Cleaning Near Me in Litchfield
Dental Exam & Cleaning Near Me
Dental exams and cleaning are absolutely important, find a dentist
near you to get started. As part of maintaining your oral health, a
dental exam involves a thorough evaluation of your teeth, gums, and
mouth in general which may include X-rays. Dental cleaning on the other
hand involves the removal of tartar and bacteria to help you prevent
cavities.
At our dental office, we strive to provide you with excellent dental
exams and cleaning using the latest technology. If it’s been a while
since you last had a dental exam and cleaning, make a point to book an
appointment with us as soon as possible.
Issues we handle during dental exams &
cleaning
Teeth & gum cleaning
Plaque can build up and cause tooth decay. We clean your teeth and
gums to remove bacteria and significantly lower your risk of
cavities.
Dental X-rays
We use low levels of radiation to capture images of the interior of
your teeth and gums. The images help us detect any underlying issues
before they cause severe damage.
Dental check-ups
As part of our routine exams, we provide you with a general checkup
on your mouth, face, neck, and head to check for any
inconsistencies.
Oral cancer screening
A dental exam is a perfect opportunity to check for early signs of
oral cancer. As with any type of cancer, early detection is key to
successful treatment.
Getting regular dental exams and cleaning helps you stay on top of
your oral health. We offer services to children and adults. During your
visit, you will learn more about proper brushing and flossing
techniques. If you have dental problems such as bad breath or gum
disease, dental exams mark the start of your treatment. Talk to us today
to get dental exams and cleaning near you.
Dental Crowns Near Me in Litchfield
Dental Crowns Near Me
Dental crowns can be made of resin, metal, or porcelain. Find a
dental crown specialist near you.
What is a dental crown?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap used by dentists for restorative
purposes. The crown covers your entire tooth and hides cracks and
breakages.
Why would you need a crown?
Crowns are used for different restorative purposes. You may need a
dental crown to:
-
Hide a crack and prevent it from getting bigger
-
Strengthen a weak tooth
-
Restore a broken tooth
-
Hold a dental bridge in place
-
Cover a severely stained or discolored tooth
-
Protect a tooth that had a root canal treatment
-
Support a dental implant
Types of dental crowns
The type of crown you get depends on your preferences and advice from
your dentist. Here are the popular types.
Resin crowns
These are generally less expensive but not as durable as other types.
They are fragile and require gentle care.
Their average lifespan is 3 to 5 years.
Porcelain crowns
These look more like natural teeth than any other type. They resemble
the appearance of tooth enamel.
Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns
As the name suggests, these combine the durability of metal and the
natural look of porcelain to give you durable crowns that look more like
natural teeth.
Pressed ceramic crowns
These are similar to porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns but
instead of metal, they use ceramic. Dentists use pressed ceramic crowns
on the front and back teeth.
Metal crowns
These are crowns made of gold, palladium, nickel, or chromium. They
are long-lasting and strong enough to sustain hard biting and
chewing.
Ready for a dental crown? If you suspect you are a candidate for
dental crowns, talk to us today to schedule an appointment with a dental
crown specialist.
Professional In-Office Teeth Whitening | Litchfield MN
Proper brushing and flossing every day can help to keep your smile bright and breath fresh. Factors such as aging, consuming colored foods and drinks, and lifestyle habits such as chewing or smoking tobacco products can cause your teeth to discolor and get darker.
Fortunately, there are several options for teeth whitening to help improve the shade of your teeth and maintain the shade with follow up treatments as recommended by the dentist. Before treatment, the dentist will examine your teeth to establish the cause and severity of the discoloration, and then propose various whitening options that will be most suitable for your case to ensure that you get the desired results and the smile of your teeth. The results may fade with time depending on your diet, age, and lifestyle choices, so subsequent treatments may be necessary to maintain a white smile.
Good Candidates for Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is most effective on surface stains, and while anyone from the age of 10 years and above can be a good candidate for bleaching, there are a few cases when your dentist may prevent you from proceeding with the treatment. These include:
- Tooth and gum sensitivity – Sensitivities may disqualify you from using certain whitening techniques
- The natural color of your teeth – Intrinsic stains are harder to bleach compared to extrinsic stains
- The presence of crowns, fillings, bridges, or veneers – These do not bleach the same as natural teeth, which means that you may have to replace them after whitening your teeth to achieve a uniform look
- Exposed roots – These surfaces are harder to whiten effectively compared to tooth enamel, which means that you may have to consider alternative methods.
Your dentist will assess your teeth and mouth during your first visit to determine your suitability.
Final Note
Teeth whitening is not permanent, and people who expose their teeth to tobacco products and colored foods and beverages that cause staining may realize faster fading of the results. The more you exercise proper oral hygiene after bleaching, the longer you will stay without requiring touch-up whitening treatment.
Please contact your dentist to discuss ways to improve your smile with teeth whitening.
Cosmetic Smile Makeover Near Me, Litchfield MN
Cosmetic dentistry is a branch of professional oral care that aims to improve the appearance of your teeth and smile. A beautiful, healthy smile has many benefits both in professional and social settings – it makes you appear attractive, happy, and confident which helps you feel like anything is possible. But if you’re feeling shy or hesitant about smiling around others because certain aspects of your teeth aren’t up to par (cracks/stains/gaps), consider visiting a cosmetic dentist!
Some of the common aesthetic problems that cosmetic dentists deal with include:
- Stained or Discolored Teeth – May be caused by age, food, medications, smoking, and other lifestyle factors
- Tooth Decay – Usually caused by plaque buildup due to poor oral hygiene, as well as consuming too many sugary items.
- Chipped or Fractured Teeth – May be caused by any kind of trauma in an accident, due to a sports injury, or even bad habits such as chewing ice or opening soda bottles with your teeth.
- Crooked, Overcrowded, or Misaligned Teeth – The dentist will recommend the appropriate custom dental appliances to gradually move your teeth to the desired position.
- Missing Teeth – There are several options for replacing missing teeth depending on the health of adjacent teeth, the health of the gum and jawbone tissues, age, and personal preferences, among others.
When scheduling your cosmetic dentistry consultation, you should have a good idea of what you want – your ideal smile – before approaching the dentist. Generally, you should know:
- What shade of white you would like your teeth to be – natural, ultra-white, in-between
- Do you want your teeth to be in perfect alignment or slightly varied?
- Do you think your smile is toothy, gummy, or awkward in any other way?
- What defects do you want to be fixed? – missing tooth, crooked or misaligned teeth, fractured teeth, stained teeth, etc.
If you’re self-conscious about your teeth or want to improve your smile, please visit your cosmetic dentist today to discuss your case. The dental team will examine your mouth and formulate a custom plan to help you achieve the beautiful, dazzling smile you’ve always wanted.
What to Expect with Teeth Whitening in Litchfield MN
Teeth whitening, or simply bleaching, is a straightforward, non-invasive dental solution for changing the color of natural tooth enamel, and to enhance the appearance of your smile.
Getting whiter teeth is considered the most popular esthetic concern for most dental patients. Common reasons for teeth whitening include:
- Normal wear of tooth enamel
- Excess fluoridation (fluorosis) during early tooth development
- Stained teeth due to smoking or medications like tetracycline
- Brown or yellow stained teeth
Generally, any patient above the age of 10 years can consider teeth whitening to enhance their smile and boost confidence. However, it is not recommended for patients with oral issues such as dental cracks, leaky fillings, or dental decay, because the whitening products may irritate the tooth nerve, resulting in discomfort or more damage. In addition, patients with short teeth or a gummy smile may not necessarily look better after bleaching because whiter teeth tend to accentuate a gummy smile.
Your Consultation
Before you decide to whiten your teeth, it is important that you get a proper dental examination that includes X-rays to help establish the cause of tooth discoloration. In some cases, staining can be an indication of dental disease that requires a different treatment. But for simple whitening, options include bleaching from inside the tooth, for a dead tooth that has root canal, or a single-tooth bleaching tray for a living tooth.Once the cause and extent of discoloration and staining is known, you and your dentist can explore the different whitening options that apply to your case.
Teeth usually don’t get discolored uniformly. So your dentist will come up with an appropriate strategy to whiten each tooth sufficiently to give you a uniform smile. This means that you can also choose to whiten only one or two teeth, or more.
Final Note
Restorations like tooth-colored fillings, veneers, bonding, bridges, and crowns do not stain or lighten. So, bleaching has no effect on existing dental restorations. As such, you may need to replace pre-existing dental work to match the new tooth shade achieved in your natural teeth following whitening.
Please visit your dentist to learn more about teeth whitening.
Types of Professional Teeth Whitening Options in Litchfield MN
People can tell a lot from the shade of your teeth, including your age, state of oral health, and even your good and bad habits. And since everyone wants to look young and well groomed, teeth whitening has become one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in dentistry.
Advancements in teeth cleaning technologies have made the treatment more comfortable, predictable, long-lasting, and affordable for all people. Although there are many effective ways to whiten your teeth, they vary depending on the treatment time and frequency, type of stain that can be removed, and the level of whitening that can be achieved.
Some of the teeth whitening options available include:
Professionally applied bleaching:
With in office tooth whitening, the dentist applies a low concentration of hydrogen peroxide (bleach) to the surface of your teeth using trays that fit snugly around your top and bottom teeth. After the in-office treatment, your dentist may give you some hydrogen peroxide gel and custom-made trays to continue your treatment at home for a specific period of time to maximize the teeth bleaching results
Dentist-prescribed treatment:
Your dentist will give you a custom-made whitening kit for home use. This kit includes custom-made trays and some hydrogen peroxide gel. Teeth whitening at home is a gradual process that usually takes at least two weeks.
Which is the best option?
It’s best to consult a dentist for a thorough examination of your teeth so your treatment can be tailored to your unique needs. During your first appointment for professional teeth cleaning, your dentist will examine your teeth carefully, review your oral health history, and then determine whether bleaching is right for you. Please visit your dentist today to discuss your teeth whitening goals and smile concerns.
Common Questions: Teeth Whitening Treatment in Litchfield MN
If you want to get your teeth whitened, it’s important that you research the right dentist and dental practice. The procedure is safe and effective when done by an experienced dentist during the first visit and supervised by a dentist for subsequent treatments. Yet, before you get your tooth whitening procedure done, it is important that you visit a dentist for an examination and diagnosis to ensure you are a good candidate.
Here are some questions to help you choose the right dentist:
Can teeth cleaning and polishing make my teeth whiter without bleaching?
Professional teeth-cleaning and polishing is done to remove tartar that’s caused by drinks like tea and red wine, tobacco products, foods, and more. However, this will not change the color of stained or yellowing teeth. Teeth cleaning can help you remove deep stains and discoloration that won’t go away with routine cleaning and polishing.
What is in-office teeth whitening?
The dentist applies a bleaching product (usually hydrogen peroxide) on the surface of your teeth using trays that fit snugly on your teeth. The tray sits in place for a short period of time to break down the agent, resulting in an oxygen compound that penetrates tooth enamel.
Will I achieve the results I want?
Yes. Most cases of tooth whitening are successful. That said, the treatments work differently depending on the extent of discoloration or staining at the start of the procedure. Your dentist will discuss your treatment plan with you and inform you of the best ways to whiten your teeth, as well as any difficulties that may arise, and what the expected results are.
Can teeth whitening be done outside a dentist’s office?
It’s recommended that you consult a dentist to design your bleaching plan that can then be done in the office or at home with a customized teeth whitening kit. The best dentists will lay out your options, the expected time(s) for improvement, and the duration of treatment if you want to undergo dental whitening.
In which situations might tooth whitening be unsuccessful?
Tooth whitening only helps to improve the shade of your natural teeth. This means that it may not be successful when used on unhealthy teeth, teeth with exposed roots, or teeth that have been restored with fillings, crowns, veneers, or have received root treatments.
Please consult your dentist to discuss your bleaching plan and the expected results of your teeth whitening treatment.
Infected Tooth Pain- Do I Need An Extraction? Litchfield MN
It is normal to have bacteria in your mouth covering the teeth, tongue, and other oral tissues. However, tooth infections can occur when bacteria penetrates the exterior of your tooth (enamel and dentin), and reaches the tooth pulp, or settles in deep gum pockets where it can’t be reached with regular brushing.
Poor dental hygiene, tooth injury, and dental procedures can lead to cavities and fractures that trap bacteria and allow plaque to build up. Although these injuries are usually not painful, the tooth should be filled or crowned promptly to stop bacteria from eroding the tooth any further. If left untreated and the infection reaches the pulp, a condition known as pulpitis may result, causing you to experience a toothache or sensitivity that is aggravated by hot and cold liquids and foods. If the infection continues to spread through the tooth, it may form a pocket of pus known as an abscess.
Treatment options for tooth infections
If you have pulpitis, your dentist may recommend root canal therapy to remove the infection and preserve your natural tooth. Since the tooth will be weakened after the procedure, it will need to be crowned or capped to restore its strength and stability.
Once an abscess forms, the pus has to be drained to treat the tooth. If the tooth can’t be saved with root canal therapy, it may have to be extracted. Pus removal can occur before or after the extraction. If your dentist finds that extracting the tooth before treatment may allow the infection to spread and cause other complications, such as compromising the healing process after tooth extraction, then your dentist may recommend treating the infection before tooth removal to reduce these risks.
Generally, you will need to take pain medication and some antibiotics for a few days before your surgical tooth removal to remove bacteria in the area, as well as after tooth extraction to prevent infection when healing.
If you’re experiencing the symptoms of a tooth infection, please visit your dentist as soon as possible to save the tooth or schedule an extraction.
6 Month Smiles
Six Month Smiles is a short term orthodontic treatment that involves wearing clear braces to straighten and improve tooth alignment. This alternative treatment is a convenient approach to a straighter smile without the time commitment.
Learn more