Palo Alto, CA
2290 Birch St, Ste A, Palo Alto, CA 94306.
(650) 503-6777
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Redwood City, CA
81 Birch Street, Redwood City, CA 94062.
(650)-345-5300
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Santa Clara, CA
1394 Franklin St, Santa Clara, CA 95050.
(408)-246-6030
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Do you need a smile makeover? Here’s how your dentist can help you!

Do you need a smile makeover? Here’s how your dentist can help you!_Santa Clara Dentists

Are you dissatisfied with your smile? You are not alone. Over one-third of adults in the U.S also wish their smile appeared different.

You may not like the way your smile looks presently; however, the exciting news is that it doesn’t have to remain that way forever. Whether you wish your teeth were whiter, less chipped, or more even, there are various cosmetic dentistry procedures to help you attain the type of smile you have always yearned for.

Let’s see what it takes to get a perfect smile makeover in Palo Alto.

 

What is cosmetic dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry is all about enhancing the appearance of your teeth. Below are some of the dental issues a cosmetic dentist Palo Alto can help address:

 

  • Chipped or broken teeth
  • Crowded teeth
  • Worn enamel
  • Unevenly sized teeth
  • Gaps between teeth
  • Stains and discoloration

Cosmetic dental procedures are usually deemed to be elective. But cosmetic dentistry isn’t just about vanity. There are several procedures that also present restorative benefits to boost your quality of life.

 

How can I get a smile makeover in Palo Alto?

The first step toward achieving your dream smile is to schedule an appointment with your cosmetic dentist Palo Alto. They will help you ascertain precisely what needs to be done to perfect your smile.

The dentist will examine your dental health to see if you are eligible for a smile makeover or if other oral health issues must be addressed first. This entails accessing your underlying support structure, teeth, gums, and bite. Once this is done, the dentist will discuss with you the available options.

Every smile makeover is unique, and yours must cater to your personal requirements. The dentist will use dental imaging software to demonstrate how your teeth will practically look when your preferred procedure is done.

However, keep in mind, your smile makeover procedure won’t always happen in one appointment. Some procedures may require you to attend multiple dental appointments. This is something that your Palo Alto dentist will have discussed with you beforehand, though.

 

How the best dentist in Palo Alto can help improve your smile 

When it comes to getting a smile makeover, there are several options your dentist will advise on. Below are some of the most common procedures that can improve your smile:

Cosmetic teeth whitening

Teeth whitening is among the most popular and common options when it comes to smile makeover procedures. Also referred to as “teeth bleaching,” this treatment can whiten your teeth from staining or discoloration. Remember, not everyone’s teeth can be whitened; thus, it’s advisable to consult your dentist first.

Also, whitening is not a permanent procedure. The stains will reappear if you smoke or consume staining drinks or foods. But if you stay away from these sources of staining, you might not require another whitening procedure for 6-12 months.

If you are contemplating the benefits of professional teeth whitening vs. at-home use of whitening products, here’s a useful article to help you get started.

Cosmetic dental implants

An implant is a titanium device designed to replace missing teeth. Usually, the device is surgically inserted into the jawbone where the teeth are missing. A crown (an artificial tooth) is then affixed to the implant, giving the appearance of a natural tooth.

 

  • Improved appearance & comfort
  • Improved oral health, like implants, does not affect surrounding teeth as a dental bridge does.
  • Durability, as implants can last you many years
  • Convenience, as implants are a permanent part of your mouth rather than a prosthetic that needs to be removed

Veneers

Veneers are thin pieces made from composite or porcelain material. They are cemented to the front of the teeth to enhance their appearance. To apply veneers, your Palo Alto dentist will get rid of the outermost layer of enamel from your teeth. Next, they will affix the veneers with a dental adhesive.

Veneers are natural-looking and may be used to fix a range of issues, including stained teeth, crooked teeth, and teeth with noticeable gaps.

Composite bonding 

Dentists also repair discolored, damaged, or decayed teeth with composite bonding. When carrying out this dental procedure, the dentist will drill the decay completely and apply composite material to the teeth’ surface. The material will then be sculpted to match the shape of your other teeth. Finally, they use a special, high-intensity light to cure it.

Cosmetic teeth shaping 

Also known as “enamel shaping or odontoplasty,” your dentist will modify the tooth by removing or filling some of the enamel. This procedure is usually painless and produces almost instant effects.

Cosmetic dental crowns 

Crowns are specially made to fit over your tooth the dentist has prepared it. Generally, they are made out of porcelain or acrylic that has been fused to metal to endure biting pressure. Crowns are widely used in cosmetic dentistry to fix teeth that are bodily decayed, poorly shaped, chipped, broken or have had large fillings.

 

Are you geared up for a smile makeover?

Ultimately, you deserve to have a strong, healthy, and attractive smile that allows you to live proudly and comfortably. Get rid of broken teeth, gum recession, and stains by undertaking any of the smile makeover procedures mentioned above.

Article resources:
Information in this article has been gathered from multiple public health sources, including:
https://www.webmd.com/
https://www.healthline.com/
https://www.mouthhealthy.org/
https://www.mayodentalclinic.com/

5 Summer Dental Tips for Kids

5 Summer Dental Tips for Kids_Palo Alto Dentists

The best summer break should not require a visit to a Palo Alto pediatric dentist, all in the name of getting some fillings! And the best way to prevent an emergency visit to the dentist is to take simple steps to take care of your child’s teeth during summer. Summer oral routine can be especially challenging as changes in daily diets and lack of routine can have a negative impact on your children’s teeth. It is easy to see how.

Sleeping in longer hours and forgetting to brush, combined with sugary drinks or sodas throughout the hot days, vacation car trips with sugary snacks or hard candy, popcorn kernels, or ice can all damage oral health. And don’t overlook the dental emergencies that might arise if your children hurt their teeth during contact sports or other summer activities.

But summer oral care does not have to be demanding. Follow our dental tips below to keep your kid’s smile shining all summer long!

 

  1. Schedule your kid’s dental check-up early enough 

Visit a pediatric dentist at the start of every summer. Evidently, there is no better occasion to set up one of those bi-annual dental appointments than summer, when your children are out of school and your schedule is more flexible.

Most parents wait until summer ends to schedule these appointments. Chances are they find dental offices fully booked at this time or end up being overwhelmed by the back-to-school mad rush. As such, it is advisable to plan your child’s trip to the dentist as soon as the summer begins and avoid being caught up in an unnecessary last-minute rush.

 

  1. Stay on schedule 

Summer vacation can disrupt bedtime routines. Regardless of how action-packed your summer gets, it’s vital to ensure your children continue to practice good oral hygiene.

Resist the temptation to allow your children to skip brushing and flossing before bedtime. Also, constantly supervise them to ensure they are brushing twice every day, for at least two minutes with dentist-recommended toothpaste. The American Dental Association (ADA) advises parents to use brushing calendars to be on top of their children’s brushing habits during summer.

Besides, it is an opportunity to spend more time with them. Brushing alongside your kids for two minutes twice a day for at least three months gives you a total of six extra hours together; thus, make the most of them!

 

  1. Prepare well for sleepovers 

No summer break is complete without sleepovers. Sadly, amidst all the pillow throwing and fun, your children could “forget” their brushing habits. Make sure that you pack toothpaste and toothbrushes along with their pajamas and sleeping bags. Furthermore, you can also make it a habit of calling in to ensure that your kid brushes.

It might appear ridiculous to place such emphasis on brushing. But, better brush now than plan emergency visits to a pediatric dentist later, right? Being vigilant will teach your children the significance of dental care throughout their lifetime.

 

  1. Buy healthy summer beverages and snacks. 

Having your children home all day means endless snacking opportunities. It is easy to flood the refrigerator with candy, chips, fruit juices, raisins, cakes, and bread. However, these foods can easily dent your kids’ teeth.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cavities (also known as tooth decay or caries) are among the most common chronic illnesses that affect kids in the U.S. Here is how cavities affects children based on their age groups:

 

  • Ages 5-11: The prevalence of untreated cavities in kids aged 5-11 years is 20%.
  • Ages 12-19: The prevalence of untreated cavities in adolescents aged 12-19 is 13%.

As a general tip, avoid acidic, sugary, or starchy food items. Say no to gummy candies. Such snacks stick on your kid’s teeth, invite bacteria, and cause potential tooth decay.

Alternatively, stock your pantry with fresh vegetables and fruits, and make healthy eating seem like a cool thing. Even more important, make plenty of clean drinking water available. When sending your children off to play, trade in the pricey sports drinks for cool, refreshing water.

 

  1. Prevent dental emergencies 

For children, most dental emergencies come about in the summer. Extended time playing outside means more adventures. And while those can be fun, children sometimes hurt their teeth when riding bikes, playing outdoor sports, or enjoying other daring activities.

If your kid has a dental emergency, ensure you take them to a Palo Alto pediatric dentist near you to treat the injury. Most importantly, always encourage your children to wear helmets and mouthguards when riding skateboards, bikes, or roller skates.

 

Summing it up

No matter the season you are in, early dental care is important. Creating and strictly following a dental health care routine is vital for both your kid’s short and long-term health. Observing simple tips like brushing twice a day, snacking healthy, and regularly visiting a pediatric dentist are helpful in protecting your kids’ teeth all summer and beyond.

Article resources:
Information in this article has been gathered from multiple public health sources, including:
https://www.ada.org/
https://www.healthline.com/
https://www.mayoclinic.org/
https://www.mouthhealthy.org
https://www.cdc.gov/