Cosmetic Dentistry

All About Cosmetic Dentistry in Lewisburg

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smiling woman with glassesWhen you hear the term ‘cosmetic dentistry,’ you may think about how these smile-enhancing treatments seem to be reserved for the rich and famous. But that’s far from the truth. In fact, your dentist in Lewisburg performs many different types of cosmetic dentistry services that can range from simple to complex. Anyone can improve their smile with cosmetic dentistry, but many may not know where to start or just what’s involved during treatment. We’re here to help. 

What Treatments are Considered Cosmetic Dentistry?

There are several treatments that are classified as cosmetic dentistry. Let’s explore a few of the most common ones. 

  • Whitening – The most common complaint of many patients is that their teeth aren’t as white as they’d like. To combat this, many will turn to the cosmetic dentistry treatment of smile whitening. Professional whitening can dramatically brighten a smile in just one visit, and take-home touch-up gel can help the results last in between treatments. While there are plenty of options to whiten teeth out there, we recommend talking with your dentist first before you begin any smile whitening treatment. 
  • Veneers – Another incredibly common cosmetic dentistry option is veneers. These thin slices of porcelain or medical-grade plastic can essentially cover up minor imperfections, brighten your smile if teeth whitening isn’t right for you, or even help make teeth appear more uniformed in size and shape.  
  • Bonding – Dental bonding treatment is done by taking tooth-colored material that matches the rest of your teeth and, you guessed it, bonding it to the tooth surface. Bonding takes a combination of art and science to create a natural appearance that can correct discoloration, chips, or minor gaps. 
  • Crowns – Dental crowns are used in a variety of situations, but their main purpose is to protect teeth. Also known as caps, crowns can help strengthen an unhealthy tooth or to protect one that had a root canal. While crowns can be made up of a few different types of material, porcelain crowns are custom-created to match the shape, size, and color of surrounding teeth for a flawless look. 

To find out which cosmetic dentistry treatment is best for your individual situation, talk with your dentist in Lewisburg. Occasionally, a combination of treatments may be recommended to get your ideal smile.

How to Pick the Best Cosmetic Dentist for You

Finding a dentist to transform your smile can be a daunting task. To help make your selection process easier, start by doing your research. Ask friends or family members, read reviews online, and take the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry’s suggestion and check out dentists’ before and after photos. When you’re ready, schedule a consultation and share your concerns and desires with your dentist. 

If you’re unhappy with your smile, there are several things you can do to transform your look. Start by scheduling an appointment with your dentist in Lewisburg. Be sure to speak with them openly and honestly about your concerns and what you’d like to achieve. Your dental team will then work with you to find the best way to get you your ideal smile. 

Accepting new patients from Lewisburg, Selinsgrove, Williamsport, and nearby areas. 

Can I Safely Whiten My Smile On My Own?

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smiling girl

 

In today’s digital age, we’re constantly exposed to products and DIY tips to do anything, including whitening your smile. While we understand that the desire to get a brighter grin is a very real thing for many of our patients, your dentist in Lewisburg wants to educate you on some of the dangers lurking behind some of the most popular DIY smile whitening trends.

Over-The-Counter Whitening Pens & Strips

There are so many over-the-counter whitening products available to us that it can be overwhelming. While many of these products can work to whiten your teeth, they don’t come without their risks. Whitening pens and whitening strips, for example, can temporarily transform your smile, but their results can oftentimes be less than ideal. Since neither whitening pens nor whitening strips are custom-made, there’s a greater chance that they won’t reach all areas of the teeth and the results can end up looking uneven or streaky. But there’s another reason your dentist in Lewisburg may be concerned with you using these treatments. Many times the whitening solution in whitening pens and strips can soak into your gum tissue and cause irritation.  

All-Natural Smile Whitening 

A popular smile whitening trend that seems to be taking the internet by storm is the use of all-natural whitening remedies. Don’t let the term “all-natural” lead you into thinking that all of these solutions are safe and recommended. The truth is, there is danger behind some of the popular all-natural whitening tricks. 

 

  • Lemon Juice We’ve seen an increase in people claiming that there are smile whitening benefits of applying lemon juice or a mixture of lemon juice and other natural ingredients directly to teeth. While it’s true that lemon juice may slightly whiten teeth temporarily, it’s not recommended. Lemon juice is highly acidic and acid is a big no-no when it comes to protecting the integrity of tooth enamel. Too much acid, especially when it’s applied directly onto teeth, can easily damage tooth enamel and lead to increased tooth sensitivity, and a higher risk for decay and cavities.

 

  • Baking Soda Another popular all-natural smile whitening trend that’s been around for quite some time is baking soda. Again, like lemon juice, baking soda or toothpastes that contain baking soda may temporarily whiten teeth, but due to its abrasive nature it can also damage tooth enamel. Once tooth enamel is gone, there’s no way to get it back and teeth are left exposed to bad bacteria and are at risk for larger oral health concerns long-term.

 

  • Activated Charcoal Yet another all-natural whitening treatment is activated charcoal. Supporters of activated charcoal promise that it will easily and effectively pull impurities and stains out of the teeth, resulting in a whiter appearance. However, charcoal is also abrasive and poses the same risks as baking soda. It can wear away and damage tooth enamel, increasing the risk of cavities. What’s more is that teeth may begin to appear more discolored as we lose enamel.

Just because there are many ways you can whiten your teeth on your own – it doesn’t necessarily mean you should utilize them. Before you consider a DIY approach to smile whitening, talk with your dentist in Lewisburg to better understand safe and effective options. 

Welcoming new patients from Lewisburg, Selinsgrove, and Williamsport.

Oral Health for Seniors

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seniors take selfieAugust 21st is Senior Citizens Day, and there’s no better way for our dental office in Lewisburg to celebrate than by sharing some oral health information for the favorite senior citizens we have in our lives and their families.  

The truth is, our oral health needs will vary as we celebrate more birthdays, and needs will also differ from person to person. That’s one reason we believe in treating each person with individualized, custom care. When it comes to the senior population, there are a few unique things to be aware of. 

  • Discolored Teeth – While anyone can experience discolored teeth, there’s usually an explanation. Maybe morning coffee is to blame, or perhaps smoking or red wine. But when it comes to seniors, discoloration may occur without any obvious explanation. Most commonly, tooth discoloration as we age is a typical sign that the white outer layer of our teeth (enamel) is wearing away and becoming thinner. When this happens, your teeth can become a little transparent and the inner workings of the tooth become more visible. As it turns out, the insides of teeth are not as white as the outsides, and the more we’re able to see them, the more dark or yellow teeth can appear. 
  • Dry Mouth – Dry mouth is another condition that can happen to anyone, but it does tend to be more common in seniors. Many times, medication is to blame. There are tons of over-the-counter medications and prescription medications that list dry mouth as a side effect. When these medications are taken regularly, saliva production slows down and the mouth becomes dry… and there is nothing bacteria like better than a dry mouth. Without saliva on hand to rinse away bacteria and neutralize acid, teeth are at an increased risk for developing cavities. If these cavities aren’t treated, they could lead to the need for a root canal, cause tooth sensitivity, or even tooth loss. If you’re experiencing dry mouth, do not stop taking your medication as prescribed, but do talk to your dentist in Lewisburg. 
  • Tooth Loss – Let’s start by saying that there’s no guarantee that we’ll lose our teeth as we get older. There are plenty of people who keep their teeth for a lifetime, especially if they see their dentist regularly and practice good oral hygiene habits. However, tooth loss can be a real concern for many people. The best ways to reduce the risk of tooth loss is to avoid smoking or using tobacco, limiting alcohol intake, and seeing your dentist in Lewisburg every six months. These preventative dental appointments help identify problems early while they’re still often easily treatable and can help save your teeth. 
  • Gum Disease – One of the more serious concerns for seniors’ oral health is gum disease. In fact, research suggests a strong link between gum disease and Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease, and stroke. Gum disease occurs when bacteria isn’t removed and it works its way under the gum line. Once this occurs, it becomes difficult to remove and can lead to an infection or advanced gum disease. If not treated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss. The common signs of gum disease include red, bleeding, and inflamed gums. 

Unfortunately, there’s no way we can stop ourselves from getting older. But there are things we can do to help protect our teeth for life. Always brush twice a day and floss once a day, and get a professional dental cleaning and check-up at least twice a year. If you’re overdue for your dental appointment, we welcome you to call our Lewisburg dental office to schedule a visit with us today. 

We’re always accepting new patients from Lewisburg, Selinsgrove, Williamsport, and nearby areas. 

How to Whiten Teeth

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teeth whiteningEveryone wants to have a dazzling white smile, but the truth is, a lot of things we do every day can take their toll on our pearly whites. Whether it’s the coffee we drink every morning or the glass of red wine we relax with at night, many common foods and drinks can stain our teeth over time, making them look dull or discolored. Our Lewisburg dental office wants you to know that there are ways to transform your smile and whiten your teeth.

Over-the-Counter Smile Whitening

There are plenty of over-the-counter smile whitening products available. You can even get them online. These whitening solutions can be effective and are usually pretty affordable, but they don’t come without risks. Whitening your teeth using strips or store-bought trays can put you at risk for leaving the whitening solution on too long which can damage your gums or increase tooth sensitivity. Over-the-counter whitening systems may also take longer for you to get the results you want.

Professional Whitening

Professional tooth whitening is usually done in your dentist’s office and is the fastest way to brighten teeth. While often more expensive than over-the-counter whitening solutions, professional whitening can transform teeth by several shades in one visit, and the results are typically immediate. Your dentist may also give you touch up whitening gel and customized trays for you to take home.

Veneers

Occasionally there are just some stains that won’t go away through whitening alone. For those tough situations, your best whitening option may be a form of cosmetic dentistry known as veneers. Veneers are custom-created, thin pieces of porcelain that are permanently fixed to the front of teeth. They can cover up many imperfections including stains. Dental veneers are custom shaded to blend seamlessly with the shape and size of nearby teeth for a natural and attractive look.

The best way to figure out the best way to whiten your teeth is to schedule a visit with your dentist in Lewisburg. They’ll talk with you about your whitening goals as well as any oral health concerns or conditions you may have. After that, they’ll make a recommendation that’s most appropriate for you.

Our dental office in Lewisburg is here to help you get a smile you love and are proud to show off. We welcome you to call us to schedule an appointment.

Welcoming patients from Lewisburg, Selinsgrove, Williamsport, and nearby areas.

All About Cosmetic Dentistry

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woman hiding smileWe want you to be proud enough of your smile to show it off to the world. After all, it should make you feel confident, proud, and happy. But we understand that not everyone is born with a naturally straight, white smile. We also know that accidents, age, and some habits can change your grin over time. At our dental office in Lewisburg, we offer various forms of cosmetic dentistry that can transform your smile into one you love.

Professional Smile Whitening

Perhaps the most common cosmetic dentistry treatment we get asked about is tooth whitening. Tooth whitening can be done by your dentist in Lewisburg or we can provide you with a professional strength whitening gel and custom-made molds that you can use to whiten in the comfort of your own home. If you’re looking to whiten or brighten your smile, professional tooth whitening can certainly do the trick.

Porcelain Veneers

While professional smile whitening can be really successful, there are some stains that won’t be fixed by whitening alone. If this is the case, dental veneers may be the right option for you. Veneers are thin slices of custom-created porcelain that are permanently bonded to the tooth’s surface. Their shape and color are designed to blend with other teeth in your mouth to appear incredibly natural. Besides covering up stains, porcelain veneers can also help fill gaps, fix crooked teeth, and repair chipped teeth. Since the veneers usually allow a lot of the natural tooth to remain intact, they may be preferred over a dental crown.

Porcelain Crowns

Like veneers, crowns can help fix chips, cracks, and broken teeth. However, crowns are usually reserved for areas that have more damage. Crowns are also custom-created to compliment the size, shape, and color of neighboring teeth but cover more of a tooth than a veneer. Dental crowns may also be used following a root canal or after removing large areas of decay to restore a tooth’s strength and function.  

Cosmetic Bonding

Another option to fix a broken or chipped tooth is cosmetic bonding. Reserved for smaller chips, dental bonding can easily restore a tooth’s appearance by rebuilding the injured area. Again, the bonding material is mixed to just the right color so that it blends in with the rest of the tooth. Bonding can also be used to help repair a tooth that has been worn down from clenching or grinding.

Our Lewisburg dental office is here to not only keep our neighbors’ smiles healthy but to also make sure they love the way their smiles look too. Schedule an appointment with us today to see how we can transform your smile into one you’re proud to show off. Serving patients from Lewisburg, Selinsgrove, Williamsport, and surrounding communities.

The Do’s & Don’ts to Getting a White Smile

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woman smilingAs we near Labor Day, many people will begin packing away their white clothes until next year. After all, wearing white after Labor Day is typically considered a fashion faux pas. However, at our dental office in Lewisburg, we believe that a white smile never goes out style, and you should be proud to show yours off all year around. But what do you do if your smile isn’t as white and bright as you’d like? Join us as we talk about a few do’s and don’ts  to getting a white smile you love.

Start with Your Dentist

If you’re unhappy with the color of your smile we recommend scheduling an appointment with your dentist in Lewisburg. At this visit you and your dental team will discuss what it is you don’t like as well as what you’d like to see. This will allow your team to make the best recommendation for you.

Professional Smile Whitening

One option for getting a brighter smile is a professional smile whitening treatment. Done either at your dentist’s office or at home with specialized whitening gel, a professional smile whitening can boost your smile’s look better than the over-the-counter whiteners.

Dental Veneers

Another treatment option that can help transform your look is dental veneers. These thin pieces of custom-create porcelain cover your natural teeth and can not only give you a whiter smile, but can also fix minor cosmetic concerns such as chipped teeth.

After you complete your treatment, whichever one you choose, there are few things you’ll want to do, and several that you’ll to avoid, in order to keep your new look as white as possible.  

DO use straws whenever possible, especially if you’ll be drinking soda, tea, coffee or anything that may stain teeth. Using a straw helps keep the liquid off of teeth, limiting the chance for staining.

DON’T smoke or use tobacco of any kind. Tobacco can yellow your teeth or even cause brown spots. Of course, it also increases your risk for oral cancer, gum disease, and other whole-body health problems.

DON’T forget to brush and floss every day. Removing any plaque and bacteria from the teeth will help keep stains away and protect your smile against decay. Decay will also cause teeth to discolor if not treated.

DO maintain regular visits with your dentist to help remove plaque and tartar buildup. Too much plaque or tartar makes it easier for staining agents in foods and drinks to stick. The stains are then more difficult to remove.

If you’re ready to sport a bright, white smile this Labor Day and all year around, we welcome you to call our Lewisburg dental office to schedule an appointment today. We’re always here to help!

Serving patients from Lewisburg, Selinsgrove, Williamsport, and nearby neighborhoods.

Cosmetic Dental Veneers

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dental veneerAt our dental office in Lewisburg, we want everyone to be confident with their smiles. But we know that sometimes that’s just not the case. Instead of living with a smile you’re unhappy with, there are tons of cosmetic dentistry treatments that can help give you a smile you’re proud to show off. In today’s blog we’re going to highlight one of the most common forms of cosmetic dentistry, dental veneers.

What Are Veneers?

Dental veneers are custom-created thin pieces of porcelain that can change the appearance of your smile. Each one is designed to blend into your natural look, taking size, shape, color, and even translucency into consideration. This incredibly versatile cosmetic dentistry option can be used to treat several cosmetic concerns that would otherwise require multiple different treatments including:

  • Worn teeth
  • Chipped or broken teeth
  • Crookedness
  • Unevenness or shape irregularities
  • Teeth discolored that couldn’t be brightened through whitening
  • Gaps

Treatment

The process to get dental veneers typically takes one or two treatment appointments as well as a consultation, which is the first step in pursuing veneers. During the consultation, you and your dentist in Lewisburg will talk about your smile, what you’d like to change, and your personal treatment plan. At the next visit, treatment will begin.

Your first treatment appointment usually includes preparing the teeth by removing a thin layer of enamel. This gives the veneer space to seamlessly blend into the rest of your smile. Temporary veneers will usually be fitted at this appointment while the permanent ones are being created to your dentist’s detailed specifications in a lab. When the permanent veneers are ready, you’ll return to the office to have them bonded. After that, you’ll have a new smile that you’re proud of.

Don’t continue to live with a smile that affects your confidence or that you simply don’t like. There are treatments available that can help. Call our Lewisburg dental office to schedule a consultation with us today. We’ll be happy to talk with you and determine the best cosmetic dentistry option for you.

Serving patients in Lewisburg, Selinsgrove, and Williamsport.

Are All Those Claims About Charcoal Toothpaste Really True?

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charcoal toothpasteThere’s recently been a surge in the popularity of using charcoal toothpaste to get a whiter smile. Promoters of the charcoal toothpaste trend claim that it can help whiten teeth effectively without the risk of increased sensitivity that may result from using other products. But does it really work? Join the team at our Lewisburg dental office as we dive into the truth.

What Exactly is Charcoal Toothpaste?

Before we launch into whether or not charcoal toothpaste can really whiten your smile, let’s look into what the stuff actually is. Charcoal toothpaste uses something called activated charcoal, which is much different than the charcoal you’d use to grill a burger. Activated charcoal is a form of carbon that’s been treated in order to make it incredibly porous. Since the porous nature makes activated charcoal really great at absorption, the thought is that it can pull stains, tartar, and bacteria away from teeth.

Is Charcoal Toothpaste Safe?

The short answer is yes, charcoal toothpaste is safe for the human body. Even though the modern age of the world wide web may have popularized the use of it, its usage has a rich history dating way back to the days of the ancient Romans. In fact, a powder form of charcoal was a pretty common ingredient in their toothpastes. Besides its dental usage, activated charcoal was, and still sometimes is, used to treat people who have been poisoned.

So, Does it Whiten Teeth?

Charcoal toothpaste has been effective at removing surface stains on teeth which may help a smile appear whiter. However, using it doesn’t come without risks. Even though charcoal toothpaste is porous, it’s also fairly abrasive. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), charcoal toothpaste is too abrasive to be used regularly and may result in damage. Using an abrasive toothpaste can wear away the protective layer of enamel, making teeth not only more exposed to the dangers of bacteria, but also creating a dingy, discolored appearance.

Other Ways to Whiten Your Teeth

If you’ve tried charcoal toothpaste and didn’t see the results you were hoping for, or you’re not quite on board with its claims, there are still other safe and effective ways you can whiten your teeth.

  • Try a whitening toothpaste that has the ADA Seal of Acceptance
  • Schedule a professional smile whitening with your dentist in Lewisburg
  • Consider dental veneers to cover up any discoloration or imperfections

As always, our dental office in Lewisburg is happy to answer any questions you may have about the best way to whiten your teeth. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment!  

Welcoming patients from Lewisburg, Selinsgrove, Williamsport and nearby communities.

Top 4 Ways to Get a Better Smile

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woman embarrassed about her smileWhen you look in the mirror and smile, what do you see? Are you happy with the way your smile looks, or are your teeth not quite white enough, not quite straight enough, or just overall not quite what you’d like? If you’re looking for ways to improve your smile’s appearance, look no further than our dental office in Lewisburg.  

Cosmetic Dentistry Treatments to Transform Your Smile

 

Professional Teeth Whitening

The most common form of cosmetic dentistry is a professional smile whitening treatment. An in-office or professional strength at-home tooth whitening product from your dentist in Lewisburg can brighten a dull and discolored smile better than their over-the-counter alternatives. These professional whitening solutions are also often more customized for your needs and your teeth.

Dental Veneers

While professional whitening can be really successful for many people, there are times when it’s just not enough to transform a stained grin. In these situations, dental veneers can work wonders. Dental veneers are usually made from ceramic, and are custom-crafted for each patient to match their natural tooth shape. They’re also effective at creating a straighter smile, fixing cracked teeth, or eliminating gaps between teeth.

Composite Bonding

When it comes to covering up and fixing darkened decayed teeth or chipped teeth, composite bonding is an easy and effective solution. The process is simple. Your dentist removes the decay, covers the area with the safe composite material, and artfully molds it into shape to match the rest of your smile. The composite is then hardened and the transformation is complete.

Smile Makeover

A more comprehensive approach to a smile transformation is typically considered a smile makeover. After an in-depth discussion with your dentist to address all of your concerns, your smile makeover may consist of a combination of cosmetic dentistry treatments to give your smile the appearance you’re looking for.

As we ring in the new year and focus on the self-improvement resolutions that tend to come with the celebration, commit to giving yourself a smile that you’ll be proud to show off. Call our Lewisburg dental office today to get started!

We’re always welcoming new patients from Lewisburg, Selinsgrove, Williamsport, and nearby communities.

Is Drinking Wine Bad for Your Teeth?

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holiday dinner with wineThere’s been a popular belief surrounding red wine and its benefits to heart health floating around for years. We even found an article suggesting that drinking a glass of red wine a day has the same type of benefits as spending an hour at the gym. But we’re not here to debunk or support any of these claims. Instead, our dental office in Lewisburg is here to talk about whether or not drinking wine is bad for your teeth.

Varying Opinions

Some online sources are passionately claiming that red wine can be good for oral health. At the same time, there are others telling us that drinking red wine can have detrimental effects on our teeth. So who’s right? Is drinking red wine really great for our smiles, or really bad? Let’s take a look…

The Claim: Drinking Wine is Good For Oral Health

A study published by the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry supports the idea that red wine can decrease tooth decay. In their research, scientists tested the biofilm of several participants. The biofilm was loaded with bacteria that’s naturally found in the mouth. After exposing the biofilm and bacteria to red wine, researchers observed that the wine removed the bacteria. And with no bacteria, there’s little risk for decay and cavities.

The Claim: Drinking Wine is Bad for Teeth

Wine, both red and white, is highly acidic. This acid can deteriorate tooth enamel and cause teeth to look yellow. Without protective enamel, teeth are also at risk for bacteria and decay. Even though your dentist in Lewisburg has solutions to fix all these problems, it’s best to avoid them in the first place.  

The Conclusion

Essentially, more research on the effects that wine has on oral health is needed before we can say the benefits outweigh the concerns. However, it’s safe to say that any risks associated with drinking wine, including risks to your oral health, can be minimized by drinking it in moderation and responsibly. To further protect your smile from any negative side effects of wine, consider:

  • Drinking water after drinking wine. Water helps neutralize acid and wash it away. It’s even better if you can rinse your mouth out.
  • Not brushing right after enjoying a glass. Brushing your teeth too soon can spread the acid expose your entire mouth to its damaging effects.

Whether you enjoy your nightly glass of wine or partake only occasionally, keep an eye on your teeth. If you notice any discoloration, call our Lewisburg dental office to talk about professional smile whitening or cosmetic dentistry. Of course, we’re always welcoming new patients would happy to see you no matter what your dental needs may be.

Welcoming new patients from Lewisburg, Selinsgrove, Williamsport.