Tag: Brushing

6 Ways to Improve Your Smile

Today, cosmetic dentistry is more popular than ever, from whitening and shaping of teeth to closing spaces and replacing teeth completely. At Northgate Dental, we have a wide array of tools and techniques at our disposal for improving the look of your smile. Of course good oral health involves daily brushing and flossing and going to your dentist twice a year. These alone can do a lot to improve your smile. And aside from your dentist checking for cavities and oral diseases and doing routine cleaning, here are some ideas to improve your smile even more.

1) Same Day Crowns

A crown is a good way to cover teeth that are discolored or badly shaped. A crown can make your tooth stronger and improve its appearance. Crowns can also be used to attach bridges, protect a weak tooth from breaking or restore one that’s already broken. At Northgate Dental, we are proud to offer Cerec Same Day Crowns. This new technology has been a great convenience to our patients, allowing them to avoid the 2-3 week wait for their crown to return from the lab. We create a strong, customized, tooth-colored ceramic restoration right here in our office during your appointment.

2) Veneers

Veneers are custom-made wafer-thin shells crafted of tooth-colored materials designed to cover the front side of teeth. They are an option for correcting stained, chipped, decayed or crooked teeth. Unlike bonding, it is necessary to remove a small amount of enamel from your tooth to accommodate the shell. Based on a model of your mouth, they are meant to look like your natural teeth. People love the end result and Veneers are one of the most popular solutions to imperfect teeth.

3) Whitening Options

When it comes to getting a whiter and brighter smile, there are a variety of teeth-whitening products you can try. Your main options are in-office bleaching or at-home bleaching. We recommend you always look for a whitening product that has earned the ADA Seal of Acceptance. Before starting any whitening treatment, we recommend speaking with your dentist, who will tell you what, if any, whitening procedures will work best for you. Here are the options:

  • Whitening Toothpastes: are helpful but can only remove surface stains and do not contain bleach and lighten the tooth’s color by about one shade
  • Light-activated bleaching techniques: can make your teeth three to eight shades lighter
  • Other Whitening Options: Check out this range of teeth whitening options on our website

4) Dental Bonding

Not happy with the way your teeth look? Bonding may be the answer. For some, it can help restore the natural look of your teeth. Dental bonding is a procedure in which a tooth-colored resin material (a durable plastic material) is applied to the tooth surface and hardened with a special light, which ultimately “bonds” the material to the tooth. Your natural tooth enamel and dentin are fused together to create a strong structure that looks great.

5) Implants

Dental implants are a procedure that replace damaged or missing teeth with artificial teeth that look and function much like real ones. Dental implant surgery can offer a welcome alternative to bridgework or dentures that don’t fit well. Surgically placed in the upper or lower jaw, they function as a sturdy anchor for replacement teeth. Made of titanium and other materials, implants are designed to hold restorations (like crowns or bridges) and to blend in with your other teeth.

6) To Avoid Yellow Teeth Try This

Have your pearly whites lost their luster? Tired of yellow looking teeth? It’s a common complaint we hear from our patients. If a food or beverage can leave a permanent stain on clothing, it will stain your teeth as well. Avoid this list for whiter teeth:

  • No Cigarettes, Cigars and Chewing Tobacco, they are the worst offenders
  • Limit your Coffee, Tea, and Colas, these are culprits as well
  • Watch out for grape juice, red wine, sports drinks and popsicles which can stain teeth
  • Fruits such as blueberries, blackberries and strawberries leave residue
  • Processed foods and snacks use coloring chemicals that are bad for teeth

Our Practice Is Built Around Your Smile

A beautiful and healthy smile is just around the corner at Northgate Dental. To discover which teeth whitening or dental procedure is best for you please contact us. We will be more than glad to help with any advice we can. Or if you prefer, request an appointment and receive a free consultation. We look forward to improving your smile, and your health.

Dental Health Care Starts Early

As family dentists we understand it’s never too early to start good oral hygiene habits and establish a thorough dental care routine, specifically brushing. This is essential in preparing your child for a future of great oral health. That’s why at Northgate Dental we Young Boy Brushing His Teethenjoy helping patients of all ages stay current on their dental health, especially the dental needs of children as they age. Use this guide to help ensure that you are taking care of your child’s teeth the best way you can as they grow. Please feel free to contact us with any questions.

The First Tooth

Children should start visiting the dentist at the arrival of their first tooth. And of course with teens and adults you can start instilling good habits as they grow and change. Inspiring young children to take care of their teeth is one of the best ways to ensure they will have strong teeth and a bright smile into adulthood. Parents and care givers can leave a huge impression on young minds and at Northgate Dental we find ways to encourage kids to take care of their teeth by making it fun and important to their well being.

The Beginnings of Good Dental Habits Start at Home

Before a child’s first tooth arrives, you can clean their gums by wiping them gently with soft gauze. This will help reduce the amount of bacteria in their mouth and will also help them get used to having their mouth cleaned on a regular basis. When the first teeth arrive, start brushing them by using a small, soft toothbrush and toothpaste preferably designed specifically for babies. You won’t need a large amount of toothpaste. Excess fluoride in your baby’s diet at this young age can cause permanent discoloration of their teeth. Consult with your dentist if you have any questions about what kind of toothbrush or toothpaste to use for younger children.

Encouraging Young Children To Brush and Floss

Teenage Girl Brushing Teeth With Electric Tooth BrushAs children get older they’ll want to start brushing their own teeth. Special toothbrushes for the younger set are easier to grip and maneuver. With a special toothbrush, they’ll be more able to brush thoroughly and effectively. You’ll still want to help by giving them another brushing after they have brushed on their own to be sure the teeth are nice and clean.

Flossing is more difficult for young children, and can take time for them to learn. As family dentists we can help you find floss that make it easier for children to maneuver and use. These often come in fun shapes and bright colors that appeal to children, encouraging them to use them on a regular basis.

If you need ideas or guidance regarding how to teach or motivate your children to brush and floss and the importance of oral hygiene please contact Northgate Dental and ask us. We will be more than glad to help with any advice we can. Or if you prefer, just request an appointment and we will provide a free consultation for you and your child. Our practice is built around your smile.