Should Your Teen Get Their Teeth Professionally Whitened?

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During adolescence, kids can run into all kinds of reasons why they feel self-conscious, including issues with their smiles. If your teenager is not so happy with the shade of their teeth, they may ask you if they can get their teeth professionally whitened at the dentist. Here is a look at some of the things you should know as a parent with a teen seeking professional teeth whitening.

Teens should not have any form of whitening done in early adolescence.

Through the age of 14, the permanent teeth are not fully formed. The pulp does not fully form until around the age of 14, and even then, the situation can vary according to the growth and development of the child. Any form of whitening, even home whitening procedures, could potentially cause permanent damage to the tooth. The dentist can do a thorough examination of your teen’s teeth to determine if they are fully developed.

Teeth whitening should only be done with professional guidance.

It is so easy to go out and find at-home whitening products, and this, unfortunately, makes it easy for a self-conscious teen to get their hands on products that may be harmful to their teeth. If your teen who is over the age of 14 is serious about getting their teeth whitened, bring them in to speak to the dentist about the viable and safe options. It is far better to trust a professional for this type of cosmetic treatment.

Even professional whitening requires parental involvement.

If you take your child to a dentist for professional whitening and the dentist provides at-home whitening trays, a parent should directly oversee the process. Make sure your teen is only using the whitening gel and tray as directed and as scheduled.

Reach Out to Us About Teeth Whitening in Dayton, OH

Teens can be really self-conscious about their smile, and even without whitening, there may be things that can brighten their smile. Reach out to us at Gamber Family Dental for more information about teeth whitening and dental care in Dayton, OH.

What Is a Dental Crown and Why Do I Need One?

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A dental crown is designed to improve the way a tooth looks. Besides providing a patient with cosmetic benefits, a crown also protects the tooth from further breakdown and wear. Prior to placement, a crown looks like a hollow, tooth-shaped cap. Once cemented in place, the crown completely covers the visible portion of the tooth.

What Is a Dental Crown?

Dental crowns are custom-made dental prostheses that are used to permanently restore damaged teeth. A crown is designed to cover a natural tooth, essentially providing the portion of the natural tooth that remains with protection.

Besides covering natural teeth, a crown is used in conjunction with a dental implant to replace missing teeth. The implant (titanium screw) serves as the artificial root for the crown.

When Are Dental Crowns Used?

The main reason a dental professional recommends that an individual consider a crown is to restore the functionality, strength, size, and shape of a damaged tooth. In addition, a crown can be used to improve the appearance of a tooth, for example, if someone has a chipped front tooth, a crown can be used to cover the tooth, thus, eliminating one’s ability to see the chip.

Situations when a crown may be recommended include to:

  • Replace a failing dental filling.
  • Restore a broken tooth.
  • Protect a tooth that is cracked and/or weak due to decay: A crown adds support that can help protect the tooth from further damage.
  • Replace a broken filling.
  • Add length to teeth that have been worn down due to bruxism (subconsciously grinding teeth while asleep).
  • Hold a traditional dental bridge in place.
  • Replace a missing tooth as the visible portion of a dental implant.
  • Cosmetically modify an individual’s smile (e.g., reshaping, rotating or closing gaps between the teeth).
  • Cover and add support to a tooth with a large filling, especially if there is not very much natural tooth remaining.
  • Add strength to teeth that have had a root canal.

There are several kinds of permanent crowns available:

  • All-ceramic crowns.
  • Crowns that consist of all metal.
  • Stainless steel crowns.
  • Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns.
  • Crowns that consist entirely of resin materials.

If you are in the Greater Dayton Ohio Area, and you are experiencing a dental issue, contact Gamber Family Dental today at 1-937-258-2441. Dr. Gamber and his team of caring dental professionals may be able to help.

The Steps of Getting Dental Veneers Explained

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Whether you are unhappy with the size, shape, or appearance of your teeth, dental veneers can be one of the easiest ways to make drastic changes and get the smile you have always wanted. Take a look at the steps involved in getting dental implants so you know what to expect throughout the process.

The Initial Consultation

The initial consultation with the dentist to discuss dental veneer is a really important part of the process. During this visit, the dentist will look at the issues you have with your smile, determine if your issues could be rectified with veneers and if you would be a good candidate, and then discuss your options. Some dentists will show you computer-generated models of what your new smile could look like with veneers as well, which can be helpful when picking tooth shades and veneer shapes.

Taking Molds for Veneer Creation

To create veneers, the cosmetic dentist must get a direct mold of each individual tooth. Veneers are custom created in a dental lab, and the anterior must be precisely shaped to the contours of the tooth that is being covered. The process can take varying amounts of time depending on the materials used and the specifications that have to be followed.

Preparing Your Teeth for Veneers

The teeth that are being covered with a veneer must be properly prepared for the application. First, your teeth will be professionally cleaned to remove any existing bacteria. This is important because if bacteria are trapped beneath the veneer, it can pose a threat to the enamel of the underlying tooth and even affect how well the veneer stays in place. Some teeth may have small cavities that have to be repaired before the veneer is placed, and some teeth may need to be further manipulated so the bonding agent will work properly.

Installing Veneers

With the teeth prepared, the dentist will get to work installing the new veneers. A specially formulated bonding agent is applied to the enamel of an existing tooth and the veneer is carefully situated in place.

Contact Us About Dental Veneers in Dayton, OH

Dental veneers can give your imperfect smile a new life. If you would like to know more about dental veneers, reach out to us at Gamber Family Dental to schedule an appointment.

 

Common Myths Associated with Invisalign Braces

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One of the most modern evolutions in braces, Invisalign is perhaps one form of braces that is most often sought after in the modern world. These invisible braces have the potential to straighten bite issues without being so obvious because they are hard to see, and they can be more comfortable. Nevertheless, there are a lot of myths about these invisible braces that can get in the way. Here is a look at some common myths about Invisalign.

Myth: Invisalign is only for teens.

Even though teens do commonly opt for invisible braces because they are not as noticeable, the same qualities are just as desirable for adults. Adults that are good candidates for braces also have the option of Invisalign braces and the treatment is just as effective regardless of the age of the patient.

Myth: Invisalign can’t fully correct bite issues.

Invisalign is actually just as effective at correcting mild to moderate bite issues as other braces, but this does involve closely following the schedule of wearing and changing the aligners as needed. These braces can correct gaps in the teeth, over and underbite, crowding, and other general bite issues. There are some cases in which metal braces are a better fit, however. For example, someone who has severe crowding that has created teeth laid one over the other may be better candidates for metal braces.

Myth: Invisalign takes a lot longer to correct bite issues.

On the contrary, when patients opt for Invisalign, some of them get to wear their braces for a shorter time frame than what they would with typical metal braces. Typically, treatment takes between 6 and 18 months depending on the severity of bite issues. With traditional braces, most patients do have to wear their braces for about 2 years and some for longer.

Let Us Tell You About Invisalign Braces in Dayton, OH

Overall, Invisalign can be a highly effective way to help you achieve a smile that is more pleasing in appearance, and the myths should be busted before they influence your decision. If you are ready to find out more about Invisalign and whether you or your teen is a good candidate, reach out to us at Gamber Family Dental in Dayton, OH for an appointment.

Signs of a Problem After a Tooth Extraction: When to Call the Dentist

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Your permanent teeth may be meant to last you for all of your years, but there can be cases when a permanent tooth has to be pulled. Tooth extractions are one of the most common dental procedures, but these procedures can come along with a few risks after the procedure is done. Get to know what to look for after the tooth is pulled that could signal that something is wrong.

The extraction site will not stop bleeding.

After a tooth is extracted, the body will get to work by forming a clot in the opening. This clot is meant to stop the bleeding; however, there can be situations that prevent the clot from forming. Excessive bleeding can lead to what is referred to as a dry socket, which can be really painful.

You have extreme pain at the extraction site after the localized anesthetic has worn off.

It can take a few hours for the numbing agent the dentist used during treatment to wear off. Once it does, you may feel some pain and tenderness at the extraction site. However, if you are feeling extreme pain, it is important to reach out to the dentist’s office for advice.

There is a green or yellow discharge coming from the extraction site.

Green or yellow discharge from an extraction site can mean an infection is developing. It is important to closely monitor this issue and contact the dentist right away if the discharge does not subside quickly after rinsing your mouth, if you feel nauseous, or if you have a fever.

You notice major swelling and develop a fever.

Any time you have a tooth extracted, there can be some swelling involved. However, if the swelling becomes more than localized and if that swelling is accompanied by a fever, it could be a sign that you are developing an infection.

Contact Us About Tooth Extractions in Dayton, OH

Healing properly after a tooth extraction means properly monitoring the site and working with the dentist if you see problems. To schedule an appointment for tooth extraction in Dayton, OH, reach out to us at Gamber Family Dental.

 

Are Dental Sealants Right for Your Child?

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If you’re like most parents of young children, you may have heard others talking about dental sealants designed for use on children’s teeth. If you’re wondering if sealants can make a positive impact on your child’s dental health, here’s what you need to know:

Sealants Cover the Back Molars

Sealants cover the back molars of the teeth because this area is the most likely to be damaged as the result of improper brushing techniques. Young children often lack the fine motor skills necessary to do a thorough job of brushing and flossing their teeth, and the back teeth are full of grooves, ridges, crevices, and other areas that provide a prime breeding ground for bacteria.

Sealants Are Made From Medical-Grade Resin

Sealants are made from the same type of medical-grade resin that is used to manufacture modern tooth fillings. The only difference is the consistency. Sealants have a runny texture so that they can be easily applied to the surface of the teeth. The dentist will use specialized equipment to dry the sealant after its applied.

Sealants Are Safe

Sealants are absolutely safe. The only possible downside is that they may chip over a period of time, but the sealant can be easily reapplied if this happens.

Sealants Work

Sealants provide an effective physical barrier between the tooth enamel and bacteria. Studies suggest that those without dental sealants are three times more likely to suffer from tooth decay and cavities than their counterparts who have had dental sealants applied by their dentist.

Sealants May Save You Money

It’s estimated that the use of dental sealants reduces dental care costs significantly — after all, there’s far less likelihood of having to pay to have cavities repaired. It’s estimated that dental sealants may reduce dental care costs in the United States by as much as $3 million dollars. The average dental sealant lasts from between three and five years and can last as long as 10 years with proper care.

Please don’t hesitate to contact our office in Dayton, OH, at your convenience for more information on helping your child achieve the best possible dental health.

What Kinds of Stains Can Be Removed with Professional Teeth Whitening?

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Your smile says a lot about you and your health. If you have teeth that are stained and yellowed, it can give people the wrong impression about who you are. One of the most common questions about professional teeth whitening is what kinds of stains can be removed from the enamel of the teeth. Here is a look at some types of stains that tend to respond well to professional whitening procedures and some stains that do not.

Responds Well: Coffee or Tea Stains

Coffee and tea drinkers can develop brownish stains on the enamel of their teeth, especially if they drink a lot and do not brush their teeth after each drinking instance. Thankfully, stains that are the result of drinking a lot of coffee or tea can actually respond really well to professional whitening. Likewise, stains caused by drinking soda, eating brightly colored foods, and other similar actions are usually easier to remove.

Does Not Respond Well: Age-Related Stains

Age-related stains on the teeth tend to be more intrinsic. The interior of the tooth may be changing colors due to natural breakdown as you age, which makes the entire tooth look darkened or gray. Unfortunately, professional whitening alone does not usually help with this type of stain. However, there are other procedures that may help.

Generally Responds Well: Tobacco Stains

Smoking can be really hard on your teeth, but if you do get regular cleanings and brush and floss as you should, it can help deter stains. If stains do develop, it is best to seek professional whitening right away. Early stains can usually be removed, but stains that have been around for a while can be harder to eliminate fully. It is always a good decision to stop smoking for the health of your teeth because stains are the least of your worries as a smoker.

Let’s Talk About Teeth Whitening in Dayton, OH

If you are not happy with stains and discoloration on your teeth, it may be time to consider professional whitening. Contact us at Gamber Family Dental to learn more about the types of whitening services we can provide and how they will work to brighten your smile.

When Should Your Child Have Their First Dental Appointment?

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As a parent, you are naturally concerned about your child’s dental health. One of the most common questions parents ask dentists is when should their child have their first dental appointment. Usually children should have their first dental appointment as soon as their baby teeth start coming in. At this point in their development, it’s important that your child’s teeth are adequately looked after to ensure that their teeth are growing properly. During this first visit, your child’s dentist will also look at the overall condition of your child’s gums and oral health. This will be a good indication of the likelihood of future issues.

How a Child’s Teeth Can Develop Problems

Humans will develop their first teeth within six to twelve months of being born. Unless your child is exhibiting signs that they have trouble swallowing, then a dentist appointment is not necessarily needed before the first tooth erupts through the gum line. That’s not to say that youngsters don’t have dental problems. Common teeth issues at this stage include tooth decay and baby teeth not falling out as they should, to make way for permanent teeth. Baby teeth cavities are not to be taken lightly, either. This is an indicator that the child’s dental hygiene isn’t as good as it could be. It’s also a sign that there may be too much sugar in the child’s diet.

How to Prevent Problems With Your Child’s Dental Health

Many parents ask the dentist how they can help prevent dental problems for their child. One of the best ways is to limit the consumption of sugary drinks. Remember that even though apple juice and orange juice have vitamins, there is also a considerable amount of naturally-occurring sugars in these beverages. Most dentists recommend not letting the child continually drink from a bottle of fruit juice.

At your child’s first dental appointment, talk to the dentist about ways in which you can help your child’s teeth and gums as healthy as possible. Your dentist will be able to offer many tips for keeping your child’s oral hygiene in top shape!