Everyone strives for a dazzling smile, but an increasing number of people want to

At Stensland Dental Studio, we previously wrote an article about the dangers of tooth gems that was met with tremendous interest. As a business whose purpose is to care for people’s teeth, we feel it’s our duty to continue this conversation about the risks of these tooth fashion trends. In this article, we’ll take a look at grillz, gems, and tooth tattoos in detail to equip you with the knowledge needed to make responsible dental decisions.

Are Grillz Harmful for My Teeth?

Rappers and other members of the hip-hop community continue to sport grillz as a fashion statement. But what are these metallic pieces of jewelry that are now adorning public personalities’ and non-celebrities’ smiles alike? Grillz are metallic covers that generally snap over top of the wearer’s existing teeth, but some grillz are permanently embedded in the mouth. Typically either gold or silver, grillz also come in jewel-encrusted varieties for those wanting extra bling. Some grillz shops offer custom-fitted grillz, but generic grillz can also be ordered online.

As mentioned in our previous article, grillz can cause serious allergic reactions and wear away tooth enamel. Enamel erosion causes irreversible high sensitivity and discoloration. Also,  if you remember back to your orthodontic retainer days, grillz inhibit your ability to speak clearly.

The primary concern with wearing grillz is dental hygiene. These pieces of jewelry require basically the same care as an orthodontic retainer. You must remove them before eating and brush your teeth before re-inserting them. If this sounds like a hassle, that’s because it is rather inconvenient. However, this process is necessary, because if you eat with grillz in or don’t brush before putting them back in, you greatly increase the rate at which plaque and other bacteria builds up in your mouth. The result? Bad breath, stained teeth, and infected gums. For some reason, Nelly didn’t mention those side effects in his song entitled — you guessed it — “Grillz.”

What are the Risks of Tooth Gems?

People interested in dabbling in tooth fashion often initially opt for a tooth gem over grillz. Tooth gems are less noticeable and are not viewed as “hardcore” as a full set of grillz. Tooth gems come in various shapes, sizes, and colors and can be applied to whichever tooth is desired. While some tooth gem technicians actually drill a hole in the tooth in which to set the jewel, most use an adhesive similar to what is used to apply orthodontic braces.

Even though tooth gems are less intrusive than grillz, they are not without their own set of risks. Tooth gems can last anywhere from a few weeks to over a decade. The longer a tooth gem stays on a tooth, the greater the risk that it will leave behind discoloration. Tooth gems can also wear away enamel and collect food particles, causing sensitivity and infection.

Are Tooth Tattoos Dangerous?

Tooth tattoos are a bit of a misnomer, as they do not involve injecting any colored pigment into your teeth. Rather, they are crowns or veneers painted with pictures, designs, and logos. After the tooth tattoo recipient is fitted for the crown, an artist paints the crown with the desired image. The crown is then baked to set in the image. Dentists may remove the image by buffing it off with a polishing tool.

Tooth tattoos inherently present no dangers to the wearer when the dental patient already needs a crown. Adding a tattoo to a crown simply requires an additional financial investment. However, tattooing a perfectly healthy tooth involves unnecessarily grinding it down so that it may be fitted with a crown. A dentist who condones this procedure jeopardizes their credibility because it is not in the best interest of the patient’s short-term and long-term oral health. On the bright side, if you decide to remove your tattooed crown, you’ll fit right in with the Twilight fans who had their teeth filed down to resemble a vampire’s canines.

Is the Tooth Fashion Trend Growing?

According to Google Trends, tooth fashion is on the rise, but not to the degree that popular media suggests. Over the past decade, interest in tooth fashion experienced only a gradual increase, with the exception of grillz in 2005 and 2006 following the release of the song “Grillz” by Nelly. Grillz, gems, and tooth tattoos will likely remain isolated to trendsetters and to those in the limelight.

Dental Restoration from Grillz, Gems, and Tooth Tattoos at Stensland Dental Studio

Call us old fashioned, but at Stensland Dental Studio, we only promote natural and clean pearly whites. The comprehensive dental services we offer aim to maintain or restore the inherent beauty of your smile. While we do not buy into the tooth fashion trend, we absolutely work with patients to restore their smiles from tooth fashion incidents gone wrong. If you have questions about how to revitalize your smile from grillz, gems, or tooth tattoos, contact Stensland Dental Studio today!

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So, what exactly are veneers and what problems do they fix? What is the process for applying them? Lastly, what advantages are associated with this solution? Read on to find out.

What are Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers are very thin, customized shells that cover the front surfaces of teeth. Typically made with porcelain or resin, they are a durable, long-lasting solution for a number of oral health and cosmetic issues, such as:

• Discolored Teeth – Whether teeth are discolored due to wine, coffee, certain prescription drugs, or something else, veneers can brighten your smile.
• Worn, Broken, or Misshapen Teeth – Instead of extracting worn, broken, or misshapen teeth to insert a dental implant, you can use veneers to cover these teeth and create a new smile.
• Misaligned Teeth – Veneers can improve teeth alignment and also eliminate gaps between teeth.

Resin-based veneers are thinner and can be applied without having to remove as much enamel, but porcelain-based veneers are often more popular because they resist stains and more closely mimic the natural appearance of teeth. Your dentist can help point you towards the right veneer for you, but either option will provide you with better looking (and better functioning) teeth.

Applying Dental Veneers

There are typically three dental visits involved when you’re considering veneers:

1. Planning – Your dentist will conduct an initial exam to confirm your candidacy for veneers. If you are eligible, he or she may then take x-rays, photographs and impressions of your teeth and recommend a treatment plan. Many dentists may also provide you with a model of the veneers so that you can get a sense of what they will look like in your mouth.
2. Preparing – To prepare your teeth for veneers, your dentist will shave approximately 1/2-millimeter of enamel from your teeth’s surfaces. After doing so, he or she will make an impression of each tooth to send to a dental laboratory to get your veneers made.
3. Bonding – Once the veneers are ready (often 1-2 weeks after your previous visit), the dentist will place and trim them to ensure the perfect fit. Then, he or she will apply each veneer with special cement and secure it quickly with a special light beam. Once all the veneers are applied, your dentist will make adjustments to ensure your bite is comfortable.

Advantages of Veneers Over Alternatives

Veneers offer several key advantages:

• Natural-Looking Results – With veneers you won’t have to worry about a solution that appears fake (specifically in contrast to your natural smile).
• Quick Results – Many patients go in for their consultation and are finished with their treatment in less than two weeks.
• Comfortable Fit – Veneers are sturdy yet thin, so they won’t just look natural; they’ll feel natural too.

Are You Ready For Veneers?

If you have dreamt of altering the shape, alignment, or color of your teeth, veneers could be the perfect solution. The best way to begin is with a visit to your Williamsburg dentist. It could be the first step on your path to the straight, beautiful smile you’ve always wanted! Ready for a consultation? Click here to schedule an appointment today.

Sources:

Dental Health and Veneers. (2015, January 30). Retrieved June 6, 2015, from http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/veneers?page=4

Porcelain Veneers. (n.d.). Retrieved June 14, 2015, from http://yoursmilebecomesyou.com/procedures/porcelain-veneers/

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To find out which option is best, ask yourself these key questions:

1. How healthy is my mouth?

Your oral health is the primary factor that determines which treatments are even possible. While dentures are a viable solution for virtually everyone, dental implants are only recommended for individuals with a strong jaw and healthy gums due to the invasive surgery required for the procedure. Smoking, substantial bone loss, as well as allergies may further impact one’s candidacy for dental implants. Additionally, diabetes and other medical conditions can affect the dental implant healing process.

2. What does my budget allow?

Because surgery is involved, dental implants are more expensive than dentures, but are a more permanent solution. A complete set of dentures will be much more affordable, but usually requires reshaping or replacement over time. If only one or two teeth are missing, partial dentures could be an alternative, and this is even less expensive.

3. Am I willing to undergo surgery?

Neither procedure happens overnight, but dental implants do require surgery and a longer treatment period. While dentures can take up to several weeks from point of examination to impressions, molding and fitting, dental implants require drilling into the jaw and healing time for the implant to fuse with the bone. It can also take up to several months before the prosthetic is fixed onto the implant.

Initial discomfort is not uncommon for both procedures, as your mouth gets acclimated to its new teeth.

4. How much does maintenance matter?

Dental implants require minimal care aside from regular brushing and flossing, which is a big advantage of this treatment. Dentures, however, can cause infection and decay in other teeth if improperly fitted and/or if proper hygiene is not followed. Regular rinsing, brushing and soaking dentures overnight are additional steps you will need to add to your daily routine. Other issues that often challenge patients with dentures are damaged clasps, cracks, as well as looseness due to gradual bone loss.

5. Are the cosmetic differences that come with implants worth it for me?

While everyone has a different experience with dentures, common complaints include clicking noises, constant shifting or slipping (which can impair chewing and speech), a difference in taste, and bad breath.

Dental implants, on the other hand, restore the ability to chew and speak as efficiently as one would with natural teeth, without the bulky feeling commonly reported by patients with dentures. For those who want to get closer to real teeth in terms of form, function and comfort, this more than justifies the investment required for dental implants.

Regardless of which treatment you choose, replacing missing teeth boosts your oral health, improves your smile, and can help increase your confidence. Get further guidance and details on each procedure during your next check-up, or consider scheduling a separate appointment altogether for an in-depth consultation.

Dr. Steve Stensland is a leading Williamsburg, VA dentist. If you’re looking for a quality dentist in Williamsburg VA and the surrounding areas, please reach out to us. Our caring and knowledgable staff is looking to make your next visit to the dentist an actual pleasure. Want more? Take a look at these Williamsburg VA dentist reviews.

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The post Stensland Dental’s Query Series: How to Whiten Your Teeth appeared first on Stensland Dental Studio.

Skin Tips

Stay hydrated: You can supplement your skin’s moisture with lotions and creams, but drinking plenty of water naturally keeps your skin soft.
Wash your face before bed: Dirt and bacteria accrued during the day irritates skin and clogs pores while you sleep. Washing your face before you sleep removes the day’s layer of grime and keeps your skin healthy, longer.
Beware the sun: The most damage your skin sustains comes from overexposure to the sun. To keep your skin looking young, use a sunscreen of at least SPF 30. Without protection, wrinkles and sunspots can develop in as little as 12 weeks.

Younger Looking Teeth

Your mouth can drastically alter your appearance, if you haven’t taken care of your teeth. Missing or damaged teeth can make you look older than your actual age. Gum recession and discolored teeth, both of which naturally occur later in life, can alter your appearance for the worse, as well. Your dentist can help you in your quest to fight the effects of aging. Simply keeping up with your six-month checkups will help deter gum disease, which can lead to early gum recession and tooth loss. If you need your mouth restored after years of neglect, your dentist can offer dental implants to fill spaces and restorations to repair damage. In addition, professional teeth whitening can eliminate stains to bring your smile back to a youthful look.

Turn Back Time with Your Dentist

At Stensland Dental Studio, we offer services that can improve your oral health and make you look younger. By replacing a missing tooth, whitening discolored teeth, or treating gum disease at our Williamsburg dentist office, you can reverse signs of aging. Call (757) 645-4055 to schedule an appointment.

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Smile Confidence

Smiles are often taken for granted, but their importance is paramount to a high quality of life. Studies have been done all over the world focusing on the importance of smiling. Better relationships, higher pay, better promotions in the work force, and endorphin rushes are all attributed to nice, comfortable, bright, white, confident smiles. If you feel like your grin has become dull and yellow, you may want to consider a simple teeth whitening procedure to brighten your smile and your spirits.

In-Office Teeth Whitening: Leave it to Your Dentist

In-office teeth whitening general requires one to three sessions that last about 30 minutes. The expedient process can make your teeth as many as six shades brighter. Results may vary, depending on the initial color and state of the patient’s teeth. Dental grade bleaching gel is applied by your dentist, and you can simply lean back, relax, and listen to some tunes on your smartphone.

At Home Teeth Whitening: Flexibility and Control

Some patients prefer to be in control of the whitening procedure at home, so they try their luck with one of the many over-the-counter whitening products you can purchase at a local corner drugstore. Unfortunately, most of these kits won’t yield the sort of noticeable results you are hoping for. If you want to have a true teeth whitening experience in the comfort of your home, when and where you want it, many dentists offer professional-grade whitening gels to be administered with the use of customized trays, that are yours for life. The results are likely to be far more dramatic than anything you can buy at the store, but you’ll still be able to have freedom and flexibility with your daily treatments. When your teeth begin to dull again over time, you can use the same trays and simply order more bleaching gel from your dentist.

Everything is All White

We offer both in-office and at-home whitening options, so contact Stenland Dental Studio today if you’re ready to whiten your smile. To schedule a cosmetic dentistry consultation, call (757) 645-4055.

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What are Six Month Smiles?

Dental professionals refer to Six Month Smiles as cosmetic braces. As opposed to traditional braces that straighten all your teeth, the Six Month Smiles system focuses only on the teeth that show when you smile. Comprised of clear brackets and white wires, Six Month Smiles blend in with your teeth and are virtually undetectable. This system exerts a low amount of force, meaning you do not have to deal with the pain and discomfort of traditional braces. This low-force system creates significant changes in the straightness and evenness of your teeth, giving you the smile you have always wanted in as little as six months.

What Problems Can Six Month Smiles Correct?

Six Month Smiles is an ideal solution for patients with crooked or awkwardly spaced teeth that show when smiling. Due to the focus on increased comfort and reduced treatment time, these cosmetic braces may not be appropriate for significant bite problems although many patients do notice improvements in minor bite issues after Six Month Smiles therapy. In addition to a more attractive smile, Six Month Smiles can also help improve your oral health. Crowded, crooked, and overlapping teeth create hard-to-clean spaces that encourage plaque and tartar buildup. Straightening your teeth opens these spaces up, increasing the effectiveness of brushing and flossing and keeping your beautiful new smile healthy.

Who Gets Six Month Smiles?

Anyone over the age of 15 with crooked or awkwardly spaced teeth can make an ideal candidate for Six Month Smiles. At Stensland Dental Studio, we notice many patients who have a significant event coming up in the near future tend to seek out orthodontic treatment with Six Month Smiles. Brides and grooms-to-be, job seekers and other image-conscious professionals, and high school juniors and seniors looking forward to yearbook pictures, prom, and graduation all benefit from Six Month Smiles treatment. Recent research demonstrates that a brighter, straighter smile can have a significant, positive impact on your professional, social, and romantic relationships. Six Month Smiles offers a conservative, comfortable solution for achieving that life-changing smile.

Schedule an Appointment with Your Williamsburg Cosmetic Dentist

To schedule a Six Month Smiles consultation with Dr. Steve Stensland, call Stensland Dental Studio at (757) 645-4055. Our 23188 dentist office proudly provides dental services to the entire Williamsburg, VA community.

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