1 . Does bleaching damage the teeth?
No. When carbamide peroxide, the active whitening agent,
contacts water, hydrogen peroxide is released which whitens the
teeth. Bleaching does not soften, demineralize or weaken the
teeth.
2 .
Do over-the-counter bleaching products work?
There is some evidence that over-the-counter bleaching products
do whiten teeth, however, many of the products are too abrasive
and can damage the teeth with extended use or misuse.
Supervision by your dentist is always the safest and most
effective way to whiten your teeth.
3 .
What are porcelain veneers and why are they used?
Porcelain veneers are ultra-thin shells of ceramic material
which are bonded to the front of the teeth. This procedure can
be an ideal choice for improving the appearance of the front
teeth by masking discolorations, whitening teeth and/or
reshaping a smile.
4 .
What causes my jaw to pop when I open it?
There is a pad or disk that separates the jaw bone from the base
of the skull. The primary cause of the "popping" occurs when you
open your mouth too wide and the jaw bone "pops" off the pad or
disk. Treatment is not required unless pain is associated with
the "pop" or the jaw locks.
5 . What causes tooth decay?
Tooth decay is caused by plaque in your mouth reacting
with sugary and starchy deposits from food. This
reaction produces acid which damages the enamel over
time and weakens the tooth.
6 . How can I stop grinding my teeth at night?
Grinding your teeth can be very damaging to the teeth
and also difficult to stop. If vigorous grinding occurs
at night, teeth can be worn down to the gumline because
the instinctive reflex to stop does not work while you
are sleeping. Grinding due to stress can only be cured
by removing the stress trigger. If grinding continues, a
nightguard may be prescribed to prevent ultimate damage
to the teeth.
7 . Are there any alternatives to dentures?
Dentures are no longer the only way to restore a mouth
that has little or no non-restorable teeth.
Strategically placed support, or implants, can now be
used to support permanently cemented bridges,
eliminating the need for a denture. The cost tends to be
greater, but the implants and bridges more closely
resemble the "feel" of real teeth. Dental implants are
becoming the alternative of choice to dentures, but not
everyone is a candidate for implants. Call your dentist
for advice.
8 . Are silver fillings, fluoride or x-rays, a danger
to my health? What are the alternatives?
Dental amalgam, or silver filling material, is a mixture
of mercury, and an alloy of silver, tin and copper. The
release of mercury in silver fillings is so small that
it is much less than what patients are exposed to in
food, air and water. There are, however, other materials
that can be used for restorations. These include gold,
porcelain, and composite resins.
Fluoride is a compound of the element fluorine, which is
found universally throughout nature in water, soil, air
and in most foods. Fluoride is absorbed easily into the
tooth enamel, especially in children's growing teeth.
Once teeth are developed, fluoride makes the entire
tooth structure more resistant to decay and promotes
remineralization, which aids in repairing early decay
before the damage is visible.
Radiographs, or x-rays, help your dentist determine the
presence or degree of periodontal disease, abscesses,
and many abnormal growths such as cysts and tumors. They
can help pinpoint the location of cavities and other
signs of disease that may not be possible to detect
through a visual examination. All health care providers
are sensitive to patients' concerns about exposure to
radiation. Your dentist has been trained to prescribe
radiographs when they are appropriate and to tailor the
radiograph schedule to your individual needs. By using
state-of-the-art technology, such as digital
radiography, and by staying knowledgeable about recent
advances, your dentist knows which techniques,
procedures and X-ray films can minimize your exposure to
radiation.
