(217) 546-3333Teeth Whitening With Charcoal – Dr VanderMolen Shares His Views
July 5, 2017
Dr. Vandermolen was recently interviewed by Newschannel 20 about using charcoal to whiten teeth. The truth is that the charcoal won’t actually whiten teeth, but only removes surface stains caused by coffee or smoking.
He further explained: “When people start to brush this charcoal substance on there, we’re not really sure about how abrasive charcoal is, and if it’s too abrasive, and studies show that it might be, then you’re taking away enamel off of your teeth. So, you’re taking stain, but you’re also taking enamel away, and you don’t grow enamel back.”
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Things to Know Before Having a Springfield, IL Dentist Whiten Your Teeth
May 11, 2015
Teeth aren’t called “pearly whites” for nothing. A bright smile showing perfect white teeth is a beauty standard. Anyone with good teeth can look more attractive than one who makes do with her crooked or stained teeth. Teeth whitening can be done DIY or professionally, though the latter is always recommended. Below are some of the useful things you need to know before you go for whitening services from your local Springfield, IL dentist.
Professional Whitening Is Better – Professional whitening is still the king of the hill when it comes to producing desirable results much faster. In-house whitening is also considered the safest whitening procedure there is due to the latest improvements in teeth whitening products and applications. For instance, gum and tooth sensitivity may have prevented people from trying teeth whitening before, but thicker peroxide gels have made such issues more manageable.
It Can Be Done Anytime – You can go for professional teeth whitening anytime you see fit, and you can have it retouched down the line. There’s no literal “perfect time” to whiten teeth professionally, you’ll just have to find time for it.
It Isn’t Permanent – Teeth whitening isn’t a one-time event. You’ll have whiter teeth after the procedure sure enough, but you need to maintain them. Over time, teeth will gradually get discolored depending on your lifestyle habits; enamel, after all, is porous (peppered with microscopic holes that can absorb staining agents). Don’t leave your local Springfield, IL cosmetic dentistry center like the Advanced Dental Care of Springfield without obtaining some tips for care.
It’s not for Everyone – Professional teeth whitening isn’t for everyone. Crowns, fillings, and other dental work are invulnerable to whitening products. In addition, inherently sensitive teeth, and allergies to substances like peroxide should have you proceed with caution.
Professional teeth whitening is extremely effective at removing organic stains that are primarily caused by aging, certain foods, and vices (i.e. tobacco use). In contrast, inorganic stains caused by certain medications or trauma (a blow causes dentin inside teeth to darken) are resistant to whitening procedures. Consult with Dr. Matt VanderMolen at Advanced Dental Care of Springfield for alternative whitening solutions. Contact us today at (217) 717-4551 or info@smilespringfield.com
(Source: Professional Tooth Whitening – 8 Facts You Should Know, TheHealthSite.com, August 30, 2013)
Gaining New Confidence with Cosmetic Dentistry
April 14, 2014
Many people feel self-conscious about their smile. If you have a crooked smile, missing or discolored teeth, you may be trying to find ways to cover up that smile in public. Why shy away from those work functions and social outings? Consider cosmetic dentistry, and be on your way to a whole new you, with a beautiful smile you can’t wait to show off!
There are several types of cosmetic dental procedures that can help give you the smile you have always wanted. Some of the most common are teeth whitening, crowns, dental bonding, and veneers.
If you have stained or discolored teeth, professional teeth whitening systems can be provided to you by your dentist. Whether it is an in-office procedure where you see same-day results, or a take home set custom molded for your mouth, your teeth can become several shades whiter in no time. Unlike the over-the-counter whitening kits, dental offices can use a stronger concentration of the whitening chemical, and they have staff properly trained to apply it. For you, this means faster and safer results.
If you need to fill gaps between your teeth, or want to change the color of your teeth, you may want to consider dental bonding. Dental bonding can also be used to fill cavities in a way that makes the tooth look healthy and natural, without any of those embarrassing metal fillers. Dental bonds use a tooth-colored material and are one of the quickest and easiest methods of tooth restoration in cosmetic dentistry.
However, dental bonds are more susceptible to chipping and staining than some other cosmetic options. If you have a habit of chewing on hard objects, eating or drinking staining foods, you may want to consider veneers or crowns.
Dental Crowns are often used when teeth are cracked, decayed, or damaged. They fit over the existing tooth and work to strengthen your tooth while improving the way it looks. In most cases, crown installation occurs over a few office visits, although new technology is allowing for crowns that can be installed in just one visit.
Your teeth will be reduced to make room for the cap, and a mold will be created of your smile. If you’ll be receiving your crown over the course of two visits, while your mold is sent to a lab for crown fabrication, you will be fitted with a temporary crown. On a subsequent visit, your dentist will cement your crown into place. Crowns can last for many years with proper care.
If you’ll be receiving your crown in one visit, it will be fabricated and placed all in one visit to the office.
Veneers are similar to crowns, but only cover the front area of the tooth. Veneers are created out of porcelain and can be used to fix a variety of cosmetic issues including discolored, crooked, or uneven teeth. Veneers are very resistant to staining, so they are a great long-term option.
To gain back your confidence with a brand new smile, contact Dr. Matt VanderMolen at Advanced Dental Care of Springfield today! (217) 717-4551.
5 Tips for Increasing Your Dental Health
September 16, 2013
Everyone wants to have a beautiful smile, but even more important is having healthy, problem-free teeth and gums. By following a few basic tips, you can maintain optimal dental health.
Keeping teeth clean is the most important step to maintaining dental health. Make sure to clean gums and entire oral cavity. Regular brushing and flossing are critical to keeping both teeth and gums clean and healthy. Brushing and flossing remove particles that can become trapped in between teeth. This can lead to plaque build up and gum disease. The standard recommendation is to brush and floss at least twice a day. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid damaging teeth and gums, or follow your Dentist’s suggestions. Using too hard of a toothbrush can remove enamel from your teeth, leaving them unprotected and vulnerable to decay. Flossing will help eliminate small particles from in between the teeth and keep your gums strong.
Regular visit to your Dentist for cleaning and x-rays is recommended every six months. Regular dental exams can help prevent existing problems from becoming worse, and help identify any potential future problems. Preventative maintenance will not only help maintain a healthy smile, but it can also save you thousands of dollars down the road. Developing a regular routine will make visiting your dentist a positive experience.
Maintaining a healthy diet is also important to your oral health. Be sure to eat healthy foods and avoid too many sweets. Reducing the amount of sugary snacks will help prevent cavities and decay.
Fluoride is beneficial to the enamel on your teeth. If you do not have fluoride added to the water where you live, try an enhanced toothpaste to increase the strength of your teeth.
Cigarette smoking and other tobacco use can cause yellowing of the teeth, and diseases of gums. Avoiding smoking and chewing tobacco will not only benefit your lungs and health, but it will help to maintain your beautiful white smile
If it is time for a dental checkup for you and your family, make an appointment by calling Dr. VanderMolen and Advanced Dental Care today at (217) 546-3333. Click here for more information on the general dentistry services available at Advanced Dental Care.
Making Your Smile an Eye-Catcher with Cosmetic Dentistry
February 12, 2013
Get the Beautiful Smile You Have Always Wanted
Cosmetic dentistry is a type of dental treatment which is aimed at improving your facial appearance by fixing and improving discolored, cracked, chipped, and poorly spaced teeth. Some of the treatments available include the use of Veneers, Crowns and Teeth Whitening. These procedures don’t only improve your smile but they can improve your general sense of well-being.
Veneers Can Make a Dramatic Change
Thin porcelain material used to mask defects that have developed in the front of teeth and called dental veneers. Once in place they cover tooth problems such as broken, stained or chipped teeth. Sometime veneers can be used to close spaces between teeth as well. Generally, two visits are required in order to complete the treatment. The very minimum amount of enamel is removed when undertaking dental veneer procedures.
Discolored teeth can be improved with whitening techniques
Teeth Whitening techniques can be used to improve the color of yellowing or otherwise discolored teeth. Both home bleaching kits and in-office treatments are offered by Dr. VanderMolen and provide great results. Professional teeth whitening is much more effective that drug-store treatments that are only effective on surface stains.
Crowns Are a Solution to Damaged Teeth
The aim of Dental crowns is to restore damaged teeth so that the overall facial appearance is improved.
They are commonly used:
- To improve the appearance and strength of a tooth that has undergone root canal treatment.
- To repair and improve the appearance of a cracked or broken tooth.
- To provide a covering for a crooked tooth.
- To improve the visual appearance of a dental implant.
- To help to keep a full dental bridge or partial dentures in place.
Crowns require the removal of a significant amount of tooth enamel, but in the end, they provide a strong and natural-looking solution.
If you are interested in knowing more about cosmetic dentistry and making improvements to your teeth, then don’t hesitate to make an appointment to discuss the options available to you at Advanced Dental Care. Dr. VanderMolen has the answers you need. Call Advanced Dental Care today, at (217) 546-3333.