Dentist Directory

Afraid of the dentist? Here are some tips to ease your mind:

1. Do your research. Ask friends and relatives for recommendations before blindly choosing a dentist out of the phone book.

2. When you walk into the lobby of your dentist's office, make yourself comfortable. Look around and question whether or not it's the right environment for you.

3. Pay attention to how the dentist, hygienist, dental assistants and office staff treat you. Are they friendly? Do they ask questions and make you feel comfortable as a new patient? If not, you should consider going somewhere else for treatment.

4. Ask questions. Dentists offer different sedation methods for patients with dental anxiety. Have your dentist thoroughly discuss each option with you.

5. Express yourself. The dentist needs to know about past experiences and current concerns to give you the best treatment possible.

6. Research new technology. There are always innovations in the dental industry. Never be afraid to ask if your dentist embraces them.

7. Don't put off twice-yearly teeth cleanings. They are crucial to maintaining your oral health.

8. If you're apprehensive about going to the dentist because of money issues, ask your dentist about payment plan options. He may be able to accommodate your needs, even without health insurance.

There are a plenty of ways to whiten your teeth, using at-home kits or having them professionally brightened.

Here are things to keep in mind when considering a tooth whitening procedure, according to the American Dental Association:

• Teeth that have naturally turned a yellowish color usually respond well to tooth bleaching.
• Teeth that have discolored to a brownish or gray shade may not respond very well to bleaching.
• If you have bonding or tooth-colored fillings, they probably won't bleach well, and will stand out after your natural teeth are whitened.
• Porcelain veneers or dental bonding may be good options for people with dental work that doesn't bleach well.

"A smile is a fortune, but you can't sell it, you can't buy it and you can't steal it, but it isn't good to anyone until it is given away". A great smile is an appreciated asset. First impressions are important in all aspects of life and one of the first things people see and judge when they meet someone are their eyes and smile. Everybody loves a bright white smile. There are a number of reasons why you might get your teeth whitened. Everyone is different; and just as our hair and skin colour vary, so do our teeth. Very few people have brilliant- white teeth, and our teeth can also become more discoloured as we get older. Your teeth can also be stained on the surface through food and drinks such as tea, coffee, red wine and blackcurrant.

Smoking can also stain teeth. Calculus or tartar can also affect the colour of teeth. Some people may have staining under the surface, which can be caused by certain antibiotics or tiny cracks in the teeth which take up stains.

What is in-office bleaching?

If you are a candidate for bleaching, your dentist may suggest a procedure that can be done in his or her dental office/clinic. This procedure is called chairside bleaching and may require more than one visit. Each visit may take from 30 minutes to one hour.

During chairside bleaching, the dentist will apply either a protective gel to your gums or a rubber shield to protect the oral soft tissues. A bleaching agent is then applied to the teeth, and a special light may be used to enhance the action of the agent. Lasers have been used during tooth whitening procedures to enhance the action of the whitening agent.

What are at-home procedures?

There are several types of products available for use at home, which can either be dispensed by your dentist or purchased over-the-counter. If you obtain the bleaching kit from your dentist, he or she can make a custom-fitted mouthguard for you that will fit your teeth precisely.

These products contain peroxide(s), which actually bleach the tooth enamel. Peroxide- containing whiteners typically come in a gel and are placed in a mouthguard. Usage regimens vary. Some products are used for about twice a day for 2 weeks, and others are intended for overnight use for 1-2 weeks

What about whitening toothpastes?

There are several whitening toothpastes in the market. Whitening toothpaste may also help the effect last, once your teeth have been professionally whitened.

What are the side effects of tooth whitening?

Teeth can become sensitive during the period when you get them whitened. In many cases, this sensitivity is temporary and should lessen once the treatment is finished. Some people also experience soft tissue irritation-either from a tray that doesn't fit properly or from solution that may come in contact with the tissues. If you have concerns about such side effects, you should discuss them with your dentist.