Thursday, March 31, 2016

Teeth Whitening

Do you want your teeth to be whiter? Whitening of teeth is universally desirable and accepted well around the world. It is the most conservative and economical option of improving your smile and self esteem.


There are almost no side effects to this process if the whitening is carried out properly. There can however be too much whitening. A good rule to gauge an adequate white is to match to the shade of white in the eyes.

Some patients also experience sensitivity following whitening but this usually goes away within a few days.

Some tooth shades respond better to whitening than others do.

Discoloration due to a pulp breakdown does respond initially to whitening but the discoloration tends to return over time.

Internal tooth discolorations during tooth development in childhood can often be lightened with some degree of success.

Florosis (excessive floride) can be resistant to significant shade changes but can be aided by whitening

Staining of teeth from a diet comprised of dark color foods such as coffee, tea or chocolate is very easily removed.

Discolorations as a result of aging also noticeably respond to whitening.
Options for teeth whitening:

  • Veneers and Crowns are a great alternative when the internal discoloration in teeth is significant and whitening is unlikely to significantly lighten the shade. The restorative alternatives are more expensive and extensive but can also correct decay, misshapen and mal positioned teeth.
  • Bonding is the process of adding a thin layer of resin material over the surface of the tooth to improve shade and minor defects on the surface of the tooth. Although less expensive than a veneer or a crown, bonded restorations can significantly improve esthetics but may discolor over time needing replacement.
  • At Home Whitening This widely used and hugely successful whitening technique is the most popular one in dentistry. A flexible tray is custom made for your mouth. After adequate instructions are given by the dental staff, you are given hydrogen peroxide to take home with you. Each day you will place a small amount of material into the tray and seat in the mouth for various lengths of time as instructed. The progress is monitored by the dental staff to avoid unwanted effects. Several days later, a significant whitening of teeth is observed. There may be slight sensitivity with the procedure, which goes away in a couple of days.
  • In Office Whitening is a supervised whitening which takes place within the office. In office whitening uses higher concentrations of hydrogen peroxide compared to at home whitening. The major advantage to doing in office whitening is the result is accomplished much faster but the disadvantage is that there could be more tooth sensitivity because of the rapid pace of whitening. De sensitizers can be applied to the sensitive areas to reduce post -whitening sensitivity.

    Cost is moderate for both the options.

    A wide range of whitening products are available over the counter (OTC) that produce varying degrees of results. Some work better than others and depend on the degree and the nature of discoloration. In general, OTC products are less effective than the dentist supervised products. Do seek dental professional guidance in selecting the best OTC whitening products to help maintain a shade that blends with your natural teeth and dental restorations. OTC products however, do not have the predictability of professional whitening.

    Some degree of whitening is reversed within days of the whitening procedure and stabilizes within a couple of weeks and only slowly progresses towards a darker color overtime. The whitening process may need to be repeated within a year and sometimes months.

  • Visit www.smileartistrychino.com for details or call 9-09 627 6699 for an appointment.

    Friday, March 18, 2016

    Snap ON Smile

    Is a great smile make- over option that is affordable, easy, reversible and painless that can be used as a temporary or a more permanent enhancement.

    Snap on Smiles offer an excellent alternative for missing, crooked, stained or discolored teeth, teeth with spaces where implants, bridges and other restorative alternatives are not an option.

    Snap on smile is also a comfortable and affordable alternative to patients unhappy with the fit and feel of a removable partial denture.

    Snap on Smile is manufactured using a proprietary dental resin that is thin, yet strong. The processing starts with taking precise impressions of the upper and lower jaw with instructions to the lab of the desired shade and other characteristics of the desired restoration. A second appointment about three weeks following the impression visit is for seating of the Snap on Smile.

    Snap on Smiles can be made for upper or lower teeth and have proven to be a life changing and confidence building alternative to the more expensive and invasive restorative options. Maintenance is simple with some specially formulated cleaning and disinfecting solutions. 

    Call 909 627 6699 for a free consultation of visit our website for more information www.smileartistrychino.com

    Wednesday, March 2, 2016

    MINI IMPLANTS or Small Diameter Implants



    Dental Implants are small metal screws that are surgically placed in the bone and are considered the most important innovations in the history of dentistry. 

    Many denture patients have difficulty holding their dentures securely in the mouth because of reduced bone quantity. Dental implants have allowed these patients to restore a good fit and function of the dentures.

    Types of dental implants:

    There are many types of implants and the ones most currently used are the ones in the shape of a root of tooth. Dental implants vary in length and diameter. Small diameter implants are only 2mm in diameter.
    Small implants are needed in mouths with significant bone loss where very little jaw bone is remaining to place standard implants Alternatively, patient can undergo bone- grafting to surgically enhance bone formation but many patients prefer non traumatic procedures or overall health may limit surgical intervention.

    Uses of small diameter implants:

    Retention of Lower complete denture
    Retention of Upper complete denture
    Retention of Removable Partial dentures
    Anchoring Fixed Bridges
    Single tooth replacement

    The number of small diameter implants necessary to facilitate the above functions depends on the quality and quantity of remaining bone and needs to be addressed on an individual basis.

    Advantages of Mini Implant:

    Surgery is minor and usually with no complications
    Simple placement
    Retention of dentures is immediate
    Lower cost compared to standard implant options

    Almost anyone with an ill-fitting denture is a candidate for mini implants. The difference in the fit and function is immediate and is a source of instant gratification for the patient and the dentist.

    Call our office at 909 627 6699  if you would like to schedule a consultation.  Visit www.smileartistrychino.com for our practice information.