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Improve Your Smile With Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry is the area of dentistry that focuses on improving the appearance, alignment, or color of a person’s teeth. Many people choose to pursue cosmetic dental treatments to correct issues that they may feel are embarrassing to talk about. The exact procedures available will depend on your unique situation.  Some of the most common types of cosmetic dental services include: DENTAL BONDING This procedure involves the use of a tooth-colored composite resin material to cover minor imperfections or repairs to the teeth. This material can be shaped and polished to match your natural enamel to create a beautiful smile. TEETH WHITENING  This is one of the simplest and most used cosmetic procedures today. It is performed by applying a special bleaching gel to the teeth and using heat or light to activate the product. This treatment can brighten smiles up to ten shades lighter within just a few hours of treatment time. DENTAL IMPLANTS If you are missing one or more of your natural teeth, you may be a candidate for dental implants. We can replace missing teeth with prosthetic implants that look and function just like your natural teeth. Additionally, implant-supported dentures are an option for those who need to replace an entire arch of teeth. DENTAL VENEERS If you have minor alignment issues or slightly chipped teeth, porcelain veneers can help to correct these aesthetic flaws. Porcelain veneers are thin shells that fit over the fronts of the teeth and cover any imperfections to improve the aesthetics of your smile. Veneers are custom-made from an impression of the teeth for precise results. DENTAL CONTOURING Contouring is a procedure that reshapes a tooth that is either too short or too long, and it can also change the shape and/or size of the tooth. It’s usually used to correct teeth that are chipped or worn, but it may be done for cosmetic reasons as well. If applying bonding material to a tooth is too obvious of a treatment, contouring may be a better choice because composite material isn’t opaque like porcelain. Contouring is often done with a laser, which seals the gum tissue as it removes tiny amounts of enamel from the tooth’s surface. The laser also cauterizes as it works, which helps prevent bleeding and swelling. By talking to a dentist about your options, you can learn more about how you can achieve a smile that you are proud of! We are happy to discuss your options for cosmetic dentistry and help you come up with the best treatment plan for your individual needs.  Arizona Dental Heights, situated in Mesa, AZ, is equipped with modern technologies and expert dentists who provide the best services to patients. Call (480) 525-6000 and schedule an appointment with the dentist to learn more about the dental services we offer. 

Worst Foods For Oral Health

Did you know the foods and beverages that we consume can directly impact our oral health? While foods like vegetables, dairy products, etc., can strengthen our teeth, there are a few foods you should stay away from. This includes chips, hard candies, ice, gummy bears, and popcorn kernels. Each of these foods can wreak havoc on your teeth by wearing down enamel, increasing the risk of decay, and staining teeth. Read on to learn more about a few foods and beverages that are bad for our oral health. * Hard candy Hard candy is not good for your teeth. The sugary ingredients in the candy can lead to tooth decay, especially if eaten frequently. The sugar in the hard candy will cling to your teeth, and the longer it stays on your teeth, the more likely you are to damage them. Additionally, the sugary candy often sticks to between your teeth, which can increase your risk of cavities. * Sticky foods Sticky foods are highly prone to collecting bacteria, so it’s best to clean your teeth after you eat sticky foods. Minimize your consumption of the following: * Candy * Gum * Caramel * Lollipops * Ice Ice is not food. But many people enjoy chewing ice. In fact, it’s potentially bad for your teeth. Not to mention, it’s terrible for your jaws and can cause teeth to crack. Ice is made of frozen water. When it melts in your mouth, it expands. This expansion puts pressure on your jaw joint, which can (and does) lead to TMJ disorder. * Sugary foods Sticky candies and sweets cling to teeth. The longer sugar lingers in the mouth, the more it fuels bacteria growth. But it’s not just sugar you need to watch out for. Carbohydrates, including crackers, cereal, and bread, break down into simple sugars that feed bacteria. * Citrus fruits and acidic foods While citrus fruits can make a delicious addition to a meal, they also have a high acid content that can erode the teeth. When the enamel of the teeth is worn away, the teeth become even more vulnerable to tooth decay. Acidic foods can also lead to sensitive teeth and other dental problems. Stay away from acidic foods like oranges, grapefruits, tomatoes, lemons, pickles, and vinegar. * Tomatoes Tomatoes are acidic, and when eaten often, they can wear away at the enamel on your teeth. When enamel is worn away, it leaves teeth vulnerable to cavities. Tomatoes also have a high sugar content, which feeds oral bacteria. Regularly eating foods like tomatoes can result in tooth decay. * Coffee and tea Coffee and tea can stain your teeth. This staining is permanent and can make your teeth look unnatural. If you consume a lot of coffee, tea, or soda, talk to your dentist about ways to whiten your teeth. He or she may recommend a teeth-whitening treatment or may suggest cutting back on these tooth-staining foods.  Arizona Dental Heights, situated in Mesa, AZ, is equipped with modern technologies and expert dentists who provide the best services to patients. Call (480) 525-6000 and schedule an appointment with the dentist to learn more about the dental services we offer.