Smiling Options – Whitening, Veneers, & Cosmetic Dentistry

Many times every day your smile shows itself to others. It is the one thing that we tend to give freely. Therefore, having a white and beautiful smile makes a significant impression on those we meet.

To update your smile and spread cheer, consider some of the following options:

1. Whitening: Whitening can be done at home or in a dental office under supervision. “Generally speaking, you will see some results no matter what type of whitening you do,” says Dr. Judith Ko, your Hemet Valley, CA Top Dentist and Cosmetic Dental Professional. “Most people tend to get better results using a method recommended by a dentist only because we can prescribe a higher concentration material.” But no matter what type of whitening you choose, it will not whiten existing dental work or crowns and veneers.

2. Veneers: “Veneers are a great way to improve a smile that has minor chips or more permanent stains like those from medications,” says Dr. Ko. A veneer is a paper-thin piece of porcelain that is cemented to the front part of the tooth and can change the shape and color of a tooth.

3. Cosmetic dentistry: “Cosmetic dentistry includes not only whitening and veneers, but also white-colored fillings, anterior crowns and even tissue re-shaping,” adds Dr. Ko. Your cosmetic dentist will look at your entire smile and base their recommendations on the teeth that show when you smile and even laugh. Many people have large, wide smiles that show many teeth and so recommendation may be made to even back teeth or molars to enhance the patient’s smile. “While the color of your teeth is something that is noticed immediately, the gum tissue frames those teeth and is also noticeable,” says Dr. Ko. “So don’t underestimate the importance of a more shapely frame to your smile design.”

If you are considering any cosmetic dentistry, always ask to see photos of other patients who have had the same procedures done. Then move forward and smile!

Are Implant Supported Teeth Right for You?

While the vast majority of taste buds reside on the tongue a few are located in the soft palate. These are the ones that are affected by a traditional denture. For many, the choice to remove their teeth and go to removable dentures is done after careful consideration, for others there is a feeling that I will do this and get it done and then I won’t have to worry about my teeth again.

“That thought isn’t quite true,” says Dr. Judith Ko from her Hemet Cosmetic and General Dental Practice. Extracting all the teeth and placing a denture does take care of the immediate problems of your teeth, but our mouths are always changing and this means that in a few years, your denture may no longer fit.

For some the change to an upper removable denture is easy, but a good number more miss the taste of foods they used to enjoy. A conventional denture uses suction for stabilization and so the palate is covered. For others the bone that is used to support the denture is inadequate and results in an unstable denture that moves when speaking or eating favorite foods.

An implant supported denture is a good solution to these problems. When implants are used to support the denture stability can be gained without the need for suction, so the palate can be open and allow for the enjoyment of food.

If you are suffering with a denture you are unhappy with, call today and begin the process to see if you are a candidate for an implant supported denture.

Establishing Trust With Your Dentist

For most patients, a visit to the dentist is a bit unsettling. “That can change dramatically if you can establish a relationship of trust with your caregiver,” says Dr. Judith Ko from her Hemet Valley Dental Practice. Voted one of the Inland Empire’s Top Dentists, Dr. Ko works hard to establish trust with each of her patients.

“I stand behind the work that I provide,” adds Dr. Ko. “I believe that it is important to the development of a long-term relationship, which is what we strive to create.” Providing reliability is only one-way Dr. Ko and her team work to increase trust.

“We make sure that if we’ve said we are going to do something for our patients, that we follow through,” says Natalie, the scheduling coordinator for Dr. Ko.

Being honest is also important. Each dental practitioner will see a patient’s mouth a certain way. This doesn’t mean they are wrong, just different in their approaches. “My standard is that of what I would do for my family if they presented in my office with the same situation.”

Another way in which Hemet Valley Dental Care works to increase trust is by taking the time to answer each patient’s questions. “I believe that no question is silly. Instead, I work to make sure I think of all the possible questions a patient might have and address them first. We know that dentistry can sometimes be confusing and we want to remove any anxiety,” adds Dr. Ko.

To understand first hand why patients voted her one of the Top Dentists, call today and schedule your new patient appointment.

Brighten Your Smile With Veneers!

For many the idea of a bright smile includes dental veneers. Dental veneers are a thin slice of porcelain that is affixed to the front surface of a tooth. “Veneers can be used to change the color, shape and sometimes the alignment of teeth,” says Dr. Judith Ko from her Hemet Valley Cosmetic Dental Practice.

Porcelain is a great material as it is generally well tolerated by the gum tissue and also because it allows your dentist to get a natural appearing result. For some patients, if the desire is to replace existing fillings on front teeth, a porcelain crown may be a better alternative, but for patients who just want to brighten an existing smile, veneers might be the best bet.

“Dental veneers are a very conservative option when whitening does not quite provide you with your desired color shade, or if you have some oddly shaped or misaligned teeth,” adds Dr. Ko.

The process begins with the dentist carefully shaving off a very thin amount of tooth structure from the front surface of your teeth. An impression will be taken and a lab will create your porcelain veneers, which are then bonded to your teeth. In general, dental veneers last between five and ten years and you can expect to pay somewhere between $900-1200 a tooth depending upon where you live. When considering dental veneers, or any other cosmetic procedure, it is in your best interest to ask your dentist to show you photos of other patients who have benefited from the treatment to get an idea of what to expect as an end result.

Veneers are a great way to conservatively brighten your day and your smile. 

Whiter Teeth for Men

It’s not just women that want to have a bright smile these days. Men too, want to make a splash. “Your smile is part of the first impression you present in business and life, which is why it’s so important to make sure yours shows well,” says Dr. Judith Ko from her Hemet Valley Cosmetic Dental Practice. While traditionally, men have been less likely to see their dentist on a regular basis, this trend is changing as men become more focused on health and the benefits of a more youthful appearance.

The first step to getting a brighter smile is to visit your dentist,” says Dr. Ko. Your dental office will spruce up your smile by removing plaque and calculus. Once you have been checked for the health of your teeth and have cleaned up a bit, then it is time to discuss which whitening option is most appealing.

In general, whitening toothpastes sold over the counter provide little if any benefit. The same holds true for many of the other over the counter whitening products. “To get the best results you will most likely need to have a prescription strength whitening product which you can get from your dentist.”

Sensitivity & Whitening

A dazzling smile is something most of us want. After all our smile is part of the first impression we present to people. A beautiful smile can improve self esteem and create good feelings in those we bestow are smile on. Getting your brilliant smile it's whitest can be easy. 

"Who is a candidate for whitening? Well, almost anyone who has their natural teeth can whiten," says Dr. Judith Ko from Hemet. "And there are a variety of products that can help."

Over the counter whitening products abound. They generally provide a small amount of the ingredient necessary to whiten your teeth. For years dentists have provided an alternative - whitening trays. These are taken home and used periodically has needed. Finally there is the whitening that is done in the dental office. "When whitening under the supervision of a dentist, you are able to receive a higher concentration of the active ingredient. This allows us to provide patients with a white smile many shades lighter than when they first began treatment," Adds Dr. Ko. 

The down side? Some patients complain about sensitivity following whitening. If you are one of those who experiences sensitivity here are some ideas for what may help:

1. Reduce the amount of product you are using at one time.

2. Reduce the amount of time you spend at home with your trays in your mouth.

3. Use Fluoride regularly and brush on your teeth, or use a toothpaste especially designed for sensitivity.

4. Limit your intake of cold drinks and liquids.

5. Speak to your dentist and let her know that you are having discomfort, many times she may have an alternate solution.

This year smile and be proud of your pearly whites.

Insurance & Prevention

For years dentists have promoted oral health through prevention. They knew something: "Regular visits to your dentist is more affordable and gives you a better result," says Dr. Judith Ko from her Hemet Valley California Cosmetic dental practice. The math is easy, visits even four times a year with exams and x-rays is still significantly less costly than if you have one tooth that needs repair with a root canal and crown - and it's better. 

"When we see patients on a regular basis, we can catch what decay we find when it's small. This allows us restorative options that are also small - a filling," Dr. Ko adds. 

And dental insurance companies have figured this out. Many plans now provide an incentive to patients who are coming in for regular maintenance. "It just makes sense. It also saves them money," Dr. Ko says. 

So don't wait another moment and lose out. Call today and schedule an appointment with your hygienist - both you and your pocketbook will be pleased you did!

Giveaway!

Hello Friends of Hemet Valley Dental Care! We are doing another Fun Drawing to show our love and appreciation to those who choose us to help keep their SMILES LOOKING GOOD! Dr. Ko is giving away a 50$ dinner card to a very lucky winner! All you have to do to be entered into the drawing is Like and Share our post on Facebook! The drawing will be held on Monday, February 10, 2014 @ 8:00! Happy Valentines Day! (please note you do not have to be a patient to enter) Go here now!

My Gums Are Bleeding!

“Almost on a daily basis we are asked about bleeding gums,” says Dr. Judith Ko from her Hemet Valley Cosmetic and General Dental Practice.

Bleeding of the gum tissue, and the swelling that is sometimes associated, is the first sign of periodontal disease. While not all bleeding is caused by disease, you should see a dental professional immediately when you notice signs of bleeding when brushing or flossing.

Bleeding and swelling can indicate infection and this is not normal. If caught early on, the prognosis can be great, but even allowing a little time to pass can mean that bone loss will occur. “When bone is lost, it makes it that much harder to not only keep the teeth, but to also get a good result long-term from the disease,” adds Dr. Ko.

More than 75% of adult Americans over 35 have some signs of periodontal disease. This can range from gingivitis to the more severe periodontitis. And periodontal disease has been linked to other systemic health conditions.

So what can be done?

At the first signs of bleeding, call your dentist. Getting in and being evaluated is the first step.

Brush your teeth at least twice a day using a circular motion and a soft bristled brush.

Floss daily using whatever floss is most comfortable to you.

Eat a well-balanced diet and drink plenty of water.

Reduce your stress. Increased amounts of the hormone cortisol, raises the risk of inflammation.

Avoid tobacco products.

What to Expect After Care Root Planing & Scaling

Non-surgical treatment is generally the first step in getting control of your periodontal disease. “Root planing and scaling is one of the most effective ways of treating diseased gum tissue,” says Dr. Judith Ko from her Hemet Valley,California General and Cosmetic Dental Practice.

When your dentist recommends root planing and scaling you can expect the following: You will be given a local anesthetic to provide additional comfort during the procedure. The dentist or hygienist, in most cases, will utilize special instruments to allow them to scale below the gum tissue and remove debris all the way to the roots of your teeth. Some practitioners will use an ultrasonic instrument.

What you can expect:

1.     You will be numb for a few hours. Be careful of eating or drinking anything that is hot and can burn your tissue until the numbness wears off.

2.     You can brush and floss afterward.

3.     Avoid foods that contain seeds for a couple of days.

4.     To promote healing, avoid use of tobacco products.

5.     Your dentist may review the time between your routine visits and ask that you come in more frequently.

Once you have completed your non-surgical treatment you should see your gums heal and become firm and pink again.

Gums – Frames for Your Teeth!

Your gums are the frames for your teeth and keeping them happy and healthy is a sure way to keep your smile bright.

“The first thing to keep in mind about gum health is seeing your dentist on a regular basis,” says Dr. Judith Ko from her Hemet CaliforniaGeneral and Cosmetic Dental Practice. “Your dentist makes the decision of frequency based on many factors including decay activity, bone loss, calculus and buildup of plaque. Your dental insurance benefit plan is looking at the general population, not you as an individual.” So if your dentist is recommending you come in more frequently, you’ll be better off taking their advice.

To keep gums and teeth happy brushing and flossing is a must. As is using the right brush. “It doesn’t matter whether you use a manual brush or electric brush,” adds Dr. Ko, “as long as the bristles are soft and the ends of the bristles rounded.” Use a gentle circular motion when brushing to remove debris and never a back and forth motion as you are more likely to damage tissue and remove enamel.

Finally, remember the floss. Flossing plays a major role in gum health. Find the right floss that works for you. Then gently work the floss between teeth, moving it up and down around the surfaces of each tooth.

Keeping your gums healthy this year will result in a beautiful smile that will last you a lifetime.