Am I a Candidate for Veneers?

Veneers maybe a great option for your smile. These thin porcelain pieces are attached to natural teeth using on a minimum amount of reduction in the tooth structure. Veneers help when patients have staining that isn’t helped by whitening or when teeth are chipping.

While veneers maybe a good option, some patients may not be candidates.

If you have significant tooth structure that has been removed due to decay, a full coverage porcelain crown may be a better option to restoring your tooth to health. This is also true if you want a veneer to correct the positioning of a tooth. “Teeth that are rotated may sometimes require significant reduction to realign, in that case a crown would be the better choice,” says Dr. Judith Ko of Hemet Valley Dental Care in Hemet, CA.

“When teeth are chipping due to problems with occlusion – the way the teeth fit together – veneers might also not be a good choice, “or at least not until the occlusion problem has been corrected,” adds Dr. Ko. If you are chipping your front teeth, it is a sign of something else going on. See your dentist to determine what.

Veneers, just like crowns and natural teeth, must be brushed and flossed on a regular basis. And also, just like crowns, you cannot expect them to last forever. “As you age, gum recession may very well determine when it’s time to replace your veneers,” says Dr. Ko. To learn more, call Hemet Valley Dental Care and set up an appointment today!

Tooth Friendly Snacks for Summertime!

We all know that eating sweets is bad for our teeth, but what are some great snacks that will actually improve our smile and keep our teeth at their best?

“There is some truth to the saying, ‘an apple a day keeps the doctor away,’” says Dr. Judith Ko of Hemet Valley Dental Care in Hemet, California. “Apples help cleanse the tooth surface, they do this by stimulating saliva while cleaning the teeth.” Not to mention, they are also filled with nutrients our body loves.

Celery is another snack that can increase saliva flow and cleanse the teeth. “As a vegetable that is high in fiber and water content, it can counteract the effects of foods that are higher in sugar, just make sure to eat celery after,” adds Dr. Ko.

“Of course with summertime here, the best snack for your teeth and your overall health here in Southern, California is water. Water is so vital to keeping the tissues of the mouth from becoming dry and also for flushing away debris,” says Dr. Ko. As one of your TOP Dentists in the Inland Empire, she knows.

If you are wanting to whiten your teeth at the same time as having a delicious snack, think strawberries. (Read more here)

Finally, if you need a snack that can help with saliva and also work to clean the teeth, think sugarless gum containing xylitol. Xylitol is a natural sugar that can also prevent tooth decay.

Have a great summer and at the same time, remember to keep your smile bright and healthy!

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!

What Makes A Great Smile?

When you smile, the world smiles with you, is so true. Most of us have had the experience of smiling at a stranger and receiving one back. “Your smile is part of what creates that first impression that is so important,” says Dr. Judith Ko from her Hemet Valley Dental Practice. So what creates a beautiful smile?

“We are generally attracted to smiles with teeth that are white, straight, well framed and go all the way to your eyes,” adds Dr. Ko.

To get whiter teeth may be as easy as brushing and flossing daily and seeing your dentist on a regular basis. For some, though, the process might include needing a little extra help. Bleaching or whitening your teeth can boost the brightness of your teeth. There are three main types of whitening:

     1.     Whitening at home with an over the counter product

     2.     Whitening at home with a product that your dentist can prescribe

     3.     Whitening at your dental office

For straighter teeth there are two options:

     1.     See an orthodontist. An orthodontist specializes in straightening teeth and correcting alignment issues that may cause jaw pain or headaches.                           

     2.     If you are looking for a quicker option, perhaps you may wish to consider veneers. “Veneers can not only straighten your teeth, they can also change the shape of your teeth if you so desire,” says Dr. Ko.   

Your gum tissue is what frames your teeth. “If you tend to have a gummy smile, you may wish to consider cosmetically contouring it.” The process can easily be done surgically or by using a laser.

Finally, smile all the way to your eyes as this shows confidence. Now, go out and use that smile to brighten someone else's day.

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.

Cosmetic Dentistry in Hemet, California

Ever wondered, what is a Cosmetic Dentist?

Cosmetic dentistry is generally done to improve the color, shape or alignment of the teeth. "Cosmetic dentistry can improve self confidence and even your health," Dr. Judith Ko says from her Hemet Valley Dental Practice. 

Cosmetic procedures can be any of the following:

1. Whitening. When teeth are stained, whitening is a easy and affordable way to restore a smile to its whitest.

2. White Fillings. Composite material is generally used to create white fillings that can be matched to natural teeth. This material also has an additional benefit, it does an excellent job of bonding to the tooth and can prevent future breakage, unlike a silver, or amalgam filling.

3. Porcelain Inlays or Onlays. These lab fabricated fillings are also a great way to restore tooth structure and at the same time keep a smile at it's best.

4. Porcelain Crowns & Fixed Bridges. These are lab fabricated and can be created to change the shape of a tooth to form a lovely and natural smile.

5. Porcelain Veneers. Veneers are thin wafer-like porcelain facings that can be placed to change the shape of a tooth.

6. Tissue re-contouring. The gum tissue creating a frame around your teeth can be modified and evened out to really showcase beautiful teeth.

7. Orthodontics. When the teeth are not in alignment, seeing an orthodontist might be the best fix. Misaligned teeth can cause not only a poor smile, but also create challenges for eating.

"Cosmetic dentistry really covers a large range of procedures," adds Dr. Judith Ko. "All of them designed to create a more youthful look and a brighter smile."

What To Do About Stained Teeth

Why are my teeth stained and what can I do about it?

In the previous post, the causes of tooth staining was discussed. Unfortunately, many times the offending stainer was a food or beverage and sometimes one that contained beneficial antioxidants. While you can reduce the amount of blueberries you eat, moderation and balance in your diet is probably a better answer, according to WebMD. 

So what can you do?

1. When drinking any of the foods that can stain, use a straw. These would include: colas, juices, tea and wine. 

2. Swallow promptly instead of allowing the food or drink to linger will also help to reduce the amount of staining to your teeth.

3. After eating and drinking any of the foods, rinse your mouth with water. Brushing and flossing is always recommended after a meal, but it isn't always convenient. Swishing with water will at least remove some of the damaging elements from your mouth.

4. Chewing sugarless gum may also help with reducing stain.

5. Finally, see your dentist and/or hygienist on a regular basis.

"Keeping your smile bright is important to us," says Dr. Judith Ko, from her Hemet, California cosmetic dental practice. "Let us know if we can help."

Stained Teeth

How Do Teeth Become Stained?

While we recognize that our white smiles are what create a good first impression, we are often thwarted by teeth that become stained. Regularly seeing your dentist to remove the stains is one way of dealing with the problem, but why do teeth become stained in the first place?

"Most people know to avoid smoking to keep teeth at their whitest, but unfortunately many of the foods you may enjoy, and some that are good for you, can stain your teeth, too," Dr. Judith Ko says from her Hemet Valley Cosmetic Dental Practice.

Fruits such as apples, blueberries, blackberries and pomegranates.

Beverages such as coffee, tea, and red wine.

Even beets, soy sauce, curries and popsicles with bright colors can do damage to your teeth.

According to WebMD, the reason is that these foods tend to be acidic in nature, and the acid temporarily softens the tooth allowing the chromogens, the color pigments in the foods and beverages, to stain. A good rule of thumb is, if the offending food or beverage would stain a napkin or tablecloth, it will probably stain your teeth. 

With many of the offending foods being excellent sources of antioxidants, rather than remove them from the diet, it might be best to limit them and take additional steps to ensure your smile stays its brightest.

What's the Best Way to Whiten My Teeth?

According to WebMD, the best and most inexpensive way to keep your teeth white and bright is to have regular dental visits. Having your teeth cleaned removes the stain that comes from normal eating and drinking. Stains occur when you drink coffee and tea and can even come from eating things like apples. While regular visits to your dentist keeps most smiles at their brightest, some people may need or want additional help.

"If your smile needs a boost, to get it to the shade you desire, there are a couple of methods that work well," says Dr. Judith Ko from her cosmetic dental practice located in Hemet, California. Trays can be formulated specifically for a particular mouth by your dentist. These trays are then filled with a whitening solution. The solutions are different from what you can purchase at your local pharmacy and produce a more dramatic result. The trays and solution can be applied to your teeth at home when it is convenient.

Another method of whitening is completed in the dental office. Many times referred to as 1-hour or in-office whitening, this method utilizes a stronger solution and is monitored by a professional when applied. "Both methods are great for giving you a whiter smile," Dr. Ko says.

With the holiday season fast approaching, wouldn't you like to have a brighter smile?