Frequently Asked Questions
Should I brush or floss first?
The sequence makes no difference as long as you do a thorough job. Look for products that have the ADA's Seal of Acceptance. Choose a toothbrush that feels comfortable in your hand and in your mouth, and use it twice a day. While tooth brushing removes plaque from tooth surfaces, it can't do the entire job of removing plaque. Cleaning between the teeth daily with floss or other interdental cleaners removes debris from between the teeth, where your toothbrush cannot reach. An ADA-Accepted dental floss or interdental cleaner is recommended.
How do you know if you're doing a thorough job?
Your dentist may recommend using plaque disclosing tablets available over-the-counter at pharmacies and other stores that sell oral hygiene products. Plaque disclosing tablets are chewed after you clean your mouth. Red dye will stain plaque that has not been removed showing you spots that need additional cleaning.
Where can I get products that will be useful in treating bad breath?
After determining the cause of your halitosis, we will be able to prescribe or recommend those products that can be helpful for you.
What are teeth made of?
- Enamel - This is the hard white outer coating of your tooth. It's the hardest stuff in your body!
- Dentin - This is just inside the enamel. It's a yellow bone-like material that has some nerves inside. If you have a cavity, it's usually a hole in the enamel that leaves the dentin exposed.
- Pulp - At the center of your tooth, the pulp contains important blood vessels and nerves. It's also the main message center to the brain.
- Cementum - This is what covers the root of your tooth (the part of the tooth that is below the skin), and attaches it to the jaw.
Which type of toothbrush should I use?
Your dentist or dental hygienist will be able to recommend a toothbrush to you. However, adults should choose a small to medium size brush with soft to medium multi-tufted, round-ended nylon bristles or "filaments". The head should be small enough to get into all parts of the mouth: especially the back of the mouth where cleaning can be difficult. Children need to use smaller brushes but with the same type of filaments.
You can now get more specialised toothbrushes. For instance, people with sensitive teeth can now use softer bristled brushes. There are also smaller headed toothbrushes for those people with crooked or irregular teeth.
Some people find it difficult to hold a toothbrush, for example because they have Parkinson's disease or a physical disability. There are now toothbrushes, which have large handles and angled heads to make them easier to use.
How often should I brush my teeth?
Be sure to brush thoroughly with a fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day, more often if your dentist recommends it. If you keep getting discomfort or bleeding after brushing go to see your dentist about it.
Do electric toothbrushes clean better?
Tests have proved that certain electric toothbrushes are better at removing plaque. They are particularly useful for people with limited movement, such as disabled or elderly people, who often find that using a normal toothbrush does not allow them to clean thoroughly. Electric toothbrushes can also be better for children as they may be more inclined to brush regularly because of the novelty of using an electric toothbrush. Discuss the idea with your dentist or hygienist to find out if you would benefit from using an electric toothbrush.
Can watching my diet help?
Many people think that it is a high level of sugar in your diet that causes decay, but this is not so. It is how often you have sugar in your diet, not the amount, that causes problems. It takes an average of 40 minutes for the mouth to cancel out the acid caused by eating and drinking sugar. It is therefore important to limit the number of attacks by keeping sugary foods and drinks to mealtimes.
Nite White ACP & Day White ACP Tooth Whitening FAQ's
What is tooth whitening?
Tooth whitening is a bleaching process that lightens discolorations of enamel and dentin. The system uses a mild solution retained in a custom-fitted tray that is worn over your teeth.
What causes tooth discoloration?
There are many causes. The most common include aging, consumption of staining substances (coffee, tea, colas, tobacco), trauma, nerve degeneration, and old restorations. During tooth formation, consumption of tetracycline or excessive fluoride may also cause tooth discoloration.
Who may benefit from tooth whitening?
The vast majority of people will benefit from tooth whitening. However, there are some cases where the treatment may not be effective. A dentist may determine viable candidates for the treatment. The degree of whiteness will vary from patient to patient, depending on the structure of teeth, the number of applications, and/or the duration of time that the system is used.
Is the tooth whitening process safe?
Yes. Research and clinical studies indicate that whitening teeth with Carbamide Peroxide or Hydrogen Peroxide under the supervision of a dentist is safe for teeth and gums. In fact, many dentists consider this whitening process the safest cosmetic dental procedure available today.
How does the tooth whitening process work?
The whitening gel is placed in a thin bleaching tray that fits over your teeth. As the active ingredient in the gel is broken down, oxygen enters the enamel and dentin and bleaches the colored substances. The structure of the tooth is not changed; only the tooth color is made lighter.
How long does it take?
Maximum results generally occur when the process is continued for 10-14 days/nights. For quicker results, some products (such as our Nite White Turbo product) can be used for shorter lengths of time.
Are there any side effects?
Some people experience temporary increased tooth sensitivity to cold during the treatment. These symptoms disappear within 1-3 days after interruption or completion of the treatment.
How long do results last?
The teeth will always be lighter than they once were; however, some patients may need a tooth whitening “touch-up” for 1-2 days once or twice a year. In order to maintain the whitest tooth shade possible, it is best to avoid substances like coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco. If you are prone to hypersensitivity, we recommend using Relief brand ACP Oral Care Gel for 15-30 minutes before and after each treatment.
Lumineers by Cerinate FAQ's
What is Lumineers by Cerinate?
Lumineers by Cerinate are thin porcelain shields that are bonded to the front of your teeth to create dramatic changes in your smile.
Is there any discomfort involved?
No. Because Lumineers by Cerinate require little to no preparation, there is no need for shots or drilling, and no removal of sensitive tooth structure.*
How long will it take to change my smile?
While some people may need other dental treatments, Lumineers by Cerinate typically require only two dental visits.
How do I know if Lumineers by Cerinate are right for me?
Schedule a consultation with your dentist, who can show you how your smile can be improved with Lumineers by Cerinate.
How long do Lumineers by Cerinate last?
Long-term clinical research with Lumineers by Cerinate (over 20 years) show 100% retention with no discoloration.**
What if I have other questions?
If you have further questions, ask your dentist today.
*In most cases.
**Results available upon request.