Tooth Whitening Doesn’t Always Work

If you are tired of spending hundreds of dollars on tooth whitening products you may want to consider porcelain veneers. Dentists explain that some patients spend countless hours and cash on tooth whitening products that will never work because they will not whiten previously restored teeth. Even professional tooth whitening will not work on interior stains although some have had success with in office tooth whitening, which could reduce the interior stains.

Tooth whitening products are fine on natural teeth when used according to the instructions, however if you have dental veneers, cosmetic bonding or any other material other than your own natural enamel, no amount of tooth whitening product will lighten your teeth.

Your dentist explains that porcelain veneers or dental bonding could be the answer. These days resin materials are much stronger and look just as natural as your own teeth. However, be aware that dental bonding is not as sturdy as porcelain and needs to be taken care of with regular brushing and flossing. Make sure you see your dentist regularly as bonding can chip.

During your appointment for dental bonding, your dentist will make sure that you are free from tooth decay and gum disease as your mouth must be healthy before any type of cosmetic dental procedure can proceed.

If you have the all clear, your dentist will choose a color from the shade guide that best matches your natural teeth. Once chosen, your tooth or teeth will be etched with a special solution that helps the bonding material adhere to the tooth or teeth. Your dentist will then sculpt the resin into the desired shaped before curing with a light or laser. After the area has hardened your dentist, will shave and polish the tooth or teeth to match the rest of your smile.

Of course, if you want a more permanent solution, talk to your dentist about porcelain veneers, which are stronger and more stain resistant.

Whitening, porcelain veneers, and dental bonding are just three of the solutions for a less than perfect smile. Call your dentist who can also examine your mouth to see if you are suitable for braces, Invisalign, or a full mouth reconstruction. Call or click and schedule a cosmetic dentistry appointment with your dentist today.  

Do You Have TMD?

The joint or hinge connecting the jaw to the bones on your skull, known as the temporal bones, are located in front of your ears and allow you to move your jaw from side to side and up and down. Known as TMJ, these joints also allow you to yawn, chew, and talk.

WebMD explains that TMD or temporomandibular disorders, sometimes wrongly referred to as TMJ, which is an abbreviation of the joint, can be painful and although there is no known cause of TMD doctors and dentists believe that TMD could be caused by joint problems or problems with your jaw muscles.

Other causes of TMD include: 

• Tooth clenching or grinding
• Arthritis in your jaw
• Stress causing your jaw and facial muscles to tighten
• Abnormal movement between the disc or soft cushion and the ball socket of the TMJ
• A blow to the TMJ, the jaw or the head or neck muscles
• Whiplash 

TMD symptoms can cause you severe discomfort and pain. Some TMD symptoms can last for years or be temporary. TMD could affect both or only one side of the face. According to your dentist, TMD affects more women aged between 20 and 40.

Some of the more common symptoms include, but are not limited to: 

• Face or neck and shoulders pain or tenderness
• Pain or tenderness in the TMJ
• Problems opening your mouth
• Jaws that locks or get stuck when closed or open
• Popping, clicking, or grating in the TMJ when you chew or open and close your mouth
• Feeling tired in your face
• Problems chewing
• Problems with your teeth not fitting together
• Facial swelling
• Toothaches,
• Neck aches
• Dizziness
• Earaches and hearing problems
• Tinnitus or ringing in your ears
• Pain in your upper shoulders 

TMD can be difficult to diagnose as other problems, such as sinus issues, gum disease, arthritis or tooth decay could be to blame. To find out the root cause, your dentist will give your teeth and gums a thorough examination and enquire about your health history. Your dentist will also check your TMJ for tenderness or pain while listening for any grating, popping or clicking sounds upon movement. Your dentist will also take x-rays and digital photos to rule out any tooth problems.

If you are diagnosed with TMD, your dentist may recommend: 

• Pain modification with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
• Moist heat
• Relaxation techniques such as biofeedback or meditation for stress
• A custom-made mouthguard to prevent teeth grinding while sleeping
• Tooth alignment correction such as orthodontic treatment 

If you believe that you may be suffering from TMD, call or click and schedule an appointment with your dentist who can determine if you are having problems with your temporomandibular joints. Call or click today. 

Are Your Teeth and Gums Putting you at Risk?

Your mouth truly is the gateway to the rest of your body, and if you suffer from gum disease or tooth decay, it is not just your teeth and gums that you have to worry about.

The Mayo Clinic explains that there truly is a connection when it comes to oral health and a healthy body and if you want to avoid systemic disease or even congestive heart failure, it is imperative that you brush twice and floss once each day. Good oral health habits also include following a good diet that is full of fruits and veggies. You also want to make sure that you schedule regular dental appointments to avoid any problems that may occur.

Your mouth, just like the rest of your body is loaded with bacteria. That bacterium is usually healthy unless you suffer from gum disease or tooth decay. Gum disease, including gingivitis and periodontal disease causes swelling and bleeding opening up your body to dangerous levels of bacteria.

Recent research has indicated that periodontal disease is linked to several other diseases. Most scientists have known that bacteria was the main factor when it came to linking disease and periodontal disease, but what it all comes down to is inflammation. If you want to manage the inflammation caused by gum disease, it is imperative that you see your dentist who can treat your gingivitis or periodontal disease.

Several studies show that heart disease and periodontal disease are linked and although the relationship between cause and effect hasn’t entirely been proven, that research indicates that periodontal disease can increase your risk of heart disease. Scientists believe inflammation is the cause and could be the reason for the periodontal and heart disease relationship. If you have periodontitis, you may also exacerbate any existing heart conditions that you may have.

If you would like more information regarding the link between oral and overall health, call or click and schedule an appointment with your dentist today. 

A New Smile in a Day with CEREC®

Thanks to the marvels of modern cosmetic and restorative dentistry, you can have a brand new smile in as little as a single dental appointment with CEREC®

CEREC® is a remarkable dental restoration procedure that uses computerized dentistry to give you the smile that you have always wanted.

Not all dentists are qualified or have the equipment to provide you with a CEREC® smile, but Orange County cosmetic and restorative dentist Dr. Peter Hagen is and does.

Dr. Peter Hagen is an advanced CEREC® trainer with state of the art CEREC or CAD-CAM facilities in Fountain Valley. Dr. Hagen and his associates are experts in the CEREC® field and can provide you with metal free fillings, crowns, inlays, onlays, dental veneers and even dental implants.

With CEREC® you can replace your silver amalgam fillings or an old dental crown, and best of all, it can all be completed in a single dental appointment.

CEREC® is the modern way to turn your frown upside down. With CEREC® you no longer have to deal with messy dental impressions that are very uncomfortable. CEREC®

Available since 1985, CEREC® has revolutionized the dentistry world helping millions of people all over the world regain their confidence.

CEREC® or Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics utilizes CAD-CAM dentistry to transform a less than appealing smile. CEREC® Crowns and other types of CEREC® restorations are made with a computer and thanks to the state of the art facilities at Hagen Dental in Fountain Valley, your new CEREC® restorations are designed on site at the dental office.

Because Dr. Hagen is considered a master ceramist and a CEREC® expert, you can be assured that your new dental restorations will look and feel beautiful. CEREC® is durable and the perfect alternative to conventional dental restorations. Dr. Hagen and his team can match your natural teeth to your new restorations giving you a beautiful and natural looking smile.

If you would like more information regarding CEREC®, or any other type of cosmetic or restorative dentistry, including invisible braces with Invisalign, call and schedule an appointment with the CEREC® from Dr. Peter Hagen’s Dental office today. 

Your Mouth Could Make You Sick

Your teeth and gums are just as important as the rest of your body, however, if you neglect much needed dental care, your mouth could make the rest of you sick.

WebMD explains that recent research indicates that there is a direct mouth and body connection. In other words, if you practice poor oral health hygiene habits, you could weaken your heart or find yourself dealing with diabetes.

For people who practice good oral hygiene, a dental visit consists of a teeth cleaning, perhaps a filling or maybe seeing the dentist for a cosmetic dental procedure, however, seeing your dentist is much more than your teeth and gums, your dental checkup is also about the health of your entire body. What happens inside of your mouth affects the rest of you. Many experts believe that the two are connected.

There are many conditions and diseases that can affect your oral health. If you have a weak immune system, you may be more prone to gum disease. Your immune system protects you from infection and illness caused from disease and medication.

Your oral health can also cause problems if you are diabetic as an infection in your mouth can wreck havoc on your blood sugar levels making it harder to control your diabetes.

About 35 percent of American adults suffer from some sort of gum disease whether it be gingivitis or the more serious periodontal disease. Those who suffer could be at a higher risk when it comes to kidney disease, stroke, heart disease, and even premature births. What is even more staggering is that fifty percent suffer from the mildest type of gum disease, gingivitis.

The sad thing about these statistics is that poor oral hygiene is the main cause of gum disease.  Brushing twice and flossing once a day along with a good diet and regular visits to your dentist can help you prevent gum disease and tooth decay.

Don’t become a statistic. Start the New Year off the right way and call or click and schedulean appointment with your dentist today. 

Cosmetic Dentistry for the Holidays

If you are saying no to all of those holiday parties, including the one that your parents are throwing because of your smile, it’s time to schedule an appointment with yourdentist who can help you determine what cosmetic dental procedures would be best for your particular needs.

Cosmetic dentistry can be as simple as an in office whitening treatment or dental bonding. If you have always been in favor of dental veneers, talk to your dentist, as not everyone is a good candidate for dental veneers. Other cosmetic dental procedures that you may want to think about include onlays, inlays, dental implants, and invisible braces with Invisalign.

Since 1986, HagenDental has been providing people just like you with a brand new smile thanks to the most innovative dental procedures on the planet.

One of the best things about Hagen Dental is its state of the art CEREC CAD-CAM dentistry. In just a single appointment you can swap out your silver amalgam fillings or metal crowns, fix that gap between your front teeth or repair that chip. With CEREC, your brand new smile is just an appointment away.

Sometimes all you may need is tooth whitening, and if your teeth are badly stained, Hagen Dental can help with its Sinsational Smile® Tooth Whitening procedure.

The Sinsational Smile® is a fast and effective way to whiten your teeth while you are in the dentist’s chair using a patented silicone tray that is pre-filled with the special Sinsational Smile® gel. Sinsational Smile® also includes an LED light to accelerate and activate the whitening properties in the gel giving you a whiter and brighter smile in less time. Part of the Sinsational Smile® procedure also includes a take home maintenance pen to keep your smile looking, Sinsational.

Start saying yes to those holiday parties and schedule an appointment with Hagen Dental for your new smile. Who knows, you may only need a single appointment to get your pearly whites gleaming again. Call and schedule your appointment today.  

Cosmetic Dental Procedures for Your Smile

If you are unhappy with your smile, schedulean appointment with your dentist who can help you decide what cosmetic dental procedure or cosmetic dental procedures would be best for your particular needs.

According to Wikipedia, Cosmetic Dentistry is used to help improve the appearance of a person’s gums, teeth or bite while improving the alignment, shape, and color of a person’s smile.

In today’s world, Cosmetic Dentistry is more popular than ever with patients just like you scheduling dental appointments for Dental Veneers, Dental Bonding, Tooth Whitening, and Dental Implants. While some may argue that Cosmetic Dentistry is just for dental aesthetics, your dentist explains that when used with restorative dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry can help the overall health and function of your teeth and gums.

Cosmetic Dentistry can do everything from whitening to shaping, closing spaces and replacing missing teeth.

Tooth Whitening

Over time, your teeth can become discolored or stained, especially if you smoke, consume beverages and foods that can stain or take certain types of medications. Your dentist can either bleach your teeth in the office chairside or provide you with a take home whitening kit. You can also buy over the counter tooth whitening products; however, they will not be as strong. Even after tooth whitening your teeth can become stained especially if you are still using the same things that stained them in the first place.

Dental Bonding

Dental bonding can help improve the aesthetics of your teeth, is used to fix chips and cracks, and can be used to cover stains. Some dentists may also recommend bonding to fill cavities and to protect an exposed tooth root. Bonding can last for several years, but is not as strong as other materials. Dental bonding can also become stained and cannot be repaired with tooth whitening.

Dental Veneers

Dental Veneers are custom made thin shells made from plastic, resin, or porcelain and are used to cover the front of your teeth. Dental Veneers can change the shape, size, and color of your teeth and last longer than dental bonding. However, most dental veneer procedures are irreversible, as some of your natural tooth needs to be removed to make room for the dental veneer.

Other types of cosmetic dental procedures that you may want to consider include crowns and dental implants.

If you would like more information regarding cosmetic dentistry, schedule an appointment with your dentist today.