With the cosmetic dentistry industry expected to reach 32.73 billion dollars by 2026, it’s clear that it’s a growing market. More and more people are thinking about getting the smile they always dreamed of.

However, it’s a daunting process. Trusting someone with your appearance is never easy and to do it with confidence, you need to find the best cosmetic dentist in your area.

So how do you go about doing that? Here are seven tips for finding a great cosmetic dentist.

1. Ask for Recommendations and Read Reviews

The first thing you should do when trying to find a great cosmetic dentist is to ask for people’s recommendations. If you have friends or family who are open about having had cosmetic dentistry work done, they might have a name ready for you — or the name of someone to avoid!

You can also post on social media and ask for recommendations.

As well as that, you can read reviews. 79% of people trust online reviews as much as their loved ones’ recommendations and they’re right to. Online reviews are left by neutral third parties and can tell you a lot about a cosmetic dentist (or anyone else who provides services).

They should have a good overall rating and you can also dive into the highs and lows to get a good picture of people’s opinions.

2. Check Out Their Website

While web design is a far-off industry from cosmetic dentistry, they should have a clean, professional website available for you to peruse. At the very least, they should have some contact information available on it as well as the services they provide.

They may also have client testimonials which can help you get a better picture of their services.

3. Ask About Qualifications and Experience

If you’ve found the name of a cosmetic dentist who looks like they might be a bit, you should check out their qualifications and experience before going any further. Make sure they’re qualified in dentistry and not only that they have experience with cosmetic dentistry, but that they have experience with the procedure you want.

Someone might be a great general dentist but have never touched cosmetic dentistry before, which means they may not be the one for you.

No dentist will be offended if you want to ask some questions about their experience.

4. Consider the Office

When you visit the office for the consultation, it should be a warm and welcoming environment that strikes a great balance between friendly and professional.

Dental care in general is intimidating, with many people having a fear of sitting in the dentist’s chair. While it might be unrealistic to expect an office to dispel your anxiety entirely, it certainly shouldn’t make it any worse.

If the office seems cluttered and unorganized or any of the staff (whether the front desk staff or the cosmetic dentist themselves) makes you feel uncomfortable, you can always go somewhere else. Consultations are not an obligation to stay and you should never feel bad for deciding someone isn’t a fit based on the physical environment.

5. Ask About Availability

You should also make sure that the dentist has some availability when you need it. Due to life’s general responsibilities such as work, school, and dependents, it can be hard to coordinate time and dates.

You should also consider how soon the dentist can be available. If this is a procedure you need to be done quickly, more popular dentists may not be able to squeeze you in.

It’s better if you can be flexible, of course, but it is something you should consider.

6. Consider the Quote

Another thing you should do is consider the quote. 

Cosmetic dentistry is not covered by insurance, as it’s not considered medically necessary. Therefore, you should consider if you can afford the procedure.

It’s also important not to just pick the cheapest quote. The cheapest quote may be that way for a reason, whether the procedure is less involved with one particular dentist or they just aren’t as experienced. A quote much lower than all of the others isn’t a blessing, it’s a red flag.

However, it’s equally as important to make sure the quote is within your budget and consider other factors that may affect this. Do they offer financing? What kind of payment plans and methods do they offer?

You can get quotes from multiple places and compare.

7. Be Willing to Drive, if You Can

If you can drive outside of your immediate area to find a cosmetic dentist, you’ll find that you have a lot more options — particularly if you live in a rural area. It’s worth considering that driving to the nearest city or another town over might get you a better option and a dentist who’s a better fit for you.

When embarking on your search, ask yourself if you’re willing to travel a little bit. It’s important to remember at the same time that you may need someone to help you get home though, depending on the procedure that you intend to have.

Follow These Tips to Find the Best Cosmetic Dentist

If you follow these tips, you’ll find the best cosmetic dentist for you. Make sure you read the reviews and ask for recommendations, travel outside of your immediate area if you can, and consider the quote, availability, and the office. 

Looking for a great dentist near Lexington, KY? Contact us today whether it’s a call, a text, or by filling out our form, and let’s see what we can do for you.

When you think about tooth brushing, do you believe the sole purpose is for a whiter smile? While brushing does reduce tooth stains, it plays a vital role in your overall dental health. Inadequate oral hygiene can lead to oral diseases such as cavities and mouth cancer.

Scientific evidence also shows that gum disease contributes to systemic diseases. This includes heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. Poor oral health in pregnant women is also linked to low birth weights and premature births.

Practicing good tooth brushing improves your smile and keeps you healthy. Continue reading to learn the best tips.

How Dental Care Promotes Healthy Teeth

The teeth and gums are mainly comprised of calcium. If you don’t get enough calcium in your diet, your gums and teeth become weak and can’t resist damage. 

Vitamin D plays a key role in helping our bodies absorb calcium. Vitamin C deficiencies can lead to gum bleeding and loose teeth. You may need to take supplements to get the amount of these vitamins required.

When sugar stays in the mouth, it combines with bacteria and forms an acid. This acid eats away at your tooth’s outer layer (enamel) and lets bacteria in to form cavities. Eating foods with less sugar and especially those that stick to your teeth reduces this risk.

One of our body’s natural defenses against bacteria in the mouth is saliva. Eating foods such as lemons, cherries, limes, and cranberries increases saliva production.

Drinking plenty of water, especially after eating or drinking, helps wash away particles. It also increases saliva and cleanses your mouth. High-water content foods dilute the sugars and prevent the build of plaque and tartar.

Plaque is a mixture of starchy, sugary food that sticks to your teeth. If it’s not removed, it hardens into tartar or calculus. When left on the teeth, gum diseases (gingivitis), cavities, and tooth loss can occur.

Best Practices for Tooth Brushing

The purpose of proper tooth brushing is to remove plaque and reduce tartar buildup. Proper oral health care includes regular visits to the dentist for professional cleanings. The hygienist removes the tartar that you can’t get rid of and keeps you healthy.

The following provides important tips to ensure that you’re correctly brushing your teeth.

1. Brush Twice a Day

Bacteria builds up fast in your mouth. Thus, dental professionals recommend that you brush your teeth twice a day. Leaving bacteria on the teeth for over 24 hours promotes tooth damage and bad breath.

When you sleep, your body makes less saliva. Thus, any food debris on the teeth can cause more damage during this time.

That’s why it’s important to brush your teeth when you first get up. This removes the bacteria and acid that built up while you were sleeping.

Brushing your teeth before going to sleep reduces the food debris in your mouth. This decreases the sugars available for the bacteria to use.

2. Brush Teeth for Two Minutes

How long do you think you spend brushing your teeth? Studies have shown that most people brush for about 45 seconds. One study compared the effectiveness of plaque removal when brushing for 45 vs 120 seconds.

The results showed a statistically significant improvement in removing plaque after 120 seconds. Based on this evidence, dental professionals recommend brushing your teeth for two minutes. This offers the best method for removing plaque and reducing tartar buildup.

3. Use a Fluoride Toothpaste

Drinking water and many foods contain the natural mineral, fluoride. Yet, the amount found in water differs from one area to the next.

Fluoride helps strengthen the tooth enamel to resist bacteria and acid damage. Thus, it protects your teeth and gums from decay and disease.

Dentists recommend fluoride toothpaste to ensure your teeth get the amount needed. Another lesser known tip is to spit but not rinse after using this toothpaste. This lets the fluoride stay on your teeth longer.

4. How to Brush Teeth and Optimize Plaque Removal

Okay, you’ve been brushing your teeth for as long as you can remember. But are you making the most of this practice? Let’s review the best technique for removing plaque.

Gently brush all sides of your teeth in a back and forth or circular motion at a 45-degree angle. Tilt the brush up, and use its tip to reach the inner surfaces of your front teeth.

For most people, it’s best to choose a toothbrush with medium bristles. These offer enough stiffness to remove food particles and plaque from your teeth. Yet, they won’t damage your teeth or gums.

5. Don’t Ignore Your Back Teeth

Many people have trouble getting to their back teeth. If you still have your wisdom teeth, this can present an even greater challenge. Some people assume that brushing all their other teeth is good enough.

Unfortunately, their placement can increase their risk for plaque and tartar buildup. Your tongue may not brush over them as often, which helps knock off food debris. They may also be misaligned so that their surface pushes against other teeth.

It’s very important to pay attention to this unseen and often neglected part of your mouth. If you’re having trouble getting to your back teeth, talk to your dental hygienist. They may recommend using a small specialized toothbrush to reach this area.

Are You Looking for a Dentist Near You?

You’ve learned important tips to optimize your tooth brushing methods. Justice Dental in Lexington, KY works with patients to achieve the best oral health. Our hygienists, dentists, surgeons, and dental specialists understand the impact of mouth pain.

We offer general and cosmetic dentistry with a sedation option as needed. The expert team also provides mouthguards, dental implants, and full mouth reconstruction.

Justice Dental focuses on your comfort, appearance, and oral hygiene. Our goal is to help you to achieve a beautiful and healthy smile. Get in touch today to start your journey to better oral health.

Crowns and bridges remain as one of the top dental services. By 2021, the market is projected to surpass $6 billion in revenue.

Dentures, veneers, crowns, and bridges help restore dental function that we may lose. Without teeth, it is difficult to talk or eat. Although this may be the main reason, we also undergo dental work for aesthetics too.

Who wants to talk or smile at others with yellow or dull teeth? Is there a way to whiten crowns and bridges to maintain a pretty white smile? Keep reading to find out. 

What Makes up a Dental Crown and Bridge?

Crowns and bridges are a perfect choice for those looking to correct their teeth. Crowns and bridges are made from porcelain or acrylic false teeth.

Other materials for dental crowns and bridges include zirconium, ceramic, ceramic with metal, and metal alloys. 

They are quite different from our natural teeth. Neither possesses tough enamel that natural teeth have. 

Although tough, the enamel is also porous, meaning it’s possible to strip away and leave our teeth open to bacteria. This can lead to cavities and decay. 

The good thing about crowns and bridges is that they are non-porous, which makes infiltration tougher. This also means the pair are less prone to getting stains. You may not be able to stain crowns and bridges, but this means you won’t be able to whiten them with similar methods as with teeth.

Crown Care and Bridge Care 

It is vital to maintain oral hygiene. Not all oral issues go away just because bridges are not susceptible to decay. Decay, discoloration, and pain can still take place underneath. This will lead to bad breath and gum disease.

You can upkeep the shine of your crowns and bridges and the health of your gum line by continuing to brush your teeth. 

Like with regular teeth, you want to floss your crowns and bridges. This will help prevent tooth decay along with using mouthwash. 

If you want to whiten crowns or bridges, you will learn that is a hard task to do. These teeth are designed to be resistant to stains. The crown and bridges are often the reason you notice problems with the color of your real teeth.

The foods you eat and don’t eat will make a big difference in helping prevent staining if you have some natural teeth. You should stay away from food and drinks such as soda, coffee, wine, tea, and soda. 

With crowns and bridges, you want to avoid tough, crunchy foods. For example, this can be raw veggies, nuts, or popcorn. Candy and sticky foods are also a hazard as they can dislodge the crown. 

You can still enjoy eating the foods you drink you love. You will need to clean your teeth afterward or chew on sugar-free gum.

While you brush, you should be gentle. Crowns and bridges are most likely to dislodge with excessive force.

Crowns and bridges are made to last. They can last for years or a lifetime with good care. 

Keep in mind that it’s possible to damage or loosen crowns bridges with improper care. Refrain from overconsuming hard objects, hard foods, and ice whenever possible. 

Is It Possible to Whiten Crowns and Bridges?

Although most people will reach out for whitening toothpaste and believe it’s effective for crowns and bridges, this is only the case for those who still have some natural teeth. A good toothpaste is still excellent for keeping a healthy gum line. 

Unfortunately, whitening products are ineffective when it comes to crowns and bridges. You will not see a change in the shade of your crowns and bridges no matter how often you whiten them. 

The color you receive when you first get your new teeth will be the color that will remain. Some people find that they are self-cautious of their teeth. However, it is not the crown or bridges that are the problem that you want to be tackling. 

The Real Strategy for Teeth Whitening with Crowns and Bridges

The best way to go about getting a shiny, white smile with your crowns and bridges starts with whitening your natural teeth first. You cannot whiten false teeth, but you can get them to match the teeth you have. 

If your teeth are starting to stain or yellow, you may notice it right away. It will become obvious since your teeth will not match your crowns or bridges. 

It’s more than possible to whiten your teeth again when you already have crowns or bridges. You can gradually whiten your teeth until they become the shade you desire. It may be difficult for some people to achieve this on their own. 

Getting a dentist to evaluate your teeth and taking advantage of teeth whitening services is the best solution. For some people, it may be a better option to replace old crowns and bridges. 

In the event this situation occurs, you will still want to whiten your natural teeth first. Keep in mind this should be the last option you want to take as it is the most invasive and expensive. 

Keep a Beautiful Smile and Whiten Teeth with Crowns and Bridges 

If you plan to get crowns or bridges, you need to work with a dentist who will complete a whitening treatment with your real teeth first. Dental crowns and bridges are something dentists add after matching the shade of your whitened teeth. 

There may be occasions you will need to make an appointment to upkeep the brightness of your teeth. This way, you will never experience a dull smile. 

Contact us if you need to come in for a whitening treatment, whether you need it prior to getting your new teeth or as upkeep. We have experienced dentists who can whiten your teeth and give you the best crowns and bridges.

Do you have stained teeth? Are you wondering if professional whitening is right for you?

Your smile tells so much about you and affects the first impression that other people form of you. Having a beautiful smile also makes you feel better about yourself.

Even so, if your teeth are stained or discolored, you can’t be able to show them off with a beaming grin.

Even if you follow a good oral hygiene routine, tooth yellowing is a natural process as we age. This occurs as the tooth enamel thins, letting more of the naturally yellow underlying dentin be noticeable.

If discoloration has wreaked havoc on your teeth and you believe you could gain from a smile makeover, teeth polishing by a dental expert is a quick and efficient way to improve your look.

Here are the top five benefits of professional teeth whitening.

1. Enhance Your Confidence

Discolored teeth will always make you shy off from interacting with your friends. It can become worse when friends start to ridicule you.

Teeth discoloration comes with an additional emotional burden. Don’t learn how to whiten your teeth on your own- visit a professional dentist.

If the stains have been on the teeth for a long time, trust a professional.

Professional whitening will make your teeth attractive and positively impact your confidence. With brighter teeth, it will be easier to interact with your friends.

You will also not fear when requested to give a speech during your organization’s event.

At times, you may be afraid of suffering the same problem again. A professional dentist will also advise you on how you can avoid getting your teeth discolored again.

If you have been hiding your smile, take advantage of professional teeth whitening today.

Just like in any other field, there are also fake dentists. An unqualified dentist will expose you to dental issues instead of helping you.

Choose a teeth whitening dental expert after thorough research. Get recommendations from your close friends and family.

2. Customized and Reliable Treatments

There are different teeth whitening methods you can consider while at home. The challenge here comes when you don’t know which option is the best for you.

Inappropriate teeth cleaning options will waste your money and leave you with stained teeth. You may also cause more damage to your teeth.

To avoid these uncertainties, visit a professional dentist. Professional whitening dentists know the best and safest treatments for your discolored teeth. They will also advise you on the best kits you should purchase for your teeth cleaning.

Your teeth whitening taste may be different from that of your friends. With a different preference, you will look unique and feel much better.

With DIY teeth whitening, you may not know which strip fits your teeth. In this case, professional teeth whitening will meet your unique needs.

An expert will customize your teeth whitening to give you the exact whiteness you want. This will satisfy you and give you great value for your money.

You can request your friends who’ve had the best teeth whitening to show you the best dentist.

3. Quality Whitening

Some stains may be hard to get rid of from your teeth. This is common, especially for people who have been smoking for a long time.

Don’t waste your money trying to whiten your teeth unsuccessfully. Professional teeth whitening services will correct prolonged stains of coffee, smoking, and even aging.

Professional and reputable dentists use modern teeth whitening/cleaning procedures. If your teeth enamels and crowns have dark stains, do not try DIY teeth cleaning or whitening.

Modern dentists use hydrogen peroxide that gets into the enamel to remove the stains. You will also get the best teeth trays and strips to remove the stains.

Thorough whitening of your teeth will give you peace of mind. You will also enjoy great comfort in the long run.

Again, not every dentist you come across can whiten your teeth thoroughly. Some even use dangerous procedures that damage enamels and cause severer toothaches. Take time to check the experience of the dentist for your teeth whitening.

4. You’ll Save Time

The longer you stay with your discolored teeth, the more the damage. DIY teeth cleaning and whitening will guarantee you faster and good results.

A professional dentist will give your teeth the best whiteness very fast. You will not have to spend weeks trying to clean your teeth without results.

Professional dentists have great expertise in performing teeth whitening procedures quickly. They also use very effective procedures that whiten the teeth in the least time possible.

With professional whitening services, you don’t have to worry about the procedures going wrong.

Visiting a dental specialist will save you the inconvenience of doing your other home or office tasks. At-home teeth whitening procedures will take you more than a month to get the desired results.

Time saved is money saved. You will not have to waste your cash on ineffective procedures.

If you want faster and satisfying results, don’t rush to choose a dentist. Many dentists lie- don’t trust what you hear at first.

Check the website of the dentist for reviews from past patients. With this, you will know how long the dental specialist takes to whiten the patients’ teeth.

5. Safer and More Comfortable

Any damage to your teeth or gum tissues can subject you to extreme pain and treatment costs. This can quickly happen when you use harmful teeth whitening products.

Unsuitable teeth whitening kits damage the enamel, making it difficult to chew most of the foods. Pain and discomfort are the ultimate results of such cases.

Don’t risk damaging your teeth through DIY teeth whitening methods- visit a trusted dental clinic.

A professional dentist knows the safest procedures to whiten your teeth. Your gums will also be well-covered to protect them from the whitening agents.

Professional teeth whitening services will also guarantee you comfort after the treatment. To get safe teeth whitening services, check the whitening products and procedures the dentist uses.

Take Advantage of Professional Whitening Today

You don’t have to let teeth discoloration affect your dental health and normal lifestyle. With professional whitening, all long-lasting teeth stains will be removed.

Professional teeth whitening will give you a beautiful smile and boost your confidence. Visit a reputable dental specialist for your faster and safer teeth whitening today.

Are you looking for professional teeth whitening services? At Justice Dental, we can give you a healthy, natural, and beautiful smile at an affordable price.

Contact us today for all your dental needs.

Approximately 36 percent of people in the United States suffer from dental anxiety. Dental anxiety can prevent you from getting treatment for cavities promptly. Severe tooth decay often leads to extraction.

Dental implants have become a popular option for those who are looking to replace one or more teeth. These prosthetics can come in many different shapes and sizes, which means that there is a dental implant out there for everyone.

In this post, you will find out more about dental implants in Lexington, KY.

What are Dental Implants?

Implants are made of titanium and are used to replace one or more missing teeth. They aren’t like dentures, which is a set of teeth that attaches to your gums and uses suction power to stay in place.

Implants are implanted into the jawbone, with screws that hold them in place. They also use fibers that attach to the jawbone for more stability.

The Different Types of Dental Implants

The two main categories of dental implants in Lexington KY, are endosseous and subperiosteal.

Endosseous refers to an implant that is placed directly into the jawbone, while a subperiosteal implant sits on top or slightly below your gums. These are used for cosmetic purposes since they can be seen and may alter your smile.

The main difference between dental implants and other types of tooth replacement is often the lifespan of the device. Dental implants can last a lifetime. Whereas other types of tooth replacement may last a few years.

Endosteal Implants

Endosteal implants are also known as bone-anchored implants. This type of implant is dependent on the jawbone to provide stability for the implant. This results in a more natural appearance.

These implants are placed in the jawbone, so they work only when there’s enough bone left for them to attach to. This is an important consideration for people facing dental implant surgery.

Endosteal implants are most commonly used in the upper jaw, and they will vary depending on their purpose. Some of them can hold a single tooth while others can support multiple teeth.

They also come in different shapes and sizes to accommodate each patient’s unique mouth structure.

Subperiosteal Implants

Subperiosteal implants are anchored to the jawbone, but they also sit on top of it. This type of implant can be used in both jaws and comes with a variety of attachments that let them function like natural teeth.

These attachments may look small at first glance, but they’re strong enough to hold the replacement tooth. These implants can dramatically improve the appearance of your smile.

Subperiosteal implants come in several types. They may be used to secure one tooth, multiple teeth at once, or even an entire arch of teeth!

These are ideal for patients who have had their jawbone compromised by injury or infection.

Caring for Endosteal Implants

When your implants are first installed you will notice bleeding. You will need to apply firm and gentle pressure with gauze on the affected area.

Care for your implant’s surface with salt water rinses. This will help prevent it from becoming damaged by bacteria.

This is especially important if you have bone loss or exposed metal on top of your jawbone.

The best time for implant care is after meals, use dental floss every night to clean the area, and brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.

Caring for Subperiosteal implants

As with an Endosteal implant, you will need to apply pressure with gauze after surgery. You can change the gauze every thirty minutes until the bleeding stops.

If you have this type of implant, you also need to use salt water rinses to keep them clean.

Rinsing your mouth with salt water is a good way to ensure that you’re cleaning away bacteria. This will also help reduce the risk of infection or complications, so be sure to do this twice a day after meals if necessary.

Brushing your teeth regularly with fluoride toothpaste can prevent decay from building up around your implant. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid damaging the surface of your implant, and floss every night with dental tape or floss threaders to get in between teeth.

Avoid using hard bristles when brushing because they can cause irritation for sensitive gums, so stick with soft or extra-soft options instead.

No matter what type of implant you got if you notice that the pain is getting worse or the oozing and bleeding persists for longer than 24 hours you need to contact your dentist.

Smoking and Dental Implants

Smoking presents a risk factor for deteriorating your implants, so quitting now will help improve the health of your implants in the future. if you notice that your gums are becoming red, swollen, or tender when brushing, it might be an indication of gum disease.

Dental implants can be severely impacted by smoking, which can lead to problems like bone loss. One of the first symptoms you may notice is that chewing food becomes more difficult.

Smoking can also cause your mouth to dry out and make you more susceptible to cavities. This is because smoking decreases saliva production and teeth can’t remain as hydrated as they normally should be.

The bottom line is that if you do not take care of the implant, it could lead to additional problems like infection or tooth decay.

Dental Implants Lexington KY

Dental implants are a great way to improve your smile. The type of implant you get is dependent on several factors which your dentist will discuss with you.

Once your implants are in place you need to take proper care of them. Taking proper care of them usually involves good dental hygiene as well as dental visits at least twice per year.

Dental implants should be completed by qualified dentists who understand how to make your implant look as natural as possible. If you would like to have implants done then please contact our office.