How Safe Is Tooth Whitening?

Below is an excerpt from an article found on Colgate.com 

Over a decade of research has proven bleaching and other whitening methods to be both safe and effective. Several products in the market today have shown no adverse effects on teeth or gums in substantial clinical and laboratory testing. Be sure to look for clinically proven products, follow directions and consult with your dental professional.

In the past, the higher bleach concentrations used in-office treatment resulted in more sensitivity. Today, however, bleaching gels are well buffered, making sensitivity less of an issue. Sensitivity may occur in people after whitening procedures, particularly when they eat hot or cold foods, but usually disappears after 48 hours and stops completely when treatment is stopped.

If you do experience sensitivity, there are several ways you can help eliminate it:

• If using a tray applicator, wear the tray for a shorter period
• Brush with a toothpaste made for sensitive teeth that contains potassium nitrate to help soothe tooth nerve ending
• Ask your dentist or pharmacist for a product with fluoride, which helps re-mineralize your teeth. Brush-on or wear in your trays four minutes prior to and after whitening your teeth
• Stop whitening your teeth for several days to allow you teeth to adapt to the whitening process. Within 24 hours, the sensitivity will cease. The longer you whiten your teeth, the less sensitivity you will experience

In a few cases, your dentist may discourage dental bleaching:

• If you have gum disease, teeth with worn enamel, cavities or particularly sensitive teeth
• If you're pregnant or breast-feeding
• If you have tooth-colored crowns, caps or other dental work in your front teeth, which can't be bleached

To read the entire article visit Colgate.com.

Dentistry by Design  
Horia T. Ionescu, DDS  
9381 E. Stockton Blvd., Suite 100 
Elk Grove, CA 95624 
(916) 685-4662  
ElkGroveDentistry.com

Crowns

Learn more dental crowns.

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Dentistry by Design  
Horia T. Ionescu, DDS  
9381 E. Stockton Blvd., Suite 100 
Elk Grove, CA 95624 
(916) 685-4662  
ElkGroveDentistry.com

In-Office Tooth Whitening

Learn more about in-office teeth whitening.

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Dentistry by Design  
Horia T. Ionescu, DDS  
9381 E. Stockton Blvd., Suite 100 
Elk Grove, CA 95624 
(916) 685-4662  
ElkGroveDentistry.com

Dental Veneers: Pros and Cons

Dental veneers are thin pieces of tooth-colored porcelain cemented to the front surfaces of your natural teeth, and are an easy way to address a variety of physical and aesthetic problems. Because they're also permanent, however, you'll need to carefully weigh the pros and cons of the procedure before you decide to get them. Here are six things to think about and discuss with your dentist.

Pro #1: Easily Whiten Your Smile
Years of drinking coffee, smoking cigarettes or eating highly pigmented foods eventually take their toll on your teeth, turning them an unattractive shade of yellow or brown. Stained enamel can be bleached at home or by your dentist, but it can become stained again. If you're looking for an easier way to whiten your smile for good, dental veneers may be a good fit for you. Veneers are largely stain-resistant, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), so you won't have to worry about discoloration or needing to have your veneers whitened.

To read the entire article written by Jennifer Mitchell , please visit Colgate.com

Dentistry by Design  
Horia T. Ionescu, DDS  
9381 E. Stockton Blvd., Suite 100 
Elk Grove, CA 95624 
(916) 685-4662  
ElkGroveDentistry.com

Custom Dental Dentures

Dentures with a Snug Fit

We create dentures that fit so well, you'll forget you're wearing them. We use technologies that allow us to secure your denture plate to eliminate the problems of slippage and movement. Dentures that fit properly will make your life easier and let you eat all the foods you enjoy without any worry.

Dentistry by Design  
Horia T. Ionescu, DDS  
9381 E. Stockton Blvd., Suite 100 
Elk Grove, CA 95624 
(916) 685-4662  
ElkGroveDentistry.com

Dental Veneers

Veneers Will Create a New Smile in only Two Visits!

Veneers are a quick makeover that can take care of the unsightliness of misshapen teeth, gaps between teeth, or severe discoloration. Our veneers are thin porcelain coverings of the highest quality dental ceramic. These veneers are bonded to your natural teeth and will correct your smile to be uniform and attractive.

Dentistry by Design  
Horia T. Ionescu, DDS  
9381 E. Stockton Blvd., Suite 100 
Elk Grove, CA 95624 
(916) 685-4662  
ElkGroveDentistry.com

Dental Crowns

A Crown Will Restore a Damaged Tooth

Crowns may be a necessary type of restoration when a tooth is broken or worn-down and a filling cannot restore it to useful functionality. Our crowns are made with the highest-quality materials so they are durable and natural looking. In fact, they look so much like a real tooth, no one will know it isn't! We also offer bridges if a tooth is completely lost or unable to be saved. They are custom made of the most advanced materials to be totally functional and to blend in to match your natural teeth.

Dentistry by Design  
Horia T. Ionescu, DDS  
9381 E. Stockton Blvd., Suite 100 
Elk Grove, CA 95624 
(916) 685-4662  
ElkGroveDentistry.com

White Dental Fillings

Modern Fillings Without Any Metal

The silver-mercury amalgam has been the standard material used for filling restorations for a number of years. Some practices still use it, but we use modern composite-resin fillings that bond tightly to remaining tooth structure and actually give it additional strength. They are made to match the shade of the natural tooth, so it is virtually invisible to add to the attractiveness of your smile. 

Patients appreciate our use of non-metallic fillings, as they don't like the appearance of metal fillings that appear as a very noticeable black patch in light-colored teeth. They also do not bond as tightly as needed, allowing decay to eventually set in.

Dentistry by Design  
Horia T. Ionescu, DDS  
9381 E. Stockton Blvd., Suite 100 
Elk Grove, CA 95624 
(916) 685-4662  
ElkGroveDentistry.com

Cosmetic Dentistry

Imagine Your New Smile

Having a great smile lets you feel good as well as look good! You can achieve the smile of your dreams much more easily than you may think. Dr. Ionescu provides both the best preventive and dental health care as well as the latest cosmetic procedures. Today's smile makeovers require less time and are very affordable, so there's no reason to put off having your best smile. Come in and let us tell you how you can achieve that smile with bonding, crowns, whitening, veneers, and other options. 

Dentistry by Design 
Horia T. Ionescu, DDS 
9381 E. Stockton Blvd., Suite 100
Elk Grove, CA 95624
(916) 685-4662 
ElkGroveDentistry.com