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How to Make Your Teeth Whitening Treatment Last Longer

Teeth whitening is one of the least expensive cosmetic dentistry procedures available, as well as one of the least invasive, and needs little or no recovery time. Most patients are amazed at the improvement in their smile, and they feel motivated to want it to last for a long time. It can – several years, in fact, provided you follow a few basic steps.

Maintain Good Oral Health Following Your Teeth Whitening Treatment

If you have been sloppy about brushing and flossing regularly, now is the time to start. You do not want plaque and stains to build up on your teeth and compromise your teeth whitening treatment, so floss once a day and brush at least twice.

Avoid the Things That Caused the Staining in the First Place

We are not saying that you can never have a cup of coffee or a glass of red wine. But if you habitually down a pot of coffee before it is even noon, it might be time to ease back a bit. If you have consumed something that might stain your teeth, and you are not able to brush, at least rinse your mouth out with water. Remember that even healthy foods like dark berries or vegetables can also cause staining so again, brush or rinse.

Do Not Smoke

You already know that smoking is bad for your health. It will also wreak havoc with your teeth whitening treatment. There is nothing worse than tobacco smoke when it comes to yellowing your teeth.

Contact Our Teeth Whitening Dentist in Alpharetta

Even if you continue with bad lifestyle choices, your teeth whitening treatment will last for months. If you forego, or even cut back on, the things that caused the discoloration in the first place, though, a teeth whitening treatment could last for years. Now that you know the facts, call us at Old Milton Dental in Alpharetta, GA, 678-624-0370 or use the form on our Contact Us page to book a treatment. Learn how to maintain your white smile with our tips here.

Cosmetic Dentistry Quiz

What Do You Know About Cosmetic Dentistry Quiz

What do you know about cosmetic dentistry? It often surprises our patients at Old Milton Dental in Alpharetta, GA to learn what kinds of treatments are part of cosmetic dentistry services. Our dentists often have to explain that cosmetic treatments can also help with restorative dentistry goals, aligning the bite, improving function, and boosting overall dental health.

Take our Cosmetic Dentistry Quiz below and discover many different facets of cosmetic dentistry that you might not have considered.

Cosmetic dentistry is more about white teeth and vanity than oral health. True or false?

It is a big surprise to many to discover that cosmetic dentistry can include procedures such as straightening and aligning, implants to replace missing teeth, and whitening that actually boosts the health and strength of the teeth. Consider something as simple as alignment. While it does make for a straight smile, it also makes it easier to keep the teeth and gums clean, it prevents uneven wear and damage, and allows the gums to remain healthier. So, no, cosmetic dentistry is not just about good looks!

If I want to use cosmetic dentistry treatments to straighten my teeth, I can only turn to braces or aligners. True or false.

False. Cosmetic dentistry uses remedies such as veneers that can be bonded to properly prepared teeth, closing gaps, straightening crooked or misaligned smiles and providing a near instant smile makeover. These also work as restorative fixtures if your teeth are deeply stained or damaged.

I have heard that teeth whitening will only last for a short period of time. Is that true or false?

False. Cosmetic dentistry includes whitening treatments, and these vary quite widely. You can find take home options that will give you ongoing whitening if you apply the compounds on a regular basis, and in office treatments can last for extensive periods of time, needing only a periodic touch up. If you avoid staining foods and habits (such as smoking) you prolong the results as well.

Cosmetic dentistry doesn’t have anything to help me with chipped and broken teeth. True or false?

False. You can ask our dentists about veneers and bonding as workable solutions to any teeth that have suffered damage. They might also talk with you about porcelain crowns and other excellent, functional and long-term answers.

Did this cosmetic dentistry quiz fill give you the answers you needed about cosmetic dentistry? If not, give us a call at our Alpharetta, GA office at (678) 624-0370. You can also use our online contact form and one of our staff will get back to you promptly.

Teeth Whitening Quiz

What Do You Know About Teeth Whitening Quiz

At Old Milton Dental in Alpharetta, GA, our dentists provide a range of services, including cosmetic dentistry, including teeth whitening. As the ideal finishing touch to a dental restoration or makeover, tooth whitening is a painless and reliable solution to many issues. In this teeth whitening quiz, you can uncover the many benefits of tooth whitening, and decide whether it is the right treatment to discuss with our dentists.

Teeth whitening is done only using lasers? True or false?

False, the dentists in our Alpharetta, GA office perform teeth whitening with the special ZOOM! product that is comfortable, effective and remarkably fast.

My teeth have yellowed with age…that is not treatable with tooth whitening is it? True or false?

False, it may surprise many taking this teeth whitening quiz to learn that tooth whitening products are meant to address staining from years of smoking, coffee drinking or poor oral health. However, they also can help with teeth that have yellowed from age – lightening them by many, many degrees.

Isn’t tooth whitening very painful? True or false?

Once again, the answer is false. When done properly, teeth whitening treatments result in very temporary discomfort for a very low number of patients. Usually, there is little to no discomfort or pain during and after treatment in our Alpharetta, GA office. When there is an issue, dentists offer a variety of solutions that can range from topical remedies to over the counter pain relief.

Teeth whitening treatments that are “take home” are not as effective as treatments in the office. True or false?

This is an interesting question, and those taking this teeth whitening quiz may be surprised to learn that the in-office treatments in our Alpharetta, GA office only work faster because the solution is a bit higher in the percentage of active ingredients. In the monitored and professional setting of a dental office, and in the hands of a professional skilled in cosmetic dentistry, it is safe to use the stronger formulations. The take-home teeth whitening agents are just as effective, but may take several applications over the course of a few days to generate the same results.

Teeth whitening can improve the color of all of my teeth. True or false?

One thing to learn from this teeth whitening quiz is that not all teeth can be whitened. Dental crowns or veneers are made to match the teeth “as is” but will not whiten when exposed to teeth whitening formulas.

Contact Us

Did this teeth whitening quiz help you learn more? If you have questions about a teeth whitening treatment give us a call at our Alpharetta, GA office at (678) 624-0370. You can also use our online contact form and one of our staff will get back to you promptly.

How to Care for Your Cosmetic Dental Treatments

Care for Your Cosmetic Dental Procedures

You might already know that cosmetic dentistry is not just about the looks of your teeth and gums, but also about the full function of the mouth. After all, cosmetic dentistry and restorative dentistry can go hand in hand. Consider something like dental veneers. While they are a common form of cosmetic dentistry, they can also help with the long-term stability of a badly damaged tooth. A tooth that has been cracked by an injury, as an example, can be fixed using a veneer. Not only does that hide the damage, but it also stabilizes and strengthens the tooth. Of course, you also need to know how to care for your cosmetic dental procedures to ensure they provide long-term function.

Dentists in our Alpharetta, GA office at Old Milton Dental provide our patients with a long list of restorative dentistry and cosmetic dentistry options. They also take the time to be sure that you understand the proper care for your cosmetic dental procedures too.

Essentially, the initial goal of cosmetic dentistry is to give you the brightest, whitest and straightest smile possible. That is why restorative dentistry can play a role in it too. To properly care for your cosmetic dental procedures means you need to consider those factors – whiteness, brightness and alignment. This makes the keys to optimal care for your cosmetic dental procedures the following steps:

  • Reduce the consumption (or even eliminate) soda, tea, coffee and wine. If you do drink these beverages daily, use a straw to reduce contact with the cosmetic dentistry treatment and natural teeth.
  • Consider any wear and tear that might have lead to the need for restorative dentistry. Did you grind teeth, chew ice or hard and chewy foods, or eat a lot of sugar that lead to decay? If so, consider wearing a night guard to reduce wear, eliminating sugar to stop any threat of major decay, and consider the damages from things like nail biting, ice chewing and more.
  • Get regular checkups. One of the best ways to care for cosmetic dental procedures is to get regular care. Cleanings, checkups and exams of cosmetic fixtures will help reduce any problems in the future.

Contact Us

If you need to learn more about the best care for your cosmetic dental procedures, give us a call at our Alpharetta, GA office at (678) 624-0370. You can also use our online contact form and one of our staff will get back to you promptly.

How to Care for Your Teeth Whitening Treatment

Care For Your Teeth Whitening Treatment

One of the most popular ways to complete any sort of cosmetic or restorative dental care is to improve the look of the smile through a teeth whitening treatment. However, not all such treatments are alike. Even more importantly, it is just as much about the after care as the tooth whitening treatment itself. Fortunately, at Old Milton Dental in Alpharetta, GA, our dentists provide premium tooth whitening along with all of the help and support needed for optimal after care success.

So, how do you care for your smile after a tooth whitening treatment in our Alpharetta, GA office? When you have our premium teeth whitening treatment, you need to be particularly attentive during the 48 hours that follow it. Our dental team will go over all of the details with you, but the main points to consider include:

  • Do not consume dark, staining, or yellowing foods or beverages for at least 48 hours afterward. That means avoiding coffee, tea, colas, red wine, soy sauce, most condiments, berries, red sauces, tomato foods, and colored toothpastes or mouthwashes
  • Do not use colored lipstick
  • Do not smoke

You will also have to refrain from the use of certain desensitizing agents (such as Perio RX or Chlorahexidine) during those 48 hours after the teeth whitening treatment in Alpharetta, GA as well. If you have extreme sensitivity, chewing colorless and sugar free gum will help reduce peroxide levels. Over the counter pain medications are helpful after teeth whitening treatment too. You will also want to brush and floss after you consume anything, just to be safe.

We also send our patients home with post teeth whitening treatment solutions. This will typically include further applications of the teeth whitening compounds. If you are using a specialized dental tray to apply the teeth whitening treatment, you will need to use a dollop of the compound equivalent to the size of a lentil for each tooth. Our dentists ensure you understand the after care and touch up treatments that will ensure your teeth whitening treatment is a huge success.

If you have questions about how to care for your teeth whitening treatment, or need to discuss your cosmetic dentistry options with our dentists, give us a call at our Alpharetta, GA office at (678) 624-0370. You can also use our online contact form and one of our staff will get back to you promptly.

5 Misconceptions About Cosmetic Dentistry

In this day and age of reality shows and elective surgery, the word “cosmetic” has started to earn an unfair reputation. Consider cosmetic dentistry. While it is an array of treatments that will improve the appearance of the smile, there is so much more to it than that. At Old Milton Dental in Alpharetta, GA we offer cosmetic dentistry treatments that improve the function of the teeth and the bite, that boosts self-confidence and overcome social anxiety and that can even boost the health of the mouth.

We encourage patients to learn about the five most dominant myths and misconceptions about cosmetic dentistry in order to empower their choice to pursue some treatments in this area.

  1. It has nothing to do with oral health and is more about vanity and appearances. This is probably the most frustrating of the myths and misconceptions about cosmetic dentistry as it is entirely untrue. We provide treatments such as bridges and crowns to repair teeth and restore their function. We make implants available and they ensure the long-term health and wellness of the patient. We offer bonding to stabilize and restore. Though all fall into cosmetic dentistry, they are also functional and restorative remedies too.
  2. It is far too expensive for my budget. Again, this is one of the frustrating myths about this area of dentistry. The advances in technology have made most cosmetic treatments far more affordable and many of them are cost effective over the long-term, offering restorative or functional benefits that eliminate the need for further treatments.
  3. They take a very long time. Though cosmetic treatments like alignment through the use of trays or braces can take more than a year, most treatments are very easily accomplished in just two or three visits.
  4. It is obvious and unnatural in appearance. This is a big myth about cosmetic dentistry. Most of the treatments we provide to our patients will look entirely natural and fit their face, mouth and jaw perfectly.
  5. Cosmetic treatments reduce the need for general dentistry. This is one of the worst misconceptions about cosmetic dentistry. Though you may have veneers, implants, bridges or crowns as part of your treatment, they need the same daily care and regular cleanings and checkups as your natural teeth.

If you have questions about these misconceptions or myths of cosmetic dentistry, or need to discuss your options, give us a call at (678) 624-0370. You can also use our online contact form and one of our staff will get back to you promptly.

5 Misconceptions About Teeth Whitening

Perhaps you have been considering the use of teeth whitening to give you healthy smile the radiant glow it deserves. There are many people who rely on teeth whitening treatments to put the finishing touch on their smile makeover, straightening or as part of their regular general dentistry. At Old Milton Dental in Alpharetta, GA, we provide our patients with different options for teeth whitening and also help them overcome the biggest misconceptions and myths about this fast, safe, and effective treatment.

  1. It is painful. This is one of the worst misconceptions about teeth whitening. While it may sound like it word hurt to put chemicals on the teeth or near the gums, the truth is that the process is not in the least bit painful. For patients who have sensitive teeth, or who worry about developing sensitivity after having the treatment, there are desensitizing agents that can be part of the process.
  2. It is permanent. Another of the myths associated with teeth whitening is that it is a permanent treatment. The simple fact of the matter is that dietary habits like drinking tea, coffee or wine can cause your whitening to fade. Smoking will always yellow the teeth and simple aging makes our teeth yellow as well. Teeth whitening can be very long lasting, but it is not permanent.
  3. It harms the teeth. One of the worst misconceptions about whitening is that it will damage the enamel and harm the teeth. This is not the case at all, and in some instances, the contents of the whitening product may help to reinforce the health of the teeth. Fluoride ingredients, as an example are helpful, not harmful.
  4. It is instant. While this is arguable, the reality is that teeth whitening is done in many ways. It can be done in-office and work in a single visit or it can take a few weeks. It is never just brushed on and you are done, and even an in-office treatment can take 30 minutes or more.
  5. It is a good treatment for all teeth. Unfortunately, there are some patients with deeply stained or discolored teeth who cannot benefit from whitening. There are options available though, such as veneers and bonding or crowns and inlays or onlays.

If you have questions about the myths and misconceptions about teeth whitening, or need to discuss your options, give us a call at (678) 624-0370. You can also use our online contact form and one of our staff will get back to you promptly.

5 Reasons You Should Consider Cosmetic Dentistry

It can be quite frustrating to be one of the world’s dedicated brushers and flossers, to get regular cleanings and checkups and yet not have the picture perfect smile that you deserve. As healthy as your teeth and gums might be, there could still be some cosmetic issues that are thwarting all of your hard work and dedication. Fortunately, our patients at Old Milton Dental in Alpharetta, GA have an array of cosmetic dentistry solutions available and we have five very strong reasons that you should consider cosmetic dentistry as a workable solution.

  1. It is functional. Not only can some of the cosmetic dentistry solutions we offer improve the looks of your teeth, but they can also work wonders for the function. As an example, if you have a tooth that is chipped or pitted, we can use bonding or porcelain veneers to restore the good looks of the tooth. At the same time though, that solution also strengthens and restores the function of the tooth.
  2. It improves oral hygiene and health. Some of the cosmetic dentistry solutions that we offer can even improve the overall health of the teeth. For example, people who straighten their teeth make it easier for us to clean them fully and prevent decay. Those who whiten their teeth will use compounds that can improve the strength or health of the teeth. It is a good reason to consider cosmetic dentistry.
  3. It makes you feel better. If your hand goes to your mouth when you smile or you keep your lips closed, you are reducing your quality of life. Cosmetic dentistry may be able to help you cut that habit by assuring you that your smile is flawless, bright and attractive.
  4. It combats the signs of aging. Yellow and dingy teeth age you whether they are healthy or not. Additionally, teeth that have been broken or chipped, and that are uneven and out of alignment will make you look much older than your years. Cosmetic treatments can address all of these things usually with just a few easy treatments.
  5. Improves your appearance. Of course, the most obvious reason to consider cosmetic dentistry is that it is cosmetic. In other words, it is done by a dentist who understands how changing some things about your teeth can and will improve your overall appearance. Your teeth may appear entirely different than they did before the cosmetic dentistry, but it is a guarantee that you will look better.

If you have questions about cosmetic dentistry, or need to discuss your options, give us a call at (678) 624-0370. You can also use our online contact form and one of our staff will get back to you promptly.

5 Reason You Should Consider Dental Implants

Did you know that your gum tissue and jaw bone actually know when you have lost a tooth? They work as an interconnected system and when a tooth is gone the gum and bone stop receiving “messages.” This causes the tissue to recede and you eventually even lose some of the jawbone. Losing one tooth can also allow the other teeth to shift, which can misalign the bite, wear or break the teeth, and cause pain in the head, jaw or neck. All of these things are why Old Milton Dental in Alpharetta, GA recommends dental implants.

There are actually five good reasons you should consider dental implants:

  1. The jawbone – As we just learned, when you have a dental implant, it is inserted into the jawbone. This keeps those signals going and prevents that atrophy and recession from occurring. This maintains the strength and integrity of the bone as well and promises optimal health over the long term. The preservation of the bone also allows your fact to keep its natural appearance too. You will speak the same and look the same when you consider dental implants over the alternatives.
  2. The teeth – Again, we learned that the loss of that on tooth can cause the others to shift into unnatural locations. This can put pressure on the teeth and jaw, cause you to begin grinding or biting improperly and then experience a whole host of other problems.
  3. They last – You should consider dental implants over the alternatives, like dentures or bridges, because they will last so much longer. When you use dentures or bridges, the jawbone beneath is empty. That means the tissue changes shape and you will require new appliances at least once, but probably more, over time.
  4. They look good – Though this sounds like a cosmetic issue, just consider this for one moment. Is it nicer and easier to smile naturally or to smile self-consciously? Most of us feel better when we just let our biggest smiles out. When you have dentures or other replacements, you may worry when you smile. You may feel self-conscious. Dental implants are so much like natural teeth that they let you smile without a second thought. They are not prone to breaking or staining either, and allow you to eat whatever you want too.
  5. They are easy – While the dental implant process is complex, the care and upkeep for them is not. You need only have regular cleanings and checkups, and any worries about cavities are over!

These are but five reasons to consider dental implants. If you have further questions about them, give us a call at (678) 624-0370. You can also use our online contact form and one of our staff will get back to you promptly.

5 Reasons You Should Consider Teeth Whitening

You can have a remarkably healthy set of teeth and gums and yet it may not appear that way. There is a long list of reasons that your well-tended teeth may be yellow, stained or otherwise discolored. Fortunately, patients of Old Milton Dental in Alpharetta, GA can enjoy teeth whitening that will put the perfect, finishing touch to their smile.

Of course, many people think of teeth whitening as nothing more than a way to change the color of the teeth, but there are other reasons to consider teeth whitening an important part of your dental care.

  1. Consider teeth whitening as an anti-aging solution. You can have good skin and a radiant complexion, but if you smile and your teeth are very yellow or stained, it just ages you. Whitening eliminates this issue and can often do so in a single treatment.
  2. It is fast! As just said above, patients who use our teeth whitening can often see immense changes in a single office visit. Even those with deep-set stains will see improvements in a short time.
  3. It can be touched up. While many cosmetic treatments have to be repeated often, whitening needs to be done infrequently and benefits from an at home or once annual touch up.
  4. Teeth whitening lets you maintain your habits. Few coffee drinkers will quit drinking this beverage to spare their teeth and the same goes of tea or even wine drinkers. Smokers too end up with stained teeth, and whitening can remedy this situation. While smoking is not something to be encouraged, if you are finding it very hard to quit this habit, high quality teeth whitening can help to reduce some of the cosmetic effects of these habits.
  5. Boosts confidence. A yellow or discolored smile is one that you might be hiding from others. It is a major reason to consider teeth whitening. It will let you smile, laugh, speak and grin with much more confidence. If you find your hand going to your mouth to hide your teeth, or if you hold your lips closed when smiling, it is time to explore teeth whitening.

If you have questions about teeth whitening treatments, or wish need to discuss your options, give us a call at (678) 624-0370. You can also use our online contact form and one of our staff will get back to you promptly.