80% of Americans want a brighter smile. This is linked to self-confidence, dental health, and more.

Tooth discoloration can cause lots of discomfort. People may find themselves refusing to eat in public, covering their mouth when laughing, or refusing to smile in photos.

That’s why investigating different types of tooth whitening is so important. It can help you feel more comfortable in your skin, improve oral health, and increase self-confidence.

We’ve assembled a guide to the different types of tooth whitening procedures. That way, you can pick the one that works best for you!

It Starts At Home

Tooth whitening starts at home. Your dentist can whiten your teeth with a gentle, pain-free procedure that’s safe for everyone. But your dentist’s efforts will be more effective if you take care of your teeth at home, too.

This may mean altering your habits or lifestyle. Do you drink a lot of red wine, smoke, or use tobacco? These habits stain your teeth easily.

Drinking soda, eating red sauces, or dark fruits also stain your teeth. Of course, dentists don’t recommend that you remove dark fruits from your diet. Instead, make sure to brush your teeth well as soon as you’re done eating.

Make sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day. Use dental floss, rinse with mouthwash, and follow any other directives your dentist has provided. This will help with the brightness of your smile, as well as prevent gingivitis, plaque buildup, and more.

Good Hygiene

To achieve tooth whitening, don’t rely on your dentist. Of course, their procedures can remove tooth discoloration, improve your oral health, and improve your smile. But since you’re responsible for daily maintenance and upkeep, what does your current routine look like?

If you brush and floss religiously, consider upgrading to a whitening toothbrush. With special condensed bristles, these brushes help achieve a shiny polish without damage through excessive abrasion.

You should also use mouthwash regularly too. If it includes hydrogen peroxide as an ingredient, it will help whiten your smile. Using this type of mouthwash is especially important after eating dark fruits, drinking coffee/soda, or smoking.

Keep whitening toothpaste on hand, too. Regular use of whitening products can make a big difference after only a few days.

Gum and dental strips are little-known tools in your arsenal, too. Don’t go for sugary gum options. Instead, look for sugar-free whitening gum.

If you don’t have immediate access to a sink and toothbrush after eating, try popping a stick of sugar-free whitening gum. This will stimulate saliva production, which helps remove food residue and keep your mouth healthy.

The whitening agents in this type of gum provide a temporary coat over the teeth. This helps prevent stains from settling onto the teeth.

Use Whitening Strips

It’s important that you follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer or your dentist when using these.

Typically, these strips are easy to use and are quite effective. These plastic strips have a gel-peroxide side that is applied to your teeth. After thirty minutes, you remove the strips and enjoy your new smile!

You may need to use these strips consecutively for a few days to see the effect.

Use Tray-Based Whiteners

This is a great option to ask your dentist about. You can find them over-the-counter, or you can get a custom one from your dentist.

These kits provide a mouthguard-style solution to teeth whitening—these ‘mouthguards’ pair gel solutions with peroxide-based agents for a maximum whitening effect.

If you go to your dentist, they’ll provide a custom kit for you. This involves taking a mold of your teeth so that it fits perfectly. To make it safe for at-home use, the peroxide levels in this solution are less than you’ll get from a whitening session at the dentist’s office.

This solution is usually cheaper than typical whitening appointments at the dentist. And, it can mostly be done from the comfort of your own home, which is a definite perk during COVID and flu season.

You can use tray-based whiteners for up to two weeks. Usually, you’ll apply once a day for up to an hour.

Professional Treatments

Of course, the most effective form of tooth whitening is professional treatment. In under an hour, you can achieve what takes multiple sessions over weeks at home.

Here’s how it works. Your dental professional will apply a protective coating to your lips and gum tissue to protect you from any damage. Then, the whitening gel will be applied to your teeth.

To activate the whitening agents in the gel solution, an ultraviolet lamp will shine on your teeth. Since it’s an in-office treatment, it’s safe for them to use gel with a higher concentration of whitening agents.

This means after the hour-long appointment; results will be immediately visible. Of course, it’s important to know that these results won’t last forever. If you spend money on a whitening treatment and don’t take care of your teeth afterward, you’ll soon be right back where you started.

Proper oral care is so much more than a white smile. It’s staying pain-free, being able to use your teeth as they were intended, good breath, and so much more. If you’re taking care of your teeth properly, tooth discoloration will often take care of itself.

Types of Tooth Whitening

Combining all types of tooth whitening, from proper hygiene to professional treatments, is the best way to achieve the smile of your dreams.

However, it’s important to note that our approach to all procedures, including tooth whitening, is gentle and pain-free. There’s no reason to be worried about coming in for an appointment here!

As common as dental anxiety is, there’s no pain associated with this process. We make sure to thoroughly explain everything and ease your anxieties before we even start!

If you’re interested in a brighter smile, contact us today. We’re happy to help.

Around 7 in 10 people feel self-conscious about their smiles and teeth. This results in people covering their mouths when they laugh or trying to smile with their mouths closed.

If you’re one of those seven people, you know how upsetting it is to not be satisfied with your teeth or smile. However, there are some dental procedures that can provide you with much-needed relief.

It can be difficult to determine which dental procedure would be best for you: veneers vs. crowns. Both procedures work well to restore your teeth and enhance your smile.

This guide will go over everything you need to know about veneers and dental crowns so you can make an informed decision for yourself.

What Are Veneers?

Veneers are thin layers of porcelain that get placed on the surface of your teeth. They help change the shape and shade of your teeth.

They can fix issues, such as:

• Tooth discoloration
• Excessive spacing
• Uneven teeth
• Worn-down teeth

If you want to make a dramatic smile makeover, then veneers are a great option. They’re only bonded to your front teeth, altering your smile and boosting your self-confidence.

The preparation for veneers is very minimal. A dentist will typically only have to take half to one millimeter off the surface of your tooth. You’ll just need to have an adequate amount of tooth enamel structure for the veneer to bond to your teeth.

The price of veneers depends upon your dentist and how many veneers you need. Veneers have a variety of long-term benefits, including:

• Offering a white smile than other types of teeth whitening
• Are stain-resistant
• Have a 10-year lifespan

Your dentist can give you a more accurate quote based on your individual needs.

What Are Crowns?

Crowns cover the entirety of your tooth’s surface and are a thicker restoration option. They’re more focused on protecting your tooth rather than being a cosmetic enhancement.

If you’re suffering from tooth decay, your dentist will take out the decayed part before creating a crown. Any affected teeth might have to be built up with something like a filling so the crown can be supported.

Crowns can be made from the following materials:

• Metal
• Porcelain
• Material made from porcelain fused with metal

The type of material used depends upon your budget and the location of the affected teeth. Porcelain crowns tend to be more natural-looking than the metal alternative.

Crowns are great for patients who have:

• Failed fillings
• Worn-down teeth
• Teeth treated by root canals
• Fractured or chipped teeth
• Teeth that are irregularly shaped
• Tooth decay below the gum line
• Tooth discoloration

Crowns are a great alternative when you need advanced tooth restoration. They require more preparation than veneers do.

Veneers vs. Crowns — Which is Better?

Veneers and dental crowns are both restoration procedures that work to improve the function and look for your teeth. The main difference between the two is that veneers require less tooth preparation than crowns do.

Since they only cover the front surface of the tooth, there’s far less shaping and drilling required. They’re a wonderful option if you want to quickly improve the shape, position, and color of your teeth. Crowns require more shaping and drilling of your entire tooth, not just the surface.

Your dentist might recommend a crown to you if they believe your tooth will fracture. They might also suggest it if you have a severe cavity or chip. They can also mask some discolorations that veneers can’t cover-up.

Both veneers and crowns get matched to blend in with the color of your surrounding teeth. If you’re getting a full set of veneers and crowns in your entire mouth, you can choose whatever color you’d like.

Which procedure you go with depends on the health of your teeth and your goals.

When Should I Get a Crown?

If you need to restore one or multiple teeth for additional support, a crown is a great option. If your tooth is worn down, a dental crown can restore the aesthetics and function of your tooth.

When Should I Get Veneers?

For correcting minor aesthetic problems with intact teeth, you should explore veneers. The main reason you would want to opt for a crown over a veneer is if your teeth are in poor health.

Pros and Cons of Veneers

Since less trimming is required with veneers, they can be more cosmetically pleasing and natural-looking over crowns. You can also improve your teeth’ position without getting braces by getting veneers instead.

Veneers are considered a cosmetic enhancement. Because of this, they’re typically not covered by your dental insurance. They’re also not reversible once they’re placed.

Pros and Cons of Crowns

If you have decay or another type of injury to your tooth, it’ll be protected with a dental crown. Additionally, your dental insurance could cover some or all of the cost of a crown.

Unfortunately, more of the tooth’s structure has to be removed when you get a crown. The procedure is also not reversible.

You also might experience some minor tooth sensitivity after getting a crown. This is due to the fact that some of the tooth’s structure is removed.

If you have any questions about veneers or crowns, make an appointment with a qualified dentist. They’ll listen to what your concerns and smile goals are and make a recommendation. Boost your confidence as you start down the path to restoring your beautiful smile.

Trust in Champaign Dental Group for Your Cosmetic Dentistry Needs

If you’re trying to determine whether veneers vs. crowns are suitable for you, make an appointment with Champaign Dental Group. We’ll evaluate your smile and create a customized treatment plan with your goals in mind. All of our dental procedures are gentle and pain-free.

Request an appointment with us today.

Before you head to a normal dentist appointment, you might brush and floss your teeth, pop in a breath mint, and call it good. Getting ready for a root canal surgery, though, takes a bit more planning and preparation. While brushing and flossing are still necessities, it’s not all you have to think about it.

But don’t let it overwhelm you.

We’ve put together this guide to show you the best way to prepare for a root canal procedure. Make sure you keep reading below for some helpful tips!

1. Calm Your Dental Anxiety

If you’re one of the many people who struggle with dental anxiety, the last thing you want to do is ignore it and hope it goes away. Surprise—if you don’t handle it, the anxiety won’t go anywhere. Instead, you should take action to make sure you feel as calm as possible during operation day.

Here are a few things you can try.

Ask the Dentist What to Expect

Having your dentist walk you through what will happen during your root canal surgery will take the fear of the unknown. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, even if they seem small or silly. Your dentist should be willing to take the time to explain everything to you in as much detail as you need.

For example, at its most basic, a root canal procedure tends to look something like this:

• Apply a local anesthesia to the area
• Drill into the affected tooth and remove the dental pulp from inside
• Clean the inside of the tooth and fill it with a biocompatible material
• Secure a temporary crown on top of the tooth (until the permanent crown is ready)

However, every person is different, so there might be a few differences during your surgery. Because of this, it’s a good idea to talk to your dentist about the specifics of your surgery so you know what will happen when you are in the chair.

Discuss Your Anesthetic Options

For most root canal surgeries, patients receive a local anesthetic to numb the area around the problem tooth. You won’t feel any pain with this type of anesthetic, but you will be awake during the entire procedure.

If you suffer from extreme dental fear, though, this may not be possible.

Take a few minutes to talk about anesthetic options with your dentist before the surgery date. You may be able to come up with a different plan that fits your needs better. In some cases, the dentist may be able to put you fully to sleep before the procedure so you don’t have to experience any of the potential discomforts.

Even if this isn’t possible for you, it’s important to let your dentist know anytime you feel uncomfortable before and during the surgery. They may be able to adjust their methods to make you feel more at ease.

Watch What You Eat and Drink

Avoid eating or drinking anything that will make you feel jittery during the appointment, such as coffee. You may also want to avoid eating too much food to prevent a queasy stomach while you’re sitting in the dental chair. Eat something light if you’re worried about feeling nervous and getting sick to your stomach later.

Don’t Go to Your Appointment on Your Own

Having someone with you while you wait in the dentist’s office can help keep your anxiety from getting out of control. Besides, you may not be able to drive after the surgery depending on what type of anesthetic you use. Pick someone who helps you feel calm and secure and ask them to come along with you.

2. Don’t Drink Alcohol or Smoke Tobacco the Day Before the Surgery

Smoking tobacco can reverse the effects of your anesthetic in the middle of your surgery. This can be quite painful for you, and it can disrupt the entire procedure, which will make it take much longer than planned. Drinking alcohol can also make the surgery more difficult as it can lead to dry mouth.

To prevent these negative impacts, make sure you avoid drinking alcohol and smoking tobacco at least 24 hours before your surgery.

3. Pick up Your Pain Medication in Advance

Your dentist will likely prescribe you antibiotics to aid in the recovery process after your surgery. Plan ahead and pick up these antibiotics before your procedure so you have them on hand when you need them. Otherwise, you’ll have to make a stop at the pharmacy on your way home, which can be difficult when you’re already feeling uncomfortable from your surgery.

In some cases, your dentist might ask you to start taking the antibiotics the day before your root canal. This can help reduce swelling during and after the procedure, and it will minimize the discomfort you feel as well. If they don’t, you may be able to take some over-the-counter pain meds instead.

However, always ask your dentist before you take anything.

4. Eat a Filling Meal

You won’t be able to eat for a few hours after your root canal, so you should eat plenty of food and drink plenty of water before the surgery to hold you over until you can get more food down later. But make sure you talk to your dentist first. In some cases, you might have to stop eating or drinking anything several hours before your procedure.

5. Get a Good Night’s Sleep

Your body will recover faster if it’s well-rested. Do your best to get a full eight to nine hours before the morning of your root canal. This will also give you more energy to face the procedure if you’re feeling nervous.

Schedule Your Root Canal Surgery Today

Now that you know how to prepare for your root canal surgery, you’re ready for the procedure. If you don’t already have a date booked in the calendar, don’t wait any longer. Make sure you get in touch with our team at Campaign Dental Group to schedule your root canal today!

Did you know that your daily brushing can prevent a heart attack? It’s true. Studies have shown that those who brushed their teeth regularly were three times less likely to die of a heart attack or stroke.

You see, good dental hygiene is so crucial that your life depends on it. This is because your oral health is interconnected with all of the other systems in your body.

That means that if you want to live a long and healthy life, you must learn how to take good care of your teeth. So continue reading to learn more about how you can achieve excellent oral health.

Why Is Dental Hygiene Important?

Oral health plays a massive role in both your body and mind’s health.

One such example is the relationship between your mouth and your digestion system. Your mouth is digestion’s first stop. If it isn’t up to the task, your nutrition will suffer.

For example, if you have a problem area that you avoid when you eat, you probably aren’t chewing your food very well as a result.

Then, as you digest your partially chewed meal, you may experience heartburn or an upset stomach. This happens because your digestion system is only equipped for well-chewed food. Long term, this can cause ulcers and other digestive issues.

Other documented connections are between your heart and your mouth. Doctors believe that excess buildup of plaque due to poor oral hygiene can cause infections and inflammation in your heart.

1. Make Oral Health Apart of Your Self-Care Routine

A complete dental hygiene routine is a sure way to keep cavities and infected gums away.

You may already practice regular brushing, but you may be brushing incorrectly. The best way to brush is to angle your brush towards your gums and to use gentle circular motions to brush away the tartar from your teeth and gum line. The ideal toothbrush should be soft or medium so that you don’t brush away your gums and cause recession.

Brushing is not enough; your routine isn’t complete without flossing your teeth at least once daily. Flossing helps get all of the tartar that your toothbrush will leave behind. If you have gum disease, your doctor may also recommend a prescription mouthwash to rinse with to help keep your gums healthy.

2. Nix Bad Habits

There are a few common habits that have negative impacts on your dental health. One of the most harmful things you can do to your mouth, not to mention the rest of your body, is smoking.

With smoking, the worst-case scenario is oral cancer. Treatment for this cancer may include radiation therapy and surgery. In addition, some patients lose their tongue or part of their jaw and need a custom-made prosthesis to live a full life.

However, there are a lot of oral health consequences from smoking besides cancer. For example, cigarette smoke causes gum recession and eventually periodontal disease. This causes your teeth to loosen, finally falling out.

If you are interested in quitting, there is no better time to start than now. There are many smoking cessation programs, and one may work for you.

Another common habit is drinking a lot of sugary beverages. If you’re the type of person who likes their coffee light and sweet, you might be causing future preventable cavities. When you sip your sweet coffee over several hours, you bathe your teeth in a warm concoction of cavity juice.

Luckily, you don’t have to give up your coffee. Instead, try cutting down the sugar with the goal of eliminating it, and remember to rinse thoroughly after every cup.

Watch Out for These Other Harmful Habits

Bruxism, or grinding, is caused by anxiety and stress. If you aren’t sure if you’re a grinder, waking up with pain and tenderness around your jaw is one tell-tale sign. Another sign is if you experience headaches or symptoms that mirror TMJ.

Grinding your teeth wears their enamel down, and in the most severe cases, teeth can be worn down to the gum line.

Alleviating your stress is the best way to tackle the problem at the source. In the meantime, you can try to catch yourself while doing it, or your dentist can create a protective custom nightguard to use while you sleep.

3. Visit Your Dentist Regularly

Even expert brushers and flossers need professional attention. That’s because your dentist does a lot more than clean your teeth.

During your visit, your doctor may start by taking a set of x-rays. This is how your doctor will spot any decay invisible to the naked eye. Next, they examine your teeth, gums, and other soft tissues to ensure that everything is healthy.

Many dental offices will also offer life-saving oral cancer screenings. Seeing your doctor regularly ensures that your teeth and gums stay healthy for many years to come. Don’t worry if it’s been a few years since your last appointment; your dental office is a judgment-free zone.

Break Down Barriers to Oral Health

For a healthy body, dental hygiene should be a top priority. So if dental anxiety has prevented you from seeking the care you need, then you should visit a dental office that specializes in treating phobic patients.

At Champaign Dental Group in Urbana, OH, we designed our office with your comfort in mind. We offer a stress-free, pain-free experience for all of our patients. For those with anxiety, we offer sedation dentistry so that it’s possible to treat years of neglect in one or two visits.

When you’re ready, request an appointment and learn how we can work together to achieve your oral health goals.