What Causes Gum Disease?
Gum disease, which is also referred to as periodontal disease, is primarily caused by a buildup of harmful plaque and bacteria between the teeth and gums. That said, there are a number of factors that can be key contributors to the development of gum disease, including: Bad dental hygiene – Failing to brush and floss on an everyday basis can make it easier for plaque and harmful bacteria to accumulate on the teeth. Even when these habits are followed, however, […]
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How Long Will My Teeth Whitening Results Last?
Following an Opalescence® Boost teeth whitening treatment offered here at Scottsdale Smile Center, results typically last anywhere from six months to one year, depending on one’s personal habits and commitment to proper oral hygiene. People who drink lots of tea, coffee, red wine, and other high-staining beverages may start to see yellowing and/or other tooth discolorations quicker than those who don’t drink these types of liquids on a regular basis. The same can be said for individuals whose diet consists […]
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Professional vs. Over-the-Counter Teeth Whitening
With the wide variety of teeth whitening products available today, deciding whether to go with an over-the-counter technique or visit the dentist for professional treatment can be a tough choice to make. Though both options have shown to reduce stains and brighten teeth for many people, a few dissimilarities exist between over-the-counter and professional-grade teeth whitening that may shed some light on which approach could help you best achieve the vibrant smile you desire. According to our dentists – Dr. […]
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Teeth Whitening vs. Porcelain Veneers
Brightening the shade of your teeth can be one of the fastest and easiest ways to enhance the overall appearance of your smile. Both teeth whitening and porcelain veneers procedures can effectively lighten the shade of your teeth and eliminate stains for a more vibrant, radiant smile. At Scottsdale Smile Center, our bleaching and teeth whitening treatments involve the use of fitted trays and a professional grade whitening gel that you can wear as you sleep. Most patients see significant […]
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How Long do Porcelain Veneers Last?
When properly cared for, high-quality porcelain veneers can last decades. While many dental veneers are made from a durable porcelain material, there are a number of additional factors that can influence the lifespan of your veneers, including: Type of veneer Quality of the laboratory in which the veneer is made Skill of the ceramist Bonding method Skill and experience of your cosmetic dentist Patients who are prone to clenching or grinding their teeth may consider wearing a night guard to […]
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When Should I Consider Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers can conceal a wide range of common cosmetic concerns pertaining to one’s smile. If you have stains, tooth discoloration, chips, cracks, gaps, or broken teeth, Dr. Jonathan Coombs and Dr. Don Chiappetti can cover these perceived imperfections with thin layers of durable porcelain for results that both look and feel natural. In some cases, porcelain veneers can also be used to improve the appearance of mild tooth misalignment. Prospective patients with severely damaged and/or misaligned teeth may not […]
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How Does Invisalign® Work?
The nearly invisible teeth straightening system known as Invisalign® can be an excellent option for many teens and adults seeking a discreet, more comfortable alternative to traditional metal braces. So how does this innovative orthodontic system work? Following an evaluation to determine if Invisalign® is right for you, Dr. Jonathan Coombs and Dr. Don Chiappetti – our experienced dentists – will design a series of customized, removable aligners that work to gently shift your teeth into the desired position over […]
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Will Invisalign® Work for Me?
Invisalign® can often be a great option for individuals who are interested in conveniently, comfortably, and discreetly straightening their teeth. This innovative alternative to traditional metal braces involves a customized series of clear aligners designed to gradually shift misaligned teeth into a more desirable position. As an added benefit, each aligner is removable, enabling patients to easily take them out for eating, drinking, oral hygiene, and other daily necessities. In general, people who are considered good candidates for Invisalign® have […]
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Can I Afford Invisalign®?
Are you interested in discreetly straightening your teeth with Invisalign® but worried that treatment might be too expensive? We may have some good news. First and foremost, many patients find that the overall cost of Invisalign® is actually less than that of traditional metal braces and various other tooth alignment techniques due to the relatively shorter length of time often needed for treatment. This, however, will ultimately be dependant upon the degree of straightening you need to effectively achieve your […]
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How Can Sleep Apnea Be Treated?
As we sleep, our tongue and the muscles in our throat tend to become very relaxed. In certain individuals, the tongue can become so relaxed that it drops back into the airway, sometimes creating too narrow of a breathing passage and blocking proper airflow. This can lead to loud snoring and/or pauses in breathing that may last 10 seconds or more, both of which are commonly attributed to sleep apnea – a condition that can result in a number of […]
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