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Your Smile Is Turning Yellow | Rancho Santa Margarita Dentist

Are you tired of having yellow, stained teeth, despite your strict daily dental hygiene? You are not alone. There are millions of people suffering from the same problem. Not only is it a natural occurrence, but it will continue happen throughout our lives. So, if you brush, floss and visit your dentist regularly then why are your teeth still discolored? This happens because the outer layers of your teeth get stained over the years by our diet or bad habits like tobacco use. Drinking red wine and other dark beverages are fantastic and should be enjoyed. When these outside sources of staining are left to sit on the teeth all day until your next brushing, the dentin on your teeth becomes yellowish or darkened.

This is why keeping up with your daily dental practices are so important. But there are ways to brighten that smile of yours. And the best way to help your stained discolored teeth is professional tooth whitening.

While most of our teeth staining comes naturally over time, these are also some of the contributing factors to your teeth becoming yellow and stained:

  • Tetracycline based antibiotics used before the age of 8 years old
  • Excessive exposure to fluoride as a child
  • Internal bleeding due to trauma
  • Discoloration due to a health condition
  • Natural aging- as time goes by enamel gets thinner and thinner and will get a yellowish hue
  • Soda
  • Wine
  • Smoking
  • Caffeine

While staining is natural and will continue to happen, regardless of our efforts, there are simple ways to slow down the process. Here are some tips:

  • Visit your dentist regularly for teeth cleanings
  • Rinse your mouth out with water several times throughout the day
  • Use toothpaste with whitening agents; just be aware not to overdo it.

If you would like more information on brightening your smile, call Dr. Herd in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA at 949-858-5147 or visit www.gregherddds.com.

Dr. Greg J. Herd proudly serves Rancho Santa Margarita and all surrounding areas.

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Dental Implants Could Save Your Smile | Rancho Santa Margarita Dentist

As far as missing teeth go, you have three dental options to choose from, namely dental implants, bridges and dentures. Each one of the three has its own set of distinct advantages and disadvantages. However, of all three options, dental implants are considered as a much better option. But, why?

Dental implants are permanent fixtures of titanium posts. The posts are anchored to your jawbone and topped off with an all-new replacement tooth or a bridge that’s screwed or cemented into the posts themselves.

Of the three, dental implants are the ones that feel and function like natural teeth.

Dental implants are not always the best choice, which is where fixed bridges and removable dentures come in. However, the majority of the time, dental implants are a better solution because unlike removable dentures, implants do not slip, or make embarrassing clicking sounds when eating or speaking. Also, unlike bridges, there’s no partial cutting involved when it comes to having dental implants placed inside your mouth.

The most important factor, though, as to why dental implants are just better is because dental implants do not put the patient’s teeth at as much of a risk to recurrent decay and gum disease as dental bridges and dentures would.

As an added bonus, dental implants can last for as long as 25 years, ten years longer than fixed bridges and removable dentures.

Ideal candidates for dental implants are those with good general and oral health, as well as having enough bone in their jaw to help support the implant. Although, those who’ve lost bone in their jaws in the past do not have to worry as much as they can still have implants if they go through a bone-grafting procedure first.

If you would like more information on dental implants, call Dr. Herd in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA at 949-858-5147 or visit www.gregherddds.com.

Dr. Greg J. Herd proudly serves Rancho Santa Margarita and all surrounding areas.

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Fixing Your Smile with Dental Veneers | Rancho Santa Margarita Dentist

One of the most common techniques your dentists can use to correct the appearance of teeth is veneers. Veneers are thin, custom-made shells that are placed on top of existing teeth, fixing discolorations, gaps, chips, and broken teeth. While veneers and bonding are cosmetic procedures used to treat similar problems, veneers may be a better alternative in cases where the patient wants to adjust the size or shape of the tooth. Many Hollywood celebrities have improved the look of their smiles with a new set of veneers. Not everyone has perfect teeth.

A normal procedure typically requires multiple visits – on the first visit, the dentist will inspect the tooth (or teeth) to make sure the patient is a good candidate and verify that veneers will properly fix the problem at hand, then remove a thin layer of tooth enamel, so that the veneer surface rests even with the rest of the teeth. Once the enamel is removed, the dentist will make a detailed impression of the tooth and send the impression off to a laboratory for a custom veneer designed to fit the tooth precisely.

Once the veneer is created, the patient will return for a second visit. The dentist will continue shaping the veneer, then bond it to the tooth’s surface with permanent cement. Finally, the dentist will remove excess cement and ensure that the patient’s bite is correct. In many cases, the patient will be asked to return in a few weeks to evaluate the patient’s gums. Modern porcelain veneers tend to last many years, are easy to care for, provide a very natural appearance, and offer a stronger alternative to other cosmetic options.

If you would like more information on veneers, call Dr. Herd in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA at 949-858-5147 or visit www.gregherddds.com.

Dr. Greg J. Herd proudly serves Rancho Santa Margarita and all surrounding areas.

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Four Tips to a Brighter Smile | Rancho Santa Margarita Dentist

Everyone loves a professional whitening treatment. All you want to do is show off your smile! But getting treatment is just a start. It’s still important that you continue to look for ways to maintain your smile in between treatments. Here are some tips:

Use whitening toothpaste. With so many over-the-counter products available, you may want to ask your dentist to recommend you a specific type of whitening toothpaste to use at home, as well as further instructions on how to use such whitening products.

Chew gum and crunchy produce. Saliva is your mouth’s naturally means of cleaning bacteria and plaque. Chewing gum is designed to increase saliva production. Just make sure it contains xylitol. For a natural option, crunchy produce such as apples, carrots and celery can also help you keep your teeth bright and clean by helping to remove the substances that can cause stains and discoloration.

Take better care of your tooth enamel. Although considered as the hardest substance in the human body, tooth enamel cannot repair itself. If the tooth enamel has been affected by gum disease in the past, there’s no way to restore it. And if it’s weak, it’s also much more susceptible to stains. That’s why it’s important that you take good care of your tooth enamel by providing it with necessary protection with fluoride.

Drink plenty of milk. Or pretty much any other dairy product you can think of. Dairy products are high in calcium, which helps keep your teeth white and bright. Cheese can also help rid your teeth of food particles that can cause stains and discoloration.

If you would like more information on teeth whitening, call Dr. Herd in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA at 949-858-5147 or visit www.gregherddds.com.

Dr. Greg J. Herd proudly serves Rancho Santa Margarita and all surrounding areas.

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The Best Options for Whitening Teeth | Rancho Santa Margarita Dentist

If you ask most people what they consider a great smile, chances are they will say bright white teeth. The problem is, it isn’t as easy as it seems. Our diets and lifestyle choices can hinder your teeth being their pearliest. You can brush & floss every day, but your teeth may not keep its natural sheen. You can make appointments with your dental professional to have teeth whitening sessions, but that can get pricey. So how do you keep your teeth white in between dental visits? There’s always over-the-counter versions (i.e. Crest white strips) you can buy to do it at home, but how good are the results? Is there a better, more natural version? How do you decide which is best for you? Here is a breakdown of some ways you can do at home:

Whitening products sold over the counter in the form of strips, trays, or paste work by using the oxidizing agents to remove pigment on the surface of the enamel. Hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide are commonly used in these products and contain 3 to 10 percent hydrogen-peroxide level, as opposed to the 15 to 38 percent level dentists can use. The products are effective at removing surface stains but should be used in moderation. Overuse of the oxidizing agents can cause both gum and tooth sensitivity, and continued overuse may even leave some of your teeth looking translucent.

So, what about natural ways? You would be surprised by some foods that can actually help whiten our teeth while keeping us healthy. Of course, you can always make your own hydrogen peroxide and baking soda paste. Known as an age old go-to product, this is the DIY way for you to replicate the manufactured products at home. But did you know that strawberries and bananas can produce similar results? Strawberries contain malic acid, and malic acid is fantastic at breaking down teeth stains. A couple berries and some baking soda is a great, and fruity, version of the peroxide version. Rubbing a banana peel over your teeth like a toothbrush will also shine up your smile. The minerals in a banana, like potassium, will absorb into your teeth and brighten it in a very healthy way.

If you would like more information on teeth whitening, call Dr. Greg J. Herd in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA at 949-858-5147 or visit www.gregherddds.com.

Dr. Herd proudly serves Rancho Santa Margarita and all surrounding areas.

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When It’s Time for a Makeover | Rancho Santa Margarita

Problems with your smile? In this superficial day and age, having crooked teeth is more of an issue than it really should be. As an adolescent, you get teased and may not get a lot of dates, so it can turn out to be a tough road to travel when compounded with the typical growing pains. As an adult, having problems with your smile has a certain stigma, but it isn’t quite as traumatizing as those adolescent years.

How do we get these pretty smiles? Having a good daily dental regime and regular checkups is the obvious start. After all, it all starts at home. Brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing and a quick mouthwash rinse is a great way to keep dental issues at bay. Keeping a healthy diet free from lots of sugars and teeth-staining foods/drinks will also keep your teeth white and cavity-free. In fact, there are lots of foods that can actually help clean your teeth while you eat! Foods like apples, oranges, strawberries, broccoli, and celery naturally clean your teeth while you eat them. Dairy foods help teeth out with calcium-strengthening goodness. Can’t go wrong with that!

But what about those of us that have healthy teeth, but aren’t exactly the straightest? Or perhaps it’s more of an issue to fix your less than perfect grin. Don’t worry. No matter who is in need of a perfect set of pearly whites, there are tons of options on the market you can go with. If you are looking to complete your smile makeover, make an appointment as soon as possible to discuss a treatment plan.

If you would like more information about smile makeovers, call Dr. Greg J. Herd in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA at 949-858-5147 or visit www.gregherddds.com.

Dr. Herd proudly serves Rancho Santa Margarita and all surrounding areas.

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Dental Crowns: Are They Right for You? | Rancho Santa Margarita Dentist

It is always a bummer when you have a tooth break on you, whether it be an injury you suffered from or your incessant need to munch on ice, or your tooth got chipped or damaged and your dentist suggests getting a crown. Dental crowns can be both an effective and attractive option for individuals who regard their teeth to be an inhibition. But moreover, dental crowns can cover a large filling or help support a dental bridge. Need more reason? Here are some of the main advantages:

Natural looking. Both porcelain and composite dental crowns have the look and feel of natural teeth, so don’t worry about people noticing. It may be cosmetic, but no one needs to know that.

Durable. Crowns are there to last a while. In fact, they can last up to fifteen years depending on their care. Not only are they durable, but they are also stain-resistant. Porcelain is a great surface to restore teeth and not having to worry about coffee stains is a thing of the past.

Stable. Dental crowns are cemented or anchored in place, so unlike dentures, dental crowns won’t slip and slide around in your mouth. This not only keeps you from being self-conscious about your dental work, but it will prevent further infection and/or decay after the surgery.

Speech improvements. We may not automatically correlate the two, but missing teeth and dentures can affect speech. Dental crowns replace the missing teeth and do not slip around, making speech sound clearer. They fix your broken or discolored teeth, but mostly, they all lead to a more confident you.

If you would like more information about dental crowns, call Dr. Greg J. Herd in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA at 949-858-5147 or visit www.gregherddds.com.

Dr. Herd proudly serves Rancho Santa Margarita and all surrounding areas.

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Why It’s a Good Idea to Get Your Teeth Fixed | Rancho Santa Margarita Dentist

No one wants to have a flawed smile, but most of us don’t have the luxury of having that magical Hollywood smile. Our smiles could be crooked or slightly dingy, but there is something to be said about missing teeth. While there are many reasons that we may have lost a tooth, thankfully due to modern dentistry, proper dental treatments can replace your missing teeth while improving your confidence and smile. Before you choose which dental treatment to replace missing teeth, take a look at the benefits of the dental implant:

Cost-effective. If taken of care of properly, dental implants can last many years. The crown may have to be replaced every 10-15 years due to normal wear and tear, but the implant itself is permanent. Dental bridges can last up to 10 year or more by practicing proper oral hygiene.

Long-term oral health. Bone and tissues loss occur underneath dental bridges where the tooth was missing or extracted, which can cause the remaining teeth to become unstable. Dental implants are the only dental restorations that simulate bone growth, which preserves both the bone and gums.

Oral hygiene. Using a specific type of floss and other dental tools are required to clean underneath the dental bridge and to keep them free of plaque. Dental implants require excellent oral hygiene but can be brushed and flossed just like natural teeth.

Appearance. While modern bridges look natural, as the bone and gum tissue are lost over time, gaps can form underneath the dental appliance. Dental implants deliver the high-quality aesthetic results. The crown arises through the top of your gums in the same way a natural tooth would.

If you would like more information about dental implants, call Dr. Greg J. Herd in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA at 949-858-5147 or visit www.gregherddds.com.

Dr. Herd proudly serves Rancho Santa Margarita and all surrounding areas.