Professional Mill Creek Dentistry

Improve Your Smile: Cosmetic Dentistry 101

Cosmetic dentistry has continued to increase in popularity in different parts of the United States, and this ever increasing popularity is not unconnected with the fact that everyone desires the most beautiful smile. In a city like Mill Creek, most people have not yet understood the many services they can access from their cosmetic dentists. Mill Creek Dentistry has been redefined by the entrance of professional dental specialists like us, which has led to the impressive growth in the number of Mill Creek residents who have gone for one cosmetic dental care or the other in recent times. There are several dental procedures you can get from the professional dental experts in Mill Creek, WA, Most of these dental procedures are aimed at improving your smile despite the kind of dentition you were born with. When choosing your cosmetic dentist for all your dental needs, it is always important you go for real professionals who understand the procedures and risks involved fully well. As professional cosmetic dentists who have pioneered Mill Creek Dentistry for a long time, we have all the skills and tools required to carry out the most effective and satisfactory cosmetic dental procedures to improve your smile and enhance your beauty. We offer all kinds of cosmetic dental services, and some of them are outlined below.

Teeth Whitening

Your teeth can get discolored or stained with time, especially if you have been smoking for some years, take certain types of medications, or consume certain colored beverages like coffee and tea. When you come to us with a colored teeth issue, we can help you whiten them using one or two chemical procedures. We give you the chance to choose between having us perform the process in our office or providing you with a system you can take home and use on your own. The DIY home teeth whitening option is always more convenient, but takes longer time to produce the required results. 

Bonding

Bonding goes a long way to improve the appearance of your teeth, especially when the space between your teeth is too wide. Bonding equally works when your teeth are cracked, chipped, stained, or broken. We equally use the bonding procedure to close up small cavities or for the protection of the exposed root of some teeth. The quality of bonding we provide lasts for several years without further complications. 

Veneers

These are custom shells that are made from porcelain or plastic. They used to cover the front parts of the teeth with the aim of changing the shape or color of the teeth. Veneers provide a more superior appearance than bonding and is known to last longer. Veneers are more affordable than crowns. Veneers can be used to improve conditions where the teeth have spaces, become worn or chipped, get permanently stained, get slightly crooked, or are poorly shaped. 

Crowns

Crowns are sometimes regarded to as caps. They are used to provide complete covering for the teeth to help restore your teeth normal appearance and shape. Crowns are useful for covering a discolored or misshapen tooth, restore broken or worn tooth, cover a tooth that has large filing, protect weak tooth, hold dental bridge in place, cover some dental implants.

Enamel Shaping and Contouring

This cosmetic dental procedure involves the removal or contouring of dental enamel to enhance your teeth appearance. We sometimes combine this process with bonding for better results. 

Braces 

Braces have come a long way, and are used today by people of all age brackets. Braces help improve the look of crowded and crooked teeth. They are also useful for improving an irregular bite and correct jaw joint disorders and positioning. 

Bridges

In Mill Creek Dentistry, we use bridges to replace some missing teeth with artificial teeth. Bridges come in different types depending on the materials they are made from such as porcelain, gold, alloys, etc. 

Implants

These provide long-term solutions for the replacement of missing teeth. They are far more expensive than all other teeth replacement procedures and options. Implants serve as alternative to bridges, however, it is a more complicated procedure.

Dr. Joe Kim - Evergreen Family Dental 

Mill Creek Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry is the branch of medicine which deals with correction of defects in the oral cavity. Not too long ago (and even today), it would have been defined as a procedure done to improve the appearance of the teeth and gums. But gradually, it was recognized that this has many more benefits other than beautifying your smile. For instance, it can lead to an improvement in your speech, bite and facilitate better brushing and flossing. It involves a lot of techniques, many of which have overlapping effects. A few of these are discussed below.

Cosmetic dentistry- Some common procedures comprising this:

1. Teeth whitening and bleaching- this is done to improve the appearance of stained and discolored teeth. This can be done by a variety of methods, depending upon the extent of treatment required. Simple chemical bleaching to use of laser-based stain removal methods are commonly employed.

2. Straightening of crooked teeth- this can be done using various methods, the most common of which is the use of braces. These may be fixed to the teeth for a period of two to three years, or may be removable. In either case, adjustments are made periodically depending upon the progress of the correction.

3. Fixing shape, size and gaps or overlaps in the teeth- These are very commonly required, not just to improve the appearance, but also to facilitate better speech, bite and dental hygiene. These can be done using veneers or other related techniques.

4. Bonding- this is a versatile techniques having a variety of effects. In this, a certain material is used to fill gaps, alter the shape of your teeth and improve their appearance. The material used is of the same color as your teeth and does not interfere with normal functioning in any way.

5. Fixing broken or chipped teeth- These not only look unsightly, but are weak points prone to further damage and decay. Thus, correcting them is an essential thing and should not be overlooked. For this purpose, veneers, bondings, crowns etc can be put in place.

6. Replacing missing teeth- This can be done using dentures and implants. Missing teeth can be a massive inconvenience. Because of them, people experience difficulty in speaking and eating. In addition, these gaps are guesthouses for bacteria, because food gets stuck here and is a bit difficult to clean. So, these gaps must be filled, not just to improve the appearance, but also for the sake of general health.

These are some of the most common procedures. There are many other options also available that your doctor can discuss with you.

Cosmetic dentistry is often performed in collaboration or consultation with other related professionals like general oral healthcare doctors or orthodontists etc. These professionals have to be skilled in a variety of procedures and need to have a very well equipped clinic. Moreover, they need to keep themselves updated with the latest and relevant developments in the field. A reputed and dependable professional will be able to work wonders for your health and appearance.

Dr. Joe Kim
Evergreen Family Dental
http://evergreenfamilydental.com

Knowing More About The Proper Ways To Brush Your Teeth

Brushing our teeth every day is a must. This will help us have fresher breath as well as healthy oral hygiene. However brushing alone is not enough. You need to know the proper ways to brush your teeth in order for you to effectively clean your mouth. 

  

Appropriate brushing usually takes at least two minutes or 120 seconds. Most adults and even children do not even come close to brushing that long. Most of them try to brush their teeth quickly that they often leave bits of food behind. It is very important that you know the proper ways to brush your teeth as this will prevent conditions such as gingivitis or tooth decay.

Incorrect brushing may also lead to tooth abrasion. In fact, the number one cause of tooth abrasion is with the use of a tooth brush. To properly brush your teeth, you must use short and gentle strokes as well as paying proper attention to the gum line.

There are several proper ways to brush your teeth. Among the techniques recommended by dentists that you must follow include:

•  Applying a strip of toothpaste after you have pre moistened your toothbrush.
•  Start brushing with your upper left molars, the back teeth. Concentrate on the front surface of you tooth working in a clockwise direction. This will help clean 2 to 3 teeth at a time.
•  Hold your toothbrush parallel to your teeth and set the bristles in the direction of the tissue.    Apply a small amount of pressure to help clean effectively.
•  Move your brush gently in a circular motion repetitively for 10 seconds. 
•  Next, roll the toothbrush bristles away from the gum line in a sweeping motion.
•   Continue these steps until all the front surfaces of your teeth have all been cleaned.
•   When cleaning the inside surface of your teeth, or lingual surface, with the tip of your tooth  brush do a flicking motion to clean each tooth down to the gum line. Do this repeatedly for 2 to 3 times.
•   Brush the biting surface of your teeth to remove any food pieces caught in between your teeth.
•   Gently brush your tongue as well as the insides of you cheeks.
•    Finish by rinsing your mouth with water as well as apply mouthwash for added cleaning.

Some tips are also available if you want to expand your oral health cleaning habit. Always remember to brush your teeth three times a day. First in the morning, second at midday, and third before you go to sleep. This will help clean your teeth as well as your mouth after all that you have ate or drank during these times. Also try not to eat or drink once you have brushed in the evening before you go to sleep.

If you are brushing someone else’s teeth especially your kids or old folks, try to stand to stand behind them so you can have a perfect view of their teeth and you can look down effectively. This will help you clean their teeth thoroughly.

Always remember to replace your toothbrush every three months. Worn out bristles might do more harm to your teeth rather that help clean them. Also replace your toothbrush after you have recovered from an illness even from a cold or flu.

- Dr. Joe Kim
Evergreen Family Dental
Mill Creek, WA

Smile Makeover in Mill Creek, WA: Making of a ‘Winsome’ Smile!

Smile is the expression of heart; it speaks without words! Smile narrated the tales that are unsaid by words and unheard with ears. For human beings, smile connects souls and altogether originates a unique form of communication. It is certain that smile is the best thing we can do with our lips and probably the most innocent form of communication also. So what are you doing to ensure the wonders of ‘smile’? Want to make smile your finest asset? Then smile makeover in Mill Creek, WA is all you need!

Smile makeover in Mill Creek, WA is a part of cosmetic dental solutions that uses the modern technology for enhancement and rectification purposes. It starts with the basic assessment of your smile and oral hygiene. There are certain facial elements that determine the entire process of smile makeover such as your gums, lips, skin tone and teeth structure. The basic motive behind smile makeover is to enhance these features in order to boost healthy confidence. Smile makeover is just not limited to dental purposes and oral hygiene but is also related to personal beautification. A beautiful smile is winsome and confidence booster. It is just a process of elimination of faults that doesn’t complement your best asset. For a person who faces the problem of discolored teeth, smile comes in hesitation and subdued emotions. Same is the case with the one facing issues related to irregular teeth, uneven structure, gap in teeth and broken/missing teeth. With the advent of technology and use of skilled/specialized treatments, issues like teeth whitening, implants and brackets/braces relatively became easy and convenient to treat. Earlier, braces were a scary thought of horrible metallic wires but with invisible braces the idea just got modified! The benefits are best services are always available. With proper research and understand regarding smile makeover process, look for services and analyze their credibility. Also, get an idea about dental insurance so that the entire experience meets an ease in expense and fits your pocket.

 We captivate some of the most cherished emotions in our smile and they are quite easily reflected through it. Just help your smile for a better interpretation! An interpretation is the domain of receiver in communication but as far as our personal efforts are concerned, we can always make the process easier and healthy. Ensure the beauty of your smile; make it winsome!

- Dr. Joe Kim DDS

Evergreen Family Dental

Mill Creek, Washington

The Hidden Benefits of Flossing

Several people often forget to floss their teeth after brushing. They do not find flossing important and they certainly lose out on the benefits of flossing. The truth is that healthy teeth can be achieved by proper oral care plus the benefits of flossing and brushing. According to many dentists, flossing is far more important than brushing as it helps in preventing periodontal disease and tooth loss. So if you want to profit from flossing, stop the excuses and do not forget to floss after you brush your teeth each day.

Dentists have found out that many people tend to forget or have all sort of excuses for them not to floss their teeth. Like many people, do you also fail to floss your teeth or always have an excuse not to? If so, dentists have provided some easy tips for you to benefit from flossing. Below are some tips you can follow and learn more about the benefits of flossing.

Tip #1: If food doesn’t get caught between your teeth, you will still need to floss.

Flossing is not just about removing debris stuck between your teeth but also removing dental plaque which forms on the tooth surfaces. Using an interdental cleaner and flossing is the only way to remove plaque in between teeth.

Tip #2: Learn how to floss.

Flossing isn’t easy but practice makes perfect. Some say it is the most difficult kind of personal grooming there is.

Tip #3: Find time to floss.

Actual flossing does not take much time. Once a day between 3 to 5 minutes can do wonders for your oral health. The key factor here is for you to make flossing a part of your daily habit. Just like taking a bath and exercising, flossing can improve your personal hygiene.

Tip #4: Do not be afraid to floss.

If flossing causes you gum pain or bleeding, odds are that you have gingivitis or gum disease. This is why flossing will be a plus for you. With daily brushing and rinsing, flossing can help alleviate gum pain and bleeding. If it persists, then you will need to see your local dentist.

Tip #5: Do not worry about your teeth being spaced apart. 

If unwaxed floss does not work for your teeth, then you might want try waxed floss or floss made of super-slippery polytetrafluoroethylene. Many people have spaces between their teeth but that must not be a hindrance for them to floss. There are special types of floss like “superfloss” which is a yarn like floss suitable for teeth with spaces in between. ” It stretches between thin or narrow spaces yet fluffs out to clean in between teeth that spaced apart.

Tip #6: Floss gently yet effectively.

In some cases, if you have undergone dental work, floss threaders are used to easily position floss around dental work. Meanwhile, other people might use fraying floss for those with poorly made fillings or crown. If the problem persists, then you might need to consult with your dentist.

- Dr. Joe Kim
Evergreen Family Dental
Mill Creek, WA

Bridging The Gap Created By Missing Teeth With Dental Bridges

Do you have missing teeth? Do you need a bridge or are there gaps created by one or two missing teeth in your mouth? If so, then you might want to have dental bridges and restore the missing teeth in your mouth. But first, you might want to follow-up it with your dentist. This will ensure that you will have the proper advice and treatment for your missing teeth and teeth gaps.

If you have gaps created by one or two missing teeth, then a dental bridge will literally bridge the gaps created. A bridge comprises of two crowns, one on each tooth on either side of the tooth gap. The two anchoring teeth are called abutment teeth wherein a false tooth is placed between them. The false tooth is called a pontics wherein it can be made from alloy, gold, porcelain, or any combination of these materials. Dental bridges can be supported by either dental implants or natural teeth.

Getting a dental bridge might be scary and often times people think of its cost and advantages before they go through with this. Here are some advantages of dental bridges that will help you decide on getting into this kind of treatment:

•        Dental bridges can restore your smile
•        Dental bridges can restore your ability to chew and speak properly
•        Dental bridges can maintain the shape of your face
•        Dental bridges can distribute the forces in your bite
•        Dental bridges prevents teeth from drifting out of position

There are three different types of dental bridges available for patients to choose from. Among these types of bridges include:

• Traditional bridges – This will involve a creation of a crown for the tooth or an implant that will be placed on either side of the missing tooth. Then a pontic is placed between them. Traditional bridges are the most common type of bridge and are highly used by a lot of dentists. Traditional bridges can be made from porcelain, metal, or ceramics.

• Cantilever bridges – This type of dental bridge is used if there are adjacent teeth on only oneside of the missing teeth. Cantilever bridges are typically used to replace only one missing tooth.

• Maryland bonded bridges - Also called a resin-bonded bridge or a Maryland bridge, this type of dental bridge is made from plastic teeth wherein the gums is supported by a metal framework. Metal wings are also placed on each side of the bridge that is bonded to your existing teeth.

Dental Bridges Recovery and Care

After you have gone under a dental bridge procedure and it has been cemented into place, your dentist will provide you with a list of hygiene information to maintain. This will improve the dental bridges performance and permanency of your restoration. It will also take good care of your teeth and gums as they recover. Using a special bridge floss threader, you can properly and carefully floss the areas surrounding the bridge and between the pontic. Daily use as well as daily brushing will prevent the accumulation of bacteria that can undermine the dental bridge procedure you just had.  

Now you have just learned some important facts about bridges or dental bridges. You now know how you can dress the problem of missing teeth, if you have or a family or close friend. Think it over and get a dental bridge if it calls for one.

- Dr. Joe Kim

Dentist Mill Creek