December 27, 2019 By Paula

5 Ways Cosmetic Dentistry Can Enhance Your Smile

Do you cover your mouth when you laugh or smile? Or “disappear” every time pictures are being taken? Do you constantly wonder what other people think of your teeth?

An imperfect smile can make life a lot more complicated. That’s why we are in the business of making smiles beautiful—because we want to help make life more enjoyable for our patients.

Cosmetic dentistry can give you a smile that is both aesthetically pleasing and fully functional so you can live your best life.

Here are five ways cosmetic dentistry can enhance your smile:

1. Whiten

One of the quickest ways to enhance your smile is through professional, in-office teeth whitening. If `you’ve been disappointed by over-the-counter whitening kits, we can assure you that you won’t be disappointed with your dentist-supervised whitening procedure.

Laser teeth whitening is one of the safest and most effective ways to brighten your smile. In as little as 60 minutes, you can walk out of the dentist’s office feeling more confident than when you walked in.

Your dentist may also offer other safe and effective teeth whitening options that don’t involve lasers or whitening kits that you can use at home.

We recommend laser teeth whitening for the quickest, most effective results.

2. Straighten

Many adults with crooked or gapped teeth are eligible for Invisalign® clear aligners. Rather than placing chunky metal braces on your teeth, your dentist can have clear aligners made that will straighten your smile just as well as traditional braces.

These clear aligners are removable, but they will need to be worn for 20-22 hours a day. The good news is that no one will even notice! And, in between 6 and 18 months, you’ll have a brand-new smile to show off.

3. Fill in gaps

Besides braces, there are other solutions for gapped teeth: dental bonding and porcelain veneers.

Dental bonding is one of the most cost-effective ways to improve your smile. To fix your gap or gaps, your dentist will apply a composite bonding material to widen the teeth on either side of the gap. This material will match the color of your natural teeth for a natural appearance.

Porcelain veneers are custom-made to fit on the front surface of your teeth. These can be made wider to fill in the gaps between your teeth. This solution takes a couple of visits to complete, but your veneers will last several years longer than dental bonding.

Both of these procedures are fairly conservative and typically don’t require anesthesia or laughing gas. However, if dental procedures make you overly stressed or nervous, ask your dentist about sedation options.

4. Lengthen

For patients with short teeth or gummy smiles, crown lengthening, laser gum recontouring, and dental veneers can all lengthen your teeth.

The appearance of short teeth can be improved with veneers or even braces, but gummy smiles typically require the removal of small amounts of gum tissue through gum recontouring or crown lengthening.

Your dentist can help you decide which procedure will help you achieve your cosmetic dental goals.

5. Replace missing teeth

Replacing your missing tooth or teeth doesn’t just improve the appearance of your smile, it improves the health of your smile as well. Dental implants, bridges, and dentures can all replace missing teeth.

Without replacing the missing tooth, you are at a much higher risk for shifting teeth, jawbone deterioration, and dental diseases. Talk to your dentist today about the best tooth-replacement option for your teeth.

Smile Makeovers

If your smile requires more than one treatment to reach your cosmetic dentistry goals, ask your dentist about a smile makeover. He or she can create a comprehensive treatment plan to help you achieve the smile of your dreams.

Contact your dentist today to get started!

To meet with our Austin Laser Dentist, contact our team at 512-346-4690.

December 12, 2019 By Paula

3 Answers About Laser Teeth Whitening

Laser teeth whitening systems use a combination of infrared heat and peroxide gel to quickly and effectively brighten your smile. Home remedies like oil pulling, rubbing banana peels and mashed strawberries on your teeth, and even whitening toothpastes only remove surface stains on your teeth. Laser teeth whitening can remove stains that are deeply embedded into the enamel.

In this blog, our dentist will discuss the top three questions regarding laser teeth whitening:

1. What happens during the procedure?

The procedure for laser teeth whitening is minimally invasive and pretty simple. Your dentist will take cautionary measures to protect your eyes and gums from the laser by giving you protective glasses and rubbing a protective gel on your gums. Your lips will also be held away from your mouth with a mouth prop.

Once this is complete, your dentist will apply a whitening gel to your teeth and use the laser to activate the gel. After about 40 minutes, the gel will be removed from your gums and teeth, and your smile will be up to nine shades brighter!

This entire process takes about an hour. Who knew teeth whitening could be so easy?

2. Is laser teeth whitening safe?

Yes! Laser teeth whitening and other laser dental treatments have been researched, tested, and approved by scientists and the American Dental Association for use on patients. Dentists who use laser technology should be specially trained to use these treatments and to use proper safety and precautionary measures.

Few people experience dental sensitivity following laser whitening treatments.

Check out your dentists’ education, memberships, and training certifications to make sure he or she is qualified to use laser technology.

3. How long will the whitening treatment last?

There is no definite answer to this question, but results typically last between several months and three years. It all depends on a person’s daily oral hygiene routine. To get the most out of your whitening treatment, follow these guidelines:

Brush your teeth twice a day
Floss daily
Use mouthwash
Reduce consumption of coffee, tea, and red wine
Visit your dentist every six months

To help maintain your smile, ask your dentist about using at-home whitening trays.

More Reasons to Brighten Your Smile

We won’t promise that prettier teeth will solve all of life’s problems, but according to studies by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, beautiful teeth provide major benefits. In today’s culture, a brighter smile can symbolize many things, including:

Success
Wealth
Confidence
Happiness
Health

When you choose to whiten your smile with laser whitening treatments, you will feel much more confident and others will see you in a more positive light.

Plus, a beautiful smile likes to be shown off. Did you know the more you smile, the happier you are? Smiling creates a chemical reaction in your brain that releases “happy hormones” called endorphins. This tricks your brain into thinking you are happy, so you become happy! Some scientists also report that smiling lowers stress, improves your immune system, and lengthens your lifespan.

Schedule an Appointment Today

To learn if you are a candidate for laser teeth whitening, contact your dentist today to schedule an initial consultation. Many dentists offer alternative whitening treatments and methods of brightening your smile if you are not a candidate for teeth whitening.

To make an appointment with our Austin Laser Dentist, contact us today at (512) 346-4690.

November 21, 2019 By Paula

Your Austin Laser Dentist Answers: How can cosmetic dentistry improve my life?

An imperfect smile can be a significant source of insecurity for many teens and adults. If you have crooked, stained, or gapped teeth, you may hide your teeth when you speak, avoid pictures, and hold back your laughter for fear of showing others your smile. Fortunately, we live in a time when effective solutions to these dental problems are easily accessible.

Through cosmetic dentistry treatments, your dentist can fix imperfections in your smile so you can feel comfortable in front of a camera and talk and laugh freely. Cosmetic dental solutions include:

Porcelain veneers
Invisalign®
Teeth whitening
Dental bonding
Gum lifts
Crown lengthening

If you need more than one of these procedures, your dentist can create a smile makeover treatment plan to address your specific needs.

Improving your smile through cosmetic dentistry does much more than just boost your confidence. Here are three ways cosmetic dentistry can improve your life:

1. Smiling makes you happier.

People with pretty teeth are much more likely to smile than those who don’t, and those people are likely truly happier than those who are dissatisfied with the appearance of their teeth.

Behavioral psychologists report that smiling releases the feel-good chemicals dopamine, endorphins, and serotonin into your brain. So, even if you are fake smiling, you will begin to feel happier and more relaxed!

2. Your smile can make others happy.

Smiling is contagious. If you’ve ever been around someone who is always happy, you may notice that you feel happier when you are with them. Don’t you want to be the reason other people smile?

When your smile is improved by cosmetic dentistry, you will want to show it off! When you smile, those around you will become happier, and the cycle of happiness will continue.

3. A beautiful smile can make you more successful.

It’s true. According to a survey completed by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, people with pretty teeth are viewed as more successful, intelligent, and interesting. As a result, you are much more likely to get hired for a job or get a promotion than those with less than perfect smiles.

4. Straight teeth mean a healthier you.

If you have crooked teeth, those dental problems may be the reason for digestive problems, cavities, or a lack of nutrients. Misaligned teeth make it difficult to chew food properly, which means you are probably not getting as many nutrients from your food as you should be. You may also experience indigestion. It’s also much easier for food to become lodged between crooked teeth. This can lead to tooth decay or gum disease.

By straightening your teeth with traditional braces or clear aligners, you have a much lower chance of experiencing these health issues.

5. An attractive smile can improve your social life.

Whether you’re dating or just looking to make new friends, you only have one chance to make a good first impression. One of the first things people notice (and one of the only things they may remember) is your smile. According to the AACD, 48 percent of adults believe that a smile is the most memorable feature of a person.

With a beautiful smile, you will also feel much more confident going on a first date or introducing yourself to new friends. Don’t let crooked, stained, or gapped teeth keep you from living a full life!

Contact Your Dentist Today

Dr. Helen Ragsdale at Austin Laser Dentist uses the latest technology to give you the smile of your dreams. Schedule your initial consultation with our friendly staff today at 512-346-4690.

November 12, 2019 By Paula

What is laser dentistry?

Laser dentistry uses extremely concentrated light beams to remove infected gum tissue or tooth structures and improve the appearance of teeth. Dentists began using this method in 1990 for gum tissue procedures. Since then, developments and improvements have been continually made, leading to the effectiveness and popularization of laser dentistry today.

Laser dentistry allows dentists to treat most minor and major dental problems without the need for drilling, anesthesia, or pressure so patients can relax during their dental procedure. This is a fantastic option for children and adults who experience dental anxiety or stress because laser dentistry is a minimally invasive way to treat a variety of oral health problems.

Continue reading to learn more about laser dental treatments.

History of Laser Dentistry

Albert Einstein coined and developed the idea of laser technology. He used the word “laser” as an acronym for “light amplification by the stimulated emission of radiation,” and he even created the mathematical formulas behind the technology. It would be decades—in the 1960s—before his idea became a reality.

In 1960, dental researchers began to explore the potential of laser treatments for oral health issues. It would take decades to create a laser that was safe enough to use on teeth.

In 1989, lasers that could remove soft and hard tissues without damaging the dental pulp were created and used commercially. Unfortunately, their unique design and high price limited the number of dentists who could use them.

Fortunately, that is not the case today. About 10% of all dentists use some type of laser dentistry because of its usefulness, versatility, and affordability.

Problems Laser Dentistry Can Treat

There are various types of dental lasers that can be used to treat both hard and soft tissue oral health problems, such as:

Cavity detection: Dentists use a laser device called DIAGNOdent to detect cavities earlier than ever before. Hidden carries are difficult for dentists to diagnose and can lead to the unnecessary treatment of healthy teeth or lack of treatment for decaying teeth. The accuracy of this tool gives dentists the confidence to properly diagnose a tooth.
Teeth whitening: Lasers are a fast, safe, and extremely effective treatment that brightens smiles. In just one hour, patients can walk out of the dentist’s office with a smile that’s several shades lighter than when they walked in.
Gum disease treatment: Dentists use methods like laser pocket decontamination to avoid gum surgery. In this minimally invasive procedure, dental lasers remove plaque and deposits from the periodontal pockets and aid in the healing of the periodontal infection. In severe cases, laser gum surgery may be the only solution.

Dental lasers are also used in curing restorative materials, root canal therapy, and cosmetic procedures.

With the advent of laser technology, each of these treatments becomes less invasive and less traumatic for the patient. Patients also experience less bleeding, swelling, ~~and~~ discomfort, and reduced recovery time.

Find a Laser Dentist Near You

When searching for a qualified laser dentist, look for a dental professional who has completed advanced training courses in laser dentistry and received extended education and training through an organization or institute like the World Clinical Laser Institute.

In the Austin, TX area, Dr. Helen Ragsdale is the laser dentist that patients come to for care and dentists come to for training. You can schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Ragsdale online or by calling 512-346-4690 today.

November 6, 2019 By Paula

Is gum disease reversible?

Gum disease, or periodontal disease, occurs when bad bacteria infect the gums, due to any number of reasons. Often, gum disease begins because of poor oral hygiene, smoking, hormonal changes, or dry mouth.

Plaque builds up on the teeth every day, and if it’s not brushed and flossed away, it hardens into tartar. This leads to inflammation of the gums, and eventually erodes the connective tissues and bone that support teeth.

Redness and inflammation of the gums are usually the first signs of periodontal disease. This stage is called gingivitis and is quite easily treated. However, once the disease progresses into periodontitis, more invasive treatments are necessary. The damage gum disease causes can be reversed, but the disease itself is chronic and so it cannot be cured.

If you have red, swollen gums, the best thing you can do is contact your Austin, TX dentist, Dr. Helen Ragsdale. At Austin Laser Dentist, we provide innovative, gentle laser dentistry to treat gum disease and promote the repair of damaged tissue. Contact our team today at 512-346-4690 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Ragsdale.

Other Symptoms of Gum Disease

Red, swollen gums are just the beginning of gum disease. As the infection progresses, other symptoms will appear. These include:

Bleeding gums
Bad breath
Receding gums
Loose teeth
Pus between gums and teeth
Mouth sores
Moving teeth

Some people don’t seek treatment for symptoms until the disease has progressed into advanced periodontitis. At this stage, tooth loss, gum grafts, and bone grafts may be necessary to restore good oral health.

At your regular dental cleaning and exam appointments every six months, Dr. Ragsdale will find and treat infection in the earliest stage.

Our Treatment Methods

At Austin Laser Dentist, we believe prevention is the best policy. But, when it comes to gum disease, catching it in the initial stages is the next best thing. Dr. Ragsdale uses minimally invasive laser dentistry to treat gingivitis, as well as more advanced cases of periodontal disease. These include:

Gum surgery
Scaling and root planing
Laser pocket decontamination
Gum grafts
Guided tissue regeneration
Bone grafting

Effects of Gum Disease

Gum disease doesn’t just affect the mouth; it has been linked to a variety of overall health problems, such as:

Heart disease
Stroke
Dementia and Alzheimer’s
Rheumatoid arthritis
Diabetes complications
Low-weight births
Lung conditions

Periodontal disease contributes to these health problems, as well as cancer and prostatitis, in men more often than in women. Men are nearly 20 percent more likely to have some type of gum disease and should always maintain good oral health habits in order to decrease their risk.

Women are not as prone to these overall health issues. However, there are certain factors that increase a woman’s risk of periodontal disease, such as:

Puberty
Menstruation
Pregnancy
Menopause
Post-menopause

These are most likely caused by an increase in the hormones progesterone and estrogen. Women should be conscientious about their oral hygiene during these times, especially during pregnancy as gum disease has been linked to premature birth.

Contact Your Austin Laser Dentist Today

Dr. Ragsdale and our team are passionate about providing minimally invasive, effective treatments for all types of oral health problems. However, our greatest achievement is helping our patients altogether avoid problems like gum disease. Contact our friendly staff today to learn how we can help you achieve great oral health and a fantastic smile.

Austin Laser Dentist - Helen Ragsdale DDS