Northern Virginia Dental Associates

In-Office Whitening vs. At-Home Teeth Whitening

A bright white smile is a highly desirable feature, so there are many different whitening products available promising to deliver dramatic results. However, only a handful of whitening solutions will actually be able to make your teeth more than one to two shades brighter. Your cosmetic dentist can help you sort through the wide array of whitening products available and review some of the benefits of choosing in-office procedures over at-home solutions. Here is a look at the advantage of having your teeth whitened in the dentist’s office:

Quicker results: Whitening offered by the dentist shows faster results for two reasons: higher concentrations of bleaching solutions are able to be used safely and whitening can be accelerated with LED light. This means that you can see the results you want in a single visit to the dentist’s office, instead of having to wait the several weeks that at-home systems can require.

Improved safety: While bleaching is completely safe for your teeth, it can be harmful to your gums. Choosing to let the dentist do the work of applying a whitening solution will ensure that your gums are not damaged from the treatment, as they will be protected while the teeth are being whitened.

Longer lasting effects: No tooth whitening treatment will last forever, as the teeth are prone to yellowing from your daily habits. Still, procedures done in the dentist’s office can penetrate deeper into the tooth enamel for longer lasting stain removal. You can expect these results to last for about one year, while you can only expect results from at-home treatments to last for about three to six months.

To explore all of your options for tooth whitening, visit Northern Virginia Dental Associates in Springfield and Burke, VA. We offer dental care for the whole family, including cosmetic services like ZOOM2! Whitening that can make your smile beautiful. Check out all of the services we offer by visiting our website or by calling us at (703) 451-8332.

Exploring the Many Benefits of Cosmetic Dental Procedures

Cosmetic dentistry is so popular among patients that it is now conveniently integrated into most dental practices. There are a wide range of procedures that fall into the category of cosmetic dentistry, which means that nearly any flaw in your smile can be corrected. When you see your smile improve with the help of cosmetic dental procedures, you will notice a variety of benefits, such as the following:

Improved confidence

Your smile is one of the first things that people notice about you, and cosmetic dentistry can make it an unforgettable feature. Since you will not have to feel self-conscious about the color, shape, or positioning of your teeth after your cosmetic dentistry procedure, you can feel free to show off your smile every day.

Easier cleaning and maintenance

If your teeth have been difficult to clean because of overcrowding, the spatial correction offered by procedures like Invisalign can greatly improve the health of your smile. Brushing and flossing will be much easier for you to do, so you will have more positive dental check-ups and a reduced need for restorative procedures like fillings. Choosing cosmetic dental procedures that utilize porcelain veneers can also offer an advantage for the long-term maintenance of your smile, as porcelain is resistant to staining from foods and beverages.

Youthful appearance

Cosmetic dentistry is especially popular among aging adults, as it can turn back the clock on any face. Even procedures as simple as tooth whitening can offer a youthful glow and a smile that will surely turn heads.

If you want to explore the best cosmetic dentistry options to enhance your natural beauty, schedule a consultation with Northern Virginia Dental Associates. Our practice offers complete dental care, including cosmetic services and implants, so that you can see an improvement in both the health and beauty of your smile. Check us out online or call (703) 451-8332 to learn what we can do for you.

How to Care for Children's Teeth

Good oral hygiene begins as soon as the first tooth erupts, and your child will need your help cleaning the teeth while he or she is young.

This video offers tips to help you show your child how to brush and floss effectively. Brush your teeth together so that your child can follow your example. Provide your child with a brush that features a small head with soft bristles which will gently clean the teeth. Be sure to encourage your child to brush for two full minutes.

For more information on caring for your child’s teeth, schedule an appointment with Northern Virginia Dental Associates. We offer comprehensive dental care for the whole family in our Springfield office. Check us out online or call (703) 451-8332 to learn about all of the services we offer.

The Importance of Taking Care of Your Dental Implants

Dental implants are quickly becoming the new standard in dental restorations, replacing options such as dentures and bridges. One of the greatest advantages of dental implants is that you can care for them just like your natural teeth through brushing, flossing, and regular check-ups. This kind of maintenance is important, as dental implants are designed to be permanent tooth loss solutions. Here are some of the reasons why you should work with your dentist to develop a good care routine for your implants:

Reduced future dental costs

The implant itself is incredibly sturdy, so it is not likely to need replacement after it has been put in. However, the root of the implant is capped with a crown that can break if it is not well cared for.

Improved health of natural teeth and gums

Dental implants are utilized because they prevent damage to surrounding teeth, gums, and the underlying jaw bone. By caring for your implant, you will be caring for these natural structures as well, resulting in better overall oral health. It is important to remember that although dental implants are not subject to decay, the teeth around them still are.

Better looking smile

A good at-home care routine is required for a beautiful smile, especially if yours has been improved with dental implants. Since dental implants are typically capped with porcelain or composite crowns that are resistant to stains, you will want to take steps to keep the rest of your teeth sparkling and white so that the implants blend in seamlessly with your smile.

Find out if dental implants are right for you and get care tips for managing your implants by scheduling a visit to Northern Virginia Dental Associates. Our caring staff can help you get the smile you want using the latest innovations in dental care. Call us at (703) 451-8332 or visit our website to make your first appointment at our Springfield or Burke office.

About Bone Resorption

Teeth are supported by underlying bone that is just below the surface of the gum tissue. When a tooth is removed, the body almost immediately begins to resorb the underlying bone. This poses a problem for those getting dental implants that is often remedied using bone grafting.

This video explains some of the challenges of bone resorption and ways to get around them. Bone grafting is the most common solution, and there are several options involved in this procedure that may be appropriate for your situation.

If you have a tooth that is causing you pain or discomfort, schedule a consultation with Northern Virginia Dental Associates to determine the best course of action. Whether extraction or restoration is the answer, we can offer superior care to repair your smile. Learn more about us by visiting our website or by calling (703) 451-8332.