Tray Teeth Whitening... Is it Right for You?

Even with consistent brushing and good oral care, teeth can lose their color. Today, you have many options when it comes to teeth whitening that include over-the-counter options, prescription methods and in-office procedures. At Alta Loma Dental Care, we offer custom tray whitening for our patients. Having teeth professionally whitened is an excellent way to restore the natural color of teeth quickly and effectively.

 

Unlike ineffective, over the counter whitening strips that are messy and tend to slide off teeth, professional custom tray whitening whitens teeth 4-8 shades in just a couple days. The tray whitening system can reverse the effects of discoloration. Dr. Kim will need to inspect your teeth in order to determine if you are eligible for teeth whitening. Intrinsic stains are on the surface, having barely penetrated the enamel. They are caused by coffee, smoking and aging. These stains are reversible through take-home tray whitening. Extrinsic stains develop from the inside of the teeth and are often caused by different antibiotics. The teeth are darkened as a result of bacteria buildup and cannot be reversed by whitening alone.
 

Traditional tray systems include a custom-fitted mouth guard that the patient wears for a period of 40-45 minutes for a few days. Dr. Kim will take a mold of your mouth in order to create a custom-fit mouth guard. The amount of days the mouth guard is worn depends on how white you want your teeth to be. This often results in a whiter smile of 4-8 shades in just a few days.

If you are interested in whitening your teeth, especially now that it’s prom and wedding season, give us a call at 909-296-7920 to schedule an appointment! 

TMJ and Your Health

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction is a group of conditions that cause pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and the muscles that control jaw movement. Your temporomandibular joint controls how the jaw functions and any pain in the area may cause jaw joint problems known as temporomandibular disorder (TMD). At Alta Loma Dental Care, we offer treatment options for patients suffering from this condition.

 

For most, small amounts of pain in the jaw do not signal a serious problem. Generally, the pain is infrequent and brief. But for those that develop significant, long-term symptoms, treatment should be sought. There really is no cure for TMJ; at best patients suffering from TMJ can only hope to manage the pain.

 

If you are suffering from TMJ, you are probably in constant pain. Your face, jaw and neck often ache and the jaw muscles become stiff as well. Dr. Kim recommends that you eat only soft foods, apply a cold compress often and avoidance of extreme jaw movement. In mild to moderate cases of TMJ, patients can use over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen to help manage the pain. We also provide night guards to help ease jaw pain at night. In more severe cases, surgery may be required. Surgery is an irreversible procedure that is often a last-resort.

 

If you are interested in TMJ treatment with Dr. Kim, give us a call at 909-296-7920 to schedule an appointment! 

Are you taking the right steps towards a healthy smile?

Proper oral hygiene is essential in maintaining a good-looking smile. At Alta Loma Dental Care, we believe in keeping our patients healthy by keeping them engaged in the proper oral health techniques. Dr. Michael enjoys providing patients with a dental hygiene routine that will keep teeth healthy and white.

 

While at our Alta Loma, CA office, Dr. Kim will provide patients with the tools necessary to maintain a healthy smile. Flossing is something that is integral in the tooth care process. Dr. Kim pushes his patients to floss regularly. Not only can flossing improve tooth health, it is also very important in keeping gums healthy. The places where the gums and teeth meet are where flossing takes a major role. Food particles or bacteria can become lodged here and over time, this can cause tartar and gingivitis.

 

Periodontal cleanings and treatments are a necessity in order to keep the mouth healthy as well. Not only can your teeth be affected by unhealthy gums, but periodontal disease (gum disease) has been linked to heart health. When it comes to teeth health, it is important to make regular visits to your dentist in order to properly care for and protect your overall health.

Patients See great Results with Snap On Smiles

Are you looking for a non-invasive, reversible, affordable approach to restorative and cosmetic dentistry? Time to take a look at Snap On Smiles! The treatment is quick and effective, making it a great option for patients who want to look and feel better. Here at Alta Loma Dental Care, we construct new smiles for our patient’s everyday using this innovative technology.

 

Snap-On Smile is a comfortable, removable dental application that involves no drilling and uses your existing tooth structure to improve smiles. The device is made from a durable and stain resistant acetyl resin and is can be up to .5mm thin without compromising strength. Dr. Michael Kim will collaborate with you to determine what shade and style you are hoping for.

 

The procedure is quite simple. Dr. Kim will take photos and impressions of your teeth. The molds are sent to a dental lab where the Snap-On Smile is created, this usually takes about two weeks. Once the device is ready, Dr. Kim will explain the insertion and removal process and basic maintenance procedures. From there, you can enjoy a new-look smile they can be proud of. Snap-On Smile is a great solution for patients who are unable to receive permanent improvements, such as crowns, veneers and implants because they are medically compromised.

 

New patients are encouraged to call us our Alta Loma Dental Care practice at 909-296-7920 to schedule a consultation with dentist Dr. Michael Kim.