If you have yellow, stained, or discolored teeth, you know how uncomfortable they can make you feel. You may try to hide your smile in photos or social situations.

Professional chairside teeth whitening can give you a chance at a radiant smile in just one visit. When a dental professional provides this treatment, it is safe, effective, and shows stunning results.

Reasons Why Teeth Become Discolored

Even if you brush and floss daily, your teeth may become stained. The following conditions and lifestyle habits may lead to stained teeth:

• Natural aging
• Smoking or tobacco use of any kind
• Highly pigmented foods and beverages like coffee, tea, red wine, berries, and dark chocolate
• Certain medications
• Poor oral hygiene and missing dental appointments

Teeth Whitening Options

Over-the-Counter Whitening

You may believe that over-the-counter whitening is less expensive than professional whitening and that over-the-counter products are equally effective. However, over-the-counter products generally use a far lower concentration of whitening ingredients than professional products, making their results less predictable and more gradual.

Conversely, some whitening gels purchased online are too strong to be used without dental supervision, leading to excess sensitivity and chemical burns to the gums.

At-Home Professional Whitening

At-home professional whitening is a safe, effective alternative to over-the-counter solutions. If you want a more gradual change, at-home professional whitening may be your best choice.

In-Office Professional Whitening

In-office or chairside whitening is the only way to significantly whiten teeth in just one or two office visits. You can achieve up to eight whitening shades in one session.

How In-Office Teeth Whitening Works

To whiten your teeth in the office, your dentist will first protect your gums, cheeks, and tongue from the robust bleaching solution. They will then paint the whitening gel on your teeth, ensuring an even coat for a perfect appearance.

Your dentist may use a particular light or a laser to activate the whitening gel, or it may activate on its own. The whitening gel enters the tooth's pores and physically breaks up stain molecules.

The dentist carefully rinses the first gel application. They may repeat the process up to three times in one appointment.

After treatment, the dentist applies a fluoride gel to remineralize the teeth and seal the pores in the enamel. The gel also helps to alleviate post-whitening sensitivity. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Teeth Whitening

What kind of chemical is in teeth whitening solutions?

Generally, carbamide or hydrogen peroxide are used to whiten teeth. These are safe substances when used by a qualified dental professional.

How long does professional teeth whitening last?

It depends on how often you want to touch up your results. You should see excellent results for about 3 to 6 months after whitening. Ensure you take good care of your teeth and avoid staining foods and beverages to the greatest extent.

Call Lane Family Dentistry

If you're unhappy with your smile, we can help make it brilliant. Please call our Vilonia, AR, office at 501-796-3903 today to schedule a consultation.

A dental crown is a protective covering placed over a decayed or damaged tooth. A crown is used when the extent of the damage to the natural crown of the tooth is too great for a filling, inlay, or onlay, but the root is still intact. If your dentist has recommended restoring one of your teeth with a crown, you may have some questions about it. How long do dental crowns last? What factors affect their lifespan? Learn the answer to these questions and more. 

Average Lifespan of a Dental Crown

You can expect a dental crown to last for an average of 15 years. With excellent care and maintenance, a crown can last for 20 years or more. There are many factors that contribute to the length of time a crown lasts, either shortening or lengthening its lifespan. 

Factors That Affect the Lifespan of a Dental Crown

The following factors play a part in the longevity of a dental crown: 

 

• Oral hygiene habits. How well you take care of your teeth will affect the lifespan of your crown. Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once a day will help keep your crown, and the tooth underneath it, clean and healthy. Failing to properly clean your teeth can allow plaque bacteria to form on the tooth and the crown, potentially working its way underneath the crown to cause decay. 

• Regular dental visits. In addition to cleaning your teeth at home, you need to go to the dentist every 6 months for regular cleanings and oral exams. Your dentist can remove plaque that is left behind after brushing and flossing. The oral exam will identify any potential problems with your crown, such as damage or loosening. 

• Type of crown. Dental crowns are made of porcelain, metal alloy, gold alloy, or porcelain fused to metal. Metal crowns tend to last longer than porcelain crowns because the material is stronger and less susceptible to cracking or breaking. However, porcelain provides the most natural appearance, making it one of the most common materials for crowns. 

• Quality of the crown. The higher the quality of the material used to make the crown, the longer it will last. This is especially true of porcelain. The higher the quality of the porcelain that is used, the more natural it will look and the longer it will last. 

• Location of the crown. A crown placed on a front tooth may last longer than a crown on a molar. This is because molars bear the brunt of the chewing force exerted by your teeth and jaw, causing them to wear down faster and crack or chip more frequently. 

• Eating and chewing habits. What you eat will affect the lifespan of your crown as well. Chewing on hard foods, ice, or non-food items can cause damage to your crown, shortening its lifespan. 

• Teeth grinding and clenching. If you grind your teeth or clench your jaw due to stress, your crown may not last as long. Teeth grinding and clenching puts extra strain on your crown that could cause it to wear down more quickly and potentially crack or break. Wearing a mouthguard can help protect your crown as well as your other teeth from damage due to grinding. 

 

How is a Crown Replaced?

If your crown does wear out, the replacement process is quick and easy. The old crown will be removed, impressions will be made, and a new crown will be created. Once your new crown is ready, it will be bonded into place with dental cement, ready to last another 15 years or more. 

Lane Family Dentistry Provides Quality Dental Crowns 

For a crown to last as long as possible, it must be made with high quality materials. Lane Family Dentistry provides quality dental crowns made of porcelain or metal. We will recommend the best type of crown for you depending on your needs and the location of the tooth. See us every 6 months for dental cleanings and maintenance and your crown could last a lifetime. 

Call 501-796-3903 or contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.

A dental crown is a protective covering placed over a decayed or damaged tooth. A crown is used when the extent of the damage to the natural crown of the tooth is too great for a filling, inlay, or onlay, but the root is still intact. If your dentist has recommended restoring one of your teeth with a crown, you may have some questions about it. How long do dental crowns last? What factors affect their lifespan? Learn the answer to these questions and more.

Average Lifespan of a Dental Crown
You can expect a dental crown to last for an average of 15 years. With excellent care and maintenance, a crown can last for 20 years or more. There are many factors that contribute to the length of time a crown lasts, either shortening or lengthening its lifespan.

Factors That Affect the Lifespan of a Dental Crown
The following factors play a part in the longevity of a dental crown:

Oral hygiene habits. How well you take care of your teeth will affect the lifespan of your crown. Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once a day will help keep your crown, and the tooth underneath it, clean and healthy. Failing to properly clean your teeth can allow plaque bacteria to form on the tooth and the crown, potentially working its way underneath the crown to cause decay.

Regular dental visits. In addition to cleaning your teeth at home, you need to go to the dentist every 6 months for regular cleanings and oral exams. Your dentist can remove plaque that is left behind after brushing and flossing. The oral exam will identify any potential problems with your crown, such as damage or loosening.

Type of crown. Dental crowns are made of porcelain, metal alloy, gold alloy, or porcelain fused to metal. Metal crowns tend to last longer than porcelain crowns because the material is stronger and less susceptible to cracking or breaking. However, porcelain provides the most natural appearance, making it one of the most common materials for crowns.

Quality of the crown. The higher the quality of the material used to make the crown, the longer it will last. This is especially true of porcelain. The higher the quality of the porcelain that is used, the more natural it will look and the longer it will last.

Location of the crown. A crown placed on a front tooth may last longer than a crown on a molar. This is because molars bear the brunt of the chewing force exerted by your teeth and jaw, causing them to wear down faster and crack or chip more frequently.

Eating and chewing habits. What you eat will affect the lifespan of your crown as well. Chewing on hard foods, ice, or non-food items can cause damage to your crown, shortening its lifespan.

Teeth grinding and clenching. If you grind your teeth or clench your jaw due to stress, your crown may not last as long. Teeth grinding and clenching puts extra strain on your crown that could cause it to wear down more quickly and potentially crack or break. Wearing a mouthguard can help protect your crown as well as your other teeth from damage due to grinding.

How is a Crown Replaced?
If your crown does wear out, the replacement process is quick and easy. The old crown will be removed, impressions will be made, and a new crown will be created. Once your new crown is ready, it will be bonded into place with dental cement, ready to last another 15 years or more.

Lane Family Dentistry Provides Quality Dental Crowns
For a crown to last as long as possible, it must be made with high quality materials. Lane Family Dentistry provides quality dental crowns made of porcelain or metal. We will recommend the best type of crown for you depending on your needs and the location of the tooth. See us every 6 months for dental cleanings and maintenance and your crown could last a lifetime.

Call 501-796-3903 or contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.

 It is estimated that approximately 15 million Americans have dental crowns or dental bridges. A dental crown is also referred to as a cap. A dental crown is a type of dental restoration that is used to cover, stabilize, strengthen,  and protect a damaged tooth. Here’s what to know about dental crowns including why you need one, and what to expect when getting a crown.

Reasons You May Need a Dental Crown

Your dentist will recommend a dental crown for a variety of reasons. Teeth that have significant decay that can not be treated with a dental filling may require a crown. Likewise, teeth that have small cracks, and have become weakened may be held together and fortified with a dental crown.  

Severely worn down teeth, or teeth that are broken may also be restored with a dental crown.  In other cases, a discolored or misshapen tooth may be covered with a crown.  

Dental crowns are also used in conjunction with other cosmetic or restorative dental treatments. For example, if decay reaches the interior of the tooth, or if you develop an infection in the pulp of the tooth, you’ll need a root canal. The placement of a permanent crown is necessary following a root canal. 

If you are replacing missing teeth with a dental bridge, you may need to have dental crowns placed on the adjoining teeth to support the bridge. Finally, dental crowns are affixed to dental implants if you undergo dental implant surgery.

Types of Dental Crowns

All dental crowns serve the same purpose: to protect your natural tooth beneath it. However, not all dental crowns are made of the same material. Your dentist will go over the options most appropriate for your unique situation. Dental crowns may be made of:

• Ceramic

Ceramic dental crowns are a popular choice because they can be color-matched to match your other teeth. 

• Porcelain Fused to Metal

These crowns are durable and strong and also look very natural.

• Gold Alloys

Gold alloys may be recommended for those who grind their teeth at night. These crowns may be best suited for patients requiring a stronger type of restoration.

• Base Metal Alloys

These dental crowns may be needed if there is severe wear of a tooth, resulting in less existing tooth structure.

What to Expect When Getting a Dental Crown

If you need a dental crown, don’t panic. The procedure is not painful. But it can require two visits. During your first visit,  painless digital imaging tests will be performed so that your dentist can confirm there is no existing infection that needs to be treated before placing the crown.

Next, your existing tooth will need to be shaped to place the crown. The area surrounding the tooth to be treated will be completely numbed. Your dentist will then remove all decay, and shave down the tooth. You will not feel any pain during this process.  

Once the tooth has been shaped to hold the crown, an impression of your tooth will be made, using a state-of-the-art digital intraoral scanner. This scan is completely painless, as it only involves a handheld wand being swabbed around in your mouth. The impression will be used to create your new dental crown. To complete your initial visit you’ll have a temporary crown placed on the treated tooth. 

You’ll return to the dentist once your crown has been received from the lab. During this appointment, your dentist will ensure that your new crown fits perfectly before permanently attaching it. Your dentist may make minor adjustments to the crown, to ensure that your bite is aligned and the crown fits snugly. Then the crown will be permanently bonded to your tooth, and your treatment will be complete.

Schedule a Dental Exam in Vilonia, AR

Lane Family Dentistry provides comprehensive dental treatment including restorations such as dental crowns in Vilonia, convenient to Mount Vernon, Enola, and Rose Bud. Request an appointment online or call 501-796-3903 today.

t is estimated that approximately 15 million Americans have dental crowns or dental bridges. A dental crown is also referred to as a cap. A dental crown is a type of dental restoration that is used to cover, stabilize, strengthen,  and protect a damaged tooth. Here’s what to know about dental crowns including why you need one, and what to expect when getting a crown.
Reasons You May Need a Dental Crown
Your dentist will recommend a dental crown for a variety of reasons. Teeth that have significant decay that can not be treated with a dental filling may require a crown. Likewise, teeth that have small cracks, and have become weakened may be held together and fortified with a dental crown.

Severely worn down teeth, or teeth that are broken may also be restored with a dental crown.  In other cases, a discolored or misshapen tooth may be covered with a crown.

Dental crowns are also used in conjunction with other cosmetic or restorative dental treatments. For example, if decay reaches the interior of the tooth, or if you develop an infection in the pulp of the tooth, you’ll need a root canal. The placement of a permanent crown is necessary following a root canal.

If you are replacing missing teeth with a dental bridge, you may need to have dental crowns placed on the adjoining teeth to support the bridge. Finally, dental crowns are affixed to dental implants if you undergo dental implant surgery.
Types of Dental Crowns
All dental crowns serve the same purpose: to protect your natural tooth beneath it. However, not all dental crowns are made of the same material. Your dentist will go over the options most appropriate for your unique situation. Dental crowns may be made of:

Ceramic

Ceramic dental crowns are a popular choice because they can be color-matched to match your other teeth.

Porcelain Fused to Metal

These crowns are durable and strong and also look very natural.

Gold Alloys

Gold alloys may be recommended for those who grind their teeth at night. These crowns may be best suited for patients requiring a stronger type of restoration.

Base Metal Alloys

These dental crowns may be needed if there is severe wear of a tooth, resulting in less existing tooth structure.

What to Expect When Getting a Dental Crown
If you need a dental crown, don’t panic. The procedure is not painful. But it can require two visits. During your first visit,  painless digital imaging tests will be performed so that your dentist can confirm there is no existing infection that needs to be treated before placing the crown.

Next, your existing tooth will need to be shaped to place the crown. The area surrounding the tooth to be treated will be completely numbed. Your dentist will then remove all decay, and shave down the tooth. You will not feel any pain during this process.

Once the tooth has been shaped to hold the crown, an impression of your tooth will be made, using a state-of-the-art digital intraoral scanner. This scan is completely painless, as it only involves a handheld wand being swabbed around in your mouth. The impression will be used to create your new dental crown. To complete your initial visit you’ll have a temporary crown placed on the treated tooth.

You’ll return to the dentist once your crown has been received from the lab. During this appointment, your dentist will ensure that your new crown fits perfectly before permanently attaching it. Your dentist may make minor adjustments to the crown, to ensure that your bite is aligned and the crown fits snugly. Then the crown will be permanently bonded to your tooth, and your treatment will be complete.

Schedule a Dental Exam in Vilonia, AR
Lane Family Dentistry provides comprehensive dental treatment including restorations such as dental crowns in Vilonia, convenient to Mount Vernon, Enola, and Rose Bud. Request an appointment online or call 501-796-3903 today.