Virginia beach Cosmetic and Neuromuscular Dentistry Blog - Dr. Michael Folck

Monday, August 31, 2015

How Often Should I Get Zoom! Teeth Whitening?



A good number of the people who come to our Norfolk dentist offices to get a brighter, cleaner smile are not sure exactly what type of care they need. But if their teeth are stained and faded, they tend to appreciate the transformative powers of Zoom! whitening. An in-office procedure that typically lasts less than an hour, Zoom! can do wonders for the appearance of your teeth.
In fact, the procedure is so popular among some patients that they want to know how often they can get their teeth “touched up” with a second whitening procedure! In general, the effects of whitening will last for at least a year, but some people want it done more frequently—they love that next-day, blinding white look, and want to have it done for special occasions.
While white teeth are always a good thing, it’s not always advisable to get in-office whitening done more than once a year. An alternative solution is to supplement your in-office Zoom! whitening treatment with customized whitening trays you can take home and put in every night. It’s a great way to make the whitening treatment look even better and last longer!
Whitening will also last longer if you avoid:
·         Smoking
·         Chewing Tobacco
·         Red Wine
·         Soda and Sugary Drinks
·         Coffee
·         Dark Berries or Juices
To learn more about the teeth whitening process and its benefits, contact Dr. Michael Folck at our Norfolk Zoom! whitening offices by calling (877) 206-3444. We serve patients in Norfolk, Virginia Beach, and the surrounding areas.

posted by Admin at 4:21 PM 0 comments

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Why Do Dental Implants Require Frequent Checkups?



Dental implants are the closest thing to your natural teeth, and for the most part they should be treated just like your natural teeth as well. For patients in Norfolk, dental implants provide many benefits including a natural appearance, enabling normal brushing and flossing, strengthening the jaw and preventing loss of neighboring teeth, but they do require a little extra maintenance.

Proper Implant Care
While the dental implant itself cannot decay or become infected, there is still the risk of both to the tissues around the implant. Known as peri-implantitis, infections around an implant can affect the gums, the jaw bone, and even the roots of adjacent teeth. Without the nerves of a natural tooth, it may be harder to know that the implant has a problem that can lead to gum disease, decreased bone density in the jaw and failure of the implant. Here are some tips for optimal implant care:

  • Brush and floss daily, just like your normal teeth
  • If you develop plaque around the implant, consider adding an antibacterial mouthwash
  • Water flossers may work better than regular floss
  • Visit your dentist every 3-6 months for cleanings and to check for any sign of infection
  • Smoking is one of the biggest risk factors for dental implant problems, so quitting smoking is key
For more information about dental implants and steps you can take to ensure a lifetime of beautiful smiles, please contact the dental practice of Dr. Michael P. Folck by calling (877) 206-3444. We serve patients in Norfolk, Chesapeake, and Virginia Beach, Virginia.

posted by Admin at 7:08 PM 0 comments

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