Should I Buy Whitening Products from the Drugstore?

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Teeth whitening is so popular that it’s promoted practically everywhere you turn. If you’re used to seeing plenty of products on shelves, you may wonder whether professional teeth whitening in St. Cloud, MN was worth it. Below, we’ll look at the pros and cons of buying teeth whitening products and how to decide.

Over-the-Counter Whitening Products

Over-the-counter whitening products are affordable and they don’t require you to make an appointment with a cosmetic dentist. However, the primary drawback is likely one you already predicted: they don’t work as well as professional services. While you may be able to whiten your teeth a shade or two, you may not get the results you’re looking for if you want a dramatic turnaround.

Are Whitening Products Harmful?

This question depends on the type of products you buy. Many are relatively safe, but others use higher concentrations of chemicals like bleach and peroxide. Whether you try a DIY solution, like lemon juice, or a home whitening gel from Crest, you can inadvertently damage your teeth if you’re not careful. If you are choosing a whitening product from a household name brand, it’s essential to follow their directions. Leaving products on for too long or using them too often can harm your teeth.

Is Teeth Whitening Worth It?

For many patients, teeth whitening is absolutely worth the investment. Not only can you smile wide in photos, but you can also take more general pride in your smile. Aging stains and food stains may not be harmful to your teeth, but they can lead to a general disinterest in taking care of them.

If you’re looking for a cosmetic dentist in St. Cloud, MN that you can trust, contact the team at Friesz Family and Cosmetic Dentistry. Regardless of which path you choose for whitening, we can help you make better decisions for the long-term health of your teeth. In some cases, staining is the result of a more serious problem, such as infection or decay. Instead of trying to whiten your teeth from the outside, a dentist can treat the underlying cause of the issue.

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Why You Should Consider Cosmetic Dentistry   

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These days, cosmetic dentistry is performed on nearly a daily basis in dentist’s offices all over the world. There are many different kinds of cosmetic dentistry procedures available. Yet, a lot of people don’t consider cosmetic dentistry for one reason or another. Your dentist in St. Cloud, MN offers If you have been avoiding it for any reason, here are some reasons why you should consider cosmetic dentistry.

It’s Not Just For the Wealthy

A long time ago, when cosmetic dentistry was in its infancy, only those in the public eye got this kind of procedure. It was pricier back then because it was brand new and not many dentists at that time could perform cosmetic dentistry.

But now, cosmetic dentistry is highly affordable. Some insurance plans even cover certain procedures. In fact, cosmetic dentistry is so common that, chances are, someone you know or work with has had something done along those lines.

It Can Bring Back Your Confidence

Many people lose confidence over the years as their oral health declines. They lose their smile out of embarrassment about missing teeth or teeth that are deemed to be unattractive.

But cosmetic dentistry can bring back your confidence. Just a simple treatment of having teeth whitening in St. Cloud, MN can give you some more confidence. It may even inspire you to take it a step further and consider dental implants or another form of cosmetic dentistry.

Missing Teeth Are Readily Fixed

With the power of cosmetic dentistry, you don’t have to live with missing teeth. Dental implants are just one easy way to fix the problem of one or more missing teeth. And, once the site has been prepared, the actual dental implant process can go surprisingly fast.

A Better Smile Means Better Health

Many people who could benefit from cosmetic dentistry have some oral health problems. When you come in for cosmetic dentistry, this gives the dentist a chance to take care of underlying issues so that your oral health doesn’t get a whole lot worse.

Remember, whatever is going on with your oral health, chances are that there is a cosmetic dentistry solution that can help. Why not contact us today to find out some of the answers that cosmetic dentistry can give you!

 

Adjusting to New Dentures: 3 Steps for Success

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When you opt for dentures in St. Cloud, MN to restore your smile, this is an effective and efficient choice. However, new dentures do require a brief period of adjustment. The closer you follow the dentist’s recommendations during the adjustment period, the quicker you will get accustomed to your new teeth. Check out a few tips for success to get you started.

1. Wear the dentures as much as possible

The dentures will initially feel out of place in your mouth. You may feel like your mouth is full, or it is harder to move your jaws to speak and chew. However, the more you can withstand wearing your dentures, the faster they will start to feel more like they belong. Do what you can to keep the dentures in place. Taking a break periodically is OK, but be sure not to leave the teeth out of your mouth for long periods.

2. Practice speaking with your new dentures

Speaking with dentures can take a little time to get accustomed to, but don’t get disheartened. You may even feel like your jaws have to work a little harder. With a little practice, your voice should start to sound normal, and the dentures should move with your jaws when you form words. Don’t hesitate to practice speaking several times a day. Grab a book and read it aloud to yourself. Carry on a conversation with a loved one over the phone.

3. Practice chewing small bites

Even though dentures restore some of your chewing power, no one starts out eating as they once did with new dentures. To avoid getting choked and to get used to chewing, eat foods that are relatively easy to chew. Practice by taking smaller bites and focusing on using the teeth to grind the food in your mouth. If eating something especially chewy, such as a piece of meat or raw vegetables, take tiny bites at first to get used to how the teeth work.

Find Out More About Dentures in St. Cloud, MN

When you work with an experienced dentist in St. Cloud, MN to get your new dentures, they will patiently help you through the process. Are you ready to discuss dentures to restore your smile? Reach out to us at Friesz Family & Cosmetic Dentistry.

What to Expect With Dental Veneers

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One of the services that your dentist in St. Cloud, MN offers is dental veneers. Dental veneers disguise both minor and major tooth flaws. They are particularly popular with celebrities and other prominent figures because they can make any set of teeth camera ready. If you are contemplating dental veneers, you’ll want to know more about what to expect from this transformative cosmetic dental treatment.

What Are Dental Veneers?

The term veneer refers to a thin covering or coating. Dental veneers are thin porcelain pieces formed in the shape of teeth. The veneer is applied to the front of the tooth, hiding any imperfections underneath. Note that the veneer is permanently bonded to the tooth. It is not removable by the patient. Only a dentist can remove a dental veneer, using special tools.

Do Dental Veneers Look Real Up Close?

Even up close, it’s difficult to tell whether someone has dental veneers in St. Cloud, MN. Dental veneers are tinted to give them a realistic appearance. This is done in the lab before your dentist applies them. Dental veneers also seem lifelike due to the material itself. Porcelain is quite similar to the raw tooth. Finally, porcelain veneers are so closely bonded to the front of the tooth that nothing can be seen on top of it.

How the Dentist Applies Dental Veneers

Your dentist first roughens up the front surface of the tooth so that the dental veneers attach securely. As a result, the veneers will last for years if taken care of properly.

How Does a Dental Veneer Fit?

Before beginning any treatment, the dentist will discuss your goals and expectations. There are various possibilities for dental veneers, and you and your dentist will discuss them all to ensure a pleasing outcome. That’s when the dentist takes a mold of your teeth and sends it off to the laboratory for custom-made dental veneers.

Which Dental Veneers Are Best?

Porcelain veneers not only seem genuine, but they also hide flaws in teeth. Porcelain veneers are an excellent option for teeth that are discolored, damaged, or worn down. Porcelain veneers won’t obstruct normal eating and drinking. You may eat and drink nearly anything as long as you follow your dentist’s instructions.

Dental veneers may be ideal for anyone who is looking to transform their smile. Book an appointment today to learn more about what to expect with dental veneers.

 

Best Options for Smile Repair

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Everyone loves a beautiful smile. If yours isn’t where you’d like it to be, your dentist in St. Cloud, MN, has a variety of options to help. From tooth whitening to tooth repair and replacement, cosmetic dentistry can revolutionize your life. You may chew more easily, speak more clearly, and end up with a smile that dazzles with its brilliance. But your first step is to make an appointment with your local dentist to discuss your opportunities. There are many options to improve the ways your teeth look and function.

1. Teeth Whitening

Bright, white teeth seem to sparkle when you smile. And if you’ve ever looked closely at your favorite celebrity, you may notice part of their appeal lies in the color and appearance of their teeth. Perfect teeth begin with good oral hygiene practices. But even the prettiest smile may benefit from teeth whitening.

If you drink beverages that stain, such as coffee, tea, or wine, your teeth may take on a dingy, dull appearance. Talk with your dental professional regarding the many benefits of teeth whitening. It’s a simple, non-invasive procedure that easily brightens the appearance of your teeth.

2. Teeth Straightening

Straight, even teeth are more earmarks of a stunning smile. Many factors may contribute to crooked teeth or teeth that feature noticeable gaps between them. These include overcrowding, bone loss, and trauma. If your teeth aren’t as straight as you’d like them to be, braces or aligners may be the answer.

3. Repair of Stained or Discolored Teeth

If your teeth are discolored by decay, whitening won’t help. However, veneers will. Dental veneers are simply faceplates for teeth. They’re a shell that slips over the tooth or is bonded to the front of the tooth to cover imperfections. Veneers are easily dyed to match the surrounding teeth, meaning no one will ever know they’re not natural unless you tell them. But they easily brighten and even out the appearance of discolored teeth.

When you’re ready to boost the intensity of your smile, Friesz Family & Cosmetic Dentistry is ready to help. Schedule an appointment for smile repair in St. Cloud, MN, today.