Your Gilbert Dentist:  A Youthful Smile Creates A Youthful Appearance

The appearance and condition of your teeth can positively or negatively affect your smile and your overall appearance, notes your Gilbert dentist, Dr. Rita Peck.  People are living longer, healthier, more active lives than ever before and it is possible to have healthy teeth throughout your lifetime.  As your body ages, so do your teeth.  If your smile doesn’t have the sparkle and luster it once did, modern dentistry can address your concerns, improve your appearance and restore your once youthful smile.

Your Gilbert Dentist:  Effects of Aging Teeth

There are many age-related dental problems; however, you don’t have to be self-conscious or unhappy with your teeth for the rest of your life.  With her drive for perfection, her keen eye for aesthetics and the latest in cosmetic dental procedures, your Gilbert dentist Dr. Rita Peck has helped many patients regain their vibrant, youthful smile.  Some common issues include:
Tooth discoloration:  Over time, tooth enamel wears down and teeth may appear dull.  Smoking, coffee, tea, soft drinks, red wine as well as certain medications can stain teeth. 
Gum recession:  Gum tissue surrounding teeth can wear away gradually or pull back over time, exposing more tooth and possibly tooth roots as well.  Some people may be genetically predisposed to receding gums.  Recession may also be caused by periodontal(gum) disease, which is an infection in the gums and supporting structures of the teeth, leading to bone loss.  Grinding teeth, improper oral hygiene habits, hormonal changes or tobacco use may also contribute to gum recession.
Wear and tear:  Years of grinding and clenching can wear down biting surfaces of teeth, which may result in uneven teeth, shortened teeth, chips, cracks, and biting issues.
Missing teeth:  Gum disease is the most common reason for tooth loss.  Periodontal disease, decay, accidents, injury and trauma may also cause tooth loss.  Tooth loss can also be a sign of serious health problems. 
Crooked teeth:  Even though your teeth may have been straight years ago, genetics, spaces left by tooth loss, old cavities, and gum disease can cause teeth to shift or crowd each other. 

Your Gilbert Dentist:  Solutions For A Timeless and Beautiful Smile

Refreshing your smile can turn back time and make a huge difference in your appearance and your life, explains your Gilbert dentist Dr. Rita Peck. For dull, stained or yellow teeth, our custom whitening system works wonders to whiten your teeth and brighten your smile.  For severe discoloration, lumineers (prep less veneers) are the treatment of choice. Lumineers are very thin porcelain shells permanently applied to the front of teeth to whiten them; lumineers can also correct cracks and chips, lengthen teeth, fill in spaces between teeth, and create a straighter appearance.  If you are concerned about gum recession, improve your brushing and flossing techniques using a soft toothbrush.  Not being effective as well as being too aggressive will both have negative effects.  If you have gum disease, your Gilbert dentist Dr. Peck may perform a special deep cleaning to aid gums back to health.  Gum surgery is another option used to repair gum damage.  If grinding your teeth and clenching your jaw has contributed to wear and tear on your teeth, wearing a custom made night guard will stop the behavior.  Composite bonding is a tooth colored resin that is used to treat chipped, fractured and decayed teeth.  For an ultimate smile makeover, your Gilbert dentist Dr. Peck may recommend porcelain crowns to create your perfect smile.  A porcelain crown is a tooth-shaped “cap” that fully covers your existing tooth.  Dr. Peck, your Gilbert dentist, may recommend a porcelain crown to protect a weak tooth from breaking, to restore a tooth that is broken or severely worn down, to replace a large filling when little tooth is remaining as well as to cover a severely discolored or misshapen tooth.  Partial and complete dentures are removable and can replace a single, several, or all missing teeth.  A fixed bridge is a permanent restoration of a porcelain crown which is supported by adjacent teeth.  For the most natural look and feel to replace a missing tooth, a dental implant is your solution.  A dental implant is an artificial tooth root implanted into the jawbone on which a porcelain crown is placed.  Dental implants look and feel like natural teeth.  For crooked and shifting teeth, clear braces are your solution.  Discreet and nearly invisible when worn, the series of removable custom clear trays are worn for a period of approximately six months, gently shifting teeth back into correct alignment for a straight, beautiful smile.

Your Gilbert Dentist:  A Youthful Smile Begins With You

Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are essential for dental health.  Develop good oral hygiene habits at home.  Proper brushing and flossing techniques, using a fluoride rinse, and healthy nutrition all contribute to healthy teeth.  For more information on how cosmetic dentistry options can age-proof your smile and to learn more about your Gilbert dentist Dr. Rita Peck, call our office 480-503-5467 or visit our website www.drritapeck.com.