Category Archives: Teeth Whitening

You may not be able to articulate why all the elements blend in perfect harmony, but you know it when you see it. I’m talking about a positive smile. What aspects are we talking about? You may be surprised at how many components our dentist must consider when planning for a smile makeover with Cosmetic Dentistry in Nampa.

Here are a few of the most obvious elements:

• Tooth Color, shade, brightness, and uniformity
• Tooth Alignment: Straight or crooked?
• Tooth Size and proportions: Are some teeth much larger or smaller than the rest?
• Tooth Spacing: Is there crowding or big gaps between teeth?
• Gumline Margins: How much gum shows when you smile?

Here are some other important elements that may be even less familiar to our patients:

• The number of teeth that show when the mouth is at rest
• The relationship of the smile line to the lip line
• Zenith Points: The highest point of the gumline in relation to the center of the tooth
• Midline Placement: the smile should be centered in the middle of the lips, mouth, and face
• Mesial Inclination: the tops of the teeth should angle slightly away from the midline

If crucial design principles are not observed, the smile may look “off” and the function of the teeth and jaw could be adversely affected. or example, a smile makeover carried out by an inexperienced cosmetic dentist could change the patient’s bite and put undue stress on the other restorations.

Do not choose a cosmetic dentist by procedure cost alone. If you are contemplating a smile redesign with cosmetic dentistry in Nampa, call Blaisdell Family Dentistry today to schedule an informative consultation.

For more information on cosmetic dentistry procedures in Nampa, such as Dental Implants, Porcelain Veneers, or Teeth Whitening, give our office a call today!

Contact Blaisdell Family Dentistry:

208-922-6902

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

8877 W Hackamore Dr
Boise, Idaho
83709

In today’s post, we will focus on something that happens occasionally when a patient requests cosmetic dentistry in Boise.

Let me set the stage. The patient comes in for a consultation about a smile makeover. We’ll call him Mr. Jones. The dentist listens carefully as he explains the aesthetic problems that he wants to remedy. Mr. Jones wants to fix two chipped teeth, get a dental implant for a tooth that is missing altogether, and whiten his whole smile. He describes what he envisions for his smile after undergoing treatment.

The dentist performs an examination of his entire mouth and takes x-rays. The dentist discovers some additional issues. There are three teeth with moderate decay, one tooth with severe decay, gum disease, an old crown with a crack in it, and severe bone recession at the potential dental implant site where the tooth was extracted ten years ago.

The dentist explains that these issues need to be addressed before the smile transformation is performed. Mr. Jones says that the smile makeover is his first priority and plans to deal with the other problems sometime in the future.

How does the dentist advise Mr. Jones? The dentist will probably explain that the lasting success of a cosmetic dental procedure such as porcelain veneers, dental bonding, or tooth whitening is influenced by the condition of the mouth at the time of treatment. There must be a solid, healthy foundation, so to speak, on which to build the smile makeover with Cosmetic Dentistry in Boise.

First things first.

It makes no sense to attach a veneer to a decayed tooth that may need a root canal. A dental implant may not integrate with the surrounding bone structure if placed at a site where there is bone recession. Tooth whitening will probably not produce favorable results where there is gum disease and exposed tooth roots.

Can Mr. Jones ever have his dream smile? Yes! There are treatments to repair all of the problems mentioned previously. But just like many other things in life, the order of operations is critical.

If you are interested in Cosmetic Dentistry in Boise or simply need a check-up, schedule an appointment by calling 208-922-6902. We look forward to discussing both your oral health and aesthetic concerns.

Contact Blaisdell Family Dentistry:

208-922-6902

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

8877 W Hackamore Dr
Boise, Idaho
83709

One of the most important aspects of good dental health is daily brushing with an effective toothpaste. In this post from Blaisdell Family Dentistry in Boise, we’ll discuss toothpaste – and maybe tell you more about it than you ever thought you would know.

Toothpaste as we know it has only been in existence since the late 1800s. The earliest evidence of toothpaste or dental cream dates back to 3000-5000 BC. The Ancient Egyptians pulverized oxen hooves, egg shells, pumice, myrrh, and water creating one of the earliest forms of toothpaste.

The Greeks and Romans began adding crushed bones and bark to the mix. The idea, presumably, was to make it more abrasive. No minty fresh breath in those days! The taste, most likely, was hard to take. During this same time the people of China and India were using a similar paste, but adding flavorings, like Ginseng and herbal mints making it a bit more palatable.

Modern toothpastes began in the 1800s. The earliest toothpastes weren’t much like what we know today: most were powders, and some had soap and chalk in them. A description of toothpaste from the 1860s mentions charcoal.

Toothpaste first appeared in a tube in the 1980s. By 1914, fluoride was added. These pastes were much like what we know today.

This ends our brief history of toothpaste. At Blaisdell Family Dentistry in Boise, we want to help our patients have excellent dental health and bright smiles. We provide general and family dentistry, professional teeth whitening and other cosmetic dentistry, and sedation dentistry. Schedule an appointment with us today.

Contact Blaisdell Family Dentistry:

208-922-6902

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

8877 W Hackamore Dr
Boise, Idaho
83709

Dental crowns have been around for thousands of years and are still used to restore smiles today. Ancient dentists used ivory, bone, and seashells to make crowns for teeth. At Blaisdell Family Dentistry in Boise, our procedures and materials have kept up with the times.

A dental crown procedure consists of numerous steps:

Tooth Preparation
We anesthetize the tooth to be crowned and then prepare it. All decay is removed and what remains is shaped. Sometimes, the tooth is too small; in that case, we build up the core of the tooth with filling material to create a heavy-duty base for the crown.

Creating a Good Impression
A putty-like substance is used to create an impression of the tooth and surrounding teeth. An impression will also be made of the teeth that oppose the crown. This ensures a proper bite.

The Temporary Crown
As the permanent crown is made in a lab, a temporary crown is used to protect the tooth and make sure it doesn’t move in the mouth. Patients need to be careful with their temporary crown. It is not as strong as the permanent crown and is attached only with temporary cement. Avoid chewing gum and eating sticky foods. The tooth may be sensitive to hot and cold.

Choosing a Color
We’ll use a shade guide to settle upon a shade for the crown. Most people don’t have teeth the exact same color. You will need to ascertain the best shade to blend in with the surrounding teeth.

Your Crown Is Put In Place
When the new crown is ready, we place it in your mouth and make any necessary adjustments for fit. This process shouldn’t be rushed. Sometimes less than a millimeter of drilling can make the difference between an ill-fitting crown one that is just right.

Blaisdell Family Dentistry in Boise has long experience with dental crowns. We also provide popular cosmetic dentistry procedures such as teeth whitening, and much more.

Contact Blaisdell Family Dentistry:

208-922-6902

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

8877 W Hackamore Dr
Boise, Idaho
83709

Water flossing has been around for a long time. Some dentists strongly recommend them for optimal oral health, while others say brushing and string floss is enough. At Blaisdell Family Dentistry in Boise, we’ll use this space to weigh the pros and cons.

The first water-shooting device for cleaning between teeth was created in the early 1960’s by Colorado dentist Dr. Gerald Moyer and John Mattingly, a hydraulics engineer. It is now known by the brand name Waterpik, though the term is generically and there are similar products from other manufacturers. (Note: Blaisdell Family Dentistry does not necessarily endorse any specific brand.)

A water irrigation device oscillates a stream of water through a small, targeted tube to shoot out bits of food and plaque from around and between teeth. To use it, you insert the tube into your mouth, turn it on, and then lean over the sink with your mouth slightly open to let the water drain out as you guide the stream of shooting water around the gumline and gaps between teeth.

There have been over 65 studies that have substantiated the safety and efficacy of water flossing. They can reduce periodontal infection, remove plaque, and get deeper into soft tissue pockets than string floss can.

Where water flossers really excel is in cleaning around braces. They’re extremely efficient, and nothing could be easier.

The friendly team at Blaisdell Family Dentistry in Boise is here to help you with your oral health. We also provide cosmetic dentistry, including teeth whitening.

Contact Blaisdell Family Dentistry:

208-922-6902

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

8877 W Hackamore Dr
Boise, Idaho
83709

Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic dental service at Blaisdell Family Dentistry in Boise, and indeed in the rest of the United States.

Results vary, but most of our patients get significant lightening that lasts up to a year. They also say that a whiter smile elevates their self confidence and can take years of wear and discoloration away to reveal a brighter smile.

Teeth whitening and teeth bleaching, however, describe two different things. Surface cracks and stains ensue on tooth enamel, exposing the yellower dentin below the surface. Discoloration can be the result of the natural aging process, illness, genetics, or dark colored food or drink. Foods and beverages that are both dark colored and acidic— like wine, coffee, and tomato sauce—have even stronger staining power.

Teeth whitener can refer to any product used to remove stains from tooth enamel: toothpaste, DIY strips, and some mouthwashes are safe and affordable and can whiten teeth with continued, regular use. What they cannot do is match professional whitening treatment.

The term “bleaching” means a teeth whitening product that contains a form of bleach, either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, in varying concentrations.

At Blaisdell Family Dentistry in Boise, we provide Zoom! take-home whitening kits. We make custom-fitted trays that hold the special whitening gel that results in a dazzling smile. Call the friendly team at Blaisdell Family Dentistry to set up a consultation! We provide additional cosmetic dentistry procedures, as well as teeth straightening with clear braces.

Contact Blaisdell Family Dentistry:

208-922-6902

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

8877 W Hackamore Dr
Boise, Idaho
83709

Teeth whitening has become one of the easiest ways to upgrade your smile. And with cosmetic dentistry from Blaisdell Family Dentistry in Boise, there is little effort and no pain.

Blaisdell Family Dentistry can help you understand your options for teeth whitening and the results you can expect from the procedures we offer.

Over-the-counter whitening systems can give pretty good results, but many users aren’t satisfied with what they get. The simple truth is that the results you get from professional whitening far surpasses anything that comes from a tube.

Blaisdell Family Dentistry can help you whiten your teeth effectively and get spectacular results. We provide Zoom! teeth whitening, which can transform your teeth in a single visit to our office.

Zoom! whitening incorporates dental-grade hydrogen peroxide activated LED lamps. The treatments penetrate deep into the enamel of your teeth to bleach away deep stains and other discolorations.

Our friendly staff would love to answer any questions you have about Zoom! teeth whitening. Blaisdell Family Dentistry also offers Boise residents porcelain veneers, and general and family dentistry. Visit our smile gallery to see the possibilities. And then give us a call to schedule an appointment.

Contact Blaisdell Family Dentistry:

208-922-6902

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

8877 W Hackamore Dr
Boise, Idaho
83709

If you decide to improve your smile with a professional teeth whitening treatment, you want the results to last as long as possible. Unfortunately, the same things that stained your teeth prior to the treatment can stain them after the treatment. Over time, common staining will take place. To help slow down that process, Blaisdell Family Dentistry offers helpful recommendations to make your unforgettable smile last.

Do’s

First, rinse daily with anti-cavity rinse. This improves dental hygiene, reduces bacteria, slows the accumulation of plaque, and also helps whiten your teeth. Additionally, there are many over-the-counter rinses with an additional whitening agent which will help extend the results of the whitening process.

Don’ts

There are some daily practices to abstain from because they will stain your teeth over time. These include drinking coffee, tea, soft drinks, red wine, smoking, and even some medications. If you cannot completely cut these out of your life, rinse your mouth out after you use them.

Avoid acidic foods and beverages. These can weaken or wear away the enamel on your teeth, and thin enamel allows the yellow dentin to show through.

Artificial coloring in any food items can stain your newly whitened teeth. Candy, popsicles, and fruit punch are examples.

Remember the Basics

We probably don’t need to remind you, but brushing your teeth correctly a couple times a day will help you keep your white smile. You may choose a toothpaste with extra whitening or baking soda to help the process. Proper brushing should take you at least two minutes using short brush strokes, paying close attention to the gum line and hard-to-reach areas. Clean the outer surfaces of your upper, then lower teeth, including the inner surfaces. Finally, don’t forget the chewing surfaces and your tongue. Using good brushing techniques for 120 seconds will support dental hygiene, and permanent stains will not build up as fast.

It doesn’t take too much effort or money to make your whitened smile last. If you have any questions about tooth bleaching or would like additional tips on how to retain your fresh, white smile, call Blaisdell Family Dentistry.

Contact Blaisdell Family Dentistry:

208-922-6902

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

8877 W Hackamore Dr
Boise, Idaho
83709

Wishing for a whiter smile but not sure how to get it? New to tooth whitening jargon?

At Blaisdell Family Dentistry, we educate patients on the variety of teeth whitening protocols; from whitening trays to teeth bleaching to opalescence whitening. We do smile bleaching every day.

Toothpaste Can’t Erase All Stains

Almost every toothpaste claims to lighten teeth, but as we age our teeth gradually turn yellow or gray, despite all the whitening toothpastes we use repeatedly. Tooth enamel, while one of the toughest substances in the body, is porous. Over time, the food and drinks that come in contact with our teeth lead to staining and discoloration. You probably have already observed that a toothbrush cannot clean these microscopic pores.

Powerful Peroxide

Carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide are the two main smile whitening ingredients. They can penetrate the outer layer of your teeth to clear away the build-up and help restore the original color.

Call Blaisdell Family Dentistry at 208-922-6902 to schedule an appointment and we will explain the difference between these tooth bleaching ingredients and how they may affect your smile whitening results.

Contact Blaisdell Family Dentistry:

208-922-6902

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

8877 W Hackamore Dr
Boise, Idaho
83709

Some people’s teeth are whiter than others, but I think it’s safe to say that most of us Boise residents want our teeth to be pearly white! If you are one of those people, then Blaisdell Family Dentistry can help you achieve that beautiful smile you deserve. Today we want to share some tips on teeth whitening and what we can do for you!

Don’t Forget to Brush
The first tip seems like a no-brainer, but many individuals still overlook this practice. We are talking about daily tooth brushing. Brushing your teeth with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste is one of the best ways to keep your teeth clean and prevent tooth decay. Often our teeth become discolored or stained because of what we consume (drinks, food, etc.) but when we brush our teeth, it decreases the damage.

After brushing teeth, another tip is using a fluoride rinse to finish the cleaning job. Fluoride helps get into the cracks where bacteria can be hiding away. When the bacteria is killed, it prohibits it from spreading and discoloring your teeth. When you are shopping for a fluoride rinse, check the labels. Some ordinary mouthwashes don’t contain fluoride.

Sometimes the discoloration is too extreme to be reversed by home remedies. That’s why we at Blaisdell Family Dentistry offer other effective services to beautify your smile. We provide in-office teeth whitening and take-home teeth bleaching kits. Each of these are an effective solution to teeth whitening. Call us today for a consultation!

Contact Blaisdell Family Dentistry: 208-922-6902

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

8877 W Hackamore Dr
Boise, Idaho
83709