Blog | Optima Dental Spa

Will ZOOM Teeth Whitening Cause Sensitivity?

March 31, 2020 by Optima Dental Spa

Dark-haired woman in a red tank top smiles against a blue wall after ZOOM! teeth whitening

From whitening toothpastes to drugstore kits to professional treatments, there are a variety of methods that claim to take your smile’s brightness up a notch. But the most effective method is professional teeth whitening. At Optima Dental Spa, we are thrilled to provide ZOOM in-office teeth whitening.

ZOOM is quick, safe, and effective when it comes to whitening teeth. It only takes three 20-minute sessions to notice a dramatic difference in color. Some people wonder, however, if such a powerful whitening treatment causes teeth sensitivity, a common concern with teeth whitening. Here’s what you should know:

Post-Whitening Treatment Sensitivity

There is a possibility of experiencing mild tooth sensitivity after your whitening treatment if your tooth nerves become slightly irritated by the bleaching process. But it doesn’t happen for every patient. If you do experience any sensitivity, it should subside in a few days.

Supervision of a Dental Professional

This potential for sensitivity is one of the reasons why it’s best to leave your teeth whitening to a dental professional, like our expert team at Optima Dental Spa. We know how to protect your oral health and minimize potential discomfort. Throughout the whitening process, we are here to ensure your health and safety.

If you decide to go with a generic whitening kit or product, you don’t necessarily have the same safeguards against sensitivity. Additionally, while other products may just leave you wishing you could get your money back, ZOOM teeth whitening at Optima Dental Spa will deliver the dramatic results you deserve!

Your White Smile Awaits!

Are you considering teeth whitening or another one of our cosmetic dental services? We’d love to be your guide toward a whiter smile. We’re also happy to address any concerns you may have about teeth sensitivity. Our team can give you all the information you need.

Optima Dental Spa believes in honest, affordable dental care that helps you have your best smile! Contact us today to learn more or to schedule your teeth whitening.

When to Get Your Wisdom Teeth Removed

March 24, 2020 by Optima Dental Spa

You consoled your child when they were teething, taught them how to brush and floss their teeth every day, and celebrated each time they lost a baby tooth. Perhaps you even reminded them of the light at the end of the tunnel when they had braces. After all this, you might expect the final rite of passage with your child’s dental health to be getting their wisdom teeth removed.

Here’s what you should know about wisdom teeth removal:

When Wisdom Teeth Erupt

Wisdom teeth, also called third molars, are the last adult teeth to emerge, generally between the ages of 17 to 25. If a patient has wisdom teeth (yes, it’s possible to have zero!), they could have anywhere from one to four. This brings their total number of permanent teeth to somewhere between 29 and 32 teeth.

Wisdom teeth extraction isn’t always necessary. Some patients have plenty of room in their mouth, allowing these late-blooming teeth to grow in perfectly fine without any damage to neighboring teeth. They are straight and easy to clean. For these cases, there’s no need to get wisdom teeth extraction.

Panoramic X-ray of patient with 4 wisdom teeth that need to be removed

When to Get Your Wisdom Teeth Removed

But there are several situations when removal of these teeth is a good idea. For example, a crooked angle of growth may spell trouble for nearby teeth if they bump into each other. A wisdom tooth can push its neighbors out of place because of limited room, resulting in crowding, tooth misalignment, and an increased risk of decay. Additionally, a wisdom tooth that gets stuck after only partially erupting increases the risk of infection. Some fully erupted wisdom teeth are difficult to keep clean and become a trap for food particles and bacteria, leading to bad breath and decay.

Sometimes a patient benefits from early removal of these teeth to prevent these potential problems. Would you like to know if you or your child need wisdom teeth removal? We recommend visiting a dentist for X-rays and a wisdom teeth consultation, especially if these teeth seem to be causing pain.

Gentle Tooth Extractions at Optima Dental Spa

Tooth extractions are just one of the many different types of dental treatments we offer at Optima Dental Spa. We understand that a procedure like that can seem a little intimidating. Know that you or your teenager will be in good hands with our expert team of dental professionals.

If you have any questions about wisdom teeth removal or our other dental services, contact Optima Dental Spa today. We’d be thrilled to get you some answers!

Can Broken Dental Implants Be Fixed?

March 17, 2020 by Optima Dental Spa

Couple embrace and smile outside their home after getting their dental implants fixed at Optima Dental Spa

Dental implants are a durable tooth replacement solution that often can last a patient for their entire life. At Optima Dental Spa, we take great care throughout the dental implant process, from assessing the strength of a patient’s jawbone to the implantation process to recovery and checkups. Our goal is to restore your mouth to full function and promote maximum longevity of your dental implants.

While it is possible for a dental implant to fail, it is rare. Here at Optima Dental Spa, we do our best to prevent possible complications. Our high success rate is due to the implant’s strong design, our team’s extensive training, and the meticulous screening process for candidates. But we also think it’s important for patients to know what to do if something does happen to their new tooth.

Reasons Dental Implants Might Break

A dental implant is composed of an implant post surgically inserted into the jawbone, a connector piece called the abutment, and a dental restoration. A break could occur in any of these components.

A dental implant post (the screw-like part that’s inserted into the jawbone) might break if it suffers too much pressure before it’s sufficiently bonded with the bone. The post could also fail if the surrounding tissue isn’t healthy enough to support its integration. The abutment can loosen or fracture from trauma or overuse. The restoration is a dental crown, bridge, or denture. These can crack or break from trauma or too much wear and tear. For example, dental crowns usually need to be replaced every 10-15+ years but nighttime grinding can necessitate earlier replacement.

How to Fix a Broken Dental Implant

Your best course of action is to visit our expert team at Optima Dental Spa for a consultation. We’ll provide our recommendation for treatment to fix your broken dental implant. This might involve replacing the restoration on top, replacing the abutment piece, or removing and replacing the implant rod.

Expert Advice at Optima Dental Spa

Whether you think your dental implant is broken or you’re wondering if a dental implant is the right tooth replacement solution for your smile, reach out to Optima Dental Spa. We have multiple offices across the Pacific Northwest. Contact us today!

3 Tips to Prevent Tooth Decay

March 10, 2020 by Optima Dental Spa

Closeup of a woman's mouth with a metal dental instrument examining her teeth for tooth decay

A cavity, or hole, indicates that the enamel of a tooth is permanently damaged. Fortunately, cavities can be fixed with various restorative treatments, which depend on the decay’s severity. Treatment could include dental fillings, root canal therapy, a dental crown, or extraction. However, did you know that there are ways to prevent tooth decay from ever progressing to a cavity?

In this blog post, we’ve put together a list of handy tips on how to prevent tooth decay.

1. Maintain At-Home Dental Hygiene

Despite its simplicity, a good oral hygiene routine is hugely effective in preventing tooth decay. Brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste at least twice a day for two minutes each time. Additionally, floss at least once a day, making sure to gently push deep enough to get underneath your gums and not just between your teeth.

Daily brushing and flossing will help keep plaque from accumulating. This is important because plaque produces acids that damage enamel, the outer layer of teeth. Other oral health habits to prevent plaque buildup include eating a balanced diet, chewing only sugar-free, and avoiding tobacco products.

2. Expose Your Teeth to Fluoride

Fluoride is a natural mineral that helps keep enamel hard and strong by aiding in the remineralization process. Many cities add fluoride to their community water supply, so be sure to drink plenty of tap water. If you drink tap water, brush with a fluoridated toothpaste, and rinse with a mouthwash that contains fluoride, you’re likely getting a healthy dose of fluoride to prevent tooth decay. But we’ll let you know if we think you’d benefit from a fluoride varnish or a prescription-strength fluoride toothpaste!

3. Don’t Skip on Dental Visits

When you’re not in any tooth pain, do you find it easy to forget about visiting the dentist? You might think there’s no point in even going if you don’t have an oral health concern or dental emergency. But that’s not true. You should be visiting Optima Dental Spa at least two times a year for a regular check-up and professional cleaning. We can suggest additional ways to prevent tooth decay, track areas of demineralized enamel, and clean off any buildup of plaque and tartar to help you maintain superb oral health.

Combat Decay at Optima Dental Spa!

Interested in more tips to prevent tooth decay? Optima Dental Spa is here to help you, whether it’s your first visit or you’re a longtime patient. We have locations in the Pearl District, Lake Oswego, Bellevue, and Gig Harbor. Schedule an appointment to discuss your specific dental needs.

Transform Your Smile with Full Mouth Reconstruction!

February 29, 2020 by Optima Dental Spa

Brunette man in a white shirt smiles happily after full mouth reconstruction at Optima Dental Spa

We want to help you become your very best self this year! For those who have been struggling with missing, damaged, or severely discolored teeth, this can mean finally restoring your smile to a confident one. If that sounds like exactly what you need to make 2020 your best year yet, our Optima Dental Spa team would be absolutely thrilled to help you with our full mouth reconstruction services.

Reasons to Restore Your Smile

Having a beautiful, healthy smile that you’re excited to show off will make a world of difference for your quality of life. For one, you will feel more at ease in your relationships with other people. And confidence is essential for successful “social performances”, whether you’re cracking jokes, telling a story, flirting, debating, making small talk, or delving into deep soul-searching topics. And replacing missing teeth will make biting and chewing easy once again so you can enjoy your favorite foods without trouble or embarrassment.

Our Full-Mouth Reconstruction Services

Full-mouth reconstruction is a phrase used to describe the process of restoring or replacing teeth. The kinds of procedures it actually entails will depend on your specific needs and goals. Many times, full-mouth reconstruction consists of a combination of more than one type of restorative or cosmetic dental treatment. Common treatments used in full-mouth reconstruction include CEREC crowns, custom veneers, bridges, dental implants, or implant overdentures.

Transform Your Smile at Optima Dental Spa!

If you’re ready to achieve the stunning smile you deserve, then we’re more than ready to get you there. Getting started is easy. Contact us to schedule your in-person consultation at our Portland Pearl District, Lake Oswego, or Bellevue dental practice. We’ll review your dental health history, discuss your smile goals, and offer our treatment recommendations. Our caring team will be there to guide you without judgment every step of the way. We look forward to seeing you soon!

How to Keep Your Invisalign Aligners Clean

February 22, 2020 by Optima Dental Spa

Closeup of a woman taking out her Invisalign aligners to clean them

One of the biggest upsides to Invisalign^® compared to traditional braces is that the removable aligners make it easier to keep your teeth clean. Instead of having to navigate around brackets and wires when brushing and flossing, you just pop out your trays and clean your teeth like normal.

But what about cleaning the Invisalign aligners themselves? Yes, you still need to clean them. But don’t worry, it’s not difficult. Here’s what you need to know:

Before & After Wearing the Aligners

Part of keeping your aligners clean is taking certain steps right after you remove them and before you put them back in.

For starters, every time you remove your aligners (whether to eat or clean them), you should rinse them with cool or lukewarm water. This quick rinse helps rid the aligners of saliva and plaque. If you’re going to be eating, store your trays somewhere safe so they don’t get thrown away, dropped, or otherwise misplaced.

Before you put your aligners back in, you should brush and floss your teeth. If you don’t, you can sugary particles in between your aligners and your teeth, which will lead to tooth decay, bad breath, and discoloration of your aligners. This is true even if you only have a small snack!

The Cleaning Essentials

Clean your aligners at least once a day with a clear, unscented antibacterial hand or dish soap. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a little bit of soap, gently scrub in small circular motions to remove saliva, bacteria, and any food particles. Avoid using toothpaste since most toothpastes are too abrasive for the aligner material and can leave scratches that could collect bacteria.

For a deep clean, regularly soak your aligners in a special cleaning solution, such as Retainer Brite^® or the Invisalign cleaning crystals. With the crystals, you mix them in a cup or container with water and then let your trays soak in the mixture. To buy these crystals and to read more about how to use them, you can visit the Invisalign product page directly.

Consult with Our Expert Team!

As providers of Invisalign clear orthodontics, Optima Dental Spa is happy to answer any further questions you might have about your Invisalign treatment and how to keep your aligners clean.

And if you ended up here because you were considering whether or not to get Invisalign, we invite you to schedule a consultation at our office. Our team can help you figure out if clear aligner therapy is right for you. Contact us today!

How We Can Treat Your “Gummy Smile”

February 15, 2020 by Optima Dental Spa

Brunette woman in a yellow blouse smiles after fixing her gummy smile at Optima Dental Spa

Some patients come to us wanting to improve the way their teeth look. Whether they want whiter teeth, straighter teeth, or treatment for chipped, cracked, broken, or missing teeth, we can help. But we can also treat a variety of gum problems, such as a gummy smile.

If your gums are higher, then it might look like you have very long teeth. If your gums are lower, your teeth may look very small. This latter case is what’s sometimes called a gummy smile, where a patient’s smile is overwhelmed by their gums instead of their gums complimenting their teeth.

If you have a “gummy smile”, we have some exciting news for you: there’s a way to change it! Here’s more information about how to treat this cosmetic gum issue:

Gum Contouring at Optima Dental Spa

At Optima Dental Spa, we offer a cosmetic dental service called gum contouring. This procedure is used to even out the gum line, whether your gums are high or low. You may also hear of the procedure being referred to elsewhere as gum reshaping, or maybe even tissue sculpting.

We’ll first discuss where you want your new gum line to be and mark it. Next, we’ll apply local anesthetic to numb the area so you can sit comfortably through the procedure. We will then remove the excess gum tissue to achieve the desired results.

Recovery After Gum Contouring

There is a short recovery period after getting gum contouring. How long this is ranges from patient to patient–it could be a few days or a couple of weeks.

In general, however, gums are known to heal quickly with proper oral hygiene and a balanced diet. While you’re recovering, be sure to rest and avoid tobacco products. If you take an over-the-counter pain medication like acetaminophen, be sure to only take as the label directs. Additionally, follow the instructions we’ll give you at your appointment.

Ready to Improve Your Gummy Smile?

Tired of having a gummy smile? Contact our Portland Pearl District, Lake Oswego, or Bellevue dental office to learn more about gum contouring. We’d love to help you achieve the smile of your dreams!

Holistic Dentistry in the Pacific Northwest

February 8, 2020 by Optima Dental Spa

Brunette woman smiles in the Pacific Northwest after receiving holistic dentistry at Optima Dental Spa

You may have heard of holistic medicine, but did you know there’s such a thing as holistic dentistry too? It’s true, and we’re proud practitioners of it at Optima Dental Spa. As oral healthcare professionals in the Pacific Northwest, we take the time to look at the bigger picture when it comes to our patients’ wellness.

Our team doesn’t push unnecessary dental treatments, and we utilize natural and conservative treatments whenever possible. With holistic dentistry, we aim to provide each one of our patients with a positive dental experience from start to finish.

The Basics of Holistic Dentistry

At the heart of holistic dentistry is a constant evaluation of how a patient’s overall health relates to their dental health. We don’t jump to aggressive treatment as soon as we detect a dental issue. When making our diagnosis and when recommending treatment, we take into account what other factors are at play and how they might relate to what else is going on with your health.

Unfortunately, many patients don’t realize how interconnected their dental health is with their total body wellness. At Optima Dental Spa, we strive to educate patients about what they can do to take ownership over their dental health and, by association, their overall health.

A Holistic Approach to Dental Care

So what does it mean to receive holistic dental care? Most importantly, it means that we place a great emphasis on preventive care. This involves education about at-home oral health habits, as well as early detection and treatment of tooth decay and gum disease with our state-of-the-art technology.

A handheld digital device called CariVu helps us identify early decay. Dental lasers allow for quick and painless gum disease treatment. Our intraoral camera is another diagnostic and teaching tool. By utilizing these tools and promoting patient education and awareness, we are able to stop many problems either before they start or before they require more extensive treatment.

At Optima Dental Spa, patient education goes above and beyond just demonstrating the proper technique for brushing and flossing at home. We also hope to improve your overall understanding of how your diet, medical conditions, and lifestyle choices come together to influence your oral health.

Mercury-Free Treatment

As practitioners of holistic dentistry, we provide dental fillings that are free of mercury. We also remove and replace amalgam fillings that contain mercury with safe, tooth-colored composite fillings. Additionally, we offer all-porcelain dental crowns with complimentary consultations and CT scans!

Join Our Dental Family!

If holistic dentistry sounds like a right fit for you, contact us today to schedule an appointment at Optima Dental Spa in Portland, Lake Oswego, or Bellevue. We would be thrilled to have you as a patient.

Managing Your Oral Pain After Oral Surgery

January 31, 2020 by Optima Dental Spa

Bald patient smiles in the dental chair before his oral surgery after given tips to manage his pain

When it comes to oral surgery, there are certain steps you can take to ease your pain and promote a speedy recovery. Read on to learn about pain management during and after oral surgery!

Sedation During Oral Surgery

Our expert team at Optimal Dental Spa will provide you with sedation options to help you feel at ease and comfortable during your procedure, especially if you experience dental anxiety. Whether you opt for nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral conscious sedation administered in pill form, or IV sedation, we’ll provide you with a solution that’s tailored to your needs. And we’ll monitor you throughout your procedure to ensure your safety and comfort.

Managing Pain After Oral Surgery

As you recover after oral surgery, there are several ways you can reduce your oral pain, swelling, and chance of complications:

Closely follow any instructions we provide at your appointment.
Take it easy so your body can recover. Rest and sleep with your head slightly elevated, and avoid heavy lifting, bending over, and vigorous physical activity for several days.
Keep the affected area clean by gently rinsing with water and brushing carefully around the area. A saltwater rinse can help keep the area free of bacteria.
To reduce swelling, ice your cheeks in 20 minute increments. Wait at least 20 minutes between icing sessions.
Eat soft nutrient-dense foods like pureed soups, baked sweet potatoes, mashed steamed vegetables, macaroni and cheese, blueberries, bananas, low-sugar yogurt, and smoothies.
Avoid straws, caffeine, and foods that are crunchy and/or chewy like pretzels, chips, nuts, and hard bread.
Do not use tobacco products, including e-cigarettes.
Finish the entire course of any prescribed antibiotics.
Extra-strength acetaminophen is an effective painkiller for many patients. But if needed, take any prescribed painkillers only as directed. Do not take someone else’s painkiller prescription and never share unused pills with anyone else.

Questions? We Have Answers!

If you experience any increasing pain, swelling, or bleeding after your procedure, reach out to our team right away. We’re here to help your oral surgery and recovery both go as smoothly as possible. So please contact us today if you have any questions before or after your procedure.

How Long Do I Need to Wear Invisalign?

January 24, 2020 by Optima Dental Spa

Closeup of a woman smiling with red lipstick as she puts in her Invisalign aligners

Dreaming of a straighter smile, but don’t want to wear traditional metal braces to get it? Invisalign^® clear aligner therapy at Optima Dental Spa is a great orthodontic option for those who want to discreetly shift their smile. Read on to learn about Invisalign!

What Is Invisalign?

Invisalign clear aligners are an inconspicuous but effective way to shift your teeth so that you can enjoy the oral health, social, and self-esteem benefits of a straight smile! This orthodontic treatment can correct mild to moderate misalignment issues, such as gaps, rotated teeth, crooked teeth, overbites, underbites, open bites, and crossbites.

The trays are computer-designed removable aligners that slip on over your teeth like a clear retainer. You take them off when you eat, drink anything other than water, and when you brush and floss your teeth.

Invisalign Oral Hygiene

With orthodontic treatment, the alteration to your oral hygiene routine is different depending on whether you have traditional braces or clear aligners.

Invisalign trays require regular rinsing, soaking in a denture cleaner or Retainer Brite^®, and gentle brushing with a clear antibacterial liquid soap. You should brush and floss your teeth and rinse your aligners before putting them back in after meals and snacks to prevent tooth decay and discoloration of your aligners. However, the brushing and flossing techniques are the same as before you wore Invisalign.

In contrast, brushing and flossing with braces require patience and meticulous care because of the wires and brackets. Tools like an electric toothbrush, floss threaders, interdental brushes, and a water flosser make these tasks easier.

How Long Do I Wear Invisalign?

For your Invisalign treatment to be effective, you must wear your aligners for 20-22 hours a day. Every two weeks, you will receive a new set of aligners that will continue to shift your smile. It is important that you remain committed to wearing your aligners when you are not brushing your teeth or eating.

If you think you would regularly forget to wear your aligners or would lose them, braces might be a better option since they are not removed until your treatment is finished.

How long your treatment lasts depends on what your orthodontic needs are. Some patients only need to wear their aligners for a few months to achieve a straighter smile, while others need to wear aligners for 18 months. On average, patients can expect to wear their Invisalign aligners for a year to achieve their desired smile.

At your consultation, we will let you know if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign. We’ll also provide an estimate of your treatment time.

Schedule Your Consultation!

If you’re curious about how Invisalign can help you get the straight smile you’ve been looking for, contact our team at Optima Dental Spa to set up an orthodontic consultation. We can discuss the best treatment plan for you, as well as go over our various payment options.