Philadelphia cosmetic dentist

4 Ways to Close Gaps Between Teeth

Often patients come to the office asking to have the spaces in between their teeth closed. Many relate that they do not want to go through metal braces while others specifically ask for them. In dentistry it is helpful that we have many options for patients with different needs. At your free consultation with Dr. Cirka and Dr. Meier they will detail your options and help you figure out the best one to choose. Below are 4 ways that we are able to close the gaps in your teeth: Bonding Bonding is a process in which we use a composite … Read more…

DIY Whitening- Risks You Need to Know Right Now

Do-It-Yourself, “DIY”, is all the craze nowadays. Most folks are trying things they never would have dreamed about in efforts to save money. There are a multitude of different remedies at home in order to whiten their teeth that have been shared both via word of mouth and on the internet. While some of these may be effective, many can be dangerous. These methods range from homespun mouthwashes, to make-your-own toothpastes, to ordering different concoctions online, and more. We have heard just about it all. While some of the home remedies may offer a quick result, there can be lasting … Read more…

Are Dental Implants the Right Solution for Me?

If you are missing teeth, one of the best options for replacing them today is with dental implants. A dental implant is a “man-made root” that is placed into the jaw bone and sits where the roots of the tooth normally would. Yes, it may sound strange or even painful; however, the jaw bone has less nerve endings than the tooth itself and we find patients normally experience much less sensitivity than they expect. Dental implants are a great way to replace teeth because they provide a long-term solution and can last a lifetime. Based on your health history, you … Read more…

7 Foods Healthy for Your Teeth

  Nutrition is key when it comes to the health of your teeth. If your diet is full of sugary and acidic foods then you bet your teeth will be full of cavities. On the other hand if you are eating foods rich in certain nutrients you can protect your teeth and gums from harmful bacteria. Here are seven foods that you should be eating that can help you keep your teeth strong and healthy: Carrots Carrots are great because they are full of fiber and vitamin A. If you eat a few raw carrots after a meal it will … Read more…

8 Reasons You Need Invisalign Right Now

Why get Invisalign? Straightening the teeth has a lot of benefits besides cosmetics. The straighter the teeth are, the healthier the mouth is. This is true for young patients as well as adults. In the past, traditional metal bracket braces were needed to straighten teeth. Now dentists are very successful in treating patients with clear aligner therapy to correct malocclusion (a bad bite). Malocclusion can come in many forms and cause various problems for people. It is important to have your dentist and hygienist evaluate your bite and determine whether you would benefit from alignment of your teeth. Clear aligner therapy is done … Read more…

5 Ways Your Dentist Can Help You Look Younger

A big secret to how to look younger is in your teeth. Looking beautiful is often associated with looking younger and the teeth play a big part in this. Studies show that a smile is the first thing people notice about you. Working with your dentist to either preserve your natural teeth or enhance them is a great place to start in looking younger and being healthier. Prevention is an important part in staying healthy. It is important to brush twice daily, floss daily, and see your dentist regularly for a checkup and cleaning. While prevention is a key role, it … Read more…

What Effect does Sparking Water have on Your Teeth?

There has been a debate recently on whether or not sparkling water is as good for you as plain water. When reading the label of sparkling water there is no mention of sugar or other ingredients so it is difficult to assess if there really is a problem with drinking it. The potential problem with drinking sparkling water lays in the fact that it is more acidic that plain water. The reason that sparkling water has its refreshing fizz is due to the carbon dioxide (CO2) infused in it. There is a chemical reaction that takes place upon drinking the … Read more…

Cosmetic Dentistry Explained

Cosmetic dentistry is getting more popular than ever.  A beautiful smile is recognized as an asset to health and success and is important to most people.  Please know that while the American Dental Association does not classify cosmetic dentistry as a specialty of training, cosmetic dentists spend thousands of hours training in the art and through education and experience become extremely skilled and well regarded in this field of dentistry. The difference between cosmetic dentistry and restorative dentistry is that the procedures done are entirely elected for and approved by the patient. Patients must be well informed and ask questions such … Read more…

Fixing a Gummy Smile – What are my options?

Patients often ask if veneers or braces are the right option for them to correct a “gummy smile.” When you come into our office for an free initial consultation, Dr. Ken Cirka and Dr. Jessica Meier will evaluate your smile and see how to best achieve perfection.  “Actually there are several options and considerations that we dentists have to take into consideration to fix this problem,” Dr. Cirka says. Many times when we evaluate patients a main concern is their “gummy smile.” They may feel that their teeth appear small or their gums show too much when they laugh. There is … Read more…

10 Ways to Prevent Tooth Sensitivity

 There are many different causes for tooth sensitivity. Teeth are considered sensitive when you have something hot, cold, sour or sweet and it causes sensitivity, discomfort or even pain, ranging from a quick zing to a lasting throbbing feeling. Unfortunately this is quite a common problem that people suffer from. We’ve listed the different causes below to help you prevent tooth sensitivity in the future or help you narrow down the reason for sensitivity you may be experiencing today.   1. Over using mouthwash. When used properly, mouthwash is a great tool for helping to keep the oral cavity healthy. … Read more…