All posts by Dr. Charles R. Kimes

Professional Teeth Whitening Options

Cosmetic Dentistry

professional-teeth-whitening“Mirror Mirror on the wall; Who has the whitest smile of them all?”

As silly as that may sound, if you were to look in the mirror would you be satisfied with the color of your teeth? If you are, then I suppose congratulations are in order. But if not, have no fear! Obtaining a whiter smile is easier now than ever before thanks to recent improvements in dental technology for professional teeth whitening. This new technology presents patients with several options to choose from when obtaining that coveted white smile, all of which can be received and applied at your own convenience and is one of the most cost effective cosmetic dentistry options.

What’s available?

There are three primary solutions offered to patients looking for professional teeth whitening. These solutions come in the form of user friendly take-home whitening kits, which provide you with the necessary means to whiten and ultimately improve your smile.

While all of the available professional teeth whitening treatments are somewhat similar, there are certain differences between them that are important to understand as well.

Teeth Whitening Trays:

Basic teeth whitening trays are typically available at many of your neighborhood pharmacies and convenience stores. While these over the counter, daily usage trays are moderately priced and easily accessible, they present a number of risks and potential issues.

These issues may include but are not limited to:

  • Painful blistering or irritated gums caused by seepage of the bleach solution
  • Possible tooth staining due to the non-customized trays fitting incorrectly
  • Increased tooth sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures

These given drawbacks in addition to the general inconvenience caused by the required 3 to 4 hour minimal wearing time, often cause dentists to suggest that their patients seek a professional teeth whitening treatment, in which the dentist can provide assistance.

Whitening Strips:

Much like the above-mentioned teeth whitening trays, various brands of whitening strips can be found at local retail stores almost everywhere, typically at an economical cost. While proving to be more popular when compared to the teeth whitening trays, (due to the strips being easier to use and requiring less maintenance) whitening strips do not come without their flaws as well that include:

  • Gum irritation
  • Increased tooth sensitivity
  • Occasional throat irritation and tenderness
  • Hazard of potentially choking on or swallowing a strip

Zoom Whitening:

The Zoom whitening system is a revolutionary new product offered by Philips Oral Healthcare. It is quickly becoming one of the highest requested professional teeth whitening products by dental patients nationwide.

Unlike the previously mentioned over the counter treatments,   Zoom whitening is a professional teeth whitening treatment that is exclusively available at your dentist’s office. In selecting the Phillips Zoom treatment, you will receive a custom-fitted whitening tray provided by your dentist, as well as a touch-up kit and take-home formula.

These take home formulas are each designed for the specific needs or desires of the patient, including:

  • A patient with delicate or sensitive teeth
  • Patients looking for quick and visible results
  • Patients who would prefer to receive their professional teeth whitening treatment overnight

Professional Teeth Whitening … The time is now!

With numerous options available, if you desire a whiter smile there is certainly no reason not to have one. Consult your dentist and ask what professional teeth whitening treatment might be right for you. Remember, your smile is your best accessory!

If you are interested in learning more about professional teeth whitening options, schedule your consultation with Dr. Charles R. Kimes at Overland Park Dentistry. Dr. Kimes will help you explore your options for a personalized Hollywood smile, so you can make an educated decision about the best option for you. Our south office can be reached at (913) 647-8700 and our north office at (913) 341-2380.

Difference Between Porcelain Veneers and Dental Lumineers

Cosmetic Dentistry,

porcelain-veneersEveryone wants a beautiful smile.

We all want to have the confidence a beautiful smile helps us achieve.

However, some of us struggle with that confidence and hide our smiles because they’re flawed.

Have you heard of porcelain veneers? The goal of this article is to explain this procedure that can give you the smile you’ve always dreamed of. And it will also explain two different types of porcelain veneers, including dental Lumineers.

Achieve a flawless smile with Porcelain Veneers

Originally popularized in the 1980s, porcelain veneers have been used for many years and have been considered by a large number of dentists to be one of the most effective ways to create a seeming flawless smile for their patients. However in recent years, dentistry has undergone significant changes thanks to advancements in technology that have in many ways revolutionized the profession.  Porcelain veneers, called Dental Lumineers, are one of the numerous advancements to come out of this dental revolution, and since their inception, have certainly given the traditional veneers a run for their money.

Porcelain veneers… What are they?

As mentioned previously, due to their ability to create a picture perfect smile, porcelain veneers have been a powerful ally for not only dentists but for actors and models too! Porcelain veneers are a thin, shell like device that are designed to be fitted directly over your teeth; protecting your teeth from outside elements, while simultaneously covering up any gaps, cracks, or chips in your teeth.  While this aspect has made the porcelain veneers a popular and sought after procedure within the realm of cosmetic dentistry, the process of getting these small porcelain devices present a few issues as well.

Porcelain Veneers… What is the process?

To receive your porcelain veneers, your dentist will be required to make a certain amount of alterations to your teeth, including the shaving down and reshaping of some of your teeth, as well as the removal of the enamel of your teeth. Although these procedures are all relatively minor, the alterations of ones teeth can potentially result in long-term dental issues, particularly if the procedures are performed on young or healthy teeth, in which porcelain veneers would not be needed.

A New Era for Porcelain Veneers!

Although dental Lumineers have been around for quite a few years, due to modern advancements in technology, dental Lumineers are now available to a much wider audience, and have been improving the smiles of people nationwide. While much like the porcelain veneers, dental Lumineers are thin porcelain devices that encase your teeth like a protective shell. Lumineers are much thinner and have a clearer appearance. However what makes Lumineers truly unique is the fact that they do not require any reshaping or alterations to your teeth; that means no drilling and no pain. In addition to leaving your enamel completely intact, it ends up being a much less invasive procedure. Ultimately this is a much more desirable experience for the patient. This quick and painless process requires only two simple appointments, and the resulting set of dental Lumineers, if maintained properly, can last decades.

Related Article: Lumineers: the Noninvasive Veneer for Teeth

Watch these stories, captured by video, featuring people of all ages who have gotten dental Lumineers.

Click here, if you are interested in seeing Before and After photos of actual dental Lumineers patients?

If you want Dental Lumineers… Talk to your dentist!

Many dentists consider the increasingly popular Lumineers to be a superior product to classic porcelain veneers; however, if you have questions about either or are curious if one might be right for you, consult your dentist and ask if they feel dental Lumineers or porcelain veneers would right for you.

If you are interested in learning more about porcelain veneers or dental Lumineers, schedule a free consultation with Dr. Charles R. Kimes at Overland Park Dentistry. As a Lumineers dentist, Dr. Kimes will help you explore your options for a personalized Hollywood smile, so you can make and educated decision to whether dental veneers or dental Lumineers is the best option for you. Our south office can be reached at (913) 647-8700 and our north office at (913) 341-2380. We look forward to meeting you.

Do You Need Emergency Dental Care?

Dental Health Tips, Uncategorized,

emergency-dental-care

Emergency dental care is something we all hope we’ll never need… Having a dental emergency is not something any of us normally look forward to, nor is it something that is ever planned. Unfortunately, it happens to all of us at one point or another. And when it does, it’s nice to know what to do when you or someone close to you needs emergency dental care.

An unexpected dilemma

Imagine enjoying a wonderful holiday break with your family. As you sit down to have a meal together, you experience an unpleasant situation. When you bite into your food you feel a cracking sensation, followed by a sharp pain in your mouth. As the stinging in your mouth continues to worsen, the reality of your situation sets in; you have just broken a tooth! Unfortunately, this imaginary scenario has been a reality for many people; when you break a tooth it’s often a sudden, unanticipated problem that delays any immediate plans you may have. You experience needing emergency dental care.

Who are you going to call?

At Overland Park Dentistry we are prepared to assist our patients when a dental emergency occurs. When patients call in this type of situation, we always do our best to accommodate same day emergency appointments.

There are normally two reasons for emergency dental care, restorative and cosmetic.

We provide restorative emergency dental care to help our patients to get out of pain as quickly as possible.  There are cosmetic reasons for requiring an emergency visit as well. Perhaps you have a presentation to give, or an important meeting to attend, or maybe child has a school photo in the next couple of days.

These are both valid and understandable reasons for requesting an emergency visit, and here at Overland Park Dentistry we are willing to help address these unexpected issues when they arise.

What should I do if I need emergency dental care?

In the case of a dental emergency, before we can get you into one of our offices for an appointment, here are some helpful tips:

What if my tooth gets knocked out in an accident?
When trauma or an accident knocks out your tooth, you need to act quickly. First, locate your tooth (or teeth) and determine whether you have the entire tooth in one piece including the root or if the tooth came out in several pieces. Rinse any dirt or debris off the pieces you have gathered and avoid touching the root. Put the tooth in milk or your own saliva for transport.

Safely rush the injured person and tooth to our dental office. In an ideal situation, the tooth will be re-implanted. For a period of time, the tooth may be splinted with a wire to the adjacent teeth.

Broken Filling or Broken Tooth:
Temporary filling materials can be purchased at most pharmacies and can be placed over the sensitive area until you see Dr. Kimes. Use sugar-free chewing gum to cover the area as a last resort.

When a permanent (or temporary) crown comes off:
Brush the area, if it’s not too sensitive and rinse with warm salt water (below) to keep the area clean. Teeth can shift, making it difficult or impossible to re-cement the crown at a later date, so avoid leaving the crown out for more than a few days. Until your emergency appointment time, toothpaste or denture cream can be placed inside the crown before it is gently put back into place.

Toothache:
Rinse your mouth with a warm salt water* rinse (see below). Gently floss and brush the area to remove any debris or trapped food. If you can take Ibuprofen or other over the counter pain medications, this may help to sooth the pain. Sometimes Orajel or similar topical gels can help, but usually it will only sooth the pain for a short time. Even if the pain goes away, please call our office to see Dr. Kimes, because without proper dental care your condition could return or even get worse.

When you are in need of emergency dental care:  If it is after regular business hours, please call 913-647-8700. The more time that passes, the less likely your tooth can be re-implanted successfully. If you are out of town, visit the nearest Emergency Room or Urgent Care or contact a dentist in the area.

*To make salt water rinse: mix 1 teaspoon table salt with 1 cup warm water

For additional patient resources and frequently asked questions, please click here.

While you might not be able to anticipate when a dental emergency will happen, you can rest assured that you will receive swift, expert, emergency care when you call our office.

We look forward to having the opportunity to be help you with any restorative or cosmetic care in the case of a dental emergency. If you need to schedule an emergency dental appointment, contact us at our south Overland Park office at (913) 647-8700 or our north Overland Park office at (913) 341-2380.

 

Dentistry for Kids in Overland Park

Dental Health Tips

dentistry-for-kids

Growing up in Overland Park:

Overland Park is the second most populated city the great state of Kansas and for many of us it is the place we lovingly call home. Due in part to its low crime rate, high opportunity for employment, and relatively reasonable cost of living, Overland Park attracts people from all walks of life; particularly those looking for a  place to raise children. That is why the need for dentistry for kids is an area of expertise that is exploding in our area.

Because of the economic stability, kids growing up in Overland Park have been able to receive quality educational and medical services. A great example of this can be accurately illustrated within the Overland Park dental community, as both kids and adults are able to receive what’s considered to be, some of the highest quality dental care nationwide.

Dentistry for Kids:

Studies have shown that children at a young age are often able to learn and absorb new information with amazing quickness; therefore it is important for proper oral hygiene to be taught during this time in order to prevent potential dental problems before they occur.

Like an adult, the beginning of decay can lead to a lot of problems for a child, some relating to oral health and some relating to overall well-being.

Preventative care includes:

  • Proper brushing and flossing techniques
  • Healthy eating habits
  • Regular cleanings and exams
  • Early cavity detection
  • Fluoride treatments
  • Education on healthy daily habits

This emphasis on prevention is a theme that you will find echoed throughout the Overland Park dental community when talking about dentistry for kids, particularly among its most sought after dentists. Some dentists consider providing education on prevention (to both adults and children) to be as much a part of their job as providing the actual dental care itself.

Related: Preventative Dentistry

Several of the local Overland Park school districts provide assistance to make sure students receive the care they need by requiring them to have a regular dentist when they are enrolled. Many school districts provide education about dentistry for kids for students and their parents. During the month of February, also known as Children’s Dental Health month, many schools also provide activities and additional information about dental care.

Related Article: 8 Dental Tips to Celebrate Children’s Dental Health Month

While there are many significant benefits in living and raising a family in the safe, clean, and productive city of Overland Park, don’t forget that our dental community is here to provide you with fantastic dentistry for kids that will keep them smiling for years to come.

Offering dentistry for kids is important to us, because we love our patients and we want them to be healthy. If you’d like to schedule an appointment, contact us at our south Overland Park office at (913) 647-8700 or our north Overland Park office at (913) 341-2380. We look forward to having the opportunity to be your Overland Park family dentist.

Achieve a Perfect Smile with an Invisalign Dentist

Cosmetic Dentistry,
invisalign-dentist
Achieve a Perfect Smile with an Invisalign Dentist

The Perfect Smile

In American society, what’s frequently known as the classic “Hollywood smile” is something that has been desired by countless people for many years, and continues to remain in high demand today. An Invisalign dentist can help you determine the best path to help straighten your teeth. While the achievement of a healthy, pearly white smile is a worthy goal, often the achievement of that goal comes at a price. Traditional metal braces are something that have been used in the field of dentistry for many years, and have become something of a hallmark among teenagers and young adults. While the traditional dental braces have proven themselves effective in straightening teeth and realigning the individual’s jaw, the appearance of these wiry metallic devices can sometimes be a source of embarrassment for the wearer, and occasionally may cause inconvenience or discomfort in day to day life. Due in part to some of these issues, a new form of technology in the dental market is becoming increasingly popular among dental practitioners and patients alike. This new technology known as Invisalign has since become the main alternative to traditional braces, thus presenting patents with two different options to choose from.

The Invisalign Revolution

In recent years dentistry has undergone something of a revolution as new and improved technology continues to expand and alter the field of dentistry numerous innovative ways. An Invisalign dentist is a particularly sought after specialty to emerge from this recent surge in advancements in dentistry, as an Invisalign dentist provides patients with a much aesthetically pleasing solution than seen previously. As its name implies, Invisalign comes in the form of multiple invisible aligners that are custom fitted to a patient’s teeth. These aligners slowly readjust the patient’s teeth while remaining virtually unnoticed to all besides the wearer. As one can imagine, there are several striking advantages to the Invisalign technology. Some of these advantages may include:

  •  Faster Results:  Due to the frequency in which the temporary Invisalign aligners must be replaced, (each aligner must be discarded and replaced with a new one every two weeks) the process it takes to ultimately straighten a patient’s teeth is exponentially shorter, as it often ranges anywhere from 6 to 18 months.
  • Quick Access:  If you or someone you know has ever had braces, then you may know that brushing your teeth and keeping your braces clean can sometimes be quite a chore. Due to the bulk and unevenness of standard braces rendering certain areas around the teeth inaccessible to your tooth brush, patients with braces will occasionally find themselves dealing with an excessive plaque buildup or even a cavity in the sequestered area. In contrast to this however, the temporary Invisalign aligners can be removed at any time. This easy accessibility to your teeth not only allows you to easily clean your teeth, but will also allow you to eat and enjoy certain foods that may be difficult to chew with braces.
  • Less Pain:  Perhaps one of the complaints regarding traditional braces, are the sometimes painful trips from your Orthodontist’s office after having your braces tightened. With Invisalign’s soft but flexible custom fitted aligners, all pain (if any) experienced by the patient is reduced greatly, thus providing them with a much more pleasant overall experience when visiting their Invisalign dentist.

Related Article:

An Insider’s Guide to Invisalign

Why Braces Still Matter

Although the new Invisalign technology continues to take the field of dentistry by storm, it is important to realize that it is mandatory to receive the proper consultation with your dental provider, preferably an Invisalign dentist, prior to receiving treatment. The reason for this is that while seemingly outdated, the traditional braces continue to retain their usefulness, and still present certain benefits for patients that the Invisalign does not.

  • Major Jaw Alignments:  Although the Invisalign technology can help adjust the alignment of the patient’s jaw to a certain degree, if a patient requires the correction of an overbite, underbite, cross bit, or another issue related to their jaw positioning, then standard braces are usually what’s required. This remains a major reason why traditional braces are still employed as the simple position of ones jaw can have significant ramifications regarding ones overall oral health
  • Tooth Rotations:  Tooth rotations are another beneficial aspect of receiving standard braces, as their strong metal material is ideal for pushing and shifting any particular tooth that may have grown in or overtime become misaligned.
  • Stationary Benefits:  Although this may seem like a silly thing to consider an advantage, it is important to remember easy to remove aspect of Invisalign, and how that can occasionally cause issues. While many patients love the removable aligners, for some patients keeping track of the thin, clear aligners can be difficult, and as result patient’s aligners have gotten lost. In situations such as this that the stationary nature of traditional braces is shown to be advantageous as once applied to your teeth are certainly in no danger of being misplaced.

What to remember:

While obtaining the ideal flawless smile has never been easier thanks to recent advancements in technology, it is important to consult your Invisalign dentist and consider the advantages and differences between tried and trusted metal braces, and the new revolutionary Invisalign technology, as whichever you choose will surely play a key role in achieving your own Hollywood smile.

If you are interested in learning more about Invisalign, schedule a free consultation with Dr. Charles R. Kimes at Overland Park Dentistry. As an Invisalign dentist, Dr. Kimes will help you explore your options for a personalized Hollywood smile, so you can make and educated decision to whether Invisalign is the best option for you. Our south office can be reached at (913) 647-8700 and our north office at (913) 341-2380.

Searching for an Overland Park Family Dentist ?

Dental Health Tips

overland-park-family-dentistDeciding on an Overland Park family dentist may seem like a daunting task; however, there are several steps that you can take that would not only expedite the process, but maximize its effectiveness and ensure quality dental care for you and your family.

Step 1: Do your homework:

While this may seem like an obvious step, it is absolutely necessary that you actually take the time to research the local dental care providers when looking for an Overland Park family dentist. While doing your research, don’t forget to ask if your dental insurance plan is accepted at their office. This is a step that often people forget to take until it’s too late, which can be a problem when dental care is most needed.

Related Read: Dental Insurance / Financing

Step 2: Ask who you know:

Although word of mouth referrals are primitive by today’s standards, when searching for an Overland Park family dentist, it is still wise to seek information and advice from people you know. If you have family, friends, co-workers or neighbors that live nearby, ask them who their Overland Park family dentist is and if they are satisfied with the care they receive.

Step 3: Consultation/First Appointment:

Once you have selected a few dental practitioners in your area as potential choices for an Overland Park family dentist, it is important that you schedule an appointment to meet with the dentist, prior to receiving their services. In doing so, you not only will have the opportunity to meet the dentist and their staff personally, but you will also be able to ask some of the all too important and frequently asked questions. Such as:

Upon making your selection and scheduling your first appointment with your new Overland Park family dentist, it’s important that you pay attention to the performance of the dentist and their team. This will help you when evaluating the care you received afterwards; therefore, helping you decide to continue or discontinue receiving their service.

Related Read: How to Find a Great Dentist in Overland Park

What to keep in mind:

Thorough the duration of the selection process, there are a few things to keep in mind. While it is important to consider issues such as the convenience of their office location(s) and their hours of operation, perhaps the most important concern should be that of trust. In any sort of medical realm, the relationship between the doctor and their patient is a relationship based on mutual trust, and dentistry is no exception this rule.

So when choosing an Overland Park family dentist, make it your top priority that the dentist be someone who is caring and shows genuine concern for the health and well-being of your family. Once a trusting relationship with a quality dentist has been established, you and your family can enjoy dental care that is certain to keep you smiling for many years to come.

 If you’d like to schedule an initial consultation, contact us at our south Overland Park office at (913) 647-8700 or our north Overland Park office at (913) 341-2380. We look forward to having the opportunity to by your Overland Park family dentist.