How Safe Is Tooth Whitening?

Below is an excerpt from an article found on Colgate.com 

Over a decade of research has proven bleaching and other whitening methods to be both safe and effective. Several products in the market today have shown no adverse effects on teeth or gums in substantial clinical and laboratory testing. Be sure to look for clinically proven products, follow directions and consult with your dental professional.

In the past, the higher bleach concentrations used in-office treatment resulted in more sensitivity. Today, however, bleaching gels are well buffered, making sensitivity less of an issue. Sensitivity may occur in people after whitening procedures, particularly when they eat hot or cold foods, but usually disappears after 48 hours and stops completely when treatment is stopped.

If you do experience sensitivity, there are several ways you can help eliminate it:

• If using a tray applicator, wear the tray for a shorter period
• Brush with a toothpaste made for sensitive teeth that contains potassium nitrate to help soothe tooth nerve ending
• Ask your dentist or pharmacist for a product with fluoride, which helps re-mineralize your teeth. Brush-on or wear in your trays four minutes prior to and after whitening your teeth
• Stop whitening your teeth for several days to allow you teeth to adapt to the whitening process. Within 24 hours, the sensitivity will cease. The longer you whiten your teeth, the less sensitivity you will experience

In a few cases, your dentist may discourage dental bleaching:

• If you have gum disease, teeth with worn enamel, cavities or particularly sensitive teeth
• If you're pregnant or breast-feeding
• If you have tooth-colored crowns, caps or other dental work in your front teeth, which can't be bleached

To read the entire article visit Colgate.com.

Alegria Dental Care
Stefanie Sunnes, DMD
General Dentist
7555 Bellaire Blvd., Ste. F
Houston, TX 7703
(713) 981-6055
AlegriaDentalCare.com 

Smile Makeovers

Maybe you remember that TV show, Extreme Makeovers?

They took people who were unhappy with their appearance and let surgeons and dentists perform cosmetic miracles on their bodies and teeth.

Well, a complete smile makeover like that can be done by many dentists, And often it only takes two visits!

Alegria Dental Care
Stefanie Sunnes, DMD
General Dentist
7555 Bellaire Blvd., Ste. F
Houston, TX 7703
(713) 981-6055
AlegriaDentalCare.com 

Natural Teeth Whitening: Fact vs. Fiction

Below is an excerpt from an article found on MouthHealthy.org

When it comes to teeth whitening, you may see many different methods featured online and in magazines-from oil pulling to charcoal, and even turmeric. It's no surprise that DIY whitening is top of mind, either. When the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry asked people what they’d most like to improve their smile, the most common response was whiter teeth. 
Healthy smiles come in many shades, though it's tempting to think ingredients in our own kitchens could hold the key to a brighter smile. Still, just because a method is natural doesn’t mean it’s healthy. In fact, DIY whitening can do more harm than good to your teeth. Here’s how:  

Fruits

Fiction:
The approach maintains you can make your teeth whiter and brighter household staples that are naturally acidic (like lemons, oranges, apple cider vinegar), contain digestive enzymes (such as pineapple or mango) and something that is abrasive (like baking soda).
Fact: 
When eaten as usual, fruit is a great choice. However, fruit and vinegar contain acid, and you put your pearly whites at risk when you prolong their contact with your teeth or use them to scrub your teeth because acid can wear away your enamel. Enamel is the thin outer coating of your teeth that protects you from tooth sensitivity and cavities. 

To read the entire article visit MouthHealthy.org.

The remainder of the article reveals fact vs. fiction for the following:

• Scrubs
• Spices and Oils
• Still Interested in Whitening?

Alegria Dental Care
Stefanie Sunnes, DMD
General Dentist
7555 Bellaire Blvd., Ste. F
Houston, TX 7703
(713) 981-6055
AlegriaDentalCare.com 

How Tooth Whitening Works

Learn what the American Dental Association has to say about teeth whitening in their video on 'How Tooth Whitening Works.'

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Alegria Dental Care
Stefanie Sunnes, DMD
General Dentist
7555 Bellaire Blvd., Ste. F
Houston, TX 7703
(713) 981-6055
AlegriaDentalCare.com 

White Dental Fillings

Fillings Without Any Metals

Most people are familiar with the common silver-mercury amalgam filling that has been used by dental practices for many years. So you might be happy to know that instead, we use modern materials that don't contain any metal. These are made of composite resin that bonds tightly to tooth structure, which reduces the chances of decay setting in. Since they're made to match the tooth color, the filling is nearly invisible. They also add strength to a tooth's structure and function very naturally. Our patients love that we use the latest materials that both protect their tooth and look great.

Alegria Dental Care
Stefanie Sunnes, DMD
General Dentist
7555 Bellaire Blvd., Ste. F
Houston, TX 7703
(713) 981-6055
AlegriaDentalCare.com 

Dental Teeth Whitening

Brilliant White Teeth for a Dazzling Smile

You can have the same bright, white teeth that you see in ads on TV and magazines. With the power whitening method we use, no longer do you have to endure stains and discoloration. We can return your teeth to a natural-looking white in just one visit in about an hour. The results may last for years!

We also make custom whitening trays in our lab. You complete the process at home by following the instructions and using the supplies we provide. Within two weeks or less, you will receive amazing results.

Alegria Dental Care
Stefanie Sunnes, DMD
General Dentist
7555 Bellaire Blvd., Ste. F
Houston, TX 7703
(713) 981-6055
AlegriaDentalCare.com 

Porcelain Dental Veneers

A Beautiful Smile in Only Two Visits!

There is an alternative to orthodontic treatment to obtain a gorgeous smile. With porcelain veneers, we can correct misshapen teeth, gapped teeth, and staining and discoloration. In only two visits, you can have a smile that looks like you had months of straightening.

We use the best dental ceramic that is durable and looks very natural. These veneer sheets are bonded to your own teeth to create perfectly straight and uniform teeth for a beautiful smile.

Veneers are also used to conceal a single tooth with a defect, such as a chip, crack, or misshapen form. The veneer is made to match the surrounding teeth in color to look completely natural and enhance your smile.

Alegria Dental Care
Stefanie Sunnes, DMD
General Dentist
7555 Bellaire Blvd., Ste. F
Houston, TX 7703
(713) 981-6055
AlegriaDentalCare.com 

Crowns

Learn more dental crowns.

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Alegria Dental Care
Stephanie Sunnes, DMD
General Dentist
7555 Bellaire Blvd., Ste. F
Houston, TX 7703
(713) 981-6055
AlegriaDentalCare.com 

In-Office Tooth Whitening

Learn more about in-office teeth whitening.

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Alegria Dental Care
Stefanie Sunnes, DMD
General Dentist
7555 Bellaire Blvd., Ste. F
Houston, TX 7703
(713) 981-6055
AlegriaDentalCare.com 

Dental Veneers: Pros and Cons

Dental veneers are thin pieces of tooth-colored porcelain cemented to the front surfaces of your natural teeth, and are an easy way to address a variety of physical and aesthetic problems. Because they're also permanent, however, you'll need to carefully weigh the pros and cons of the procedure before you decide to get them. Here are six things to think about and discuss with your dentist.

Pro #1: Easily Whiten Your Smile
Years of drinking coffee, smoking cigarettes or eating highly pigmented foods eventually take their toll on your teeth, turning them an unattractive shade of yellow or brown. Stained enamel can be bleached at home or by your dentist, but it can become stained again. If you're looking for an easier way to whiten your smile for good, dental veneers may be a good fit for you. Veneers are largely stain-resistant, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), so you won't have to worry about discoloration or needing to have your veneers whitened.

To read the entire article written by Jennifer Mitchell , please visit Colgate.com

Alegria Dental Care
Stefanie Sunnes, DMD
General Dentist
7555 Bellaire Blvd., Ste. F
Houston, TX 7703
(713) 981-6055
AlegriaDentalCare.com 

Cosmetic Dentistry

 A New Smile for a New You

Don't wait any longer to have the smile of your dreams. We know that when patients remake their smile, they feel better about their appearance. Looking good often means feeling good! Smile makeovers are much less time-consuming and easier than you think. And they are affordable for every budget. Come in and let us show you what whitening, veneers, crowns, and bonding will do to give you your best smile.

Alegria Dental Care
Stefanie Sunnes, DMD
General Dentist
7555 Bellaire Blvd., Ste. F
Houston, TX 7703
(713) 981-6055
AlegriaDentalCare.com 

Dentist Houston TX

Stefanie Sunnes, DMD
General Dentist

Dr. Sunnes is pleased to be able to offer beautiful smiles to her neighbors in Houston and the surrounding communities.

Dr. Sunnes earned her dental degree from the Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine, after earning her bachelor’s degree at Portland State University. She has since engaged in extensive postgraduate education, specifically selecting courses focusing on implant and cosmetic dentistry. Her most recent course in soft tissue lasers allows her to provide laser therapy for general and cosmetic dental procedures, including periodontal laser therapy. This means she can help her patients have healthy, beautiful smiles in a less invasive, more comfortable manner, with faster recovery times. Her commitment to lifelong education means she is constantly evaluating emerging dental methods and technologies in order to provide her patients with the best results in the least invasive manner with a high emphasis on comfort. This commitment ensures the highest level of care, both today and tomorrow.

Dr. Sunnes is a member of the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, the Houston Academy of General Dentistry, and the Houston Metro Chamber of Commerce. She and her husband Bradley have three fur babies, and in her spare time, she enjoys reading, cooking and baking, crocheting, and enjoying Houston’s outdoor activities. 

Alegria Dental Care
Stefanie Sunnes, DMD
General Dentist
7555 Bellaire Blvd., Ste. F
Houston, TX 7703
(713) 981-6055
AlegriaDentalCare.com