Straight teeth are often seen as a sign of health and vitality, and they are a crucial element of a perfect smile. While braces have long been the primary treatment for straightening teeth, porcelain veneers can also help you get a straight, gorgeous smile, without enduring months of wires and brackets associated with traditional braces.

As an LVI Fellow, Dr. Keith Warr is among just five percent of cosmetic surgeons in the nation trained in the art of advanced aesthetics, including porcelain veneers. He has helped countless patients achieve strong, healthy, beautiful smiles, and he can help you, too.

What are Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain veneers are thin shells of dental ceramic affixed to the front of the teeth to conceal imperfections and create a stunning smile. When placed by Dr. Warr, your veneers will blend seamlessly with your natural tooth structure, creating a smile that looks aligned, bright, and flawless.

One of the most versatile dental procedures today, porcelain veneers can address a wide range of cosmetic issues, such as:

• Chipped teeth
• Cracked teeth
• Gapped teeth
• Uneven teeth
• Stained and discolored teeth
• Teeth with minor misalignment

Why Are Veneers Called Instant Orthodontics?

Veneers are sometimes referred to as instant orthodontics due to their ability to create straight, beautiful smiles in just two to three office visits. That’s two to three weeks instead of the months and years required for conventional braces. However, it’s important to note that veneers don’t actually straighten teeth; they mask the front surface of your teeth, hiding gaps and misalignments.

In addition to saving time with veneers, instant orthodontics improve much more than just the alignment of your teeth. They can improve the shape and color of your teeth, creating a dazzling smile you can be proud of.

Schedule Your Free Porcelain Veneers Consultation Today

If you would like to learn how Dr. Warr can help you get a bright, beautiful smile with porcelain veneers or other cosmetic dentistry option, contact Warr Dental today online or at 801-355-5385 to schedule your free consultation. We happily welcome patients from throughout Salt Lake City and other nearby areas.

The post Instant Orthodontics with Porcelain Veneers first appeared on Warr Dental.

Dental bonding

Fortunately, it’s still possible to get the brilliant smile you desire. Board-certified dentist Dr. Keith Warr has been helping patients achieve gleaming white smiles for more than 20 years. He can help you achieve your cosmetic goals with professionalism and integrity.

Whitening Your Teeth After Tooth Bonding

If you want a brighter smile, the best option is to whiten your teeth before undergoing tooth bonding treatment. This will allow Dr. Warr to create your desired level of whiteness and then match the bonding material to your brightened smile.

If you choose to whiten your teeth after your initial bonding treatment, Dr. Warr can replace your bonding restoration to match your newly whitened teeth. This is a straight-forward touch-up procedure, and will not compromise the effectiveness of your bonding.

Why Does Bonding Material Stain, But Not Whiten?

Your tooth’s natural enamel is porous. While this makes your teeth vulnerable to staining agents that can cause discoloration, it also makes your teeth conducive to the whitening process, allowing bleaching agents to penetrate the deeper layers of your teeth and create a sparkling, white smile.

The dental resin used in bonding is nonporous. Although this composite material stains over time, it stains at a lower rate than natural teeth, due to the lack of pores that exist in natural tooth enamel. The nonporous nature of the composite resin also makes it resistant to teeth whitening. If you undergo teeth whitening after dental bonding, you will find that your natural teeth will be beautifully bright, while your dental bonding work remains that same shade.

Schedule Your Teeth Whitening Consultation Today

You deserve to be proud of your smile. If you are considering professional teeth whitening, contact Warr Dental today online or at 801-355-5385 today to schedule a consultation. Dr. Warr serves Salt Lake City, West Valley City, Draper, and nearby areas of Utah.

The post Can Bonded Teeth Be Whitened? first appeared on Warr Dental.

• Central Sleep Apnea, caused by miscommunication between the brain and the muscles of breathing
• Obstructive Sleep Apnea, caused by a blockage of the body’s natural airways
• Mixed Sleep Apnea, caused by a combination of airway obstruction and signal interruption

Of these, Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is the most common, impacting an estimated two to nine percent of adults in the United States. By comparison, Central Sleep Apnea (CSA) impacts only around .9 percent of adults.

Central Sleep Apnea

Central sleep apnea is often related to serious illness or neurological disorder. Patients with CSA will experience periods of breath cessation while sleeping and may wake with headaches, dry mouth/sore throat, and other discomforts. CSA can also be fatal, both as a direct cause and through related health problems.

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is among the most common ways to treat CSA. Additional treatments include:

• Adaptive servo-ventilation (ASV)
• Bilevel positive airway pressure (BPAP)
• Supplemental oxygen

CSA is not typically treated by a dentist.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the soft tissue in the mouth and throat collapses, blocking the airways and causing disruptions in airflow. Like CSA, OSA is potentially fatal.

While it may be genetic, OSA is often a result of:

• Excess weight
• Marijuana and tobacco use
• Opioid use
• Excessive alcohol intake
• General inactivity

In many cases, treating OSA means changing habits. Quitting smoking can do wonders. So too can losing weight. Using drugs and alcohol responsibly can help as well.

Lifestyle changes are among the most effective treatments for OSA, but they are not enough to fully address the condition in every case. When extra help is needed, a sleep and snore device is often the best treatment option.

We offer the MicrO₂ Sleep and Snore Device, a custom-made mandibular repositioning device designed to fit comfortably in your mouth. The soft but durable material used in these devices allows them to be smaller, improving comfort and allowing for greater tongue mobility while the device is being worn.

If you suspect you are suffering from OSA, the MicrO₂ Sleep and Snore Device may exactly what you have been looking for. Call the Salt Lake City office of Warr Dental at (801) 355-5385 to schedule a consultation and learn more.

The post What are the Three Types of Sleep Apnea? first appeared on Warr Dental.

Bruxism, more commonly known as jaw clenching or grinding teeth, is often a stress-related condition. Commonly unconscious, bruxism may occur while you are working, recreating, and even sleeping, making it something that can be very difficult to bring under control. But bringing the habit under control is absolutely essential. Bruxism causes profound damage to the teeth.

What’s Wrong With Clenching Your Jaw?

Jaw clenching can lead to stress headaches. Because this habit is a contributing factor to TMJ, it can also result in lockjaw, clicking and grinding noises when you eat, and chronic facial pain.

In addition to an increased risk for neuromuscular conditions, bruxism increases risks for:

• Chipped, cracked, or broken teeth
• Uneven tooth wear
• Loose and missing teeth
• Cavities
• Gum disease

Grinding the teeth can also cause gum recession, allowing tooth roots to become exposed and creating heightened sensitivity.

An increased risk for pain, tooth loss, and chronic headaches are all consequences of bruxism. Worse still, since much of the tension can occur unconsciously, you may not even be aware of the issue until one of these problems arise. This is just one of the myriad reasons you should visit our office every six months for a professional examination.

Treating Bruxism

If your bruxism is stress-related, one of the most reliable treatments is stress reduction. There are multiple techniques. Try a few to see what works best, but stick with each solution for at least a month. It takes time for the benefits of meditation, yoga, and similar relaxation techniques to take hold.

We offer a range of muscle relaxation services, including biofeedback, which may be very helpful in the treatment of TMJ and bruxism. Muscle relaxation and stress reduction can often be combined with an occlusal guard as well, to help reduce damage from future grinding.

Customized to fit comfortably into your smile, an occlusal guard will prevent contact between the teeth and provide a slight cushion when grinding, so even that which occurs during sleep can have its severity reduced. During your next appointment, we can discuss all treatment options to help you find the one that is best for your needs.

Please call Warr Dental at 801-355-5385 to schedule your consultation today.

The post Bruxism is on the Rise first appeared on Warr Dental.

There are two types of tooth stains:

• Extrinsic. These stains are largely caused by foods and beverages, but lifestyle choices, including daily brushing and flossing habits, can also play a role. Sitting on top of the enamel, extrinsic stains can often be entirely eliminated through topical teeth whitening treatments
• Intrinsic. A result of things including aging, certain medications, and even excessive fluoride, these stains form underneath the enamel. Topical teeth whiteners are not often effective on intrinsic stains. They can, in fact, make matters worse by lightening the enamel around intrinsic discoloration, serving to heighten the appearance

The Zoom!® Tooth Whitening System

At Warr Dental, we utilize the Zoom!® teeth whitening system to address extrinsic staining. This safe and effective teeth whitening option can lighten teeth several shades in a little over an hour and, because it is performed by an experienced dental professional, instances of discomfort are greatly reduced. While some sensitivity may accompany Zoom! tooth whitening, it should subside naturally within 24 to 48 hours, leaving nothing but the brilliant and stain-free smile you deserve.

Zoom! is not a good fit for extrinsic staining. As with nearly all topical tooth bleaching solutions, it simply does not reach far enough into the enamel to lighten deeper stains.

Advanced Cosmetic Options

Extrinsic stains cannot be lightened. They can, however, be covered entirely. The most common treatment for deep and severe tooth staining is porcelain veneers, though dental bonding can also be used for this purpose. Both of these advanced cosmetic dentistry options cover the tooth with a restoration that has been sculpted and shaded to fit perfectly into the smile.

Teeth adjacent to those with severe staining can be pre-treated with a topical whitener, helping to ensure the most brilliant appearance after veneers or bonding has been completed. During your time in our care, we will customize a treatment plan that addresses all of your concerns to help ensure you are thrilled with your results.

Please call 801-355-5385 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Warr at our comfortable Salt Lake City location today. At Warr Dental, we welcome men and women from Bountiful, Provo, Kaysville, and all surrounding areas of Utah.

The post Treating Deep Stains first appeared on Warr Dental.

Facial Pain

One of the most common symptoms of TMJ is facial pain. This may present as chronic headaches, pain or pressure behind the eyes, pain in the ears, and pressure in the roof of the mouth. Much of this stems from the trigeminal nerve, the largest of the cranial nerves and the one most impacted by jaw misalignment.

Pressure on the trigeminal nerve can cause pain along any of its branches. This may result in significant pain that does not respond well to medication. It may also lead to more progressive and problematic symptoms.

Posture and Digestion

One of the more unusual TMJ symptoms is postural changes. These can be brought about by the angle of the neck in relation to TMJ. As with any changes to the posture, this may result in back pain, mobility issues, and even digestion problems.

While symptomatically secondary, when these issues are related to TMJ, the only way to prevent their reoccurrence is by treating the underlying condition.

Our TMJ Treatment Options

We offer several TMD treatment options that can be used alone or in combination to relieve the symptoms of TMJ and restore alignment to the jaw. These include:

• Biofeedback
• Orthodontic treatment
• Occlusal guards
• Medications

In some cases, particularly those related to bruxism, a nightguard may be necessary to help restore comfort. During your TMJ treatment consultation, we will discuss all of your options to help ensure you are choosing the best one for your needs.

Please call Warr Dental at (801) 355-5385 to schedule your treatment consultation today. We serve SLC and all surrounding Utah communities.

The post Unusual TMJ Symptoms first appeared on Warr Dental.

Dental implants are designed to last for a lifetime. Made of titanium, a metal that is stronger than steel but lighter than aluminum, dental implants are impervious to decay and highly resistant to trauma. They are also the only form of tooth replacement that serves to replace a tooth’s missing root, allowing dental implants to preserve the structure of the jaw as well.

When a tooth is lost, its root is lost as well. When a root is lost, the body will begin to take minerals from surrounding bone for use elsewhere in the body. Unless the root is restored, this loss of minerals will, over time, result in a complete collapse of that section of the jaw. Dental bridges cannot prevent this. Dentures cannot prevent this. Only dental implants work to prevent jaw shrinkage and collapse, giving them one more long-term advantage over their alternatives.

Your Role in Making Dental Implants Permanent

Dental implants are permanent in the same way your natural teeth are permanent. This means that your actions will play a direct role in how long they actually last. Fortunately, it isn’t at all difficult to care for dental implants.

Dental implants are cared for in the same manner as your natural teeth. To keep them strong and healthy, be sure to:

• Floss before you brush both morning and night
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste
• Brush your teeth after every meal and snack
• Visit our office every six months for cleanings and examinations

Issues such as advanced gum disease (periodontitis) that can cause dental implant failure can often be prevented through routine dental care. When you visit our office, we are able to detect small issues, such as gingivitis, before they become serious oral health problems. This allows us to help you maintain a strong, healthy, and attractive smile for years and years to come.

If you are missing one or more teeth and would like to discuss your dental implant options, please call Warr Dental at 801-355-5385 to schedule a consultation today. Located in Salt Lake City, we serve all surrounding Utah communities.

The post Do Dental Implants Last Forever? first appeared on Warr Dental.

Porcelain veneers are placed over the front of teeth that have been impacted by cosmetic imperfections. These include:

• Spacing issues
• Irregular shapes and sizes
• Crooked presentation
• Chips and cracks
• Severe staining

Shaded and sculpted to look and feel like your natural teeth, dental veneers reflect light in the same manner as tooth enamel, helping to ensure your smile maintains a consistently healthy and attractive appearance.

Taking Care of Porcelain Veneers

Dental veneers are cared for in the same manner as your natural teeth. This means brushing after every meal and snack, flossing at least once daily, and visiting our office every six months for professional cleaning and examination.

With veneers, you will want to avoid abrasive toothpaste, such as those that contain baking soda or charcoal, medium-bristled toothbrushes, and aggressive brushing. These things can scratch and damage your veneers. You may also want to avoid using an astringent mouthwash. These can loosen the bonding used to hold veneers in place and may result in one coming loose or falling off.

How Long do Dental Veneers Last?

Porcelain veneers should last for about 10 years. Some may last longer. Others may not last quite as long. Much of this will rely on the care you take of your teeth after having veneers placed.

Alternatives to Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are a cosmetic treatment. They serve little functional purpose. There are, however, other options that can be used to address both functional and aesthetic problems at the same time. These include:

• Dental Crowns. Placed over teeth that have been weakened through trauma, infection, or decay, porcelain crowns strengthen the bite and help prevent tooth loss
• Dental Bonding. Applied to the teeth in layers, bonding can correct size, shape, and spacing issues, but also treat large cavities, and protect teeth that are chipped or cracked

These treatments can be used alone or in combination with veneers for a complete smile makeover. We would be happy to discuss this in greater detail during your time in our care.

Please call Warr Dental at 801-355-5385 to schedule a consultation. We welcome patients from Salt Lake City and all surrounding communities.

The post How Long Should Porcelain Veneers Last? first appeared on Warr Dental.

Speaking of enamel damage, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and reconsider abrasive ingredients like charcoal and baking soda. These may help to remove some surface stains, but they can also harm restorations and aren’t right for everyone.

Flossing should be done before you brush your teeth in the morning and at night. It can be done in between meals as well if you feel like something is stuck. Studies have found that flossing before you brush helps to remove more plaque, bacteria, and food.

If you struggle with flossing or if your child needs help, consider a water flosser – and remember to be gentle. Forceful flossing can harm the gums.

Don’t Forget Professional Care

A solid daily routine will help to prevent cavities, tooth infections, and gum disease. It can also help to keep the teeth free of surface stains. But alone, your daily routine may not be enough to ensure you avoid all oral health problems.

Biannual visits (every six months) are recommended by the American Dental Association and fully covered by most dental insurance plans. That’s how important they are. These visits allow us to thoroughly clean all surfaces of your teeth, even below the gum line, removing tartar and stubborn stains for a healthier smile. They also allow us to detect minor issues before they become serious problems, enabling us to provide swift treatment when needed.

Warr Dental is a family dental practice where we strive to provide a safe, comfortable, and educational (but fun!) environment for people of all ages. We open early and stay open late most days of the week to make sure we can meet the busy schedules of Salt Lake families. Thoughtful, kind, and effective, our philosophy remains client satisfaction first. Contact us today to learn what makes us different or to schedule your next visit.

To get in touch, please call Warr Dental at 801-355-5385 today. We welcome people of all ages from Salt Lake and surrounding areas of Utah.

The post Dental Care Awareness Month first appeared on Warr Dental.

Migraine headaches are a neurological disorder. The underlying cause is not always known, but symptoms include:

• Dull, sometimes throbbing pain in the face or neck
• Increased sensitivity to light and sound
• Dizziness and lightheadedness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Visual aurora, flashes of light, and distorted vision

Migraine headaches often require prescription medication to treat and may be a lifelong issue for people who struggle with them.

Symptoms of TMJ

TMJ headaches are a neuromuscular disorder. The underlying cause is misalignment of the jaw. Common symptoms of the disorder include clicking and popping in the jaw, grinding noises when chewing, jaw pain and swelling, and uneven tooth wear.

Additional symptoms of TMJ include:

• Face and head pain
• Pressure behind the eyes or in the sinuses
• Ear pain and ringing
• Neck, shoulder, and back pain

Other symptoms, such as tingling in the fingers, dizziness, and sleep problems may also accompany TMJ.

Treating TMJ

Unlike migraine headaches, TMJ is not best treated with medications, although these may be useful in muscle relaxation. More commonly, however, TMJ is treated through dental services such as an occlusal guard, orthodontic correction, or smile restoration. Biofeedback, muscle relaxation, and stress reduction may be useful in the treatment of TMJ as well. In many cases, sustained treatment is not necessary, though some lifestyle changes may be needed to maintain lasting comfort.

Have You Been Misdiagnosed?

According to the American Academy of Craniofacial Pain, TMJ is one of the most commonly overlooked and misdiagnosed causes of headaches. If you have been diagnosed with any type of headache but have not had your jaw assessed by a neuromuscular dentist, it may be a good idea to bring your condition to our attention for a TMJ evaluation. Utilizing advanced diagnostics and time-tested hands-on evaluation techniques, we can help determine if a misaligned jaw is contributing to your chronic pain and help to create a plan that addresses the root cause to produce lasting comfort.

Please call Warr Dental at 801-355-5385 to schedule your neuromuscular dentistry evaluation today. Located in Salt Lake City, we serve all surrounding communities, including Provo, Park City, and Draper.

The post Migraine Headache vs. TMJ Headache: Which One Do You Have? first appeared on Warr Dental.