Many people are looking to seal the deal…with their teeth. Sealants are fast becoming an effective option for preventing cavities. What is a dental sealant? Basically a thin plastic film that’s painted on the chewing surfaces of your teeth, thus sealing out most particles that cause cavities.

With the effectiveness of properly applied sealants being proven to be 100% in most studies, protecting the surface of your teeth has never been easier. The purpose of the sealant is to create a protective barrier on teeth so that small food particles and bacteria that cause cavities cannot penetrate through, so long as the sealant stays intact.

Now, it’s important to remember that sealant protection is reduced or lost when part or the entire bond between the tooth and sealant is broken. However, clinical studies have shown that teeth that have lost sealants are no more susceptible to tooth decay than teeth that were never sealed.

Sealants are in no way a substitute for brushing and flossing. Brushing and flossing daily help to remove food particles and plaque from your teeth. However, sealants protect those areas that are tough to reach and prevent food and bacteria from getting in.

With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Kimberly Loos has distinguished her dentistry as a unique blend of science and art. This creates a world of possibilities to enhance your life! Offering a variety of aesthetic and restorative dental services to improve your appearance, confidence, comfort and general health, feel free to call today and schedule your appointment at 408-883-3300!

You don’t necessarily have to be an avid coffee or tea drinker for your teeth to become discolored. Simple daily foods over the course of time can cause discoloration and for many people, their teeth color can be the source of embarrassment.

Professional tooth whitening can assist most people in bringing back their smile. But, when is it time to call in the professionals? To help make the decision, here are some things you should consider;

• Professional tooth whitening will brighten your teeth and aid in giving you a prettier and youthful smile.
•  Professional tooth whitening is preferable to at home whitening as the process is quicker and often less messy. Tooth whitening can be accomplished in one visit instead of over a long period of time.
•  Some people may experience sore gums as a result from the bleaching agent used to whiten the teeth. While this symptom disappears after the process has been completed, it can cause discomfort for someone with sensitive gums. Please let your dentist know if this is the case for you.

•  Remember that a professional tooth bleaching is temporary and must be repeated regularly if you want to keep optimum results.

With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Kimberly Loos has distinguished her dentistry as a unique blend of science and art. This creates a world of possibilities to enhance your life! Offering a variety of aesthetic and restorative dental services to improve your appearance, confidence, comfort and general health, feel free to call today and schedule your appointment at 408-883-3300!

Did you know that 32% of Americans have not visited the dentist in the past year and a half? Oral care numbers keep dropping, maybe out of fear, or perhaps it’s simply because most people have yet to find a dentist they feel comfortable with.

Let’s face it - no one loves visiting the dentist. Whether it’s the drill sound or taste of metal in your mouth, a trip to the dentist can sometimes be filled with anxiety and dread. But, our smile is one of the first things people notice and it can leave an impression that you may or may not want.

So, whether your views on dentists are positive or negative, the fact remains that to be in good health, you must take care of your teeth and gums. But, how do you find the right dentist for you and your family? Here are few steps to help you through this process;

1. Ask for recommendations. If it’s a dentist who’s great with kids, ask your local parents who they use and how their children feel about their visits. If you are seeking someone to aide you with your own anxiety about sitting in the chair, ask your friends and coworkers about their experiences. Online reviews can also help give you a broader picture of others’ experiences.

2. Narrow your search results. Once you have a list of possible dentists, begin calling their offices and do a quick phone interview with each one. Inquire about what specialties they work in. Who handles each division? If they don’t specialize, who do they work with and recommend? Do they have dental hygienists and who does the routine cleaning? If the answer is the dentist, keep looking – hygienists are the one to clean teeth.

3. Schedule and Evaluate. Make an appointment with your potential dentist, and evaluate your entire experience. Did they make you feel welcome? Comfortable? Remember to also interview your potential dentist, while observing your surroundings.

With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Kimberly Loos has distinguished her dentistry as a unique blend of science and art. This creates a world of possibilities to enhance your life! Offering a variety of aesthetic and restorative dental services to improve your appearance, confidence, comfort and general health, feel free to call today and schedule your appointment at 408-883-3300!

If you’ve ever looked into improving your smile, it’s quite possible the word “Invisalign” entered your vocabulary. But, how can you know it’s the best option for you? Invisalign offers an opportunity for you to see the benefits of a better smile more quickly, more effectively, more hygienically, and more comfortably than the alternative - metal braces.

Yes, there may be a small additional cost when choosing Invisalign treatments; however, it is well worth the many benefits and faster results obtained. Many people aren’t aware that crooked teeth are more than a cosmetic issue – researchers have seen overall health benefits as well. Sure, straighter teeth are more attractive, but there are actual problems associated with misaligned teeth.

The most common cause of misaligned teeth is the overbite. Lantern jaw, or an under bite are less common, but, still pose a potential issue for people. There are even some people who have an extra set of teeth which start to erupt, pushing existing teeth into an odd position. Occasionally, such misalignment can be the result of an injury or frequent grinding/clenching. While the results can vary with Invisalign, the benefits are substantial.

People have been opting out of using metal braces for several reasons over the years. First, there’s the stigma that comes with having them – especially older adults who felt it was a social disease to wear them. Then, there were the uncomfortable attributes and restrictions placed on diet. They also require regular adjustments – a mildly painful procedure at best that had to be endured at least once, if not twice a month. In addition, the treatment could last for years. Metal braces also make it difficult to keep one's teeth clean. Tooth decay can be a frequent problem, which may go undetected since a dentist is unable to use X-ray equipment where metal is present.

The Invisalign method of orthodontic treatment has made old-fashioned braces seem like a thing of the past. The retainer system requires no adjustment – you simply return to your dentist or orthodontist every six weeks to get a new retainer as your teeth settle into a proper position. In addition, Invisalign retainers can be removed for eating and cleaning (though these are the only times they should be removed). The best part for many patients, though, is the fact that results can be seen in as little as 12 months.

For more information on how Invisalign can reshape your life, call Dr. Kimberly Loos at (408) 883-3300 and schedule an appointment. A brighter, straighter, more beautiful smile is just a phone call away!

Welcome to the Blog of Family and Cosmetic Dentistry!

Whether you are an existing patient or searching for a dentist in the San Jose area, we're excited you are here. With the dental industry advancing, we recognize the importance of keeping our patients and visitors up to date with all of the new and exciting things taking place in our practice.

As we move forward with our blog, we hope to promote dental awareness as a vital part of your healthy lifestyle. Here you will find a variety of articles and topics including dental news, advancements in dental technology and treatment, practical dental health advice and updates from Dr. Loos and her staff.

We hope you find our blog to be helpful, engaging and informational to ensure your best dental health.

As always, feel free to contact us with any dental questions or concerns.

--The Family and Cosmetic Dentistry Team