703-779-7779
Dr. Sandra Varney
Dr. Robert Leipzig
540 Fort Evans Rd. NE • Leesburg, Virginia 20176
Dr. Robert Leipzig
540 Fort Evans Rd. NE • Leesburg, Virginia 20176
Welcome to our Blog
November 8, 2011
Heard of Veneers and Lumineers … Want to Know the Difference?
If you have watched a movie, turned on your TV or seen a magazine you may wonder how everyone has a beautiful smile. Make no mistake, movie star smiles are no accident. The next time you pick up a copy of People magazine or some other tabloid and look at the teeth of the stars, ask yourself, “Why are all their teeth so perfect, and so perfectly white?”
The answer is that the stars are often enlisting the help of a cosmetic dentist to fit them with either a veneer or a lumineer, both of which have the effect of making your teeth appear whiter and straighter.
The good news is that you don’t have to go to Hollywood to find a skilled cosmetic dentist; you can find a trusted and experienced cosmetic dentist right here in Northern Virginia at Loudoun Dental Smiles
What is the difference between Veneers and Lumineers?
Veneers
A porcelain veneer is similar to a crown. Like a crown, it fits over a tooth; also like a crown, it requires part of the tooth to be cut away to fit the new veneer. Compared to a crown, however, a veneer only covers the visible portion of the tooth, whereas a crown covers the entire tooth.
Veneers are semi-permanent, usually lasting for about fifteen years before needing replacement. Once dental veneers are placed, they will look very much like natural teeth. The porcelain versions of veneers resist stains better than the resin versions and look more natural. On the other hand, the resin veneers require less removal of the tooth surface than the porcelain version.
Lumineers
Lumineers are a new technology that do not remove any of the natural tooth surfaces but simply slip over the existing tooth. This can be a great advantage over a traditional veneer, because a veneer requires a great deal of the natural tooth to be removed.
Lumineers require no shots or drilling, making them far less painful to install than a veneer. Lumineers are as thin as contacts, but have the same pleasing cosmetic effects as a veneer, and can be easily removed if the patient decides he or she does not like them. Like veneers, Lumineers are long-lasting, with a typical lifespan of about twenty years.
Need advice from a skilled cosmetic dentist as to which option will help you achieve the smile you have always dreamed about? Loudoun Dental Smiles will be happy to meet with you and discuss the best cosmetic dentistry procedures for your smile, and in particular we can advise if your teeth would be better served by a traditional veneer or a Lumineer.
October 29, 2011
Spooky tales of a toothache….
Caveman Dentistry
Toothaches, and attempts to cure them, have been around for thousands of years. In fact, researchers discovered evidence of tooth drilling that took place more than 9,000 years ago. It seems that a Neolithic man put down his spear and picked up a crude dental drill to fix cavity-ridden molars in his fellow Neolithic man. The good news is that the process was unbelievably precise and took about minute. The bad news? No anesthesia!
Tooth Worms
It was long believed cavities were caused by worms that burrowed inside the tooth and caused pain by wiggling around. The earliest reference to tooth worms was in a Sumerian text dated around 5,000 BC. Right up until the 18th century most people, including dental practitioners, believed that tooth worms caused decay and discomfort. Some ancient doctors mistook tooth nerves as tooth worms, and removed them. It was the barbaric version of root canal therapy. Well, except the doctors would also take out the entire tooth.
Weird Cures
- Roman writer Pliny the Elder suggested catching a frog under a full moon, spitting into its mouth, and then telling it to take the toothache away would cure your toothache.
- Some cultures attempted to cure toothaches with chanting.
- In England, citizens would steal teeth from corpses to create toothache talismans.
- Ancient Egyptians wore magical amulets.
- Aztecs chewed on hot chilies.
- Romans tried oral fumigation followed by a hot mouth rinse.
- Medieval people relied on sorcery.
- The Talmud recommended drinking sour fruit juice.
Spooked?? Well lucky for you Loudoun Dental Smiles has kept up with technology to help you with a toothache painlessly. Want to prevent a cavity and toothache?
Knowing the risk factors could help you improve your oral health and avoid toothache.
So, in the spirit of helping you avoid future cavities here’s a list of the many risk factors …
- Already having cavities? If you’ve already had cavities, you’re more likely to have cavities in the future.
- Eating lots of sugary or acidic foods
- Poor oral hygiene
- Lack of fluoride
- Poorly done fillings and crowns
- Family history
- Dry mouth
- Eating disorders
- Not visiting the dentist regularly
It may seem like there’s no way to win against toothaches and cavities, but many of your risks can be lowered by making certain choices. Cutting back on sugary foods, using tooth care products that contain fluoride, and regularly visiting your dentist are some simple steps that make a big difference. Don’t let yourself get caught with a toothache! However if you get a toothache call the dentists at Loudoun Dental Smiles. We promise, no spooky cures!
October 21, 2011
Acne Treatments and Your Teeth??
Every dentist is familiar with tetracycline staining and the damaging effect it has on tooth color and the self-esteem of the patient. Some are under the belief that this phenomenon was something that affected baby boomer patients, and was no longer an ongoing phenomenon, but that’s not the case.
Many teenage patients are being treated for acne with antibiotics in the Tetracycline family. These medications, in particular Minocycline, are associated with tooth discoloration. The change in color is in an increase in chroma and graying. A study our of the University of North Carolina showed the effect of Minocycline in causing tooth discoloration even in adults.
What should we know so that we can support patients who are actively being treated by a dermatologist for acne?
The incidence of tooth discoloration appears to be related to dose and the length of time the patient is on the medication. The risk increases the higher the dose and the longer the patient is keep on the antibiotic. There is some evidence that taking vitamin C in high doses at the same time as the Minocycline can reduce the risk of tooth discoloration.
Conventional therapies like whitening options can mitigate the effects of the tooth discoloration. There may be some benefit to utilizing whitening options during the course of the antibiotics to prevent darkening of the teeth. Some patients may require restorative alternatives if the discoloration is severe.
The psychological cost of having acne as a teenager can be high, what we don’t want is to exchange that for the psychological cost of a lifetime of discolored teeth. At a minimum, record the shade of the teeth prior to the onset of treatment so that you can monitor for any change and then advise the dermatologist if the teeth begin to darken. If the color change is caught early, the medication protocol may be able to be changed, and tooth whitening can be initiated.
Be sure to include this information in your medical history, so your dentist can open the conversation about acne therapy with you. At Loudoun Dental Smiles, we believe that your dental health is an important part of your overall health so if you or your teen is taking medication for acne let us know, we are here for you.
October 10, 2011
Grinding and Clenching
Unexplained soreness of the jaw or neck muscles and persistent headaches could be an indication that you are suffering from bruxism, or grinding and clenching of the teeth. The problem is treatable and more common that you may realize, even though most people are completely unaware that they do it.
Frequently, people who clench and grind their teeth do so during sleep, and learn about it from their sleep partner. Sometimes bruxism is discovered when patients ask their dentist about pain or an odd sensation that their teeth are loose. However, the habit can create a long list of symptoms from mild to significant and can be quite destructive to the teeth themselves as well as to supporting structures, causing the gum recession and bone loss which can eventually cause teeth to be lost.
Among people who chronically grind, fractured teeth and damage to the nerves which can require root canal therapy are common. Unfortunately, this treatable behavior can exist for a long time before it is diagnosed, because many of the symptoms can be easily overlooked or ignored, and may be thought to have another cause. Consider bringing to your dentist’s attention any of the following symptoms:
- Earache
- Headaches or Migraines
- Loose teeth
- Changes in the way your teeth fit together
- Sensitive teeth
- Tinnitus
- Gum recession
- Neck pain
- Insomnia
- Soreness of the jaw or neck
Careful examination of the teeth may reveal fine cracks, wear facets in the tooth anatomy, and otherwise unexplained changes in the bone around the teeth. These findings, along with a thorough medical history will help your dentist diagnose bruxism and suggest a treatment plan. Most frequently, a hard plastic occlusal splint is custom made to fit the teeth. Worn while sleeping, this “nightguard ” protects the teeth by covering their surface and enabling them to glide easily.
The night guard is form-fitting, covers all of the upper teeth and prevents them from shifting over time which ultimately prevents gradual changes in how teeth fit together. A different type of FDA approved appliance called an NTI (Nociceptive Trigeminal Inhibition System) fits only over the upper front teeth and prevents the back teeth from touching at all.
People who have been grinding their teeth for a long time may have significantly damaged their teeth; in severe cases they can even be worn down to the gum line. The damage may have left teeth sensitive and susceptible to cavities, and may have even caused changes in the shape of your face or the way you feel about your smile.
The first step in addressing these issues is always to treat the bruxism so that no further damage occurs; and the good news is that there are several cosmetic options that can improve the function of your teeth as well as their appearance. Your cosmetic dentist may suggest crowns, veneers or bonding as part of your complete treatment plan… why not talk to your dentist at Loudoun Dental Smiles about bruxism and what treatment options may be right for you? You deserve a beautiful, pain-free smile!
October 3, 2011
The 411 on Halloween Candy
For parents worried about kids going overboard on candies, sugar and other sweets, Halloween is a dreaded annual event. All those sweet, sour and sticky candies may taste great, but these treats are known to damage teeth!
Did you know sour candies can be acidic to your teeth, and actually wear down the enamel that protects them? This can cause tooth decay and cavities! Sour and fruity candy, such as Starburst and Skittles, are the worst for your child’s teeth since these candies have a low pH value, which can ruin enamel.
So what’s a parent to do?
Five Ways to Fight Cavities from Halloween Candy
As Halloween approaches, candy consumption is likely to skyrocket, but there are plenty of ways to protect trick-or-treaters from tooth decay. Try these five tips to help reduce the amount of sugar:
- Choose reduced-sugar or sugar-free candies. Most stores carry equally tasty sugar-free or reduced-sugar versions of Halloween favorites, including chocolate, peanut butter cups and various filled or hard candies. These options won’t completely eliminate the risk of tooth decay, but they can significantly cut sugar intake.
- Give out unconventional goodies. When it comes to candy, sugar-free gum is your safest bet. Candies that can melt and/or stick to teeth are the worst. Other ideas might include stickers, press-on tattoos, plastic rings, or other small toys.
- Go to a Halloween program or event. Choosing alternatives to trick-or-treating significantly cuts the candy haul. These events are a great place for adults and children to socialize while enjoying snacks and fun activities.
- Set a limit. Put a limit on the amount of candy a child is allowed daily. This helps prevent candy binges while reducing sugar consumption. Candy can also be used as a reward for good behavior.
- Donate excess candy. Many communities have programs that will send it to troops or donate $1 for every pound of candy donated. Candy can also be donated to fire stations, schools (for rewards), or other offices in the community.
Regularly brushing teeth and reducing sugar intake can help prevent cavities. Consuming fewer sweets can also help decrease children’s risk for obesity and diabetes. Dentists and parents alike recommend that candy be consumed in moderation.
Happy Halloween!
September 26, 2011
A Lifetime of Healthy Teeth Starts with Mom and Dad
Tooth decay is known to affect kids more than any other disease.
Tooth decay is more common than asthma in children. When left untreated tooth decay can inflict pain and infection leading to many other serious problems. Such problems can be prevented with proper dental care. What’s most important is for parents to teach good oral health habits to their kids at an early age because healthy teeth are essential for children’s general heath and well being. Every parent wants the best for their kids, to see them smile and laugh.
What can you do to give your child a lifetime of good oral health? Here are a few simple tips:
- Use a damp cloth to clean the gums of your infant after breast feeding so as to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.
- See that your children eat regular nutritious meal rather than junk food
- Make sure that children use fluoride toothpastes to brush their teeth. This helps to protect tooth decay. Another way is to drink fluoridated water.
- Dental sealants also protect teeth from decay. Ask us at Loudoun Dental Smiles about sealants for your child’s teeth.
- Get prenatal care and eat a healthy diet during your pregnancy.
- Children should brush their teeth twice a day, once before breakfast and once before going off to sleep at night.
- Make sure that you arrange for regular dental check up for your children at Loudoun Dental Smiles. It’s important that parents take their kids to a children’s dentist as they are specially equipped and trained to help small children with dental problems.
- Teach your children to floss. Flossing is not only important to prevent decay in between the teeth but also to prevent gum disease.
Parents should try and introduce healthy substitutes such as fruits, cheese and crackers in place of sugary snacks. While drinking soda or sugary drinks its better if kids use a straw to limit the exposure of sugar to the teeth.
How do you help toddlers and young children brush their teeth? Here are a few simple tips:
- Supervise your child’s brushing until the age of 6, following these guidelines below:
- Use a pea-sized amount of ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste. Watch out that your child isn’t swallowing the toothpaste.
- Use a toothbrush with softer bristles, begin with brushing the inside surfaces of all the teeth, this is where most of the plaque accumulates. Have your child angle the bristles towards their gum line. Move the brush gently back and forth over the teeth.
- Clean all of the outside surfaces of teeth. Again angle the bristles toward the gum line. Move the brush gently back and forth over all outside areas of the teeth.
- Place the toothbrush so the bristles are on the chewing surface of the teeth. Move the brush gently back and forth over the teeth.
Any questions? Call and schedule an appointment at Loudoun Dental Smiles we are here to help you and your children to maintain a healthy and beautiful smile.
September 14, 2011
Is Bad Breath Affecting Your Life?
Bad breath, or halitosis, is an embarrassing problem which can affect many people from time to time, and if recurrent can be the indication of a more serious underlying cause. The good news is that bad breath can often be prevented with some simple steps.
Bad breath is caused by odor-producing bacteria that grow in the mouth. When you don’t brush and floss regularly, bacteria accumulate on the bits of food left in your mouth and between your teeth. The sulfur compounds released by these bacteria make your breath smell.
Certain foods, especially ones like garlic and onions that contain pungent oils, can contribute to bad breath because the oils are carried to your lungs and out through your mouth. Smoking is also a major cause of bad breath, as well as a serious contributor to potential gum disease.
There are lots of myths about taking care of bad breath. Here are three things you may have heard about bad breath that are not true:
Myth #1: Mouthwash will make bad breath go away.
Mouthwash only gets rid of bad breath temporarily. If you do use mouthwash, look for an antiseptic (kills the germs that cause bad breath) and plaque-reducing one. Also, ask our dental hygienist for her recommendations on your next visit.
Myth #2: As long as you brush your teeth, you shouldn’t have bad breath.
The truth is that most people only brush their teeth for 30 to 45 seconds, which just isn’t long enough. To sufficiently clean all the surfaces of your teeth, you should brush for at least 2 minutes at least twice a day. Remember to brush your tongue too; bacteria love to hang out there, and many toothbrushes now have a specific tongue cleaner on the back.
It’s equally important to floss because brushing alone won’t remove harmful plaque and food particles that become stuck between your teeth and gums.
Myth #3: If you breathe into your hand, you’ll know when you have bad breath.
Wrong! When you breathe, you don’t use your throat the same way you do when you talk. When you talk, you tend to bring out the odors from the back of your mouth (where bad breath originates), which simply breathing doesn’t do. Also, because we tend to get used to our own smells, it’s hard for a person to tell if he or she has bad breath.
If you’re concerned about bad breath, one of the most important preventions is to make sure you’re taking care of your teeth and mouth properly. Some sugar-free gums and mints can temporarily mask odors, too.
If you already brush and floss properly and visit Loudoun Dental Smiles for regular cleanings but your bad breath persists, then you may have a medical problem like sinusitis or gum disease, so please talk to us or your Doctor about it on your next visit.
September 11, 2011
Smiles and Scowls Contest
The time has come to leave summer behind and go Back-to-School. Patients of all ages are smiling or scowling … depending on their point of view.
For a little bit of fun, the dentists at Loudoun Dental Smiles have decided to run a “Back-to-School Smiles and Scowls” contest across our Facebook page.
There will be PRIZES!
Winner The picture with the most Facebook “Likes” wins a family four-pack of tickets to the movie of your choice and of course some snacks to munch on during the show from the new Cobb Village 12 Theatres in Leesburg.
Runner Up The picture with the 2nd most Facebook “likes” wins a $50 Visa Gift Card, just in case you haven’t finished all your back-to-school shopping yet!
How to Enter
Email your best smile or scowl photo to patientcare@loudoundentalsmiles.com and make sure you put the word “Contest” in the subject line. If you are coming to the office for an appointment we would be happy to take the picture for you.
Picture must be emailed or taken in the office between: September 7th through September 21st. On September 22nd, we will upload all of the entries into a special Facebook photo album on our Loudoun Dental Smiles Facebook Fan page.
Have your friends and family members “Like” your photo between September 22nd and 29th. The “Smile” or “Scowl” with the most Facebook “Likes” Wins!
The winner will be announced on September 30th in an e-blast and also posted on Facebook to let you know who won.
Contest Rules
- The picture must not be taken by a professional.
- All contest entrants must be patients of Loudoun Dental Smiles.
- By submitting a picture to Loudoun Dental Smiles you are giving Loudoun Dental Smiles permission to upload and share this picture on Facebook.
- Children under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian submit the photograph.
- Only one entry per person.
- Submissions are only valid via email or taken in the office.
- Only “Likes” will be tallied – comments will not be tallied.
- You do not need to have a Facebook page to enter but you will need to have a Facebook page to vote.
Have fun … and good luck!
September 5, 2011
Let’s Talk About Your Smile
One of the best things about being a dentist at Loudoun Dental Smiles is interacting with our patients. During our initial dental consultations, we listen carefully to our patient’s short and long term dental goals.
We enjoy discussing options and developing effective treatment plans tailored specifically to each person. Some of our clients desire a total smile makeover and we have many options in cosmetic dentistry we can discuss and some are nervous about undergoing treatment, we discuss oral conscious sedation.
If you have been considering a smile makeover, let’s talk about your smile. A beautiful smile not only looks great, it makes you feel great! When you first look in the mirror in the morning while brushing those gleaming teeth, you remember; oh yeah, I fixed my teeth and they look fantastic!
When you smile at old friends or make new ones, you are happy to show off your new movie-star grin. When you are in a professional setting speaking with colleagues or clients, you feel poised and super confident.
Let’s review the most common cosmetic dental treatments.
Veneers
Veneers are glass-like, wafer-thin covers that adhere to teeth. Porcelain veneers are strong and have the translucency of natural teeth. They correct chips, stains and misaligned teeth that do not require orthodontia.
Dental Crowns
Dental crowns correct more extensive tooth problems. They are used in a variety of situations such as the final restoration following a root canal or to restore teeth damaged by decay, injury or periodontal disease.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are one of the best fixes for a missing tooth. They are becoming a popular and effective alternative to bridges and partial dentures in Northern Virginia and the surrounding areas – especially among middle-aged professionals and people in the public eye.
Bridges
Bridges are another strong, natural looking replacement for one or more missing teeth. They have been used with success for many years.
Teeth Whitening
Professional teeth whitening in your Loudoun Dental Smiles office is the least invasive and quickest way to brighten your smile several shades.
If you are interested in any of these safe and effective procedures, schedule a consultation at Loudoun Dental Smiles today. Even if you are still a bit hesitant, remember: discussing your options with a cosmetic dentist does not require a commitment of any kind. It is merely a relaxed way to get the most reliable information.
At Loudoun Dental Smiles we are here to partner with you in achieving good oral well being and a beautiful smile.
August 30, 2011
If you have children in high school or college maybe they have asked you about teeth whitening?
Here’s some help with answers.
Do you remember the episode of Friends where Ross bleaches his teeth so much that they glow in the dark? Funny-stuff, unless you’re the one taking teeth whitening too far.
Ross from Friend’s Teeth Whitening
We’re not saying that you could get blinding results, but there are some downsides to creating a sparkling smile. The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) warns that if you experience tooth enamel sensitivity; red, irritated gums; hot and cold sensitivity; or a bluish-white translucent appearance on the edges of your teeth you may be taking teeth whitening to the extreme.
Considering that Americans spend more than $1.4 billion a year on over-the-counter teeth whiteners, there is reason for concern. How can you rein in your older child’s brightness fascination? Use these suggestions from the AACD to avoid a Ross Geller (or worse) situation:
- Get a checkup prior to whitening. If you have an area where your tooth is open due to a cavity, then bleach can travel directly into the pulp and potentially cause the nerve of the tooth to die.
- Use an at-home kit before your professional treatment at the dentist office to see how your teeth react to the whitening service. See our report on teeth whiteners to choose the best one for you. But…
- Limit use of over-the-counter whitening kits to every six months.
- Discuss the frequency of professional teeth whitening treatments with your dentist since each person’s teeth and needs are different.
- Put down the whitening toothpaste. If you use these products on a regular basis–without a reprieve–they may make teeth permanently sensitive, which then require professional treatment.
If you take these precautions, you can still serve up a shining (and healthful) smile. If you have additional question or concerns please call us at Loudoun Dental Smiles. We are here for you and your family’s oral health.