Pennsylvania Advanced Esthetic & Neuromuscular Dentistry
May 14th, 2012
Although over-the-counter teeth whitening strips have been deemed safe for use every six to 10 months by the American Dental Association, they are not as effective as professional teeth whitening treatments and overuse can cause tooth sensitivity issues and possibly premature enamel erosion.
The whitening agents in teeth whitening strips available at retail stores is weaker than that used in the Zoom! teeth whitening procedure and take-home tooth whitening kits offered by Whitehall, Pennsylvania, cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael E. Kun. The delivery system used by store-bought whitening kits can also be problematic.
The strips and whitening trays in retail teeth whitening products are not custom made to conform to your individual teeth. This can cause the whitening solution to be unevenly dispersed, and even end up on your gums, which can cause discomfort in some users.
In the Zoom! procedure, Dr. Kun safely and evenly applies the brightening gel to your teeth, protecting your gums from contact. The gel is then activated with a special high-intensity light, which allows the whitening agent to penetrate the surface layer of your teeth and remove stains.
Our take-home tooth whitening kit features custom-fit trays designed to evenly apply the whitening solution to your teeth. Our at-home product also contains a professional-grade whitening agent that is not available in retail products.
Why throw your money away on a store-bought kit that may fail to provide you with the white smile you deserve? Working closely with experienced cosmetic dentist Dr. Kun you can experience stunning, long-lasting results.
If you live in the Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton or Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania, areas and would like to learn more about your teeth whitening options, please contact the office of Dr. Michael E. Kun to schedule your consultation.
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April 20th, 2012
Both porcelain veneers and dental crowns can be used to address a number of common cosmetic dental problems.
Porcelain veneers and dental crowns are customized for your individual teeth, and they are matched in size, shape and color to your surrounding teeth. However, porcelain veneers and dental crowns do not entirely serve the same purposes.
Porcelain veneers are wafer-thin shells placed over the fronts of your affected teeth. They are a very effective way to correct cosmetic dental issues such as:
- Crooked teeth
- Gapped teeth
- Misshapen teeth
- Chipped or cracked teeth
- Discolored teeth
Although porcelain veneers are a cosmetic treatment, they also protect your teeth from premature wear and further surface damage.
Dental crowns are often called “tooth caps” because they fit over the top of your natural teeth. Dental crowns are often a good solution when porcelain veneers or fillings will not be effective.
Dental crowns may be used to treat teeth that are:
- Worn down
- Broken
- Impacted by decay
- Structurally compromised by large fillings
- In need of support following a root canal
Dental crowns also offer functional advantages, as they protect your teeth from additional wear and damage.
If you would like to learn more about restorative dentistry treatment options including porcelain veneers and dental crowns, please contact the office of Dr. Michael E. Kun to schedule your personal consultation. We welcome patients from the Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton and Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania, areas.
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April 5th, 2012
Porcelain veneers are one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry treatments, as they offer a beautiful and long-lasting solution for correcting a number of tooth imperfections.
Whitehall, Pennsylvania, cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael E. Kun can use porcelain veneers to address a wide range of cosmetic dentistry problems in a minimally invasive procedure that can enhance the aesthetics and durability of your smile.
Porcelain veneers are often effective at treating common cosmetic dental problems including:
- Crooked teeth
- Gapped teeth
- Unevenly sized teeth
- Chipped teeth
- Misshapen teeth
- Severely discolored teeth
Porcelain veneers are thin, shell-like slivers of porcelain that are custom crafted to fit over your problem teeth and match seamlessly with your smile. The veneers are permanently bonded to the fronts of your affected teeth, and protect your teeth from further damage.
Porcelain veneers are tinted to match your natural teeth, and they are as easy to clean as your teeth with a good daily dental hygiene routine. Although porcelain veneers are versatile, they are not always the best treatment option for everyone; your consultation with Dr. Kun will determine if porcelain veneers are right for you.
If you would like to learn more about the benefits of porcelain veneers, please contact the office of Dr. Michael E. Kun to schedule your personal consultation. We welcome patients from the Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton and Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania, areas.
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March 22nd, 2012
Do you have chips or cracks in your teeth? Do these imperfections cause you to feel uncomfortable with your smile? Do you fear that chipped teeth may eventually weaken your entire tooth, resulting in expensive cosmetic and restorative dental work?
If so, Whitehall, Pennsylvania, cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael E. Kun offers a number of options to restore your teeth and protect them from further damage.
Chipped teeth can often be treated with cosmetic dentistry solutions including:
The extent of damage to your individual teeth will determine the restorative procedure best suited for you. The benefits of correcting chipped teeth are not limited to the aesthetics of your smile.
Repairing chipped teeth can provide strength and durability to your teeth, as well as protect your teeth from further damage. If not treated, chipped teeth can lead to further dental problems, including fractured teeth or tooth decay.
If you live in the Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton or Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania, areas and would like to learn more about your treatment options for repairing chipped teeth, please contact the office of cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael E. Kun to schedule your personal consultation.
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March 8th, 2012
A bright, white smile is one of the first things people will notice about you. If you suffer from teeth discoloration, you may feel uncomfortable letting your smile shine.
A professional tooth whitening treatment can restore your smile’s vibrant, healthy looking glow. Whitehall, Pennsylvania, cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael E. Kun offers two tooth whitening options, a professionally applied, in-office teeth whitening procedure and a professional-grade take-home kit.
Our in-office tooth whitening procedure utilizes the Zoom! system, which allows you to achieve a smile up to 10 shades brighter in a single visit. Zoom! uses a whitening gel, which is safely applied to the surface of your teeth.
The Zoom! teeth whitening gel is then activated with a special high-intensity light, which allows the active ingredients to penetrate the surface of your teeth and erase stains.
For patients who wish to supplement Zoom! treatment or prefer to brighten their teeth at home, we also offer a take-home teeth whitening option. Our at-home treatment features custom-made application trays, which allow you to evenly and effectively apply the whitening solution with minimal risk for sensitivity.
Our take-home kits are vastly superior to those available at retail stores. Store bought kits do not feature applicators precisely matched to your unique bite, and they require multiple treatments to achieve minimal results.
For patients who suffer from discoloration caused by mineralization or medications, porcelain veneers may offer a better solution. Because this staining is below the enamel, tooth whitening solutions may be inadequate to remove them. During your initial consultation, Dr. Kun can help you determine if porcelain veneers would be a better option for you.
If you live in the Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton or Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania, areas and would like to learn more about your options for treating discolored teeth, please contact the office of cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael E. Kun to schedule your consultation.
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February 22nd, 2012
Crooked teeth can make your smile appear awkward and cause you to feel self-conscious. Crooked teeth and misaligned bites can also lead to problems such as:
- Difficulty chewing
- Overexertion of the jaw
- Uneven tooth wear
- Increased plaque accumulation
The benefits of correcting crooked teeth are aesthetic as well as functional. Whitehall, Pennsylvania, cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Kun offers a number of treatment options for crooked teeth.
Depending on your individual condition, crooked teeth may be corrected with cosmetic dentistry treatments including:
All of these options can be used alone or in combination with other treatments to provide you with an even, natural-looking smile. In addition to enhancing the aesthetics of your smile, these treatments can also prevent future dental problems by protecting your teeth from further premature wear or by bringing your teeth into proper alignment.
If you would like to learn more about your treatment options for crooked teeth, please contact the office of cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael E. Kun to schedule your personal consultation. We welcome patients from the Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton and Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania, areas.
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February 16th, 2012
Gaps between your teeth can be both a functional and aesthetic issue.
Gapped teeth can allow food particles to become trapped in hard-to-reach spaces and accelerate the accumulation of plaque, which leads to tooth decay. Gapped teeth can also lead to premature wear on your teeth.
Fortunately, correcting gaps between your teeth can be accomplished with common cosmetic dentistry procedures. Whitehall, Pennsylvania, cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Kun can evaluate the spaces between your teeth and develop a treatment plan to provide you with a seamless smile.
Three of the most common solutions for fixing teeth gaps are:
- Porcelain veneers – wafer thin shells placed over the front of your teeth
- Dental bonding – a composite resin applied to the front and sides of your teeth
- Invisalign® – clear plastic aligner trays that gently close your teeth over a period of several months
The solution most suited to meet your needs will depend on factors such as the extent of separation and any other cosmetic and functional issues you may be facing.
If you would like to learn more about treatment options for teeth gaps, please contact the office of cosmetic and neuromuscular dentist Dr. Michael E. Kun to schedule your consultation. We welcome patients from the Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton and Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania, areas.
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January 28th, 2012
Selecting a neuromuscular dentist is just like choosing a cosmetic dentist, but more so. If you are suffering from TMJ symptoms, you want to find a dentist who can give you relief and will take a studied, gradual approach to your treatment.
Finding neuromuscular dentists in the Lehigh Valley is as easy as performing a web search, but choosing among them is more difficult. Here are some tips for choosing among your options.
Ask for references from your friends, family, dentist, and doctor. Successful neuromuscular dentists will have patients that are happy to recommend them and will likely be known by other medical professionals.
Arrange an appointment with a neuromuscular dentist.
Ask for references before beginning treatment.
Ask the dentist about his experience in performing neuromuscular treatment. Talk to several patients who have had treatments to determine what treatment they received, how successful it was, and how long their results lasted.
Check with the dental licensing board to verify credentials, training, and whether there have been medical malpractice lawsuits filed against a dentist. Every medical professional will likely get one or two in a lifetime of practice, but if a dentist has three medical malpractice judgments against them, consider it a warning sign.
The goal of seeking a neuromuscular dentist is to get relief from your TMJ. Taking the time to find the right neuromuscular dentist will ensure you have the best chance of getting successful treatment.
Dr. Michael E. Kun is an experienced neuromuscular dentist who has helped a number of patients from the Lehigh Valley to get relief from annoying or even debilitating TMJ symptoms, and he would like to help you. To learn more about Dr. Kun and his qualifications, please schedule your appointment today.
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January 25th, 2012
The human body is a delicate marvel of interacting systems, each supporting and reinforcing the other. When all the systems are functioning as they should, you will notice improved health and performance from all your systems, which you can appreciate whether it means being at the top of your golf game or just avoiding regular heartburn. Many people do not appreciate the role that dental health plays in overall health, but here are some of the ways that problems in your mouth contribute to major health issues.
Periodontal disease has been associated with a number of significant health problems, including heart disease, coronary artery disease, and stroke. Bacteria can enter your bloodstream through your gums, and attach to fatty plaques in your coronary arteries where they contribute to buildup, and if you are at risk of infective endocarditis, your risk may be increased by periodontal disease.
A poorly-aligned bite can contribute to digestive problems. Chewing is the first step in digestion, and poor chewing can make it harder for your stomach to digest the foods you eat, leading to acid reflux, and other digestive problems. If you have a bad bite, chewing certain foods may be difficult or uncomfortable, causing you to avoid them, which in some cases can contribute to poor nutrition.
Neuromuscular issues are closely related to an inefficient bite, but are related to the impact your bite has on neighboring systems. The area around your jaw joints, called the temporomandibular joints, is a very crowded one for essential nerves, blood vessels, and muscles. When your bite is out of alignment, it can lead to temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMJ. One of the most common effects of TMJ is the pinching of nerves in the area, causing headaches or other seemingly-inexplicable pains. The muscles of your jaw also work in concert with those in your neck to support your spinal column and skull, so when your bite is out of alignment, your spine might be, too, causing neck and back pain, as well as pinched nerves along the length of your spinal column.
Don’t think that your oral health is separate from your overall health. Your body all works together, and when one part is unhealthy, the entire system suffers.
To learn more about how improving your dental health will improve your overall health, please schedule an appointment with Dr. Michael E. Kun today.
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December 23rd, 2011
If you have a missing tooth or are facing the loss of a tooth, you have probably researched your options for tooth replacement. And if you’ve done any amount of research at all, you’ve come to realize that dental implants are, bar none, the best tooth replacement option available. Short of extracting the secret for constant tooth regrowth from shark DNA, dental implants are the closest you will come to having a replacement tooth that is as good as the one you lost. But are you a candidate for dental implants?
Yes!
The ideal candidate for dental implants has all the following characteristics:
- Adequate jawbone in the implant area
- Good oral health
- A non-smoker
- A balanced bite
If you have all these characteristics, you can get your dental implant today! Well, not quite today, but at the earliest appointment time convenient for both you and Dr. Kun.
But even if you don’t have all these characteristics, you are probably a candidate for dental implants, but you’ll have to wait a little bit. Bone grafting has become a much more reliable technique than in the past, allowing us to build up jawbone in people who have lost bone to periodontal disease or resorption. And oral health conditions can generally be treated to make you a good candidate for dental implants. If you are a smoker, you will be asked to quit smoking for a period before and after your dental implant procedure, and your chances of a successful implant procedure are improved if you quit altogether. Finally, if you have an imbalanced bite, neuromuscular treatment can improve your bite to avoid undue stress on the dental implant.
So you are most likely a candidate for dental implants. The only way to be sure, though, is to discuss it with a qualified implant dentist like Michael E. Kun, DMD. Please contact us today to schedule an appointment at our Whitehall office, convenient to the entire Lehigh Valley.
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