Hannibal Cosmetic Dentist | Dr. Janes

Tooth whitening is one of the most common cosmetic dental treatments performed in the United States – it certainly is in the office of Charles Janes, D.D.S, serving the St. Louis, Missouri and Quincy, Illinois areas. The goal of a bright, white Hollywood smile is common, but there are many ways to achieve that goal. Let’s review some of the options available to you.

Over-the-Counter Whitening Kits: These kits consist of strips or trays and gel. They are relatively inexpensive and can be picked up at most drug stores. The bleaching can be performed in your own home on your own schedule. The downside to these kits is that trays or strips may not fit correctly leaving teeth bleached unevenly in some areas, bleaching may take up to a month and they are very limited as to how many shades whiter you can make your teeth.

Whitening in the Mall: There is nothing good to say. There is no supervision by a dental professional, you don’t know what they are sticking in your mouth and we won’t even discuss lack of sterilization…

Take-Home Whitening: This method uses trays that are custom fitted to your teeth that are filled with a prescription strength whitening gel. The gel is worn at home for a period of time each day over the course of about two weeks. This Take-Home Whitening method is supervised by your experienced cosmetic dentist and since the trays are custom fit, the whitening is achieved evenly and gradually. This method is less expensive than in-office tooth whitening.

In-Office Tooth Whitening: In only 90 minutes you can achieve a smile up to 12 shades whiter than before. Using the ZOOM! whitening method Dr. Charles Janes has given countless patients the brilliant smile they were seeking. The Zoom! treatment involves applying a special whitening gel to your teeth which is then activated by a high-intensity light for 15 minutes. During this time the patient can watch TV, listen to music or even nap. This process is then repeated two more times. The result is a brilliant white smile with little or no sensitivity.

Before you choose a method of whitening your teeth contact Missouri/Illinois dentist, Dr. Charles Janes for a consultation. Dr. Janes and his team can help you decide whether whitening will help you achieve the smile you desire and if so, which method would work best for you. Call 1-800-873-3980 to schedule your consultation.

Patients experiencing repeated migraine headaches often go from one doctor to another seeking relief and a diagnosis. For many of these patients, the headaches are not actually migraines but are a symptom of TMD. TMD or Temporomandibular Joint Disorder affects the jaw joint – one of the most complicated joints in the human body.

The pain these headaches cause often centers over the temples; it is severe and may last for days. Many people suffer debilitating pain for years without discovering the cause of their discomfort. Most physicians are not trained to understand the complexities of the jaw joint and while the pain from regular headaches can be treated with medications, pain and damage from TMD will persist.

Proper diagnosis and treatment by a trained Neuromuscular Dentist is essential. Most general dentists do not have the in depth knowledge of the muscles and jaw joint or the appropriate diagnostic and treatment equipment to deal with such a complex problem. Dr. Charles Janes has trained in treating these types of cases at the prestigious Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies (LVI) and is a Fellow of the program.

The causes of TMD vary. Many cases are caused by an accident such as a fall or a car crash. Other cases may be caused by stress, bruxism (grinding the teeth), or poor habits (such as holding a telephone between your ear and shoulder for extended periods). Whatever the cause, treatment options are available and highly effective at alleviating your pain. These treatments may include heat, ice, physical therapy, bite splints, diet modification and/or neuromuscular dentistry to repair abnormalities.

If you are experiencing headaches it is possible that you are suffering from TMD. Don’t delay your diagnosis and treatment any longer – If you live in the Hannibal, Missouri area and are in need of a dentist with experience in treating TMD, please contact our Neuromuscular Dentist, Dr. Charles Janes at 1-800-873-3980 to arrange for a consultation or fill out our online contact form.

Dental myths haven't really changed much over time. Patients seem to share the same ones with us on a regular basis– so it is time to do a little myth-busting and set the record straight on some of the more common misconceptions about caring for your teeth.

Myth #1 – Children don't need to see a dentist because their baby teeth are just going to fall out anyway.

Truth – Children need to learn good oral hygiene from the beginning. If baby teeth are damaged by decay and must be removed early there may be problems with bite or improper development of the adult teeth. Children need regular checkups and treatment just like adults.

Myth #2 - Pregnant women shouldn't go to the dentist because it can be dangerous for the baby.

Truth – The truth is actually just the opposite. We now know that periodontal disease can lead to premature birth. Regular dental hygiene appointments before and during pregnancy are a must.

Myth #3 – Brushing your teeth using a hard bristle brush gets them cleaner.

Truth – Brushing with a hard bristle brush or brushing too vigorously can damage your tooth enamel. Better to brush with soft bristles twice a day and floss.

Myth #4 – Bleaching your teeth will make your teeth soft and give you cavities.

Truth – The technology used for bleaching teeth that is used today won't harm your enamel. Patients have a choice of over-the-counter strips, custom fitted trays, or in-office treatments like Zoom! That being said, all dental whitening should be done under the supervision of your dentist to ensure that you achieve the appropriate shade for your smile and to help avoid sensitivity issues.

Myth #5 – I was born with ugly teeth and never had braces. Now I'll never have a beautiful smile.

Truth – Cosmetic dentistry offers many options that weren't available a few years ago. Many adults choose to change their lives with a Smile Makeover. The procedures involve little discomfort and financing plans are available to meet your budget. Your smile is the first thing people notice when they meet you – make yours bright and beautiful.

If you live in the Hannibal, Missouri and Quincy, Illinois areas and have questions about these or any other dental myths please contact Charles W. Janes, D.D.S. today at 1-800-873-3980 or by filling out our online contact form.

Many patients come to our office for smile makeovers and request that we use a product called Lumineers rather than regular dental veneers. Mostly this is because of the highly effective marketing campaign that the laboratory that makes Lumineers has run. Magazine and television advertising have made the Lumineer brand highly visible to consumers. While this product is very similar to regular dental veneers there are some differences that patients must be aware of.

Both Lumineers and veneers (also known as dental porcelain laminates) are very thin, porcelain shells that cover only the visible part of your tooth. Both are resistant to staining and both can repair minor imperfections in teeth. However, most highly trained, experienced cosmetic dentists prefer dental veneers. Why?

First, because Lumineers are designed to require no preparation of the tooth they are very limited in cosmetic cases. Teeth that are slightly turned or misshapen cannot be corrected by Lumineers. Even on teeth that are simply discolored, the product can leave a "bulky" look. In contrast, traditional dental veneers can be used to perform "instant orthodontics" or extreme smile makeovers.

Another plus for veneers is their extreme durability. Veneers can last up to 15 years and have a very natural appearance. Because of their resistance to staining your new smile can keep its brilliance for years.

To find out more about porcelain veneers, please contact our St. Louis cosmetic dentistry office today at 1-800-873-3980 to schedule your initial consultation. Dr. Charles Janes serves patients in St Louis and Hannibal, Missouri and Quincy, Illinois.

Taking care of your teeth and gums is easy, takes very little time and can be one of the best ways to stretch your health care dollar. The main culprits in any dental problem are decay in the teeth and bacteria causing gum disease. Proper oral hygiene in the form of brushing and flossing correctly and consistently can keep your pearly whites in top form and, as study after study has shown; problems in your mouth can be linked to heart disease and certain cancers.

The first step is always a regular visit to your dental hygienist for a proper cleaning. Your hygienist will not only clean and polish your teeth but will assess the overall health of your gums and note any problem areas that Dr. Janes may need to look at. Catching and treating problems early prevents larger, more expensive problems later. While you have the undivided attention of your dental hygienist, ask about proper brushing and flossing techniques and will be more than happy to make sure you are performing your home care correctly.

Old wisdom had us visiting the hygienist twice a year but new research has shown that the bacteria that cause periodontal disease begin to spread rapidly at about 90 days. Therefore a three month recall may be needed for many patients to maintain their best oral health.

Other preventative measures include avoiding highly acidic food and drink, or if you do partake, you should wait 20 minutes before you brush your teeth. The acid in the juice or soda softens your tooth enamel. If you brush immediately you will further damage the enamel. One good way to keep your enamel healthy is chewing sugarless gum. The constant saliva bath caused by the chewing will wash away particles that can cling to teeth.

Regular brushing and flossing, along with trips to your hygienist will help you prevent cavities and periodontal disease. Not only will you be saving your smile, you will be protecting your overall health. Now that's the best preventative tip of all.

If you are in or near Hannibal, Missouri and Quincy, Illinois and would like to schedule a dental hygiene visit, please call 1-800-873-3980 or email our dental office in Hannibal, Missouri or Quincy, Illinois today.

The temporomandibular joints (TMJ) of the jaw are unique in that both are required to perform their actions simultaneously. Not only are the muscles of the jaw some of the strongest and most tenacious in your body, the design of the jaw gives it tremendous leverage and power. The actions of chewing and even speaking make the TMJ the most used joint in the body.

At your initial consultation, St. Louis neuromuscular dentist Dr. Charles Janes will be happy to answer all of your questions about TMJ disorders, also known as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). For now, the following questions and answers should help you gain a better understanding of what the disorder entails.

What is the TMJ?

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is where the lower jaw or mandible is connected to the skull. This junction is one of the most complex joints in the human body. Muscles, tendons, blood vessels and nerves all converge at the TMJ, on both sides of the head, just in front of the ears.

Because of the complexity of the joint and the number of physical connections made, the TMJ is subject to a number of problems or disorders. If one side of the jaw is damaged or gets misaligned, it can cause a wide variety of problems. Learn about the causes of TMJ.

What are Some Signs and Symptoms of TMJ problems?

Although many of these signs and symptoms may also point to something more serious, one or more may be present with TMD:

• Headaches
• Jaw pain
• Clicking jaws
• Tinnitus
• Limited range of motion
• Locking jaws

Get answers to more of your questions about TMJ.

In order to rule out problems that are more serious and to address the underlying cause of your TMD, please contact our St. Louis neuromuscular dentistry office today to schedule your initial consultation. Dr. Charles Janes serves patients in the St. Louis and Hannibal Missouri and Quincy, Illinois areas.