Patient Education

teeth whitening before and after

What Types Of Teeth Whitening Treatments Are Available in Nashville, TN?

As we age, the enamel of our teeth wears away, meaning that our teeth may appear discolored. What’s more, the foods and drinks that we consume can also cause unsightly stains. Thankfully, there are plenty of things you can do to improve the appearance of your teeth.   Whitening Toothpaste Whitening toothpaste can help you to remove stains from your teeth and achieve a brighter smile. These toothpastes may contain silica, an abrasive ingredient to scrub against the surface of your teeth. Some of the leading brands of whitening toothpaste include, Colgate Optic White Platinum Express and Crest 3D Whitening Two-Step System. Some people prefer to use an activated charcoal whitening paste. Charcoal is a mild abrasive, and so it may help to tackle stains.   Teeth-Whitening At-Home Kits Perhaps you’ve tried a whitening toothpaste, and you haven’t noticed much difference? In this case, your teeth may require a stronger whitening treatment. There are plenty of teeth-whitening kits that you can purchase, allowing you to whiten your teeth in the comfort of your own home! Opalescence offers an excellent teeth-whitening kit. It’s simple to use, just fill the tray with the whitening gel, and insert the tray to cover your teeth. Dentists invented opalescence, and it’s well known for its thick consistency which allows the peroxide to penetrate the enamel.   Teeth-Whitening At The Dentist Maybe the idea of whitening your teeth yourself makes you feel anxious? In this case, it’s best to leave it up to the professionals! At Mission Dental, we offer a fantastic teeth-whitening service. You’ll be left with the perfect set of sparkly whites in no time at all.   The process of teeth whitening is both safe and straightforward. All whitening products contain either carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide. These bleaches work by fading the stains on your teeth so that your smile gleams again! Teeth bleaching gel seeps into the pores of the enamel, eventually reaching the dentin of the teeth. The bleaching agent contains oxygen molecules, which encourage the discolored particles to break away, leaving the natural color. For a fantastic dental teeth whitening service in Nashville, reach out to us at Mission Dental.   Other Teeth-Whitening Options  Teeth whitening is not suitable for everyone; it depends on the type of discoloration. If your dentist advises that teeth-whitening is not for you, they may suggest veneers. Veneers are made of porcelain, and they are designed to fit over the top of your natural teeth. Porcelain veneers are a popular choice for anyone with worn, uneven or stained teeth. Before making any decisions about your treatment, it’s best to have a full consultation with your dentist.   Mission Dental Teeth Whitening in Nashville At Mission Dental in Nashville Tennessee, we offer superb teeth whitening services, leaving you with a beautiful smile on your face. We have Opalescence kits available for purchase, or if you prefer, book a teeth whitening service (and have one of our dentists do the hard work)! As well as teeth-whitening, Mission Dental offers a range of dentistry services including Clear Braces, Dentures, Oral Surgery, and Restorative Dentistry. For a full discussion of your teeth whitening needs in Nashville, Mission Dental has all the answers.

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clear braces

Benefits of Clear Braces

The term ‘clear braces’ or ‘invisible braces’ refers to a discreet orthodontic device used to straighten the teeth. Clear braces are usually a short-term orthodontic treatment; they are discreet because they are made using a transparent polycarbonate (plastic) or ceramic. There are plenty of benefits to getting a set of clear braces, so let’s dive in!   Straighter teeth First up, clear braces can help patients to straighten their teeth and achieve the perfect smile. When you choose clear braces, you’ll be provided with a set of clear aligners. The aligners work by putting pressure on the teeth, (depending on the direction of movement you need). As a tooth moves, the pressure stops, and you then replace the aligner. For clear braces in nashville, Mission Dental offers Invisalign; the leading brand of clear braces.   Easily removable Unlike traditional braces, invisible braces are easily removed, making the experience of having braces far more convenient! No need to worry about getting food stuck in your braces, simply remove the braces to eat, brush your teeth and pop them back in.    Discreet & natural Let’s face it, traditional braces are not discreet, and this is a huge drawback for many people. With clear braces, you get a discreet and natural-looking brace, meaning you won’t feel so self-conscious about wearing braces. People will barely notice you’re wearing them, (unless they are super close)! Clear braces are perfect for those who want the benefits of braces without an ‘obvious brace’ look.   Maximum comfort Clear braces are comfortable, meaning you won’t feel too much pressure on your teeth or mouth. Of course, you’ll feel some pressure, (because the braces need to move your teeth). However, compared with metal braces, these are far more comfortable. There’s nothing worse than a brace that distracts you from your daily activities, but with invisible braces, you can forget you’re wearing a brace and go about your day. For clear braces in Nashville, Mission Dental can offer both comfortable and affordable products.   Simple to clean your teeth When you have fixed metal braces, it can sometimes be tricky to brush your teeth around them. With clear braces, you can remove them, clean your teeth properly and put them back in. To clean your invisible braces, ensure that you brush your teeth regularly and avoid too many foods that are likely to stain your teeth. In general, clear braces do not stain so quickly, so you don’t have to worry too much.   Clear braces in Nashville If you’re looking for a pair of clear braces in Nashville, Mission Dental can help. Mission Dental offers top quality Invisalign clear braces; these braces can help you to achieve a straighter smile without the obvious appearance of traditional braces. The first step is having an invisible braces consultation with your dentist. Your dentist will provide a digital scan of your teeth and then customize an orthodontic plan for you. For the best dentistry service in Nashville Tennessee, be sure to visit Mission Dental.

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Nervous? Try Sedation Dentistry in Antioch

Are you afraid of visiting the dentist? Have you had experiences from childhood that have put you off visiting your dentist in your adult life? If so, you aren’t alone. Many people have a phobia of dentists, and this sometimes puts them off making all those all-important appointments to care for their dental health. According to a survey released by Colgate, between 9 to 15 percent of people here in the US avoid going to the dentist in fear of discomfort and pain.  But here’s the thing. Caring for your oral health is vitally important, not only for the sake of your pearly whites but for caring your overall wellbeing too. Dentists can diagnose a range of health conditions when looking in and around your mouth, so making those appointments on a regular basis is important.  Here at Mission Dental, we understand the fears some of our patients might experience. For this reason, we do our very best to make their lives easier, and if you’re wondering how then you have come to the right place.  Sedation Dentistry in Antioch City Here at Mission Dental, there is much that we can do to make your life at our Antioch, Tennessee practice a more comfortable one.  Our friendly staff will provide you with all of the comforts you need, from blankets and pillows to televisions and calming music, so you will soon be put at ease when you walk through our doors. We even have a snack bar on hand so you can nibble on something healthy to distract yourself from your nerves.  We can also offer you Sedation Dentistry in Antioch, which is another way to calm and relax you if your nerves are still frazzled when you eventually sit down in the surgery room. Sedation Dentistry is much the same as it is anywhere else, although you have the benefit of our warm and dedicated staff to reassure you, as well as those other comforting features that we just discussed.  There are different forms of sedation that we can discuss with you, and these are all designed to calm your mind and body, and dull the discomfort that you might feel during treatment. Options of sedation include laughing gas and nitrous oxide. These forms of sedation are given by those who have had special training in general anesthesia, so you know you are in very safe hands if you choose these options.  Oral sedation is another common method. By taking medication before treatment, you will feel relaxed before you sit in the dentist chair. Medications include Ativan, Xanax, and Valium. These provide moderate sedation and are prescribed because of their effectiveness and safety.  Your dentist will talk to you more about these sedation methods and will discuss the right option for you, based on your medical history, levels of anxiety, and the procedures you will be in need of.  If considering any sedation method, it is advisable to bring somebody along to the appointment with you, as you might feel a little drowsy or unwell after your appointment. Don’t worry though, as the side-effects don’t last for very long.  Contact us If you would like to know more about sedation dentistry in Antioch City, Tennessee, get in touch with our Mission Dental practice. Our friendly team are here to support your every dental need, so contact us through phone or email and arrange to make an appointment with us.

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More About Your Dentist – Dr. Makeya Jenkins

Here at Mission Dental, we pride ourselves on the relationships we build with our patients. We believe that this is important for building up trust, as you need to know that you are in safe and caring hands when visiting our practice.  Dr. Makeya Jenkins, DDS, is our family, cosmetic, and restorative dentist, and we are proud to have her as part of our team.  This is her mission: “To compassionately serve my community by promoting education, preventative care, and treatment methods that will enhance, not only oral health but overall health.” Here is a little more about Dr. Jenkins.  About Dr. Makeya Jenkins Nashville, the city famous for its country music, iconic southern foods, and family-friendly attractions, has always been the home to Dr. Makeya Jenkins. Having lived in Tennessee’s capital city for all of her life, she is in the prime position to care for and understand the people who regularly use our practice. With a love for the community and the people around her, Dr. Jenkins works hard to promote better health care for the people around her and believes in only the best treatment methods when supporting the dental health needs of her patients. With a warm, friendly, and caring personality, she takes a humanistic approach when caring for her patients, and gets to know them individually to develop trust before they commit to treatment.  Dr. Jenkin’s professional credentials are strong. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Tennessee State University, and after completing her undergraduate program, she earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Meharry Medical College. To strengthen her skills in the dental field further, she then completed a General Practice Residency Program. The education and training Dr. Jenkins has received have given her the opportunity to advance in a wide range of disciplines, and it has also taught her the best approaches to take when caring for the needs of her patients.  Learning and education don’t end after leaving college, of course, as Dr. Jenkins has taken every chance she gets to learn, grow, and evolve throughout her career. She does this not only for herself, but to ensure that her patients receive the very best in health care and dental information. Holding memberships with the American Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentists, she is in a prime position to learn more about the latest research happening within the field of dentistry, and she uses this information to improve the lives of the patients she cares for.  In her free time, Dr. Jenkins enjoys spending time with her husband and four children. Together, they enjoy traveling, sports, and board games. Dr. Jenkins enjoys individual hobbies too, and they include reading, listening to podcasts, and cooking. We hope this short piece has given you a little bit more insight into Dr. Jenkins, but if you’re living within the Nashville, Tennessee area, book an appointment, and get to know Dr. Jenkins for yourself. She looks forward to getting to know you too, with the very best care and attention you need for all of your dental health needs.

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Mission Dental – Your Neighborhood Dentist in Nashville

At Mission Dental in Nashville, Tennessee, our mission is to make you smile!  Utilizing the latest technologies and amenities, we will provide you with exceptional patient service, whether you are visiting our practice for your regular checkup, or if you are here to discuss one of our customized treatment plans.  What Services Do We Provide? If you’re looking for a dentist in Nashville, Tennessee, you need look no further than Mission Dental. We provide a full range of dental services, from cleaning and polishing to restorative dentistry, oral surgery, and cosmetic procedures.  Our mission is to provide you with the appropriate care and treatment for your specific needs, so take a look around our website for the services we can offer you, and contact our practice to find out more.  What If You Are Nervous During Your Visit? Fear not! Many people are afraid of visiting the dentist, and some even stay away because of the anxieties they are feeling. However, taking that first step through our doors is important, as you will be on the road to better oral health, better-looking teeth, and an improved sense of wellbeing when visiting us. At Mission Dental, we understand how nerve-wracking it can be, and that is why we will provide you with a calming environment. With pillows, blankets, and the presence of our friendly and calming staff, you will soon feel at ease at our Nashville practice. We also offer televisions, comfortable seating, and calming music, so you will soon feel right at home here. Some patients benefit from Sedation Dentistry, which is used to relax the body and calm any frayed nerves. We will talk to you about this when you visit us.  What Are Our Payment Options? At Mission Dental, we have several payment options to meet your budget and needs.  We work with many major insurance companies, and will take over the hassle of dealing with your insurance company to ensure you are properly reimbursed after your visit to our dental practice. If you don’t have insurance, we can offer you an affordable in-house dental plan to ensure you are still able to receive the dental care that you need. We are also pleased to offer Carecredit® Healthcare Financing, which is a cost-effective and convenient way to pay for the cost of your treatments and procedures over a fixed period of time.  Most major credit cards are accepted, and we accept cash and debit card payments too. Visit our payment options page for more information or contact our practice in Nashville, Tennessee.  How Can You Join Our Practice? To join Mission Dental, simply contact us using the details given on our website, and speak to one of our friendly team. We also have downloadable New Patient forms on our site, so after joining our practice, you can save time at your first appointment by filling out a form before you arrive. Get in touch today if you would like to know more about our services, treatment, and payment plans by calling  (615) 366-4141 or email us at smile@missiondentaltn.com. Here at Mission Dental, we look forward to meeting you and making you smile!

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Dr Jenkins DDS in Nashville, Tennessee

Whether you’re in need of an emergency dentist, need an expert to complete restorative procedures, or simply wish to stay on top of your oral health, finding a quality dentist should be top of the agenda. If you’re looking for a professional and reliable dentist in Nashville, Tennessee, Dr Jenkins DDS is the answer.   Putting The Care Back into Dental Care   Dr Makeya Jenkins DDS is a dentist who makes a difference. Her passion for dentistry is matched by compassion for people, leading to dental treatments that are rooted by a desire to educate patients, prevent future damage, and promote overall wellbeing. This appreciation of the human elements is what truly cements Mission Dental’s place at the top table of dentistry offices in the Volunteer State.   The caring approach to dentistry is underlined by the following features;   A comfortable dental practice equipped with a range of tech items to benefit the patients, Clear communication before, during, and after appointments, Fantastic aftercare support including preventive suggestions, An understanding of financial fears, supported by flexible repayment plans, Consultations that allow you to meet the team.   Furthermore, Dr Jenkins DDS has gone to great effort to assemble the best group of hygienists and front office experts on the market. When coupled with specialized pediatric services, Mission Dental is the perfect solution for all the family. Dentistry in Nashville, Tennessee, has never looked better.   A Dentist That Puts Your Mind At Ease   Aside from the human aspects, many patients worry about the treatments themselves. It’s not hard to understand why given the importance of oral health as a barometer of general health as well as the influence it has on your appearance.    Dr Jenkins is a highly educated dentist, boasting a Bachelors of Science degree in Biology Doctor of Dental Surgery, and General Practice Residency Program. She continually updates and improves her skillset with extra training services. This, combined with years of experience in the industry, guarantee the best results for all patients.   This is supported further by multiple memberships to national and local dentistry associations, as well as an array of positive testimonials from patients that have gained the benefits of her work first hand.   How Can Dr Jenkins Help You?   Dr Jenkins DDS is a local dentist in Nashville, Tennessee, who thrives on helping residents of all ages and backgrounds restore their winning smiles before keeping them that way for life. To do this, she offers a range of treatments including standard cleanings, periodontal therapies, root canal therapies, oral cancer screenings, teeth whitening, cosmetic bonding, dentures, or sedation dentistry.    As a result of the professional dentistry treatments in Nashville, Tennessee, patients can;   Experience removed pain and discomfort, Enjoy a winning smile, See an instant improvement in confidence levels, Avoid further damage and costly treatments, Gain peace of mind from regular screenings.   From biannual checkups to serious restorations, Dr Jenkins is here to help with a range of specialized treatments completed to the very highest standards. From consultation to completion, her services are perfect for all the family.

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