Brandon FL Dental Blog

Preparing to pay for essential dental work can be a daunting undertaking. The good news is that the cost may be far less than you imagined. Knowing your needs is crucial to planning your budget for dental work.

Trying to Compare

Comparing the price of a dental crown for molars versus the price of a dental crown for smaller teeth or versus a root canal or double root canal can be difficult to understand from many dental facilities in and around Valrico, Florida. Get the current pricing and understand the role insurance will play in the out-of-pocket-expense for your dental visit by calling Five Star Dental Care – Jeff Bynum, DDS at 813-653-2273 at your convenience. Our personable staff can explain pricing and schedule initial consultation appointments.

Identify Affordable Quality

Jeff Bynum, DDS, has been here since 1996. While the cost of professional care can fluctuate up and down depending on the price of supplies, equipment, and staffing overhead, Dr. Bynum works very hard to maintain cost-effective, quality care for our unique community in three ways:

1. Through state-of-the-art training and up-to-date education for employees.
2. Through precision work and personal dental care for each and every patient.
3. Through business management best practices to contain costs.

The Responsible Investment

Take the responsible step for your comfort, health, and confidence. Don’t be afraid to schedule dental crowns, sedation dentistry, Invisalign, teeth whitening, or porcelain veneers. We want you to be confident that affordable, quality dental care is easy and accessible. We want you to understand the importance of immediate care rather than putting it off until it gets worse (and more expensive).

Contact Five Star Dental Care – Jeff Bynum, DDS:

813-653-2273

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3203 Lithia Pinecrest Rd
Valrico, Florida
33596

Your enamel is uniquely suited to safeguard your teeth. If you keep your tooth enamel healthy, you will avoid many dental miseries. You won’t get cavities. Your teeth will be less likely to chip or crack. You will avoid many causes of tooth stains.

It’s best to form enamel-healthy habits when you’re young.

Teach your youngster to protect their tooth enamel. There is a multitude of collateral health benefits as well.

For Healthy Tooth Enamel, Avoid The Following

Frequently Eating Sticky Food

Gummy candy, protein bars, and dried fruit can chip teeth.

Chewing On Hard Foods

For example, Beef jerky and hard or stale bread.

Grinding Teeth

If you grind your teeth, discuss it with your dentist. It can cause headaches, tooth damage, and gum recession. An appliance can guard your enamel.

Drinking Anything Besides Water Frequently

If your teeth are awash in carbonated beverages (sugared or diet), juice, coffee, or sports drinks constantly, your enamel will suffer from the acids and sugar.

Playing Sports Without a Mouthguard

Sports pose a major risk of tooth damage. Custom-fitted mouthguards from your dentist are more comfortable than the boil-and-bite type.

Contact Five Star Dental Care – Jeff Bynum, DDS:

813-653-2273

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3203 Lithia Pinecrest Rd
Valrico, Florida
33596

If you decide to brighten your smile with a professional teeth whitening treatment, you want the results to last as long as possible. Unfortunately, the same things that stained your teeth prior to the treatment can stain them after the treatment. Over time, common staining will occur. To help slow down that process, Five Star Dental Care – Jeff Bynum, DDS offers helpful tips to make your beautiful smile last.

Do’s

First, rinse daily with anti-cavity rinse. This improves oral hygiene, cuts down on bacteria, slows the build up of plaque, and also helps whiten your teeth. Additionally, there are many over-the-counter rinses with an extra whitening agent which will help extend the results of the whitening service.

Don’ts

There are some daily practices to forego because they will stain your teeth over time. These include drinking coffee, tea, soft drinks, red wine, smoking, and even some medications. If you cannot totally cut these out of your life, rinse your mouth out after you use them.

Avoid acidic foods and beverages. These can weaken or wear away the enamel on your teeth, and weak enamel allows the yellow dentin to show through.

Artificial coloring in any foods and condiments can stain your newly whitened teeth. Candy, popsicles, and fruit punch are examples.

Remember the Basics

We probably don’t need to remind you, but brushing your teeth properly a couple times a day will help you keep your white smile. You may choose a toothpaste with extra whitening or baking soda to help the process. Proper brushing should take you at least two minutes using short brush strokes, paying close attention to the gum line and hard-to-reach areas. Clean the outer surfaces of your upper, then lower teeth, as well as the inner surfaces. Finally, don’t forget the chewing surfaces and your tongue. Using good brushing techniques for 120 seconds will improve oral hygiene, and permanent stains will not build up as fast.

It doesn’t take too much effort or money to make your whitened smile last. If you have any questions or would like additional tips on how to retain your fresh, white smile, call Five Star Dental Care – Jeff Bynum, DDS.

Contact Five Star Dental Care – Jeff Bynum, DDS:

813-653-2273

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3203 Lithia Pinecrest Rd
Valrico, Florida
33596

Hi kids, adults, and golden-agers in Valrico. No matter what age you are, as long as you have teeth, dental exams are an essential practice for keeping your smile healthy and beautiful! (If you don’t have any teeth, communicate with us about dentures and dental implants.)

At Five Star Dental Care – Jeff Bynum, DDS, we have an excellent office and knowledgeable team of professionals to make your exams something you’ll look forward to.

Knowledge is Power
Dental exams are often put off because they can be seen as unnecessary. But exams are truly one of the best practices for preventative care. At each check-up, our experienced and well-trained hygienists will thoroughly clean your teeth. Once they are polished sparkling clean, your teeth will receive extensive analysis. They will be inspected for any cavities, gum recession, excessive wear, or other risks. Catching these types of threats early is crucial so you can be certain that they don’t turn into larger problems.

Scheduling twice-yearly exams with Jeff Bynum at Five Star Dental Care – Jeff Bynum, DDS will ensure you avoid acute dental problems.

Innovative Dental Technology
Technology is moving rapidly, so it’s vital to find a dental office that has the latest instruments to ensure your check-up is detailed and comprehensive. At Five Star Dental Care – Jeff Bynum, DDS, we have state-of-the-art technology that is used for your exams. With technology like our advanced dental x-rays, nothing will get past Dr. Bynum. If a problem is detected, an appropriate, individualized treatment plan will be developed.

Peace of Mind
After your entire mouth has been examined, Dr. Bynum will detail what is required moving forward. Whether that’s flossing more often or discussing major fixes such as braces, we will be certain that you get all the information you need to ensure your smile is bright and beautiful!

Contact Five Star Dental Care – Jeff Bynum, DDS:

813-653-2273

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3203 Lithia Pinecrest Rd
Valrico, Florida
33596

The team at Five Star Dental Care – Jeff Bynum, DDS performs complete smile re-designs that turn ordinary teeth (or even teeth with  problems) into stunning smiles. If you have been considering a smile makeover, you probably want to know if you will still look like yourself.

The answer is “Yes! Only better!” You see, our team uses nature as a guide—nature at its best—when improving smiles. It is important to bring your entire face into harmony when designing a smile makeover. Here are a few:

• Tooth Shape – includes proportion and alignment
• Teeth Size – this also includes the unique dimensions of the spaces between the teeth
• Tooth Color – hue, value, intensity, and color variations between teeth
• Bite – how upper and lower teeth fit together
• Gumline – shape and color
• Face Shape and Bone Structure
• Skin Tone
• Lips – color, shape, size
• Age
• Gender

This list is not complete but gives you an idea of the complexity of smile makeovers. Though advanced cosmetic dentistry is multifaceted, it follows the esthetic principles expressed in naturally beautiful smiles.

But you don’t have to worry about midlines and microesthetics because we are devoted to the details. We invite you to schedule a smile design consultation to speak with our team about your current smile and the brilliant smile you desire.

If you’re looking for a beautiful smile, call Five Star Dental Care, serving the Brandon, FL area including Tampa, Valrico, Plant City, Seffner, Lithia, and Riverview FL. Five Star Dental Care offers a wide variety of cosmetic and restorative dental care.

Contact Five Star Dental Care – Jeff Bynum, DDS:

813-653-2273

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3203 Lithia Pinecrest Rd
Valrico, Florida
33596

With cosmetic dentistry, Five Star Dental Care – Jeff Bynum, DDS creates brilliant smiles for patients. We use cosmetic dentistry every day to create fabulous new smiles for our patients. We call this a “smile makeover.” What exactly does it entail?

A smile makeover means using the techniques of cosmetic dentistry to make positive changes to your smile. Possible techniques might include:

• Teeth whitening
• Porcelain veneers
• Bonding
• Gum contouring
• Dental implants

A beautiful smile is the sum of its parts. With your input, we do a smile analysis to evaluate your smile. Our goal is to bring the teeth, skeletal structures, and muscles into harmony. It’s a complicated endeavor, requiring an understanding of how all of these components relate to one another.

Any one of the the techniques listed above will go a long way toward transforming your smile. Two or more can leave you with the smile of your dreams.

Located in Valrico near Riverview and Brandon FL, Five Star Dental Care offers a wide variety of cosmetic and restorative dental care, including dental implants and sedation dentistry.  Talk to us about your goals for your smile. We look forward to designing a custom treatment plan to transform your smile. Call today!

Contact Five Star Dental Care – Jeff Bynum, DDS:

813-653-2273

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3203 Lithia Pinecrest Rd
Valrico, Florida
33596

There is no doubt about it – it is harder to keep your teeth clean if you wear braces. It’s unfortunate (and ironic) when brace wearers develop tooth decay and weaken their teeth while they’re actually trying to improve their smile with braces. The team at Five Star Dental Care – Jeff Bynum, DDS in Valrico wants to discuss how to keep your mouth healthy while you’re wearing braces.

The brackets and wires on traditional metal braces create hard to reach places where harmful bacteria can thrive. If brace wearers don’t pay continual and careful attention to oral hygiene, their teeth can be permanently damaged. The cycle of decay goes like this:

1. Food particles are trapped in the tiny spaces in and around the wires.
2. The bacteria in the food particles multiply.
3. The bacteria creates plaque.
4. The plaque erodes the enamel.
5.  Cavities form.

Teeth are not the only thing at risk here, orthodontic patients can also develop gum disease (gingivitis) which can progress quickly into periodontitis and eventual bone recession and tooth loss.

Bottom line: orthodontic patients need to be vigilant about a healthy diet and good oral hygiene.

Most brace wearers know that they should avoid sticky, sugary foods that stick to their braces, but some don’t realize that any carbohydrate-based food turns into sugar. Thus, a cracker can be just as bad for your teeth as a piece of candy if the particles are not removed.

Here are the steps to effective brushing while wearing braces:

1. Remove any rubber bands you might have before brushing.
2. Using a fluoride toothpaste and a soft toothbrush. Gently brush along the gum line where the gums and teeth meet, using a small circular motion on each tooth.
3. Spend about 10 seconds on each tooth before moving onto the next tooth, brushing in a set pattern so that you don’t miss any teeth.
4. Gently brush the braces. Press your toothbrush firmly enough so that the bristles spread into the gaps between the wire and the tooth. Brush in and around all of the brackets and wires. Make sure you brush under the wires.
5. Brush both the inside and the outside surfaces of your teeth using a gentle circular motion on each tooth.
6. For the chewing surfaces, use a firm back and forth motion.
7. Spit out excess paste, then check your teeth and braces in the mirror to check that they are clean and shiny.
8. Replace your rubber bands (if you’re in that phase of treatment.).
9. After brushing, rinse with a fluoride mouthwash for 1 minute to help prevent cavities and white spots.

If you’re looking for a beautiful smile, call Five Star Dental Care, serving the Brandon, FL area including Tampa, Valrico, Plant City, Seffner, Lithia, and Riverview FL. Five Star Dental Care offers a wide variety of cosmetic and restorative dental care.

Contact Five Star Dental Care – Jeff Bynum, DDS:

813-653-2273

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3203 Lithia Pinecrest Rd
Valrico, Florida
33596

The team at Five Star Dental Care – Jeff Bynum, DDS in Valrico wants to discuss dental veneers. Porcelain veneers can transform your every-day ok smile into a magical one.

Have you ever wished your dentist could glue new pearly white covers on your existing teeth as quick and easy as you paint a wall in your house? Guess what? With porcelain veneers, it’s possible. Porcelain veneers are wafer-thin tooth-shaped fronts that are permanently affixed to your natural teeth.

Unlike a crown procedure, our team doesn’t need to remove tooth structure to place the restoration.

We will use veneers alone and in combination with other cosmetic dental procedures in complete smile makeovers. Because they can correct cosmetic tooth misalignment in one visit, veneers are sometimes called instant orthodontics.

Do veneers look like natural teeth?
Skilled dental lab artists create porcelain veneers with the color, reflective properties, and translucency of natural teeth: perfect natural teeth, that is. In addition, porcelain veneers can be fabricated in any size or shape.

Are veneers strong?
Porcelain veneers are fabricated out of extremely durable material. If you have questions about whether a veneer or dental crown is the best choice for you, talk to our team.  We will consider the size and condition of the tooth and its position in the mouth.

How long do veneers last?
Some smile makeover patients have veneers they received over 15 years ago. (And they still look incredible!) If properly cared for, veneers can last as long as dental crowns.

Are porcelain veneers affordable?
Porcelain veneers are often less expensive than crowns and orthodontia. For questions about the cost of porcelain veneers, call our office.

Located in Valrico near Riverview and Brandon FL, Five Star Dental Care offers a wide variety of cosmetic and restorative dental care, including dental implants and sedation dentistry.  Talk to us about your goals for your smile. We look forward to designing a custom treatment plan to transform your smile. Call today!

Contact Five Star Dental Care – Jeff Bynum, DDS:

813-653-2273

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3203 Lithia Pinecrest Rd
Valrico, Florida
33596

Five Star Dental Care – Jeff Bynum, DDS in Valrico offers helpful tips about toothbrushes. How often should your replace your toothbrush?

The angle of the bristles on your toothbrush are an important part of cleaning. Straight bristles scrub your teeth and flex your gums. A light circular motion is enough to clean your teeth without causing damage.

Flat or frayed bristles, from well-used brushes, are less efficient and can even cause you to work harder. Pressing harder on your teeth can cause damage.

Anyone who has worried about changing the oil in their car has learned this basic rule of thumb; change your oil every three months. It’s the same with your toothbrush.

We recommend you replace your brush every 3 months. Replace it sooner if you’ve had a cold or flu.

The reasons to replace your toothbrush includes worn bristles and bacteria. Worn bristles, as we have discussed, are less effective.

Bacteria can also built up in the small gaps of your toothbrush and may contribute to decay and bad breath. Make sure you keep your toothbrush in a sanitary location. Allow for good drying to help extend its life.

Regardless of how long it’s been, if the bristles on your toothbrush look like they’re trying to get away from each other, it’s time. Otherwise, change your toothbrush at the start of every new Florida season to keep it fresh and effective.

If you’re looking for a beautiful smile, call Five Star Dental Care, serving the Brandon, FL area including Tampa, Valrico, Plant City, Seffner, Lithia, and Riverview FL. Five Star Dental Care offers a wide variety of cosmetic and restorative dental care.

Contact Five Star Dental Care – Jeff Bynum, DDS:

813-653-2273

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3203 Lithia Pinecrest Rd
Valrico, Florida
33596

The most common times people brush their teeth are morning and night – either before or after breakfast, after dinner, or at bedtime. Common concerns that come with this routine involve hiccups in the schedule, from family life, shift work or exhaustion. At Five Star Dental Care – Jeff Bynum, DDS , we’ve seen this many times.

Many families face irregular weeknight routines. As the school year progresses, some have games to attend, band concerts, play practice, youth groups or other weeknight commitments. An irregular schedule typically disrupts regular dental maintenance. We see patients who are adjusting to irregularities in sleep patterns. This leads to exhaustion and often sleep takes priority over consistent brushing – either morning or night.

The most important time to be sure to brush is after eating sugar or carb-intensive foods. These foods kickstart bacteria growth on the teeth.

Highly acidic foods weaken the enamel, so it is best to swish with water immediately after consuming acidic foods to curtail the acid. Then brush about 30 minutes later when the mouth is less acidic. The fluoride in toothpaste helps remineralize the enamel.

We encourage you to stay on top of your dental hygiene routine – and if it’s changed, call us and we’ll help you get back on the right track.

Located in Valrico near Riverview and Brandon FL, Five Star Dental Care offers a wide variety of cosmetic and restorative dental care, including dental implants and sedation dentistry.  Talk to us about your goals for your smile. We look forward to designing a custom treatment plan to transform your smile. Call today!

Contact Five Star Dental Care – Jeff Bynum, DDS:

813-331-5230

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3203 Lithia Pinecrest Rd
Valrico, Florida
33596