A bright, healthy smile boosts confidence and is aesthetically pleasing to others. While there are many bleaching treatments on the market, it can be difficult to know which one to choose. The Whitening System is available as an in-office treatment and take-home treatment. It has proven to whiten teeth by up to 7 shades in 30 minutes.

The creators of the Professional Whitening System have engineered a unique mix of active ingredients to ensure that sensitivity is minimized while teeth whitening effects are maximized. In addition to whitening components, the gel also contains minerals and fluoride, allowing teeth to remain healthy and strong.

The in-office and take-home Professional treatments both remove stains easily. Examples of reversible stains include:

• Yellowing caused by aging
• Tobacco stains
• Stains caused by pigmented foods and drinks (like red wine)

The professional chairside treatment

Before the teeth can be bleached, surface plaque, debris and calculus need to be removed by way of prophylaxis (teeth cleaning). If signs of gum inflammation and decay are present, these will need to be managed by the dentist before the whitening gel is applied. Usually the dentist will photograph the teeth prior to applying the bleaching gel, so before-and-after comparisons can be made.

The Professional Chairside treatment contains 25% hydrogen peroxide. The whitening gel is applied to the teeth for either 30 minutes or 60 minutes, depending on severity of staining. Though results vary for each patient, whitening gel lightens teeth by approximately 7 shades in 30 minutes and 12 shades in 60 minutes. Whitening is chemically activated, so no heat, lasers or lamps are required.

Professional take-home kits

Professional take-home kits work as effectively as in-office treatment. The advantage of the do-it-yourself option is cost-effectiveness and personal control over treatment. The take-home gel contains either 22% or 32% carbamide peroxide, compared to the hydrogen peroxide used in chair-side whitening. For optimal results, the whitening gel should be used for 3 minutes for 10-14 days. Everything needed to whiten the teeth is included in the take-home kit, including gel, syringes, customized trays and toothpaste.

Here is a step-by-step guide for using Professional take-home kits:

• Brush and floss the teeth carefully
• Apply a moderate line of gel into the whitening trays
• Every tooth indentation in the tray should contain roughly the same amount of gel
• Take care not to overfill the trays
• Insert the whitening trays over the teeth
• Carefully wipe away any excess gel
• Wait for 3 minutes then remove the mouthpiece
• Rinse the mouth with water and mouthwash
• Clean the trays thoroughly
• Contact your dental office for refills

If you have any questions or concerns about whitening, please contact your dentist.

Dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth and also provide a fixed solution to having removable partial or complete dentures.  Implants provide excellent support and stability for these dental appliances.

Dental implants are artificial roots and teeth (usually titanium) that are surgically placed into the upper or lower jaw bone by a dentist or Periodontist – a specialist of the gums and supporting bone.  The teeth attached to implants are very natural looking and often enhance or restore a patient’s smile!

Dental implants are strong and durable and will last many years.  On occasion, they will have to be re-tightened or replaced due to normal wear.

Reasons for dental implants:

• Replace one or more missing teeth without affecting adjacent teeth.
• Resolve joint pain or bite problems caused by teeth shifting into missing tooth space.
• Restore a patient’s confident smile.
• Restore chewing, speech, and digestion.
• Restore or enhance facial tissues.
• Support a bridge or denture, making it more secure and comfortable.

What does getting dental implants involve?

The process of getting implants requires a number of visits over several months.

X-rays and impressions (molds) are taken of the jaw and teeth to determine bone, gum tissue, and spacing available for an implant.  While the area is numb, the implant will be surgically placed into the bone and allowed to heal and integrate itself for up to six months.   Depending on the type of implant, a second surgery may be required in order to place the “post” that will hold the artificial tooth in place.  With other implants the post and anchor are already attached and placed at the same time.

After several weeks of healing the artificial teeth are made and fitted to the post portion of the anchor.  Because several fittings may be required, this step may take one to two months to complete.  After a healing period, the artificial teeth are securely attached to the implant, providing excellent stability and comfort to the patient.

You will receive care instructions when your treatment is completed.  Good oral hygiene and eating habits, alongside regular dental visits, will aid in the life of your new implant.

If you have questions about dental implants or would like to schedule a consultation, please contact our office.

A crown (or cap) is a covering that encases the entire tooth surface restoring it to its original shape and size.  A crown protects and strengthens tooth structure that cannot be restored with fillings or other types of restorations.

Although there are several types of crowns, porcelain (tooth colored crown) are the most popular, because they resemble your natural teeth.  They are highly durable and will last many years, but like most dental restorations, they may eventually need to be replaced.  Porcelain crowns are made to match the shape, size, and color or your teeth giving you a natural, long-lasting beautiful smile.

Reasons for crowns:

• Broken or fractured teeth.
• Cosmetic enhancement.
• Decayed teeth.
• Fractured fillings.
• Large fillings.
• Tooth has a root canal.

What does getting a crown involve?

A crown procedure usually requires two appointments.  Your first appointment will include taking several highly accurate molds (or impressions) that will be used to create your custom crown.  A mold will also be used to create a temporary crown which will stay on your tooth for approximately two weeks until your new crown is fabricated by a dental laboratory.

While the tooth is numb, the dentist will prepare the tooth by removing any decay and shaping the surface to properly fit the crown.  Once these details are accomplished, your temporary crown will be placed with temporary cement and your bite will be checked to ensure you are biting properly.

At your second appointment your temporary crown will be removed, the tooth will be cleaned, and your new crown will be carefully placed to ensure the spacing and bite are accurate.

You will be given care instructions and encouraged to have regular dental visits to check your new crown.

Orthodontic braces are commonly used to correct malocclusion (bad bite) and misalignment of the teeth. Braces are typically recommended for children and teenagers, but an increasing number of adults are now seeking orthodontic treatments. Dental braces owe their success to technology that supports predictable results. Braces are tailored to the wearer’s unique needs and create beautifully straight smiles.

There are several common alignment problems that dental braces can fix:

• Underbite – The lower jaw projects further than the upper jaw
  
• Overbite – The upper jaw projects further than the lower jaw
  
• Overcrowding –The teeth twist or are misaligned due to insufficient space in arches
  
• Crossbite – Teeth on the upper arch bite down inside or outside of the corresponding teeth on the lower arch and vice versa

Why Choose Braces?

Crooked, twisted or poorly spaced teeth can be an aesthetic issue, but malocclusion and dental misalignment impact far more than appearance. In fact, malocclusion has been linked to other dental problems, as well as uncomfortable physical issues. Even a single improperly positioned tooth can cause difficulties in hygiene routines and make patients feel self-conscious.

Braces offer many benefits, including:

• Improved Oral Hygiene – Poorly aligned teeth can make maintaining excellent oral hygiene difficult. Hard-to-reach places between overlapped and tight teeth can become breeding grounds for oral bacteria.
  
• Better Digestion – Serious digestive disorders can result from improper chewing created by significant bite misalignment. Realigning the teeth and jaw using braces restores optimal functionality.
  
• Improved Confidence – Dental patients with properly aligned teeth enjoy a positive self-image and do not feel worried about displaying their smiles in social and professional situations.

What Are Some Common Types Of Braces?

There are two categories of dental braces: fixed appliances and removable appliances.

Fixed braces – These braces are used when the malocclusion is severe or when treatment needs to be expedient. After the initial fitting of the braces by bonding brackets to teeth and threading archwires, routine adjustments are required to ensure that continuous pressure is being applied to the teeth.

Removable braces – With modern orthodontic technology, removable trays can be utilized when malocclusion is less severe or in situations where fixed braces would be impractical. The most common types of removable braces include Invisalign® and other clear tray orthodontics. Removable dental braces are preferred by many patients, as they are versatile, convenient and discreet.

If you have any questions or concerns about orthodontic braces, please contact your oral health professional.