Tag: invisalign

Many patients want to see a whiter and brighter smile when they look in the mirror. Dingy and stained teeth can hold you back from feeling self-confident.

Whether you have a big event to attend like a school reunion or wedding, or just want a nicer-looking smile for your daily life, teeth whitening is a wonderful way to feel more fabulous.

“Regular” folks see movie stars with dazzling smiles and think they must be the only ones who can look so spectacular. It’s not the case.

Teeth whitening can make nearly anyone’s smile look just as stunning, and here at Lifetime Dental Health, we have in-office and at-home options that can vastly improve your smile.

Here’s what you need to know about teeth whitening and if you may be a good candidate. With some information, you can make a smart choice and see that gleaming smile you have always wanted.

How Do I Know if I’m a Good Candidate for Teeth Whitening?

If your teeth aren’t as white as you’d like them to be, that’s a start. If your teeth are stained, discolored, or just dull, teeth whitening can make them whiter and brighter.

Yellowish, orange-tinged, or even brownish teeth can be improved with teeth whitening. Grayish stains don’t always whiten up as much, but some improvement can be achieved.

Your teeth may not be stained terribly, but as we eat and age, color changes happen. A teeth whitening treatment can turn things around and give you that stellar smile you’ve been missing.

Those who may not be good candidates are people with periodontal disease or eroded enamel. People with sensitive teeth may not be able to tolerate the process. We’ll assess your situation during your consultation.

What Can Cause My Teeth to Stain or Become Discolored?

As mentioned above, time can be a culprit. As we get older, our teeth may start to discolor or lose their shine. But there are other things we do regularly that contribute to staining or discoloration.

What we eat and drink makes a real difference. Some foods and drinks can stain the enamel, and over time, the color won’t get “brushed off” as it seeps in.

Some foods and drinks to avoid or limit to prevent staining and discoloration include dark berries, chocolate, tomato-based soups and sauces, red wine, coffee, tea, and cola. Of course, moderation is key, so if you love your coffee, have a cup every once in a while.

Other things can cause staining or discoloration. Certain medications like tetracycline may have an unwanted effect on the teeth. Talk to your doctor if you are experiencing this and to find out if there is something else you can take in its place if this is a concern for you.

Smoking is a big no-no for many reasons, one of them being aesthetic. Tobacco stains the teeth, so if you need another reason to kick the habit, there you go.

Fluorosis can be an issue too. When teeth are overexposed to fluoride early in life as the permanent teeth are forming, discoloration can endure.

Does Lifetime Dental Health Offer In-Office Whitening?

We offer in-office whitening at Lifetime Dental Health, and just one visit can do the trick. Unlike store-bought strips and trays you can get over-the-counter, our teeth whitening procedure works better, more efficiently, and the results last longer. Plus, we ensure your safety and comfort as we get your teeth multiple shades whiter. The process is painless and doesn’t take too long. You’ll walk out of your appointment with a beautiful smile that you’ll want to show everyone!

For those who prefer to do the whitening at home, we can supply you with trays which you can use comfortably in the privacy of your own home. This process will take longer, as you’ll need to wear them for several days (perhaps longer if you have sensitive teeth and can’t keep them on for a long stretch), but the results will be worth the effort.

How Long Will the Results of Teeth Whitening Last?

Every person’s results will be different. Some people have the same level of whiteness for as long as three years. Others see fading after a few months. Generally speaking, those who are diligent about their dental care and don’t consume foods or drinks that are known to stain will see longer-lasting results. When it’s time for a touch-up, you know who to turn to.

Are You Ready to See a Whiter Smile?

If you’re interested in teeth whitening, please feel free to contact us at Lifetime Dental Health so we can set you up with a consultation.

If you have any questions or concerns, we will be more than happy to address them. Your peace of mind and overall confidence in our team is important to us.

We look forward to seeing you soon and giving you a smile that could light up a room.

Braces are certainly a great solution for getting teeth in shape and creating the perfect smile. But metal is not necessarily the way to go for everyone seeking a straighter smile. That’s where alternative orthodontic options come in, creating stunning smiles in a shorter time frame and without the obvious bulk of traditional braces.

Here at Lifetime Dental Health, we are pleased to provide Invisalign® and Six Month Smiles®, both of which are clear brace systems that are far less noticeable than traditional metal braces, yet work to align teeth just as terrifically. Here is a bit about both systems, how they work, and what you can expect. No more “metal mouth” when you can be in the clear with the aid of Invisalign or Six Month Smiles.

What is Invisalign Orthodontic System?

The Invisalign Orthodontic System is a series of clear, removable aligners (unlike metal braces with brackets which are glued on and wired together) that straighten your teeth. This appealing aesthetic alternative to traditional metal braces straightens teeth with clear plastic aligners that are placed over and around the teeth comfortably.

How do I know if Invisalign will correct my smile concerns?

Research has shown that 60-70% of all orthodontic problems can be improved significantly with Invisalign invisible braces. So, chances are titled in your favor. But before we opt for this orthodontic solution, your dental consultation and exam will help determine if you will see the right results by using Invisalign. If you are a good candidate, we’ll proceed towards the next steps to get your smile looking its best.

What is the Invisalign process like?

Since every bite is unique, we will use advanced 3D imaging to craft Invisalign aligners that fit your mouth perfectly. Your initial dental consultation with Dr. Barry or Dr. Love will entail a thorough evaluation. We will talk about your desires and goals and what your expectations are, so you are not caught off-guard, disappointed, or expect more than the Invisalign clear braces system can offer. We will take impressions and X-rays of your teeth that will be sent to the lab to design your customized clear aligners. Some patients require just 12 aligners total, while others need up to 48. Each aligner is worn for about two weeks at a time as the teeth shift towards their desired final positions. It all depends on your smile at the start and a reasonable outcome.

How long will I have to wear my Invisalign aligners?

If your straightening and spacing issues are relatively mild, you can see a new smile in about 9-12 months. More complex cases can take anywhere from 12-18 months. We can give you an estimate during your initial consultation so you have a ballpark idea of what your time frame will look like.

Do I need to wear them 24/7?

For the best (and fastest) results, we advise that you wear your aligners as much as possible, both during the day and while you are asleep. Only remove them when brushing your teeth, flossing, and eating.

Explain Six Month Smiles®.

The Six Month Smiles system includes clear braces that straighten your teeth. On average, patients see a smile they are proud to show off in a quick six months. They are comfortable to wear and blend in with the teeth, so they are hardly noticeable.

What is the Six Month Smiles process like?

The straightening process involves light forces that shift the teeth into a better-aligned position using brackets and wires like metal braces, but they are clear instead. They are fixed to the teeth so you won’t be able to remove them like Invisalign clear braces.

Will I need to use a retainer once they are removed like many patients with metal braces must?

In order to keep the teeth from shifting back to their pre-Six Month Smiles positions, a retainer is needed. The retainer selected can be removable or permanently bonded behind the teeth. It all depends on your preference at this point.

Both teeth straightening options can be helpful for both teens and adults, provided the initial dental consultation deems these solutions as the right choice for the dental issue at hand. Both are comfortable to wear, discreet, and do a great job at aligning teeth. Talk to Dr. Barry or Dr. Love about Invisalign and Six Month Smiles to determine which orthodontic option is right for you. In a short time, your smile will go from so-so to stunning, without the metal braces you’ve been used to seeing.

Straight teeth can come quickly. Stop hiding your smile and show off a set of straighter teeth you’ve been hoping for. Drs. Barry and Love are experts with both of these systems, and recommend both as excellent alternatives to metal braces, provided the patient is a prime candidate. They’re both clearly amazing alternatives!