Filling Face-Off: White Versus Silver Fillings
If you have a cavity, it doesn’t take much thought to know the best course of action is to get a filling. But, did you know you have options when it comes to the materials that make those fillings?
Look Your Best on Valentine’s Day with Teeth Whitening
Most everyone would love to have a “Hollywood” smile—perfect pearly whites you can flash and instantly melt hearts. With Valentine’s Day coming, we can help.
Dr. Stephen Hiroshige and his staff have two important goals. The first one is to help you enjoy the best oral health possible, and the second is to help you love your smile. Often, the two goals work together, but teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure that may surprise you.
Why teeth stop sparkling
As you get older, the enamel on your teeth begins to wear thin, allowing the dentin underneath to show through. Dentin is usually yellowish or grayish in color, so your teeth begin to look dingy.
Stains, too, can make your teeth look darker and less sparkly than they should. Some common and much-loved foods and beverages can cause staining. For example, coffee, red wine, and marinara sauce are known to stain teeth.
Regardless of the reason, when your teeth no longer reflect light or they begin to look more brown or yellow than white, it has an impact on your overall appearance. You may be surprised at the difference professional whitening makes.
Whitening treatments
If you’ve considered teeth whitening and have taken a look at the products available over the counter, there’s a good chance you’re confused. Hundreds of products, all claiming to make your teeth look shades whiter, line the shelves of drugstores.
The fact is, those products are not going to be as effective as a treatment you get from your dentist. We have access to stronger products, as well as knowledge about treating specific types of discoloration.
The first step in getting your teeth brighter is a thorough cleaning. If it’s been a while, that’s the place to start.
Dr. Hiroshige offers two types of whitening, a take-home product and in-office Zoom! whitening. The take-home product includes a professional-strength solution and custom-designed trays made for your teeth. The custom trays ensure the solution is in contact with your teeth and also protect your gums.
You use the trays and solution for a set amount of time each day, and with each use, the pigmentation causing discoloration of your teeth is broken up, whitening your teeth a bit more. Within a few weeks, your teeth look completely different.
In-office Zoom! whitening is one treatment. Dr. Hiroshige applies a solution, then uses a specialized light to activate it. The result is an instantly brighter, sparkling smile.
The result
When you feel great about your smile, you smile more often. When your teeth are bright, you look more refreshed and younger. Between smiling more and looking better when you do, you may feel transformed!
Get ready to look your best on Valentine’s Day this year. Schedule your appointment with Dr. Hiroshige to learn more about professional teeth whitening.
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