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Advanced cosmetic and general dentistry

Archives for April 2019

7 Facts about Using Teeth Whitening Gel in Invisalign Trays

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If you have invisible braces and want to whiten your teeth during orthodontic treatment, can you use the aligners? Are they strong enough to hold carbamide peroxide bleaching gel?

Some dentists and orthodontists recommend using the aligners as whitening trays, but others don’t. Below are some facts to consider before you begin whitening sessions using trays of any brand*, including:

  • Invisalign
  • ClearCorrect
  • Smile Direct Club
  • SmileLove
  • SnapCorrect

Teeth Whitening Gel Won’t Harm Most Invisible Braces

Carbamide peroxide won’t harm most invisible aligners or trays, but there are some things to keep in mind.

  • Photo of teeth whitening trays in a case, for information on DIY teeth whitening from Lowell, MA dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.
    Teeth whitening trays and orthodontic trays fit differently
  • Orthodontic trays have a tighter fit – Invisalign trays fit more securely than trays that are normally used for whitening your teeth. Some people report that the snug fit causes bleaching gel to ooze out. This can result in wasted gel that irritates your gum tissue.
  • Don’t leave the bleaching gel in too long – Although you wear Invisalign for 22 hours each day, the bleaching gel should not remain in the trays for that long. All-day bleaching will cause significant sensitivity in your teeth and burn your gums. Also adhere to the designated length of time to wear the gel-filled trays.
  • Listen to your dentist – Each patient’s case is different. Follow your dentist’s or orthodontist’s instructions on whether or not you should use the invisible trays to whiten your teeth.
  • Whitening might be affected by attachments on your teeth – Sometimes attachments are bonded to your teeth to increase the contact of the aligners with your teeth. Some people report that in the areas beneath the attachments, the bleaching gel was not as effective, and additional whitening sessions were required after the attachments were removed. Others say that their teeth still whitened evenly with the attachments. So keep in mind that results can vary.

Rinse Well

If your dentist approves using your orthodontic trays for teeth whitening, there are several things to keep in mind.

  • Teeth whitening gel continues to work until it’s rinsed off.
  • Thoroughly rinse your teeth and aligners to ensure they are free of the gel. This will prevent over-whitening your teeth and causing sensitivity.
  • Remember that each sent of aligners is worn for two weeks, so ensure they are clean after every whitening session.

Consult with Your Dentist

Although aligners for invisible braces can be used for teeth whitening, you should consult with your dentist to determine if it’s right for you. If any restorative work is to be done on your teeth—or if there are already dental restorations on them—you likely want your brightened teeth to match them. Your dentist will determine the best time to start whitening your teeth.

Whether you received invisible braces like Invisalign or ClearCorrect from your dentist, or if you took the risk of ordering them online from Smile Direct Club, SmileLove, or SnapCorrect*, speak with your dentist about your desire to whiten your teeth. He or she will let you know if bleaching gel will help the stains or make them look worse. Your dentist might recommend that you wait until orthodontic treatment is complete before whitening your teeth.

This post is sponsored by accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek in Lowell, MA.

*Dr. Szarek does not recommend seeking online orthodontic treatment. There are multiple benefits of in-person treatment and customized care from a dentist.

6 Questions to Ask Yourself before Choosing Dental Implants

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If you’re reading this post, you probably know that dental implants are the most effective form of tooth replacement. That’s because they mimic natural teeth.

The components of a dental implant include:

  • Artificial root – A root form, usually made of titanium, is surgically implanted in your jawbone. It’s a simple procedure.
  • Abutment – This connector is attached to the artificial root to support a crown.
  • Dental crown – A dental crown is attached to the abutment.
Diagram of dental implant phases, including 1) implant insertion in bone, 2) healing process, 3) abutment attachment, 4) crown attachment.
Dental implant phases

Questions to Ask Yourself before Dental Implants Are Placed

1. What are the implant dentist’s qualifications?

Although many dentists offer dental implants, not all of them meet the following qualifications:

  • Post-graduate training in implantology
  • Regularly place dental implants
  • Use advanced technology, including 3-D images to ensure optimal implant placement
  • Provide natural-looking dental crowns or implant overdentures

2. What are my other options?

Dental implants are the best form of tooth replacement, but they are also the most costly. If they are not within your budget, you should be aware of the following:

  • Other options, e.g., dental bridge, partial denture, implant overdentures
  • Cost of the options
  • Longevity of your options
  • Results you can expect

3. What’s involved with getting dental implants?

Dental implants have a 98% success rate, but they require diligent oral hygiene. Ask yourself if you’re willing to do the following:

  • Brush your teeth twice daily and daily floss between them
  • Keep appointments for regular dental cleanings and checkups
  • Quit smoking or tobacco use—or avoid those habits before and after dental implant surgery to allow proper healing

4. What Are My Long-Term Goals for My Smile?

If you have multiple smile goals, dental implants can be added to the treatment plan. But timing is everything. Your dentist will let you know at what stage dental implants will be scheduled in your overall treatment. For example, if you want your teeth whitened or aligned, let you dentist know before you receive dental implants.

5. Am I Willing to Wait?

  • Surgery and healing – Receiving dental implants is a process. After the implants are placed, it takes three to four months for the implants and your jawbone to fuse and provide a solid anchor for dental crowns or dentures. Meanwhile, you will wear temporary crowns or dentures.
  • Bone grafting – If some of your teeth have been missing for an extended period, your jawbone might be shrinking. Adequate bone is needed to support dental implants. If you don’t have enough bone, grafting might be required. The grafts need to heal before dental implants are placed.

A successful outcome requires patience. Don’t expect a quick fix with dental implants.

6. Am I Willing to Consult with More than One Dentist?

Much of the success of dental implants depends on the training, skill, and experience of the dentist. We recommend that you schedule consultations with more than one dentist. Only schedule consultations with providers who have post-graduate training in implantology, years of experience in placing implants, and many patients for whom implants have been provided.

During your consultations ask each dentist about the following:

  • Advanced training and credentials
  • Years of experience
  • How many dental implant cases he or she has completed
  • Before-and-after photos of patient cases
  • Cost of the entire procedure, including surgery, bone grafting if needed, and crowns or dentures
  • How he or she ensures accurate placement (3D imaging, computer-guided placement, etc.)

Cost alone should not determine which provider you choose for dental implants. Compare all of your options and weigh them carefully.

This post is sponsored by Lowell, MA accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek. Dr. Szarek’s office is convenient to the following towns:

  • Dracut, MA
  • Chelmsford, MA
  • Tewksbury, MA
  • Billerica, MA
  • Pelham, NH      
  • Westford, MA
  • Methuen, MA
  • Andover, MA
  • Lawrence, MA
  • Wilmington, MA            
  • Bedford, MA
  • North Andover, MA
  • Burlington, MA
  • Hudson, NH
  • Windham, NH