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Advanced cosmetic and general dentistry

I smoke. How can I keep my teeth white?

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I am a smoker. I know that it stains my teeth and makes them yellow. I have no plans to quit smoking but I do want white teeth. What can I do to try to keep my teeth reasonably white? – Thomas

Thomas – Teeth whitening from your dentist will break down the yellow stains and make your smile brighter. It is unlikely that you will get good results from whitening strips.

Your dentist has professional-strength whitening gel to give you a white smile. Your teeth will continue to stain as you smoke, but you can do periodic touch-ups as instructed by your dentist.

This post is sponsored by Lowell dentist Dr. Michael Szarek. Dr. Szarek is accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

Dental Implants vs Crown and Bridge?

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I recently had one of my tooth extracted and I am not going to leave the space open. My dentist said that I could either get a bridge or a dental implant. The cost of the implant helped me decide to go with the bridge, but my dentist says a bridge is not as durable as an implant and it will probably need to be replaced in about 10 years. I’m thinking that she is trying to discourage me from getting the bridge because the amount of the implant is twice the cost and it’s more money for her. Is my dentist right? Vanessa

Vanessa – A dental implant is the most effective means of replacing a missing tooth. It is a permanent form of tooth replacement. It will look and function as a natural tooth, and you care for it just as you do your natural teeth.

A dental bridge lasts an average of ten years, but depending on how well it’s made and taken care of, it can last longer. A bridge requires that the teeth on either side of the missing one be shaved down to accommodate porcelain crowns. An implant requires no work on adjacent teeth. Care must be taken to floss around and beneath a dental bridge.

If your budget permits, you will be thrilled with the completely natural-looking and long-lasting results of a dental implant. If you choose an implant, be sure that a skilled implant dentist is performing the surgery, and ensure that an experienced cosmetic dentist provides the implant crown.

This post is sponsored by Lowell dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.

How do i keep my teeth white after using crest whitening strips?

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How do i keep my teeth white after using crest whitening strips? – Erika

Erika – If you are pleased with the results that you received from whitening strips, you need to do periodic touch-ups to keep your teeth white. If you want an even brighter smile, ask your dentist about take-home teeth whitening.

You will get the best results with teeth whitening from your dentist because professional-strength whitening gel is used.

Regardless of whether you use over-the-counter whitening strips or teeth whitening from your dentist, in time, your teeth will stain from food and drink, so you will have to do occasional touch-ups to keep your teeth white.

This post is sponsored by Lowell dentist Dr. Michael Szarek. Dr. Szarek is an accredited cosmetic dentist.

My white fillings are stained

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I just got white fillings in January and they are stained already. I smoke and the tar or nicotine has yellowed my fillings. Can I get them white again? Todd

Todd – If the stains on your composite fillings are only surface stains, your cosmetic dentist may be able to polish away most of the stains. If the stains are below the surface of the white fillings, they can’t be polished away.

As you likely know, you can protect your lungs and teeth if you don’t smoke. If you have front teeth that are filled, porcelain veneers may be an alternative; they are much more stain resistant than composite.

This post is sponsored by Lowell dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.

Sensitivity with my dental bridge

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I have a dental bridge and noticed lately when I brush or eat sweets, the back tooth in the bridge gets sensitive. What could be the problem?

How long have you had the dental bridge? If you received it recently, it’s normal for it to be sensitive for several weeks. If you’ve had the bridge for a while, a cavity could be developing or there may be plaque buildup that is leading to the beginning stages of gum disease.

You should have the dental bridge examined by your dentist. Early treatment can prevent the problem from progressing. A dental bridge should be thoroughly brushed and flossed. Ensure that you floss around and beneath the dental bridge to remove food debris, so that bacteria and plaque won’t build and cause an infection.

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