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Advanced cosmetic and general dentistry

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.

Store-bought teeth whitening trays vs whitening strips

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Which is better store-bought teeth whitening trays or whitening strips? Thanks Ethan

Ethan – One of the common complaints about store-bought teeth whitening trays is that they don’t fit properly. The trays need to fit well for the whitening gel to penetrate your teeth. And one-size-fits-all trays won’t fit you well. You will end up wasting a lot of whitening gel.

Whitening strips fit snugly against your teeth to help the gel penetrate your teeth. But even the results from the whitening gel will be limited, because the gel is only a fraction of the strength of the gel you get from your dentist.

Dentists provide you with custom-made bleaching trays and professional strength teeth whitening gel to penetrate your teeth and break down stains. A cosmetic dentist can also determine the best way to get your smile brilliantly white, depending on the type of stains in your teeth.

Speak with your dentist about teeth whitening. He or she may be able to make it affordable for you.

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

Can dental sealants be used for adults?

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Are dental sealants only for children? I have read several articles about them and it seems like they are for kids. – Thanks Monica from Cleveland

Monica – Dental sealants are frequently used on children’s and teenager’s teeth, but adults can benefit from them.

Sealants are more frequently used on children’s teeth, because children are more likely to develop cavities. Their brushing and flossing habits may not be as thorough as that of an adult, and a sealant will help prevent tooth decay.

Sometimes brushing and flossing teeth are not enough. Some people have teeth with very deep depressions and grooves, where food can easily get trapped. Dental sealants seal off the teeth and keep food and plaque out.

A sealant is a thin coating of plastic that is brushed on the chewing surface of your teeth. Often a light is shined on the sealant to harden it. A sealant blends in with your teeth and can last for years before it needs to be re-applied.

If you frequently get cavities, ask your dentist if your teeth might benefit from dental sealants.

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

Bulimia and Your Teeth

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More than 10 million Americans suffer from eating disorders, such as anorexia or bulimia.

Bulimia is characterized by excessive over-eating in a short amount of time. Excessive eating is often followed by self-induced vomiting.

In time, the vomiting—whether it’s caused by bulimia or another condition—will affect your teeth. The acid from vomiting will cause teeth to become discolored, thin and weak, and they may begin to crumble.

There are some things you can do to protect your teeth. Immediately after vomiting, your teeth are weak, so avoid brushing them at that time. Instead, thoroughly rinse your mouth with warm baking-soda water to neutralize the acid in your mouth. If baking soda is not available, rinsing your mouth with just water can help. Sip water throughout the day to keep your mouth moist. A dry mouth can’t fight bacteria and decay.

If you are struggling with, or recovering from, bulimia, tell your dentist. He or she will take steps to help you preserve your teeth. Fluoride treatments can help strengthen your teeth and protect them from decay.

If you’re recovering from bulimia and you want a smile makeover, the treatment varies depending on the extent of the damage to your teeth. Porcelain crowns can be made to completely cover and protect your teeth. They will have the translucency and color of your natural teeth. If you have lost teeth, dental implants are the most natural looking and natural feeling way to replace them. After examining your teeth, your dentist will discuss your options with you.

You will get the most natural-looking restoration from an experienced cosmetic dentist who is skilled in designed smile makeovers.

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