By Chie Li Ee DMD and Gina Pratta
According to a survey commissioned by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (conducted by Kelton, 2012) almost half of adults (48%) consider a smile to be the most memorable feature when first meeting someone! A nice smile not only aids in initiating personal relationships, but is important for excelling in the professional world. So, shouldn’t your profile picture on social media sites like LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, etc. also make an impact? Since your profile picture is the first thing most people will see when they visit your social media pages, having a whiter, brighter smile could help that first impression.
Teeth can become discolored and stained for a variety of reasons. The outer layer of teeth is called enamel and the darker layer beneath the enamel is called dentin. As we age, enamel gets thinner and dentin becomes darker, so it’s inevitable for teeth to darken over time. Pores in the enamel can hold stains from certain foods, drinks and tobacco products. Some of these foods and drinks include coffee, tea, red wine, berries and beets. Drinking or swishing with water after consuming these foods will help reduce surface stains. Unfortunately, some of the healthiest foods are ones that stain!
Regular dental cleanings are not only important to keep teeth healthy for a lifetime, but also to remove many stains caused by the foods and drinks we love. Whitening is a safe, easily attainable, quick and a non-invasive way to remove more stubborn stains. To achieve the best whitening results, a cleaning and exam should be done, and teeth should be restored before the start of any treatments if decayed or broken. From take-home to in-office treatments, there are so many different whitening options available to meet the desired results for most people. Your dentist would be able to help decide which option is best for you.
We, at Cape May Dental Associates, offer different whitening options to meet the specific needs and goals of our patients. Zoom!® is an in-office whitening procedure which only takes about an hour and is perfect for anyone looking for immediate results. The procedure is simple and begins with a preparation to cover the patient’s lips and gums, leaving only the teeth exposed. The whitening gel is applied to the teeth, and then a specially designed light is used to activate the gel which helps break up stains and discoloration. Zoom! ® is safe, fast and convenient for anyone with a busy schedule.
Options to whiten teeth at home are also available at Cape May Dental Associates, including Opalescence® Go. It is an affordable and more effective alternative to over-the-counter whiteners and is only dispensed by dentists. Opalescence® Go includes prefilled, disposable trays made of a special material which comfortably adapt to your smile.
Creating a great first impression with the help of a teeth whitening product is safe and easy for almost anyone to achieve. Schedule a consult with Dr. Ee to determine the best whitening option for you. For any questions regarding whitening or other dental procedures, call (609) 884-5335, visit our website at www.capemaydental.com or find us on Facebook.
Cape May – Governor Murphy says he doesn't know anything about the drones and doesn't know what they are doing but he does know that they are not dangerous. Does anyone feel better now?
