By Chie Li Ee DMD and Gina Pratta
A person’s appearance and attitude can change dramatically simply by whitening his or her smile. Our smiles are one of the first features that other people notice about us. So, it’s no surprise that our culture places so much importance on a perfectly white smile. Many studies and polls have proven that a nice smile not only aids in initiating personal relationships, but also in excelling in the professional world. A whiter smile is commonly associated with youth, beauty, confidence and a healthy lifestyle. Whitening is a safe, easily attainable, quick and a non-invasive way to look younger and feel more confident.
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. Unfortunately, some of the healthiest foods are ones that stain! Drinking or swishing with water after consuming these foods will help reduce surface stains.
Regular dental visits and 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. To achieve the best whitening results, a cleaning and exam should be done, and teeth should be restored if decayed or broken before the start of any treatments. To ensure optimal whitening results, it is important to rely on professional treatment.
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 short preparation to cover the patient’s lips and gums, leaving only the teeth exposed. The whitening gel is then applied and used with a specially designed light, which works with the gel to break up stains and discoloration. Zoom!® is safe, fast and convenient for anyone with a busy schedule.
Options to whiten at home are also available at Cape May Dental Associates. Opalescence® PF whitening gel is used with custom fitted trays and offers professional whitening power in the comfort of your own home. Impressions would be taken to create the trays tailored to your smile. Another at-home whitening option is Opalescence® Go. Opalescence Go is an affordable, more effective alternative to over-the-counter whiteners. This whitening treatment comes in prefilled disposable trays made of a special material that comfortably adapts to your smile.
Looking younger and feeling confident is safe and easy for almost anyone to achieve with the help of whitening. Please call (609) 884-5335 or find us on Facebook for any questions regarding whitening or other dental procedures.
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