Q: What choices are available for over-the-counter teeth whitening products?

A: Over-the-counter teeth whitening products are what many people might consider to be the most affordable teeth whitening options available. Over-the-counter teeth whitening products are popular–no need for an appointment and with many affordable options. You can choose from:

• Trays or strips
• Whitening toothpaste or mouth rinse
• Gum and breath strips

All promising to whiten your teeth, it is possible to achieve some whitening results with any of these bleaching options. However, keep in mind that these methods merely remove surface stain by using lightly abrasive materials. This is true, specifically in the case of whitening toothpaste. These abrasive additives are similar to the ones found in professional polishing paste, and do not actually whiten the dentin layer of the tooth. Care should be taken when using whitening toothpastes on a daily basis, as it may begin to wear down the enamel layer, causing tooth abrasion.

Over-the-counter teeth whitening gels and solutions contain a percentage of hydrogen peroxide, that may not effectively whiten badly stained teeth. Many patients are disappointed with the minimal impact that these over-the-counter products have. We have professional strength products in the office, that can offer a significant change in the shade of your teeth. Tooth sensitivity is also a common side effect and can create problems if not managed properly. This is why it is important to be monitored by your dental professional to achieve the professional results you are hoping for. In order to get the that great result of a brighter smile, it is always best to discuss with Dr.Shlafer what whitening methods will work best for you.

Everyone wants to keep their teeth as sparkling white as possible, especially after a teeth whitening procedure. Prolonging the effects of a teeth whitening system keeps your smile brighter longer. Less frequent teeth whitening follow-up is possible when patients follow these 3 rules: keep teeth clean, avoid staining and use your whitening products properly.

Dental Care After Whitening:

Routine brushing and flossing is the easiest way to keep teeth clean and healthy. Patients may want to consider using a fluoride toothpaste after whitening teeth too. To ensure the cleanest teeth possible, maintain your recommended hygiene schedule and follow your home care routine diligently.

Post-Whitening Oral Hygiene:

Should you floss before or after brushing?  Dr.Shlafer recommends flossing after every brushing session. Curve the floss around teeth, up and under the gum line and move it back and forth to loosen any residual food that could cause bacteria and staining to develop. Patients can also keep teeth clean with a fluoride mouthwash, which is able to reduce bacteria in the mouth by half.

Reduce Teeth Staining:

Another step towards keeping teeth white is to avoid staining in the weeks following a whitening procedure by limiting food and drinks that have a high staining potential. Dark foods, like curry and soy sauce will stain teeth. Cigarettes and any type of tobacco will also reduce the quality of the whitening treatment. Avoiding coffee, wine, tea and sodas will also help keep teeth whiter. If you are unable to avoid these types of staining drinks, try using a straw to limit exposure.

With Dr.Shlafer’s cosmetic dental treatments in Detroit metropolitan area you can not only take advantage of teeth whitening services, but also restore broken teeth, fill gaps, reduce discolorations and be happier with the overall appearance of your smile. If you have been considering whitening your teeth, call for a complimentary evaluation and we can review the whitening options we have available.

While traditional dentistry focuses on oral hygiene, preventing, diagnosing, and treating oral disease, cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the appearance of a person’s teeth, mouth, and smile. Cosmetic dentistry can be elective or desired treatments and services.

Cosmetic dentistry may provide restorative benefits. For example, when replacing old, failing mercury fillings, you now have the option to have a non metallic tooth colored filling placed to restore your tooth. This restores a tooth with materials that closely match the color of your teeth, thus maintaining the natural appearance of your teeth and smile.

Cosmetic Trends:

Technological advancements in natural-looking, tooth colored dental materials make today’s cosmetic dental treatments more durable and predictable than ever before. Additionally, Dr.Shlafer has always been conservative in his technique to preserve as much of your natural tooth structure as possible.

Cosmetic Treatments:

Inlays/Onlays: Inlays and onlays are made from porcelain or composite materials and are a long-lasting way to restore a tooth with structural damage. These are fabricated in a lab or made in our office with the use of CEREC technology that allows for completion of the restoration in one visit.

Composite Bonding: Bonding works well for chipped, broken, discolored, or decayed teeth that need repair. This type of restoration blends invisibly with the remainder of the surrounding tooth structure.

Teeth Whitening: Whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures. Teeth are often stained from smoking, food, drink, or poor oral hygiene. Bleaching can be an easy way to enhance your smile.

Dental Veneers:  Veneers or porcelain laminates are adhesively bonded to the surface of a tooth to correct or repair chips,cracks, and wear or severe discoloration. Veneers may also be recommended if you have gaps between your teeth, when several teeth are done at a time, the space available can be redistributed to reshape the teeth and close the gaps.

Dental Implants: Dental implants are artificial tooth replacements that are used to compensate for tooth loss. Often the result is not only an enhanced smile, but a more youthful appearance, since missing teeth can cause the face to collapse, making you look older.

Smile Makeover: Smile makeovers involve a comprehensive assessment of your smile esthetic in order to improve your overall appearance. Typically one or more cosmetic procedures are needed to achieve the look you want.

While consulting with you about a smile makeover to improve the esthetics of  your smile, Dr.Shlafer may discover that there is a need to correct functional problems with your bite, muscles, teeth, and bone structure.

Cosmetic dentistry offers many options for people who are dissatisfied with their smile. If you are one of those people, we encourage you to come in and speak with Dr.Shlafer about the possibilities of a new look!

Teeth whitening is the number 1 most requested cosmetic procedure in the dental office today. In addition to the various whitening systems currently being offered, many patients are asking if there is a natural way to whiten their teeth such as making changes in the foods they eat.  Here are some suggestions to try, just keep in mind to ensure the brightest smile possible, in office whitening is still the best option. Teeth discolor in a yellow, brownish or gray like manner and some of these discolorations are very difficult to bleach with over the counter or home remedies.

Toothbrush foods to eat:

Crunchy Foods

Apples, fresh green beans, cauliflower, carrots, celery and other crunchy fruits and vegetables help whiten by gently scrubbing the teeth. Sliced raw vegetables are a great snack choice. Fibrous fruits and vegetables are low in calories, high in nutrients. These foods massage gums and promote blood flow, keeping gum tissues healthy. They also increase the flow of saliva, this helps protect teeth.

Enzyme Rich

Strawberries as well as oranges work to polish teeth. These fruits and berries contain an enzyme that helps keep teeth whiter.

Lactic Acid

Cheese and other dairy foods also, such as yogurt and milk, contain a type of lactic acid that helps prevent tooth decay. Hard cheeses also scrub teeth.

Staining foods to avoid

You already know the worst stain makers: tea, coffee, blueberries, red wine, soy sauce and colas. Here are some surprises:

White Wine can promote staining because it contains tannins and acids that etch tooth surfaces. Alcohol is not generally acidic unless mixed with acidic beverages, such as orange juice or cranberry juice. Whether these drinks are regular or sugar-free, they are both high in stain-promoting acids.

If you do eat foods that stain, which many people do–what then?

Water works to reduce staining. Drink water with meals and rinse your mouth with water after eating. That is not a “rinse and spit” maneuver–just sip and give a final swish, then swallow after a meal.

Sugar-free gum can help clean teeth “in a pinch”. Make sure it contains Xylitol as the artificial sweetener, which can also help prevent decay.

For any questions you may have regarding what would be the best whitening option for you, give us a call and schedule a complimentary evaluation with Dr.Shlafer. today!

There are many whitening options available, you see them everywhere—whitening toothpastes, over-the-counter gels, infomercial products, rinses, strips, trays…it goes on and on! What’s a person to do?

Teeth whitening is ideal for people who have healthy, unrestored teeth (no front crowns) and gums. This type of cosmetic procedure really requires a proper evaluation with your Cosmetic Dentist to determine how we can best help you achieve the brighter smile you would like. To avoid extreme sensitivity, gum issues, and poor results, it is always best to have your whitening monitored by Dr.Shlafer.

Some examples of the different whitening systems:

Whitening toothpastes

All toothpastes help remove surface stains because they contain mild abrasives. Some whitening toothpastes contain gentle polishing or chemical agents that provide additional stain removal effectiveness. Whitening toothpaste can help remove surface stain and sometimes lighten your tooth’s color by one shade—in contrast to a light activated bleaching we do in the office that can make your teeth 3-8 times lighter.

Over-the-Counter Whitening Strips and Gels

Whitening gels are clear, peroxide-based gels applied with a small brush directly to the surface of your teeth. Initial results are seen in a few days and results are sustained for about 4 months.

Whitening strips are very thin, virtually invisible strips that are coated with peroxide-based whitening gel. Initial results  are seen in a few days and final results are sustained for about 4 months.

Whitening rinses

Among the newest whitening products available are whitening rinses. Like most mouthwashes, they freshen breath and help reduce dental plaque. Manufacturers say it may take up to 12 weeks to see results. Because whitening rinses are only in contact with your teeth for such a short time–just 2 minutes a day compared to much longer periods of time for many other options–it may have little effect.

Tray-Based Tooth Whiteners

Tray-based tooth whitening systems, is one of the bleaching options Dr. Shlafer offers. This involves filling a custom mouth guard like tray with a gel whitening solution–which contains a peroxide-bleaching agent. It involves wearing the tray for a period of time (6-8 hours) generally at night while you  are sleeping. This process can take up to 2 weeks and we monitor our patients very closely to adjust the bleaching product strength or add products for more comfort. This type of whitening procedure does offer the patient more flexibility.

In-Office Whitening

In-office bleaching provides the quickest way to whiten teeth. With in-office bleaching, the whitening product is applied several times directly on the teeth in 20  minute increments, using a light to activate it. Results are seen immediately an improvement of 3-8 shades is not uncommon.

Teeth whitening is not permanent. Maintenance is required, usually a once a year touch up is sufficient, most often by using the tray bleaching method. People who expose their teeth to foods and beverages that cause staining may see the whiteness start to fade sooner than those people who avoid food and beverages that stain your teeth. The degree of whiteness will vary from individual to individual. It is best to be evaluated by Dr. Shlafer and together you can decide which option will work best for you.

Given all the chewing, crunching, and biting they do, our teeth are surprisingly resilient! Still, everyday wear and tear and the natural aging process take their toll.

What happens to our teeth as we age?

Preventing Acid Erosion

By far the biggest threat to teeth is sugary and starchy food. These carbohydrates ferment, causing bacteria in the mouth to produce acids. Those acids can quickly eat away at the enamel of the teeth. As a result, this creates tiny pits where tooth decay can form. Most of us assume that sugary candy is the worst offender, but sweetened colas, can be more dangerous since carbonation increases acid levels in the mouth, leaving you at risk for decay.

What to do:

Go easy on the sugary foods and avoid frequent snacking. If you get a craving for something sweet, chew some sugarless gum. Chewing increases saliva production, which helps cleanse the mouth and neutralize acidity. Brush your teeth at least 2 times a day for 2 minutes and floss daily. Daily dental hygiene  will reduce the bacteria levels in your mouth.

Preventing Mechanical Wear and Tear on Your Teeth

The function of teeth is mostly mechanical–to mash and grind our food, making it more easily digested. Teeth that have fillings, or root canals are particularly vulnerable, since they don’t have the strength of a structurally intact tooth.

Another problem that causes wear and tear is the habit of grinding or clenching your teeth. This is called bruxism, it is frequently caused by stress or anxiety. Over time, bruxism can wear down the biting surfaces of teeth, making  them susceptible to decay.

What to do:

Avoid chewing ice and other very hard foods. Double check foods that have pits to make sure they have been removed before biting down on them. Have regular dental check ups, Dr.Shlafer can determine if there are broken, or cracked fillings that may weaken your teeth. He will also look for signs of bruxism, in many cases people who grind or clench their teeth are not aware of the habit or the damage they are doing to their teeth. A mouth guard may be recommended to wear at night to prevent grinding.

Preventing Stains on Your Teeth

Certain foods—especially coffee, tea, and red wine–can stain teeth. Tobacco, both smoked and chewed, also discolor teeth.

What to do:

Try to avoid food that stain your teeth, brush regularly to remove plaque build up, which will help teeth resist staining, and have your teeth cleaned professionally at least every 6 months. If you are still dissatisfied with the color of your teeth, we can recommend some bleaching options.

Preventing Gum Problems

By far the biggest threat to healthy teeth, is gum disease. The risk of gum problems increases with age, especially as pockets form at the gum-line where bacteria can grow. Left untreated, bacterial infections can cause inflammation that damages connective tissue and even bone, leading to tooth loss.

What to do:

Brush and floss regularly to remove bacteria. Try an antibacterial mouthwash for added protection and see Dr. Shlafer for regular 6 month visits. This is particularly important for detecting gum disease early. Since gum disease is an inflammatory process, eating foods that suppress inflammation may help. Growing evidence suggests that a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids can help. Good sources of omega-3 acids include fish, fish oil, and flax seed.

Have you noticed any changes in your mouth?

Many of us would like to look younger, feel re-freshed or just have some extra self-confidence. Our smile says so much about us. A beautiful, white smile can present you in a younger more vibrant way. Friends and family think you look great, but they can’t quite put their finger on the exact change. It’s a smile makeover!

This process improves the appearance of your smile through one or more cosmetic dentistry procedures, such as whitening, bonding, dental veneers, and tooth implants. There are many things to consider when changing your smile such as your facial appearance, skin tone, hair color, teeth (color, width, length, and shape) gum tissue and lips to develop your ideal smile. Smile makeovers are done for many reasons and customized according to your unique considerations.

What is it that you like or dislike about your smile or teeth?

Some of the aspects of your smile Dr.Shlafer can review with you that could be improved upon are:

1. Tooth color: When considering the color of your teeth, keep in mind that dark or discolored teeth may suggest an aged mouth. Silver amalgams fillings that could be replaced with natural tooth colored composite restorations. Whitening is another option that may also improve the color of stained or dull teeth. Tooth color is also important during the evaluation and preparation for porcelain veneers, crowns, bridges, and bonding. Dr.Shlafer is skilled at finding the right balance between finding you a brighter, whiter smile and maintaining a natural look.
2. Alignment and Spacing: Teeth that are crooked, overlapping, or have gaps between them can be straightened and aligned, when necessary through orthodontics. This will allow the proper spacing for your new crowns or porcelain veneers.
3. Missing Teeth: One or more missing teeth can negatively affect the appearance of your smile–as well as affect your bite and increase your risk of tooth decay. Missing teeth can be replaced with dental implants, bridges, or partial dentures.
4. Harmony and Balance: Uneven, chipped, and cracked teeth can be cosmetically bonded to improve appearance. A gummy smile can be re-contoured to help improve the overall look of your smile.
5. Fuller Lips, Smile and Cheeks: An unshapely or aging face can be improved or rejuvenated with certain procedures in the smile makeover category.

Dr.Shlafer will work closely with you to develop a treatment plan designed to achieve exactly what you want from your makeover.  Get the smile you’ve always wanted, call for your complimentary smile evaluation today!

Cosmetic dentistry, also called aesthetic dentistry, can be described as any one or more dental treatments that improve the beauty of your smile.

Cosmetic dentistry can include a variety of  techniques, such as re-contouring your teeth or gums to placing veneers or crowns on a number of teeth. In order to have the best results possible, advanced skills that utilize the most progressive dental techniques and state of the art equipment are essential to your success.

Your comfort and individual needs are of the utmost importance to us. Dr. Shlafer and the entire staff always go the extra mile to make sure your visit is a whole new dental experience!  Below are some of the most common cosmetic procedures we perform daily in our office:

VENEERS: Porcelain laminate veneers. This is literally a covering placed over the teeth to enhance or correct their appearance. Veneers are used to close spaces, increase size, change color, or straighten the teeth. Veneers are an exciting option that impacts very little of your natural tooth structure.

CROWNS: Crowns are used to restore both anterior (front) and posterior (back) teeth that have been broken or are at high risk of doing so.  One of the many reasons a crown is needed, is when an older, large silver filling breaks down. There are a variety of  materials used to construct  crowns. Dr. Shlafer will discuss with you which type of crown is best for your situation.

Tooth Colored Fillings: Today’s advanced dentistry allows Dr.Shlafer to use  a filling material that offers the  combination of beauty as well as strength when filling teeth.  This procedure may include removing old silver mercury fillings that have darkened or fractured over time, and restoring the tooth with a white filling material, returning it to it’s original appearance!

WHITENING: Bleaching your teeth can be one of the easiest, yet most gratifying procedures we perform for our patients. We are please to offer different choices for whitening procedures which are customized for each person’s wants and needs.

What’s keeping you from achieving that whiter and brighter smile you’ve always wanted?

Your mouth is more than just a pretty smile. It is the gateway to your overall health. Keeping that gateway clean may not only keep you healthier but looking younger too!

” Just as white, straight teeth convey youth, a smile with crooked, discolored, worn or missing teeth is associated with an aged look. The adage “long in the tooth ” is sometimes used to describe older persons and reflects the fact that gum disease causes gums to recede and teeth to appear longer as a result.”  says a professor of restorative dentistry at UCLA’s School of Dentistry.

Keeping a youthful smile comes down to 2 simple, proven, and practical steps:          Brush and floss daily and see your dentist every 6 months.

What’s stopping you? Perhaps some folks just don’t take oral health seriously. However, many people take their looks very seriously. While keeping a beautiful smile is a priority for most, some people may not think about their gums. Brushing takes time and flossing can be a difficult habit for people to acquire. Only 25% of people floss their teeth.

Inflammation, Periodontal Disease. Inflammation can happen when bacteria and debris, such as food particles, enter the blood vessels around the teeth. Inflammation is your body’s response to such invaders. The mouth is one of the major contributors to high levels of inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation is linked to heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and Alzheimer’s disease. Then there is periodontal disease, which affects 80% of Americans. It’s caused by extensive bacterial buildup along the gums and teeth. Periodontal disease is the top cause for tooth loss.

Stained teeth. Smoking and drinking, particularly red wine and coffee, can stain your teeth and affect how old you look. Teeth whitening in the dental office has become increasingly popular and a great way to look and feel younger.

Of course you need to do more than brush, floss and see your dentist to stay young. Your entire lifestyle matters. If you want to slow down the aging clock, make sure to get enough sleep, eat a healthy diet, make time for exercise and keep down your levels of inflammation by taking care of your teeth and gums. The fact remains, there are no shortcuts to getting and staying healthy.

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR

WHITENING WINNER………..

ELISABETH!

She’s very excited! We will see her this Monday to get started with her whitening. If you have ever wondered about  the whitening procedure, now’s your chance to follow Elisabeth through her whitening process. Elisabeth has agreed to share her story and we  will  be video taping portions of her visits. Watch to see her transformation!