From the Office

A bright, white smile is a thing of beauty, a coveted trait that few adults possess naturally. But not to worry, there are a few tips, tricks, and treatments that you can use to combat discoloration and maintain an attractive shade of enamel no matter what your age.

Hygiene and Habits

At my cosmetic dentistry practice in Boulder, Colorado, we educate all patients on the importance of dental hygiene to both prevent bacterial damage and protect your natural smile attributes. Keeping your teeth and gums healthy is the golden rule for maintaining a beautiful smile. As you may know, excellent dental health begins with good eating practices, and avoiding high sugar foods can prevent compromising your smile through decay. Scheduling regular dental wellness visits ensures any signs of decay are caught early, preventing the destruction of natural enamel.

Remember, also, that certain foods and beverages can cause staining and speed up the discoloration process. Enjoy coffee, tea, red wine, and berries in moderation and be sure to brush and floss after consuming them. 

Nicotine is perhaps the greatest preventable cause of discoloration and gum disease. If you’re a smoker, we would be happy to put you in touch with cessation programs in the area that can help you quit.

Professional Whitening

Laser tooth whitening is one method many of our patients turn to in an effort to revitalize teeth that appear dull and discolored. We also offer a take-home option by Opalescence, with customized mouth trays, that lets you whiten gradually in the comfort of your home. Keep in mind that professional tooth whitening offers a higher concentration of the active whitening ingredient carbamide peroxide, along with the peace of mind of professional supervision to ensure optimal results.

To learn more about smile whitening, please visit our previous blog post entitled “Professional Whitening Vs. Over-the-Counter Whitening.”

For more advice on keeping your smile bright and beautiful, please schedule an appointment with my team at your convenience.

Dr. Ania

Comprehensive & Cosmetic Dentistry

A dull, discolored smile can wear away at your self-confidence and keep you from smiling as often as you should. Tooth whitening is a quick and easy way to take your smile several shades brighter with very little cost or time sacrifice. Our patients often ask us to describe the difference between our professional take-home whitening treatment and the various strips and gels available at their local drugstore. Here’s a brief description of the real benefits of professional whitening to help you better understand the options.

Over-the-Counter Whitening Strips and Gels

• Contain only a limited amount of whitening ingredient
• One-size-fits-all whitening doesn’t take into account your current shade
• Whitening results typically last 6 months or less
• Strips can cause sensitivity to gums
• Lack of professional supervision affects results
• Dramatic whitening results are usually not possible
• Repeat treatments several times a year can get costly
• Application methods are often inadequate for thorough whitening on all teeth
• Results may look uneven or unnatural
• Are generally successful only on younger people without deep, intrinsic tooth stains.

Dr. Ania’s Take-home Opalescence Whitening Kit

• You get customized clear bleaching trays for the upper and lower teeth
• Opalescence formula contains a much higher concentration of the whitening agent carbamide peroxide
• Opalescence gel won’t migrate to gum tissue
• The special whitening formula contains Potassium Fluoride to strengthen enamel, decrease sensitivity, and help prevent cavities
• Creates on average a 4 – 5 shade improvement in just 10 days
• Supervision by a trained cosmetic dentist guarantees natural, even results
• Opalescence formula is formulated to reduce sensitivity for a more comfortable whitening experience.
• Dr. Ania provides education on how you can keep teeth their whitest and minimize discoloration.
• Results can last a year or more

If you are due for your wellness check or you are interested in any of our restoration services, we can be sure to integrate a discussion of your whitening needs at that time.

For an in-depth review of our Opalescence smile brightening program, please contact my state-of-the-art dental practice in Boulder, Colorado to set up your appointment. 

Dr. Ania

Comprehensive & Cosmetic Dentistry