Your smile is your most memorable physical trait. People you meet will remember it before they
remember the color of your eyes or what clothing you were wearing. What is your smile saying
about you? If your teeth are discolored, it is likely your smile is not making a good first impression.
At Vanguard Dental, we offer our patients in-office and at-home whitening treatments.
The whitening procedure
The first step is an examination by Dr. Kanorwalla to ensure that you are a good candidate for teeth whitening. Patients who have dental issues may need to have them treated before continuing with the whitening process. Depending on how long it has been since your last professional cleaning, the doctor may recommend you have your teeth cleaned prior to whitening them. If your teeth and gums are healthy, you will be able to proceed with the procedure. In- office whitening, takes about an hour, while at home whitening takes a couple of weeks.
Keeping your teeth white
Although teeth whitening is highly effective at removing existing stains, it does not prevent new ones from occurring. Any foods, drinks, or habits that contributed to the initial staining can cause new stains. Some of the most common foods and drinks that can result in stains include:
- Coffee
- Tea
- Red wine
- Berries
- Foods or drinks with artificial colorings
The stains caused by these foods and drinks can be minimized by consuming them in moderation. It is also recommended that after eating foods that may discolor your teeth that you brush them to remove any remaining food particles. When drinking anything that may discolor your teeth use a straw. This keeps the fluid away from your teeth, reducing its ability to discolor your teeth.
Tobacco use is another common cause of tooth discoloration. Patients are encouraged to discontinue its use. It is also a contributing factor in number of oral health problems including gum disease and oral cancer.
If your smile is not as dazzling as it once was, call our office today at 413 543 2555 and schedule a consultation with Dr. Kanorwalla. Soon you can have a smile that will light up a room. Our office is located at 1730 Boston Road, Springfield, MA 01129. Our Wilbraham, Hampden and Ludlow patients find our location very convenient.
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