tooth whitening Archives - Aesthetic Family Dentistry

In-office tooth whitening for sensitive teeth

Dr. Derek Fine — Tue, 11 Apr 2017 12:24:04 +0000

If you suffer from sensitive teeth, you might have thought whitening procedures were out of the question. Fortunately, new technology makes them as accessible to everyone. Aesthetic Family Dentistry of Denville, New Jersey offer one such treatment, Zoom! In-Office Teeth Whitening.

One of the downsides of tooth whitening is the sensitivity that often accompanies the treatment. Even if you don’t already have sensitive teeth, this can cause discomfort for quite a while. With Zoom! In-Office Teeth Whitening, cases of sensitivity after a treatment is very rare. When it does occur, it usually disappears within a day or two.

Zoom! In-Office Teeth Whitening

So what is Zoom! In-Office Teeth Whitening and how does it work? It is professional system utilized by your dentist and involves a preparation treatment and then the application of the Zoom! Light. In all, the treatment lasts around an hour and involves minimal discomfort.

Taking a few simple steps the weeks before treatment will help to reduce discomfort. Custom trays will be made for you ahead of the Zoom appointment so you will have relief gel to use after treatment. We also give you a prescription strength tooth paste to use prior.

The day of whitening we begin by preparing for the treatment. Teeth will need to be clean and then a special preparation is applied to the teeth to help whiten them. We then apply the Zoom! light to the prepared teeth to do the whitening. Once the lighting part of the procedure is complete, we then perform a fluoride treatment to finish.

The procedure is painless. Many patients fall asleep during the treatment while it is also possible to listen to music or just lay back and relax.

Tooth whitening for sensitive teeth

What makes the Zoom! system so effective for those with sensitive teeth already is the inclusion of desensitizing agents within the treatment. This lowers the feedback from the teeth, which significantly reduces discomfort in those with very sensitive teeth. It can even remove discomfort altogether in many cases.

Is tooth whitening safe?

Zoom! In-Office Teeth Whitening is as safe a procedure as it is possible to have. Extensive research has been conducted on the safety and efficacy of tooth whitening and the overwhelming evidence is that as long as the dental practitioner is skilled and experienced, there are no substantial health risks associated with the treatment.

We have performed hundreds of treatments since introducing it and have had no serious complications from recipients. Tooth sensitivity is a risk with any tooth whitening procedure but the Zoom! system has the lowest risk of it that we know of. Fewer than half a percent of patients suffer sensitivity after a treatment.

Results will vary depending on your health, the condition of your teeth and lifestyle. Typically, a treatment will whiten teeth by several shades and can last months. Longevity is something we can discuss in more detail at a consultation once we have inspected your teeth.

If you’re considering tooth whitening, contact the experts at Aesthetic Family Dentistry today for a consultation!

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How professional tooth whitening can transform an unattractive smile

Dr. Derek Fine — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 14:55:28 +0000

There are many tooth whitening products on the market. Some work, some not so much. For a guaranteed dazzling white smile, only a professional tooth whitening treatment can guarantee to turn around an unattractive smile. It’s just one of the many dental services provided by Aesthetic Family Dentistry.

There are many things that can discolor teeth. Diet is a big one with coffee, tea and red wine being the main culprits. Smoking is another significant influence over how healthy your teeth are and look. Age is another influence as the dentin under tooth enamel discolors with age. All things professional tooth whitening can address.

There’s no need to live with that unattractive smile. Visit Aesthetic Family Dentistry today for first class treatments you can depend on.

How is dentist tooth whitening performed?

After an initial dental exam to check any underlying causes and once we’re happy that you’re a candidate for tooth whitening, we can perform the procedure.

We first polish the teeth to remove any debris and to provide a good surface for the whitening solution.
We then prepare the mouth by isolating teeth, protecting the gum and retracting the cheeks to keep them safe.
We then carefully apply the whitening solution to the teeth and ensure all teeth are covered evenly.
Once covered, we then cure with a special curing laser or light to activate the whitening solution. We apply the light and the solution until the desired shade is achieved. Once we match the shade, we stop the procedure.
We then rinse the teeth to remove any remaining solution and may apply a sensitivity product if necessary.
That’s it!

Once you’re ready to leave, we will discuss aftercare. The rules are simple, avoid pigmented food and drinks such as tomatoes, coffee, tea, red wine, yellow mustard and a few others for 24 hours. This gives the enamel a chance to seal in that whiteness. It’s an important final step in the whitening process.

In five short steps, we can turn around an unattractive smile and return it to its former glory. White teeth are associated with health and wellbeing, so have an important psychological role to play in your life. That’s why we advocate this aesthetic procedure to our patients. Your mental wellbeing is as important to us as your physical!

If you think you have an unattractive smile and think professional tooth whitening will help, contact us here at Aesthetic Family Dentistry today!

There are many tooth whitening products on the market. Some work, some not so much. For a guaranteed dazzling white smile, only a professional tooth whitening treatment can guarantee to turn around an unattractive smile. It’s just one of the many dental services provided by Aesthetic Family Dentistry.

There’s no need to live with that unattractive smile. Visit Aesthetic Family Dentistry today for first class treatments you can depend on.

How is dentist tooth whitening performed?

After an initial dental exam to check any underlying causes and once we’re happy that you’re a candidate for tooth whitening, we can perform the procedure.

1. We first polish the teeth to remove any debris and to provide a good surface for the whitening solution.

2. We then prepare the mouth by isolating teeth, protecting the gum and retracting the cheeks to keep them safe.

3. We then carefully apply the whitening solution to the teeth and ensure all teeth are covered evenly.

4. Once covered, we then cure with a special curing laser or light to activate the whitening solution. We apply the light and the solution until the desired shade is achieved. Once we match the shade, we stop the procedure.

5. We then rinse the teeth to remove any remaining solution and may apply a sensitivity product if necessary.

6. That’s it!

If you think you have an unattractive smile and think professional tooth whitening will help, contact us here at Aesthetic Family Dentistry today!

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Are teeth whitening toothpastes worth the money?

Dr. Derek Fine — Mon, 01 Dec 2014 19:27:37 +0000

We all want to look good, feel great and have a lovely smile. It’s at the center of our identity and contributes a huge amount to our self-confidence and feeling of wellbeing. So it’s no surprise that tooth whitening is one of the most common procedures we undertake here at Aesthetic Family Dentistry.

As keeping our smile bright is still at the top of our agenda, we thought we would take a look at whitening toothpastes. There are hundreds on the market, all promising whiter, brighter teeth. All of them command a premium over standard toothpastes, but are they worth it?

What stains teeth?

Our teeth are protected by layers of enamel, that hard outer layer that we brush every day. Products such as tea, coffee, wine and cigarettes stain this outer layer and even the most energetic brushing doesn’t always get rid of it.

Under enamel is dentin, which also discolors over time. As we get older, dentin yellows naturally. It can also be discolored by some medications or from using products with too much fluoride in them.

How whitening toothpastes work

Whitening toothpastes often include abrasives designed to remove stains on the enamel. As you brush, the abrasive element forces the stain off the teeth, making the enamel look cleaner and whiter.

Some toothpastes will also include a whitening element that will both remove stains and try to prevent further staining. They include carbamide peroxide and sodium lauryl sulfate, which remove stains and polyvinylpyrrolidone which seeks to prevent further staining.

Many toothpastes use enzymes such as papain, Triclosan, citric acid, sodium tripolyphosphate and blue covarine to counteract the yellow color.

So are they worth using?

Whitening toothpastes can only affect the outer layer of enamel, so they are only ever partially effective. Much depends on the brand and the composition of the toothpaste itself. Not all whitening toothpastes work as well as others and few can truly whiten teeth.

However, used in conjunction with dental tooth whitening, they can help your teeth stay whiter for longer. Those compounds in the toothpaste that helps protect tooth enamel and prevent stains from reappearing will equally help you retain that lovely white smile for longer.

So rather than use a whitening toothpaste instead of a whitening procedure at your dentist’s, they are more effective used to keep your teeth white after a whitening procedure.

Whitening toothpastes can be a useful part of your overall dental health regimen. As long as the toothpaste in question does everything standard toothpaste can as well as whitens, there is no reason why you shouldn’t use it.

If you have specific requirements or would like advice on toothpaste products, and live in Denville, Dover, Morristown, Morris Plains, Mountain Lakes, Randolph, Rockaway contact Aesthetic Family Dentistry for free consultation! we’re here to help!

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Is Teeth Bleaching Safe?

Dr. Derek Fine — Mon, 13 Oct 2014 21:08:02 +0000

As a teeth-whitening treatment, in the right hands teeth bleaching is quite safe. Any supervised treatment we carry out here at Aesthetic Family Dentistry has to be safe otherwise we wouldn’t do it!

Part of the worry is from the name. Typically, anything that contains the word bleach doesn’t have healthy connotation. While bleach is essential for hygiene, we don’t normally associate it with bodily treatments. So rather than calling it teeth bleaching, let’s just refer to it as teeth whitening.

So is tooth whitening safe?

Used properly, any tooth whitening product used in conjunction with our dental practice is perfectly safe. Millions of Americans have their teeth bleached. Whether it’s for a wedding, big speech, job interview or just to maintain that million-dollar smile. The reasons are many and all are valid in their own way.

The American Dental Association has approved many tooth whitening products as safe and we only use those approved products.

How long does tooth whitening last?

Typically, tooth whitening lasts several years and more if properly maintained. Much depends on your diet, your lifestyle, overall health and habits. For example, if you drink coffee or smoke, tooth whitening won’t last as long. It’s a subjective process that differs between users, so it’s difficult to say for certain.

How does tooth whitening work?

Tooth whitening uses different compounds, one of them is 10 percent carbamide peroxide. This element crystallizes when it makes contact with water causing the release of hydrogen peroxide. This reaction whitens the teeth.

What happens in a typical tooth whitening appointment?

We first determine whether you’re a good candidate for tooth whitening before we do anything. There can be medical reasons why you may not be, which we will discuss with you at the time. We discuss your overall health and inspect your mouth to ensure there are no underlying dental complications that could affect the treatment.

There are two tooth-whitening treatments available. One is laser whitening, which we perform in the practice. The other is a supervised at-home tooth whitening treatment. This will need a custom-fitted mouth guard made from an impression taken from your teeth at the appointment. This will need to be worn for several hours a day for several days or weeks, depending on which treatment system we use. Some require use at night, others during the day, the specifics of which we can discuss with you at the time.

There can be no denying the positive psychological effects of lovely white teeth. That’s why so many dentists, including Aesthetic Family Dentistry, offer the treatment. If you would like stunning white teeth, contact us today for a consultation!

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How Does Invisalign Work?

Dr. Derek Fine — Wed, 27 Nov 2013 01:02:44 +0000

Invisalign is an exceptionally popular dental treatment and for good reason. Gone are those intrusive metal braces. Gone are those awkward smiles as you try to hide the brace, instead you have a bright, happy smile ready to dazzle!

Invisalign is a tooth straightening procedure that uses an almost invisible aligner to gradually straighten teeth over time. It delivers the same results as a brace, but without the downsides.

The Invisalign Process

Every procedure we do here at Aesthetic Family Dentistry begins with a consultation. Here we can get to know you, your lifestyle, your needs and your mouth. We can then assess if you’re someone who could benefit from Invisalign.

If you’re a good candidate, we take some photographs, digital low dose x-rays and dental impressions so we can have molds made. We then decide which teeth we want to move and to where. We pass all this on to Invisalign, who will design aligners to suit. They use complex computer modeling to build a series of aligners that will achieve that goal.

Once complete, we review the models, make any changes and request the aligners to be made. This process takes between 4 – 6 weeks.

Once we have the aligners, we invite you back to try the first one out. We can then discuss how to use them, how to care for them and what to expect while using them. Each aligner is designed to be worn for 2 weeks at a time, then be swapped for the next one in line. This continues until the treatment is complete.

Occasionally there may be a couple of teeth that still need work, which we will discuss at the time. This will just involve another couple of Invisalign aligners and more time wearing them.

Invisalign or Braces?

Invisalign is easier to live with than braces, not as obvious and more comfortable. However, it is more expensive. If the cost of Invisalign treatment is an issue, we can discuss payment options with you at the time.

Invisalign is also not suitable for everyone. They only work with teen or full-grown adult teeth. They are also not suitable for teeth with certain conditions. We can discuss your options with you fully at your initial consultation.

If the circumstances are right, Invisalign provides a very effective treatment for misaligned teeth with the minimum of intrusion. It’s also easier to live with and produces excellent results. Those are three great characteristics in any dental treatment!

If you’re interested in Invisalign, contact Aesthetic Family Dentistry today!

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Do Teeth Whitening Toothpastes Really Work?

Dr. Derek Fine — Thu, 10 Oct 2013 01:04:38 +0000

We all want that gleaming white Hollywood smile, even us dentists. We all want our teeth to look good, our smiles to be confident and our smiles to be worth a million dollars. Most of us don’t have a million dollars to spend whitening teeth, so elect to use whitening toothpastes instead. But do they work?

Let’s find out.

The Structure of a Tooth

First let’s see how a tooth is built so we understand the effects these toothpastes have on them. The outer layer of your teeth is call enamel. It’s shiny, tough and takes a lot of punishment. Underneath is a layer we call dentin, which is another tough layer that discolors naturally when you age. Inside that is the body of the tooth itself.

The enamel’s job is to protect your teeth from acids and daily use. Many foods and drinks contain acids that eat away at the tooth enamel, which is why it’s so important to brush regularly to remove it. The enamel can be discolored by coffee, nicotine, tea and a range of other popular products. It is this discoloration that whitening teeth is concerned with.

How to Tooth Whitening Toothpastes Work?

As well as the standard characteristics of normal toothpastes, whitening toothpastes contain abrasives. They are small particles that attempt to scrape off the stains from the tooth making them whiter again. Some also contain something called blue covarine, which coats the teeth and reflects white light, making them look whiter.

Some whitening toothpastes contain a bleaching agent too, which works to whiten teeth. The permitted level of 1 percent is usually too little to have any real effect though.

So Do Tooth Whitening Toothpastes Work?

Whitening toothpastes, if used properly can contribute to white teeth but their effect is usually negligible. It isn’t possible to say definitively because everyone is different, every tooth is different and there are too many whitening toothpastes out there to color them all with the same broad brush.

However, we would say that as holistic dentists, we don’t agree with the use of abrasives in toothpastes and certainly not the use of bleaching agents. Abrasives aren’t targeted. As well as attacking stains, they also attack tooth enamel. That’s not a good thing when it’s the only real defense your tooth has.

We would suggest a healthy oral health regimen and professional tooth whitening from a dentist. Why pay a premium over normal toothpaste when the effects are negligible? If you’re tempted to use a whitening toothpaste for whitening teeth, think twice.

If you would like advice on choosing the right toothpaste, check out our blog post entitled “How Do I Choose the Right Natural Toothpaste?” If you would like further advice or your teeth whitened, make an appointment with Aesthetic Family Dentistry today!

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What are Dental Veneers Used For?

Dr. Derek Fine — Wed, 28 Aug 2013 01:48:32 +0000

Dental veneers are one of the many dental procedures we undertake at Aesthetic Family Dentistry. They are also one of the most popular. Very few dental procedures are as simple and non-invasive, yet has such a profound effect on your smile. That’s why we promote them as a treatment wherever appropriate.

What Are Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers are a recent solution to poor teeth. They are thin porcelain laminates that are bonded onto the surface of the exiting tooth to act as an attractive shell. They can work individually or as part of a set and can revolutionize the way you smile.

Veneers on teeth are nothing new, but this procedure is and is proving to be as effective as it is popular.

How Are Dental Veneers Fitted?

We covered this in a previous post, but briefly, we produce a putty image of the tooth and have the dental veneers made. We then clean the teeth, smooth a piece of the affected tooth and cement the veneer onto the tooth. That’s all there is to it.

The procedure is usually undertaken over two visits. The first to assess if you’re able to benefit from dental veneers and to take molds if you are and the second session to fit them. The process is painless and involved little work, except using a burr to skim a piece of tooth enamel to offer a key for the dental cement.

What are Dental Veneers Used For?

Dental veneers are appropriate for a range of treatments. The ease of the procedure and the flexibility of the veneers themselves make them ideal for many conditions. They include:

Stained teeth – If teeth are stained beyond treatment, dental veneers can be vastly improved by this procedure. If teeth whitening cannot help, veneers on teeth can.

Damaged teeth – Teeth that have been chipped, broken, worn or damaged can also benefit from a dental veneer. Once the damage has been mitigated, teeth veneers can bring back that bright smile once more.

Gapped teeth – Teeth with gaps are viewed as attractive by many but often disliked by those with them. Dental veneers can fill those gaps quickly and easily by slightly widening the footprint of the tooth.

Crooked teeth – Dental veneers can be used to treat crooked teeth if Invisalign or other orthodontic treatment isn’t suitable. Careful placement of the veneers on teeth can provide a straight, beautiful smile that can last a lifetime.

Pathological Bite – Dental veneers can be used to permanently stabilize a pathologica bite that has been corrected by way of neuromuscular techniques.

If you would like to know more about dental veneers, contact Aesthetic Family Dentistry today!

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Is Bleaching Your Teeth Safe?

Dr. Derek Fine — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 02:14:50 +0000

The use of the word bleach is what usually prompts the question. If we refer to the procedure merely as teeth whitening, we receive far fewer questions on safety and health. So firstly, it’s important to clarify the term bleach. Most importantly, it isn’t the chemical you use to clean your house. The “bleach” used here at Aesthetic Family Dentistry is actually a bleaching light.

We use a product called Zoom!, which is a special gel we apply to the teeth that can turn them up to eight shades lighter. We apply the special gel to your teeth and then shine the bleaching light into your mouth. The light activates the gel and instantly lightens your teeth.

As holistic dentists, we like this approach because it has the least impact on your mouth. It provides a very effective result without harsh chemicals or invasive procedures, which suits our approach to health perfectly. The gel used in teeth whitening has also been specially formulated to drastically reduce the risk of side effects that other treatments can suffer from.

The procedure generally takes slightly over an hour and can completely transform the look of your teeth. It’s amazing how much difference it makes to the self-confidence and overall happiness of patients, which is another reason we like it so much!

Is Teeth Whitening Suitable For Everyone?

The whitening of teeth is one of our most popular procedures. It’s fast, simple and very cost effective. While there are many DIY kits available, dental teeth whitening is the safest, most effective approach.

Your teeth can become discolored for any number of reasons, such as illness, smoking, drinking tea, coffee and red wine and of course, age. You would be amazed at how much shine the average set of teeth lose over a period of years, which is why teeth whitening is so popular. It is a fast, easy way to recapture that healthy mouth and turn back the ravages of time and use.

When performed correctly, teeth whitening is successful in over 90 percent of patients. Anyone with periodontal disease, worn enamel or a number of other conditions may not be suitable for teeth whitening. We can advise you on the likely effectiveness and suitability for whitening when you visit us.

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Is Tooth Whitening Safe?

Dr. Derek Fine — Sat, 03 Nov 2012 17:22:41 +0000

People often ask me, “ Is tooth whitening safe?” Yes. Extensive research and clinical studies indicate that whitening teeth under the supervision of a dentist is safe. In fact, many dentists consider whitening the safest cosmetic dental procedure available. So, what is whitening? Whitening is a process that lightens discolorations of the enamel and dentin. There are many causes of discolorations. The most common include aging, coffee, tea, cola, red wine and tobacco. Anything that would stain a white shirt will stain your teeth over time. During tooth development, consumption of tetracycline, certain antibiotics or excessive fluoride may also cause tooth discoloration.

Almost anyone can benefit from tooth whitening. More people than you might imagine whiten their teeth. A bright sparkling smile can make a big difference in your appearance as well as your confidence. Here at Aesthetic Family Dentistry, we use two safe, very effective ways to whiten your teeth. The first is Zoom, in office chairside whitening system. Zoom Whitening gel is designed to be used with a specially designed light. The Zoom light and gel work together to gently penetrate your teeth, break up stain and discoloration. In less than an hour your teeth will become dramatically whiter! Chairside Whitening is ideal for anyone looking for immediate results. The convenience of Zoom makes it the perfect choice for the busy individual.

The second option for tooth whitening is Take home trays. We take impressions of your teeth and fabricate custom fitting trays that you place the whitening gel in. You wear the trays for up to one hour a day and within 2 weeks you have a brighter, whiter smile! This is a more affordable way to get that white smile you always wanted. Both methods achieve similar results and following some simple post whitening instructions, your teeth will sparkle for years!

To keep your teeth looking their best, we recommend flossing, brushing twice a day and occasional touch-ups with whitening gel that you can do at home. Call Aesthetic Family Dentistry today at (973) 627-3617 to discuss what option would work best for you.

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