Simply Sparkling
Brighter Teeth Boost Confidence
By Amy Morgan
Did you know that a whiter, brighter smile can contribute to a more youthful appearance? As we age, tooth enamel naturally wears down and reveals the yellowish layer underneath. And years of drinking coffee, tea, dark cola or red wine can cause teeth to appear dingy and make you look older. White teeth and a gleaming smile draw positive attention, create an attractive appearance and may make your entire face look more vibrant and healthy.
So, why not whiten your teeth and boost your confidence before your holiday activities this year?
Registered Dental Hygienist Mandy Dennis advises her patients at 7to7 Dental & Orthodontics to start simple with an over-the-counter whitening product. Mandy, who directs Hygiene Operations for the practice’s 10 offices, recommends brushing twice a day with Colgate Optic White Professional Series toothpaste, which contains hydrogen peroxide and purports to remove 15 years of stains. Mandy herself has used the product for years and says, “It’s amazing!” Colgate also offers an overnight pen that can be used to touch up a discolored spot. Just dry the localized area, prime the pen, and apply the solution to the tooth’s surface before going to bed. In the morning, brush as usual. “It takes a few nights, but you will definitely notice a difference,” Mandy enthused.
“I would rather build trust with a patient and see if they can get their teeth whiter trying these things,” she added. “If they are not as bright as they want to be, we can offer other options.”
Another at-home tip Mandy offers – rinse after consuming something that might stain your teeth. “If it will stain a white shirt, it has potential to stain your teeth,” she cautioned.
Whitening products do not modify the color of crowns, so if your dental work shows prominently when you smile, you’ll want to whiten other teeth only enough to match that color. Any whitening program should start with a dental exam and thorough cleaning to begin at baseline. You also can note the shade of your teeth, so you’ll be able to register the change.
An additional benefit, 7to7 Dental’s patients can take advantage of 7to7 Dental’s Whitening for Life program. The dental professionals will make customized trays, then provide a free syringe of 22% carbamide peroxide whitening gel after a patient’s twice-annual cleaning. The composition is stronger than what’s available over the counter, but less powerful than an in-office whitening visit, Mandy said.
If you are limited in time or want to whiten further, 7to7 Dental offers in-office whitening with the Colgate Optic
White system. In just one hour, you’ll leave with teeth an average of seven shades whiter. The dental professional will apply a 35% peroxide solution directly to the teeth, then place a small instrument in the mouth. The device’s blue light activates the product. Three 10-minute sessions over a 60-minute appointment are all that’s needed to see great results. “Patients love it!” Mandy says. Best of all, patients report no sensitivity with this in-office whitening system, which must be administered by a trained dental professional. 7to7 Dental is designated one of Colgate’s preferred providers.
Whether you whiten at home or in office, it’s important to continue regular maintenance. Just as you wouldn’t put oil in your car once and expect it to run forever, you must also be consistent with your oral health care. For your convenience, 7to7 Dental’s offices are open from 7 a.m.- 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. -5 p.m., weekends. Ensure your smile sparkles so you can be proud of your holiday posts.
