In order to decide whether or not whitening is right for you (and which of the many whitening techniques on offer is best), understanding is key. Here are some surprising facts about whitening:

● Tooth discoloration is inevitable.

Yes, there are some bad habits out there like smoking and excessive consumption of soda and coffee, which will stain teeth more noticeably, but tooth discoloration is inevitable for us all. As we get older and the ‘shine’ or brilliance of our natural whiteness dissipates, teeth take on a more yellow hue. Certain prescription medications, such as some antibiotics or epilepsy treatments, can cause tooth discoloration. Common foods like chocolate, coffee, teas are also a main culprit.

● White teeth is not the same as healthy teeth.

Not having the whitest teeth doesn’t necessarily mean you have poor oral hygiene. Many patients brush and floss regularly yet still experience some yellowing. So, teeth whitening alone is not a path to oral health. But teeth whitening means you’ll have a brighter smile that reflects the hard work you’ve done to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

● In-office whitening is far safer and more effective than DIY.

Most pharmacies sell do-it-yourself (DIY) teeth bleaching kits that boast fast results. While these kits can get rid of surface stains, they’re unlikely to result in long-lasting whiteness.
Applying hydrogen peroxide from DIY kits can be dangerous and cause burns and discoloration to your gums. Getting teeth whitened isn’t surgery, but it’s still a delicate procedure that should be undertaken by a professional.

● There are more than a few ways to do it.

The most common form of professional teeth whitening is the use of concentrated hydrogen peroxide on the teeth followed by exposure to halogen light. The light activates the peroxide and helps it dissolve stains. Specialized versions of this procedure, such as the ZoomWhitening® method, involve several applications of a gel form of hydrogen peroxide which yield an even brighter whitening.

Laser whitening also utilizes hydrogen peroxide gel with a concentrated beam of laser light that whitens quickly. ZoomWhitening and laser whitening are both more expensive than traditional whitening procedures. If you want a brighter or quicker whitening, however, the slight increase in price may be worth it.

● There are some side effects.

The side effects of whitening are typically mild but may still be noticeable. Patients have complained of sore gums and increased sensitivity in their teeth to heat and cold. Also, since hydrogen peroxide is a powerful chemical, the enamel in your teeth can be weakened by it. (Another reason why you should think twice about DIY whitening kits. Your dentist can evaluate your enamel to ensure that any teeth whitening treatments will be both safe and effective.

Advanced Family Dental Center has a number of teeth whitening treatment options including Zoom Whitening. Please call us today at 212-481-2535 for an appointment to get a brighter smile.

The word “Orthodontics” tends to conjure images of children with brace-filled smiles, but the reality is that nearly 20% of patients seeking correction of a crooked smile are adults.
Many adults seek out orthodontic treatment for aesthetic reasons (a beautiful smile is, after all, a valuable career asset). However, healthy and well-aligned teeth have a profound impact on your oral and well-being.

Malocclusion, the primary focus of Orthodontics, refers to an improper ‘bite’ or joining of the teeth. Having a severe overbite or underbite can lead to periodontal disease, tooth decay or TMJ (chronic jaw pain). Overcrowding, a lack of space for teeth to align normally, can also be detrimental to oral health and can even lead to difficulty chewing. Both malocclusion and overcrowding can be fixed by traditional metal braces, which require a course of treatment that can last years.

Adults and kids both agree that metal braces can be a real pain:
● Patients must avoid sticky or crunchy foods.
● Metal braces require frequent dental visits for adjustments.
● Brushing and flossing teeth in braces are challenging.
● Gum diseases and cavities can be slightly more difficult to treat since the structure of the
gear can get in the way.

Patients considering orthodontic treatment turn frequently to removable devices like Invisalign®, which can accommodate a hectic lifestyle by making treatment flexible. Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment involving custom-made clear plastic aligners created for you and only you. The aligner trays are made of smooth, comfortable and virtually invisible plastic that you wear over your teeth. Wearing the aligners will gradually and gently shift your teeth into place, based on the exact movements we plan for you.

You wear a new set of aligners approximately every two weeks, until your treatment is complete.
Removable braces bypass the dietary difficulties of avoiding sticky or crunchy foods. Brushing, flossing and dental treatments are easy since you can remove the aligners. Clear or removable braces aren’t for everyone, and they do tend to be more expensive than traditional braces, but they’re becoming a commonly used option for adults that want a convenient method of getting a great smile.

Please call our office at 212-481-2535 for an appointment to discuss Invisalign as a treatment option to straighten your smile.

Did you know about the most promising new dental technology that comes from inside your own body?

Plasma Rich Growth Factors (PRGF), are natural substances found in your blood plasma. They contain a high concentration of platelet cells which accelerate your body’s normal healing process by increasing the amount of proteins and nutrients needed to repair cells.

PRGF is safe to use since it is harvested from your own blood. New PRGF distillation techniques take just 15 minutes and require only 40 cc of blood.

In the majority of oral surgery cases, application of PRGF will make you heal faster with less swelling and pain

PRGF has been shown to be effective in procedures like bone grafting, dental implants, augmentation of the nasal ridge and repair of a cleft lip, to name a few.

This new technique is especially important for older dental patients with significant bone loss in the jaw. In the past, these patients may have been told they are not candidates for oral surgery or dental implants. Using PRGF, oral surgery may now be possible.

The PRGF alone cannot be used to stimulate bone formation – it must be mixed either with organic or synthetic bone to do so.

Advanced Family Dental Center is one of the few New York dentists to offer patients PRGF. For a free consultation, please call (646) 362-5421.