Most patients are not aware that they can lose bone in their jaw. Your jawbone can deteriorate if you suffer from gum disease, oral trauma, or having missing teeth. 

 

Tooth loss has significant long-term consequences that go beyond oral health. Missing teeth can affect your jawbone significantly. When you lose bone in your jaw, it can affect not only your appearance, but your oral functioning.

 

Why Bone Loss Occurs

The human body is independently efficient. When one part of your body does not function, it gets resorbed or broken down so that the raw materials can get used for other functions. 

 

Teeth roots stimulate your jawbone. Continual pressure from chewing helps maintain the strength of your jawbone. If a tooth root disappears, the alveolar bone that surrounds the roots of your tooth resorbs from underutilization.

 

The Purpose of Your Jawbone

The jawbone enables you to chew and holds your teeth in place. Missing teeth cause gaps in your jawbone that become underutilized.

 

Lack of bone stimulation naturally causes the bone to resorb, which gives your face a sunken look and causes the surrounding teeth to shift. As your jawbone weakens, speaking and eating become difficult, and, eventually, you start losing more teeth.

 

How Your Doctor Can Help 

There is a solution if you are worried that you are experiencing signs of jawbone deterioration. Catching bone loss early is ideal for a timely response. Your dentist can recommend treatment after examining and identifying signs of bone loss. Diagnosis will inform the prescription your dentist will suggest, mitigating further bone loss.

 

Prevent Bone Loss With Dental Implants

Missing teeth is one of the most common causes of bone loss. Your doctor can prevent your bone loss by replacing your missing tooth with a dental implant. The implant post prevents more deterioration by stimulating the jawbone.

 

Dental implants get placed through surgery that replaces your tooth roots with screw-like metal posts. The artificially replaced teeth function and look like natural teeth. Your dentist will examine and determine how to perform your dental implant surgery based on the condition of your jawbone and the type of implant to be used.

 

Dental implant surgery is usually an outpatient procedure performed in different stages. Various stages take healing time between them. The process of getting dental implants involves several steps, including:

 

• Removal of the damaged tooth
   

• Jawbone grafting if needed
   

• Placement of dental implant
   

• Placement of abutment
   

• Placement of artificial tooth
  
   

The process can take months to finish. Most of the time spent in the process is dedicated to healing and patiently waiting for the new bone in your jaw to grow. Your dentist can analyze your situation and the materials used in the process to determine whether to combine the steps.  

 

Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants have the following benefits:

 

• No diet limitations
   

• Preserves bone by preventing bone loss
   

• Adjacent teeth cannot be affected
   

• Look like your natural teeth
   

• No discomfort or ill-fitting dentures
   

• Long-lasting, between 7 to 15 years
  
  
   

For more on how dental implants prevent bone loss, contact Levenson Smile at our office in Worcester, Massachusetts. You can call us at (508) 731-3940 to book an appointment today.

Laughing a lot is great, but the accompanying wrinkles that come with the laugh are sometimes not funny. Medical practitioners have used Botox for decades to treat facial creases and wrinkles. It reduces the appearance of wrinkles. The name Botox comes from a toxin made by a bacterium called Clostridium botulinum. Additionally, Botox was the first injectable botulinum toxin and is therefore very popular.

How Botox Works on Smile Lines

Smile lines result from several factors such as smoking, sun exposure, and aging. However, aging is the most natural cause of smile lines. These wrinkles that appear around the mouth are of varying depths and become more visible when you smile.

Botox is a treatment that does not involve surgery. It weakens or freezes the injected muscle temporarily. A plastic surgeon or dermatologist uses a small needle to inject the Botox below a patient's skin right into the facial muscle.

Procedure for Botox Smile Treatment

The procedure for treating your smile lines with Botox is simple, and here's what you should expect:

• Once you arrive for your appointment, you will fill out medical paperwork.
• You may have to wear a gown over your clothes for sanitary purposes.
• Your doctor will clean off your face to take off any dirt or makeup.
• Your practitioner will then use a very narrow needle to inject the Botox directly into the muscle that surrounds your mouth. You will feel a tingling sensation and a prick.
• After the procedure, your doctor will take you through the aftercare requirements. At this point, you can ask any questions you may have.

What to Expect After the Treatment?

Recovery after getting a Botox smile is usually minimal. Thus, you will be able to resume your normal activities immediately. You can also drive yourself back home or even resume work after the treatment. However, you should avoid touching your face or lying on your face for at least four hours after the procedure. Additionally, wait for 24 hours before doing any strenuous activity like exercising.

The tingling or stinging sensation may subside after a couple of days. The maximum results of the procedure occur after 14 days; however, you will start seeing results within three to six days. It is vital to note that Botox results are not permanent. You will need to get your treatments after every three to six months to get your smile lines to disappear again.

What Are the Risks or Side Effects of Getting Botox for Smile Lines?

Botox is a safe procedure, and it has minimal side effects. However, if the injection fluid spreads, there could be a small risk of botulinum toxicity. So contact your doctor if you experience trouble speaking or difficulty breathing.

 The procedure’s minor side effects usually resolve themselves. Such side effects may include:

• Pain around the mouth area.
• Drooling.
• Numbness around the injected area.
• Headache.
• Swelling.
• Redness or bruising.

Who Should Not Go for a Botox Treatment?

You should consult your doctor whether you are eligible for Botox treatment. But pregnant mothers, breastfeeding mothers, and individuals with neurological diseases are not the best candidates for Botox. 

For more on how Botox helps minimize smile lines, visit Levenson Smile at our office in Worcester, Massachusetts. You can call 508-731-3940 today to schedule an appointment.

A great smile enhances an individual’s appearance and makes them feel more confident. Some people are blessed with a beautiful natural smile, but others require orthodontic assistance. For those of us who aren’t naturally gifted, orthodontic treatment can do wonders for crooked teeth. 

 

The treatment can correct structural dental problems that cause pain and contribute to decay and gum disease. Unfortunately, conventional orthodontic treatment can take a long time — one year or much longer. The good news is that there is another option: Six Month Smiles®.

 

Traditional Orthodontic Treatment

Traditional orthodontic treatment usually requires 12 to 18 months to complete. This comprehensive treatment shifts the front and back teeth to create a perfect smile. 

 

This treatment is especially useful for patients who have bite problems. However, this treatment is not for everyone. If you are comfortable with your bite, you can simply concentrate on the appearance of your front teeth. 

 

Six Month Smiles® Treatment

Luckily, you can get your desired smile in six months. The Six Month Smiles® braces can do in a few months what traditional braces do in almost two years. With tooth-colored wires and colorless brackets, the braces blend into the teeth, making them almost invisible. 

 

This makes the treatment attractive for those who want straight teeth without making it too obvious in the process. It may be no surprise to find that the goal of Six Month Smiles® is to straighten the front teeth within six months. However, some people may require slightly longer to achieve the desired results. 

 

How Six Month Smiles® Works

Six Month Smiles® works quickly by focusing on the visible teeth when smiling — the front teeth. Most adults prefer orthodontic treatment that is less visible and discreet. The clear brackets and the memory wire help shift the front teeth. 

 

This cosmetic procedure is less involving than traditional comprehensive orthodontics. Throughout the course of treatment, the memory wire applies a constant force to the teeth, shifting them into correct alignment. This treatment takes an average of six months.

 

What Six Month Smiles® Fixes

There are several orthodontic conditions that can be fixed using Six Month Smiles® treatment. These include overlapped or overcrowded teeth, gaps or uneven spaces, protruding front teeth, overbites, and underbites. The treatment corrects misaligned front teeth, helping the smile to appear more attractive. Also, it can be used to tweak or correct issues from a previous orthodontic procedure. 

 

Who Is Not a Good Candidate for the Treatment?

Some patients do not make good candidates Six Month Smiles®. These are people who have severely crooked, crowded, or spaced teeth. For those who qualify, the treatment is quick and cost-effective. 

 

Unfortunately, patients with complicated dental situations or those who need to shift the back teeth do not make good candidates. Also, the treatment is not suitable for individuals with severe overbites and serious alignment issues. These are conditions that affect jaw function or the bite.

 

Six Month Smiles® is a treatment procedure offered by general dentists. It does not require extensive training like for an orthodontist. A general dentist can get the required certification in a few days. The treatment is completed in fewer dental appointments, making it very convenient. 
 

If you want to improve your smile with Six Month Smiles®, visit Levenson Smile at our office in Worcester, Massachusetts. You can call (508) 731-3940 today to schedule an appointment.

Do you keep your partner, or even yourself, up at night due to your loud snoring? Obstructive sleep apnea is more than a nuisance. About 10 percent of women and 25 percent of men have this condition, characterized by loud snores, gasps, and grunts. 

People with untreated sleep apnea tend to experience breathing pauses numerous times during sleep. This can happen hundreds of times throughout the night when the tissue at the back of the throat briefly blocks the airway. 

Sleep apnea can increase the risk for various health problems, such as heart disease, depression, and high blood pressure. It can also leave you feeling groggy and tired in the morning. Fortunately, there are several treatment options you can discuss with your doctor.

Types of Sleep Apnea 

There are three categories of sleep apnea, which are central, obstructive, and mixed. The more common of the three is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA occurs when there is a partial or complete blockage of the upper airway during sleep. 

When this happens, pressure increases to unblock the airway, which forces the chest and diaphragm muscles to work harder. Usually, breathing resumes with a body jerk or loud gasp. Such episodes can reduce the flow of oxygen to important organs of the body and interfere with comfortable sleep. They can also cause problems with heart rhythm.

Treatments for Sleep Apnea

The best-researched and most effective treatment for this condition is positive airway pressure. It involves using a small machine that blows air through a mask to prevent the airway from blocking or collapsing. 

However, most people with moderate or mild sleep apnea find this bedside machine quite uncomfortable and challenging to use. This is why many look for effective alternatives. If you have sleep apnea, oral devices may be a good option for you. Before you choose to use an oral device, however, you need to do your homework.

The Best Mouth Devices

• Tongue Retaining Device

This oral device is a splint designed to hold your tongue in place to prevent it from blocking your airway. If you have mild to moderate sleep apnea, this device may help reduce the loudness and frequency of snoring, in addition to improving your sleep. 
 

• Mandibular Advancement Device

This is one of the most popular and effective oral devices for sleep apnea. It looks like the mouth guards used in sports and snaps over the lower and upper dental arches. Most MADs have metal hinges designed to ease forward the lower jaw.
 

• Snoring Chin Straps

Made from neoprene-type material or a flexible fabric, this device wraps over the head and supports the chin. It helps keep your mouth closed during sleep, preventing air from flowing to and from your throat. This reduces the rapid flapping that is the main cause of loud snoring. 

Oral devices for sleep apnea reposition the tongue and jaw to open the upper airway. However, it can be difficult to predict whether you can benefit from using such devices. Experts generally recommend them for people with mild to moderate sleep apnea. They are also ideal for those with severe sleep apnea but cannot tolerate positive airway pressure.

To learn more about devices for sleep apnea, visit Levenson Smile at our office in Worcester, Massachusetts. You can call 508-731-3940 today to schedule an appointment.

Did you know that about 22 percent of dental patients skip their appointments? This is because they are afraid of the dentist. Thanks to developments in modern dentistry, there are now many solutions for easing dental anxiety. Sedation dentistry is a great help for those who get restless, can't sit still, or find peace of mind in the dental chair. It’s also good news for those who have a sensitive gag reflex. 

Different Kinds of Sedation

Sedation is the process of administering drugs to suppress your central nervous system. It aims to produce a calming effect, making you less aware of your surroundings. Sedation dentistry reduces your dental phobia or anxiety before and during a dental procedure. Here are the different types of sedation dentistry and what you can expect from each:

 

• Inhaled Minimal Sedation. This is commonly recommended for those who want to become more comfortable during routine treatments like cavity fillings. It's an excellent option for patients with gag reflex issues. With inhaled minimal sedation, you use a nose mask to deeply breathe in a mixture of laughing gas or nitrous oxide and oxygen. You will feel the relaxing effects within just a few minutes. You will remain awake during your dental procedure but may experience a slight tingling sensation in your extremities. The gas will wear off quickly as soon as you stop breathing it. 
  
   

• Oral Conscious Sedation. This often involves taking a prescription medication like benzodiazepine the night before your dental procedure. You will take another dose approximately an hour before your treatment and bring an extra to your dentist's office. Your doctor will let you know if the in-office pill dosage will be necessary before your treatment. Just like inhaled minimal sedation, oral conscious sedation will keep you awake while allowing for deep relaxation. But it's worth noting that most patients remember very little to nothing right after their dental procedure. Moderate oral sedation may cause you to fall asleep during your dental treatment. But your dentist will surely be able to wake you up with just a gentle nudge. 
  
   

• Conscious Intravenous (IV) Sedation. This involves injecting the sedative into your vein. Versed and Fentanyl are two of the most common drugs your doctor will administer for conscious IV sedation. This takes effect almost instantly. Once it has kicked in, you will not be aware of your surroundings and will unlikely remember the treatment afterward. Since you don't completely lose consciousness, your dentist can still wake you up easily if they have to give you instructions. Throughout the procedure, your dentist may make adjustments to your dosage. This depends on how you respond to the drugs. You may be in an extremely relaxed state while under conscious IV sedation. But you won't require assistance to maintain your breathing and cardiovascular functions.
  
   

• General Anesthesia. Also known as deep IV sedation, general anesthesia involves drugs like Propofol to put you to sleep. This way, you will be completely unaware of what's happening. An anesthesiologist or any qualified medical professional must be present to administer the sedative and monitor your vital signs. Under deep sedation, your doctor will have difficulty waking you up until the drug has worn off. Most dentists recommend general anesthesia for more complex procedures like bone grafting or implant surgery. 

Do you want to learn more about sedation dentistry? Visit Levenson Smile today in Worcester, Massachusetts. Call (508) 731-3940 to schedule your consultation. 

Are you looking to replace one or more teeth? If you are, you have several options, including implants and dentures. Your choice will depend on several factors, such as the health of your remaining teeth and jawbone, preference, and price.

Implants and dentures have certain pros and cons. Therefore, before you make a choice, you need to consult your dentist. You might also want to consider other options, such as dental bridges. Implants and dentures, ultimately, serve similar purposes, which are:

• Improving your speech.
• Helping you chew food more efficiently.
• Giving you higher self-esteem and reducing your self-consciousness, and
• Supporting your facial muscles.

That said, there are significant differences and variances between the two solutions. Therefore, it can be quite difficult to determine the best option. Some of the most important factors to consider include:

The Procedure

• Dentures

Dentures are prosthetic, removable teeth fitted for your mouth. It does not matter how much jaw bone is present. Your dentist can make dentures to replace a few missing teeth or complete sets to replace all the teeth on your lower or upper jaws.

He or she will first take an impression of your lower and/or upper gums, depending on your specific requirements. Before your dentist makes your dentures, he or she will study your teeth alignment and bite. The aim is to ensure that the length of the dentures allows for optimal and comfortable speech and chewing.

• Implants

If you are looking to get implants, you need to have adequate jawbone for your dentist to place them. These are very popular, especially among people aged between 55 and 64 years.

Your dentist will extract damaged teeth, including the root, and drill a hole into your jawbone. He or she will implant a metal prosthetic root deep into your jawbone. The dentist will then fit a crown at the top of the post and attach an artificial tooth matching the surrounding teeth.

Cost

Cost is another important factor to consider. Generally, dental implants tend to be significantly more expensive than dentures, bridges, and other treatments. The cost will vary based on where your dentist practices, in addition to other factors.

Maintenance

The procedure for caring for dental implants is the same as that of caring for natural teeth. This means brushing teeth at least twice daily, flossing, and going for regular dental checkups. When it comes to dentures, however, greater daily maintenance is essential for them to remain viable for the long term.

For example, you should avoid wearing them overnight. Instead, soak them in a special cleaning solution or water at night. Also, you need to remove them after eating and brush them, in addition to brushing away any lingering bits of adhesive on your gums.

Complications

Although experts consider dental implants an effective and safe solution to missing teeth, they can still present certain complications. Some of these include mechanical problems and infections. Between five and 10 percent of the time, dental implants fail. When it comes to dentures, the most common problems are difficulty staying in place and sores forming on the gums.

To learn more about dental implants and dentures, visit Levenson Smile at our offices in Worcester, Massachusetts. You can also call (508)731-3940 to book an appointment.

If you are wondering how to fix the imperfect parts of your smile, then cosmetic dentistry can help you. There are many cosmetic options available including porcelain veneers. These are thin sheets of porcelain that a dentist places atop your natural teeth. They have a natural look that can change the outlook of your smile.
 

There are many cosmetic effects in choosing porcelain veneers. They can correct the gaps in your teeth and cover the stains on your teeth. Despite their amazing results, veneers are also a worthy investment. Before deciding on whether to have them, there are a few things that you should consider.


 

How Do They Work?

Porcelain veneers are slim shell-like things that are put on your teeth. Before application, your dentist trims a thin enamel layer from your teeth. They do the trimming so that your teeth do not feel heavy after the application of the porcelain veneers. Your dentist will take an impression of your dental shapes to customize the porcelain veneers that are ideal for you.


 

Process of Putting Porcelain Veneers

When you make the appointment to have porcelain veneers, you will go through several steps. Your dentist will carefully take you through them so do not worry. Your dentist must check your viability from your first appointment. During that appointment, they will evaluate your dental health. In this session, they will guide you towards possible cosmetic dental options available for you.
 

If you decide to take up porcelain veneers, you move to the next step. This involves thorough reviews and advice on how to prepare yourself for what is to come. Among these are you and your dentist’s expectations.


 

Advantages of Porcelain Veneers

One great advantage of porcelain veneers is that they improve your looks. Apart from improving your aesthetic outlook, they can change your view of life. They can change how you view yourself, especially how you think others perceive you. Among other benefits include:
 

• Resistance to staining and breakage
   

• It blends with your other teeth
   

• Is symmetrical and natural
   

• Veneers are non-porous
   

• Requires little future dental procedures
   

• A valid investment that can last up to 15 years

Who Is a Bad Candidate?

Although porcelain veneers are among the least invasive cosmetic procedures, some factors can exclude you from the procedure. Some of these include having a cross- or under-bite, teeth of labial version, or lots of damage to your teeth. Also, habitual grinding of teeth or jaw clenching, current or recurring gum disease and lack of dental hygiene causing a culmination of cavities will exclude you.


 

Cost of the Procedure

The cost of having this procedure depends on the condition according to your dentist. Several factors dictate the price of the procedure. These include your specific requirements and the number of teeth that require the procedure.
 

Depending on your location, porcelain veneers may cost between one thousand to two thousand five hundred dollars per tooth. The truth here is that the procedure is costly. Being that it is a cosmetic option, most common health insurance policies do not cover the procedure.

For more information on porcelain veneers, visit Levenson Smile at our office in Worcester, Massachusetts. You can also call (508) 731-3940 to book an appointment today.

Many people associate Botox treatments with visits to a cosmetic surgeon or a dermatologist. While this is true in many cases, dental offices are fast becoming a destination for Botox (Botulinum toxin). Today, more dentists are incorporating Botox injections as part of their patient services.

Manufacturers derive Botox from the botulinum toxin. Some people worry that this can make them ill. But Botox injections have an established safety record. In fact, medical professionals deliver millions of Botox injections each year. These injections are for therapeutic and cosmetic purposes.

Getting Botox treatments at the dentist’s office is not such a stretch. Many people already turn to their dentists for cosmetic procedures. Some of these cosmetic procedures include:
 

• Professional teeth whitening

• Crowns and caps

• Veneers

Botox is another useful tool that dental professionals can provide. By offering Botox, they help patients practice self-care and achieve their desired outcomes.

How It Works

Dental offices are using Botox injections for both therapeutic and aesthetic reasons. When combined with other cosmetic dental procedures, the effect is a more youthful appearance. The dental professional will inject Botox into the patient in-office. The procedure is quick, and most patients report little to no discomfort.

Dental professionals are experts when it comes to the mouth and facial structure. To administer Botox treatments, they also undergo additional certification. Because dental offices focus only on the mouth and face, they are extremely knowledgeable already. They will also consider the patient’s unique smile and desired outcomes.

Types of Procedures

It’s amazing how much cosmetic dental procedures can improve a person’s well-being. Many people gain so much self-confidence from a dental implant or professional teeth whitening. But many patients are also concerned about age lines and wrinkles around the mouth. There are other conditions that benefit from Botox from both a therapeutic and cosmetic standpoint, such as:

• Gummy smile — a condition where too much gum shows

• Bruxism — grinding the teeth or clenching the jaw, especially at night

• Uneven lips or an uneven (lopsided) smile

Other conditions like chronic jaw clenching also respond well to Botox treatments. The injections can reduce the overly large muscles in the jaw that result from this chronic condition, giving the face a more pleasing jawline.

More and more patients are turning to their dentists’ offices for both Botox and dermal filler procedures as part of their cosmetic dentistry journey. These injections last for several months and take very little time to administer.
 

Trusting the Experts

Botox has a place in the dental professional’s arsenal as both health management and a cosmetic tool. Dentists and their staff are well-qualified experts with excellent training in the oral and facial areas. They can combine this vast knowledge with their training in cosmetic dentistry to help you achieve your best smile.

At Levenson Smile in Worcester, Massachusetts, we will work with you to help you put your best face forward. To schedule your appointment, call us at (508) 731-3940 to get started today.

About 85 percent of adults in the U.S. have some sort of gum disease. This is a troubling statistic. Although so many people are dealing with it, you rarely hear much about the condition. Gum disease has many stages, and it is reversible at its earliest stage. This disease is the leading cause of tooth loss. Therefore, it is important to seek treatment as early as possible.

 

What Is Gum Disease?

It is a gum infection caused by poor oral hygiene. When you let plaque form and harden on your teeth, periodontal disease may develop. You may not experience symptoms, and the disease can go unnoticed for a long time, or until you go for an oral exam. Left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss and damage to the jaw. Some of the symptoms of gum disease include:

 

• Persistent bad breath
   

• Swollen, tender, and red gums
   

• A change in bite
   

• Mouth sores
   

• Puss between teeth and gums
   

• Bleeding while flossing and brushing
   

• Separating or loose teeth
   

• Receding gums
  
   

How Gum Disease Develops

The progression of this disease starts with tartar and plaque buildup, which releases toxins that infect the bone structure and gums. This results in chronic inflammation and tooth loss. The beginning of infection is usually painless, which is why younger patients rarely show signs of gum disease. Symptoms tend to become more prevalent when people are in their 30s to 40s.

 

Periodontal disease or gum disease starts as an inflammation of gums or gingivitis. Sadly, gum disease requires lifelong care, and it can even trigger other life-threatening conditions if left untreated. These include:

 

Heart Disease

One of your body’s worst enemies is chronic inflammation. When your body starts to attack both healthy and unhealthy cells, it becomes a big problem. This is why doctors link gum disease to heart disease. According to the American Heart Association, you are three times more likely to develop heart disease if you have poor dental hygiene.

 

Gum disease can have a negative effect on your blood pressure, especially if you are hypertensive. It can also disrupt the effects of various hypertension medications. Researchers discovered that this disease can increase a person’s risk for heart attack by 49 percent. Fortunately, treatment of gum disease can decrease your blood pressure.

 

Diabetes

In the presence of sugar, bacteria will thrive. If you have high glucose levels in your body, it will help bacteria to spread. These germs can attack your gums and teeth, leading to gingivitis. Gum disease, on the other hand, increases the levels of blood sugar in your body, which can increase your likelihood of developing Type-2 diabetes.

 

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Certain bacteria are common in both rheumatoid arthritis and gum disease patients. The periodontal disease triggers the inflammatory autoimmune response, which is your body’s defense system. It causes the immune system proteins to become more active, which can lead to joint inflammation. Other conditions that can result from untreated gum disease include Alzheimer’s disease and pneumonia.

 

To learn more about gum disease, contact Levenson Smile in Worcester, Massachusetts at (508) 731-3940 to schedule an appointment today.

Teeth whitening is one of the fastest ways to improve your smile. Over time, your teeth may get discolored no matter how many times you brush your teeth. Your teeth may discolor due to smoking, medications, or eating certain foods and drinks.

 

Professional teeth whitening is a one-day procedure that takes only a few hours. With a good and experienced dentist, you can have the best results within no time. If you are considering undergoing the whitening procedure, you probably have a few questions. Here are some of the frequently asked questions to help you understand what to expect from teeth whitening.

 

How Long Can You Wait to See the Results?

You should see the results immediately after the treatment. If you had brownish stains, they could be quite hard to remove compared to yellow stains. But, you should see a difference immediately after the procedure. You may have to go through several treatment sessions before you get your desired results.

 

How Long Do the Results Last?

Teeth whitening is not a permanent treatment. But, if you take good care of your teeth, the results might last for about two to three years. Some of the major causes of tooth discoloration include drinks such as coffee and tea, smoking, and certain medications. If you can avoid these, then you can prolong the results.

 

For your results to last longer, you need to visit your dentist for checkups and cleanings. Your dentist can recommend the best toothbrush and toothpaste to use for better results. You can also request your doctor to give you a home whitening kit to help you between the visits.

 

Should You Expect Any Side Effects?

After the teeth whitening process, you might experience some discomfort but only for a while. Your teeth may get heightened sensitivity that is mainly caused by hydrogen peroxide used to remove plaque. You might feel sharp pains in your gums, but that should only last a day or two. You can avoid hot or cold foods after the treatment to reduce the sensitivity.

 

If you had sensitivity issues before the procedure, you should inform your dentist to use a kit with a lesser dosage of hydrogen peroxide. Also, you can get a home whitening kit instead of going for professional teeth whitening.

 

Also, you should expect some irritation on your gums. That is if the whitening solution spills or gets into contact with your gum tissues. An experienced dentist should have minimal gum exposure to the solution.

 

Is Whitening Teeth Harmful to Your Enamel?

Your enamel provides support and protects your teeth from decay. Teeth whitening cannot damage your enamel. If anything, you are likely to harm your teeth more by brushing incorrectly than having your teeth whitened. So, teeth whitening should not worry you. It is a safe process.

 

Learn more about professional teeth whitening services, contact Levenson Smile in Worcester, MA at (508) 731-3940 to book an appointment.