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What Are My Options For Teeth Whitening?

Allison Gibbons • April 24, 2023

A nice white toothed smile is something most people long for, and can go a long way to improve your confidence in smiling! If you visit a dentist for a checkup in Upper St. Clair, or the greater Pittsburgh area and request a tooth whitening procedure, they will check to see if your teeth are otherwise healthy and recommend any other procedures first. After your teeth have been deemed fit for whitening, there are several methods you can use to restore your pearly whites!


Convenient At Home Methods Of Teeth Whitening Through A Dentist


Tray Teeth Whitening

One common method of teeth whitening is tray teeth whitening. This option can be done at home, and takes a while to see results. This method involves using custom made trays that perfectly fit your teeth, along side a whitening gel that you can only get from your dentist. This performs better than over the counter methods, and can be done at home in conjunction with a dentist visit! The gel, over the course of 14 days, has peroxide that breaks down to enable hydroxy radicals to whiten your teeth. This gel also may contain ingredients that make this process more comfortable, and in a best case scenario, you may see results in as little as 3 days!


Paint on Teeth Whiteners

Like other teeth whitening options, paint on teeth whiteners are more effective when you go through a dentist since they have access to products that require their expertise to prescribe. Paint on teeth whiteners are also a gel, but they are applied with a brush, and this gel hardens, coats the teeth, and then dissolves due over time, taking stains with them!


Teeth Whitening Strips

Another option for whitening your teeth at home includes whitening strips. These thin teeth whitening strips are made of polyethylene with hydrogen peroxide on the side that comes in contact with your teeth. There is one each for the fronts of your upper and lower teeth. Teeth whitening strips are pressed to your teeth, and are typically worn twice a day for 30 minutes. The duration of this method depends on the condition of your teeth and the individual product.


Teeth Whitening While In The Dentists Office

Above, we outlined some of the teeth whitening methods you can employ after a visit to the dentist while you are at home that are more effective than over the counter options. Another method that will enable you to see results immediately is an in office whitening. This involves a teeth whitening treatment that can only be done at the office during an appointment.


During your appointment, a qualified dental professional will apply an effective whitening gel to your teeth. From the moment you walk in the door fill out any paperwork, sit in the chair, and walk out the door with your newly whitened teeth, is about 90 minutes. If you talk to your dentist about this method they will make sure you are a qualified candidate, and make the necessary arrangements.


Teeth Whitening at Gregory Peterson Dental in Upper St. Clair

If you want to restore the color of your smile, visit Gregory Peterson in Upper St. Clair. Our qualified dentists will determine if your teeth are a candidate for teeth whitening, work with you to develop a teeth whitening plan that can give you the confidence to grin from ear to ear without feeling self conscious! Call today, or fill out the form on our website!

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By Allison Gibbons • February 23, 2023
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A Few Ways The Holidays Are Bad For Your Teeth

By Allison Gibbons • December 21, 2022
The holidays are a time for indulgence and celebration, but unseemly holiday food choices can take a toll on your teeth. This season of sweets and treats makes it difficult to maintain good oral hygiene habits. At Gregory S. Peterson DMD & Associates, your dentist in the Pittsburgh area would like to remind you that excess sugar and poor nutrition can have a long-term impact on oral health. Lots of Sweets During Holiday Celebrations Sugar-filled goodies like candy canes, peppermint bark, and taffy can cause cavities; sticky candy takes longer to wash away from teeth while bacteria feed off the sugar and release acid that weakens tooth enamel. Soda, fruit juices, and single-serve wines also have high sugar content. Swapping sugary snacks for nuts or cheese can help reduce cavities. Lots of Snacking Throughout the Day Snacking is a favorite holiday tradition, but like anything else done in excess, grazing on snacks throughout the day can lead to plaque and tooth decay. Snacks like chips, cookies, and crackers are high in carbohydrates, which produce an acid that weakens the teeth’s enamel. When snacking consistently throughout the day, your mouth doesn't get the chance to clean the bacteria off your teeth, which can lead to issues such as cavities. Increase in Alcohol Consumption Alcohol consumption is common during the holidays, but it can be damaging to teeth. Beer and wine contain sugars that turn into acids that weaken tooth enamel, while dark drinks like whiskey or Merlot can stain teeth. Combining hard liquor with sugary mixers does double the damage. Changes in Your Oral Care Routine When traveling, it can be easy to fall out of your normal oral care habits. You may be staying up late and forgetting to brush your teeth, or you may even forget your toothbrush, being left without proper oral care for a day. Be sure to remain in your regular routine, brushing and flossing regularly and rinsing your mouth out after meals to help combat common holiday threats to your teeth. At Gregory S. Peterson DMD & Associates, your top dentist office in Upper St. Clair , we encourage our patients to maintain good oral hygiene habits during the holidays and all year round. If you’re looking for a dentist in Pittsburgh, call us today to schedule an appointment!

When Should I Get Full Mouth Dental Implants

By Allison Gibbons • November 30, 2022
When Should I Get Full Mouth Dental Implants? Full mouth dental implants are a great option for someone who is looking to improve the function and appearance of their smile. If you are missing most or all of your teeth, full mouth dental implants area great cosmetic dentistry option that can provide you with a stable replacement that functions just like natural teeth. What are Full Mouth Dental Implants? Full mouth dental implants are a type of dental prosthetic that is used to replace one or more missing teeth. Unlike dentures or bridges, which are placed on top of the gums, full mouth dental implants are surgically implanted into the jawbone. This provides a more stable replacement that functions just like natural teeth. What are the Benefits of Full Mouth Dental Implants? There are many benefits associated with full mouth dental implants, including: -Improved function: Full mouth dental implants allow you to bite and chew just like natural teeth. -Improved appearance: Full mouth dental implants look just like natural teeth and can be color matched to your existing teeth. -Improved oral health: Full mouth dental implants do not require special care and can be brushed and flossed just like natural teeth. -Improved self-esteem: Full mouth dental implants can restore your smile and give you back your confidence. Am I Good Candidate for Full Mouth Dental Implants? Most healthy adults are good candidates for full mouth dental implants. However, there are some factors that may make you a less-than-ideal candidate, such as: You have diabetes or another chronic illness that affects healing You have had radiation therapy to the head or neck area You have inadequate bone density You use tobacco products If you are considering full mouth dental implants, it is important to consult with an experienced implant dentist to see if you are a good candidate. What is the Procedure for Full Mouth Dental Implants? The procedure for full mouth dental implants typically takes place over the course of several months. The first step is to have a consultation with your implant dentist to discuss your treatment options. If you are a good candidate for full mouth dental implants, the next step is to have the implants placed. This is typically done under local anesthesia and takes about an hour. After the implants are placed, you will need to wait for them to fuse to the bone, which can take several months. Once the implants are fused to the bone, you will then need to have the abutments placed. The abutments are small metal connectors that attach the implant to the artificial tooth. After the abutments are placed, you will need to wait for them to heal, which can take up to two weeks. Once they are healed, you will then be able to have your artificial teeth placed. Regain Your Smile Today! Gregory S. Peterson DMD & Associates can help you regain the confidence and function of a full smile with full mouth dental implants. Contact us today to get started!
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