• Extrinsic discoloration: Surface staining caused by environmental factors such as food, drink and smoking. Common teeth-staining beverages include coffee, tea and wine.
• Intrinsic discoloration: Internal tooth discoloration caused by dental trauma and certain medications.

The first step to a brighter smile is talking to your dentist. We can determine the cause of your teeth discoloration and see if teeth whitening options can help. Teeth whitening products work best on teeth that have extrinsic staining since this discoloration only involves the outermost enamel layer of the tooth. Brown or gray staining can also indicate more serious dental issues such as cavities or gum disease, so it is important for your dentist to address these issues first to ensure we are whitening a healthy smile. Additionally, whitening treatment can only brighten natural teeth, so it is important to have a dentist evaluate any dental work (fillings, crowns, veneers) you may have to see if whitening is the best option for you to have a bright, evenly colored smile.

Teeth whitening treatments contain hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. The molecules of this active bleaching agent penetrate tooth enamel, reacting and oxidizing away stains and discoloration. This reaction can cause mild tooth demineralization, which is easily reversed by regular use of fluoridated toothpaste and does not harm the tooth. This reaction can also cause tooth sensitivity due to very mild irritation of the pulp or nerve inside the tooth. Teeth whitening treatment is completely safe, especially when performed under the supervision of a dental professional.

At Katy Trail Dental, we offer several professional, safe and effective teeth whitening options:

Philips Zoom! In-Office Whitening

• Four 15-minute sessions
• Utilizes safe, effective whitening gel enhanced by blue LED technology
• Immediate, noticeable results – up to 8 shades brighter

Opalescence Boost In-Office Whitening

• Two 20-minute sessions
• Utilizes safe, effective whitening gel
• Immediate, noticeable results

Opalescence Go Take-Home Whitening Trays

• Tray applicator helps conform to every smile – no impressions required!
• Ready for use – wear 30-60 minutes at a time for five to ten days to see brighter results
• Whitening gel contains potassium nitrate (for sensitivity) and fluoride (for tooth remineralization and sensitivity)

What to expect at your teeth whitening visit:

1. An initial shade will be taken of your teeth.
2. A protective gel barrier will be placed on your gums to protect them from irritation by the teeth whitening solution – this application is quick, easy and painless!
3. A whitening solution will be carefully applied to your teeth using a gentle, brushed tip. With Zoom! Whitening, a blue LED light will be focused on your teeth to gently enhance the bleaching process.
4. A final shade will be taken to record your whitening progress.

Helpful tips for teeth whitening:

• Big event coming up? We recommend scheduling your whitening treatment two to three weeks prior to your event to allow for the best, brightest results.
• Whitening solutions can cause teeth sensitivity. To minimize sensitivity after whitening, your dentist may recommend taking a pain reliever right before your whitening visit. We will assess your medical and dental history to determine a pre-whitening plan that fits your needs.
• Toothpaste for sensitive teeth can be very helpful before and after a whitening treatment. Look for toothpastes that contain potassium nitrate or stannous fluoride, which can have a desensitizing effect.
• Avoid staining foods and beverages after whitening treatment. Drink water regularly throughout the day and continue consistent oral hygiene practices to keep your teeth surfaces clean.
• Be open with your dentist about any questions or apprehensions you may have about whitening your teeth – we are here to help you have a comfortable, gentle whitening treatment experience!

Interested? Call our office at (214) 380-9071 to schedule your whitening visit or mention it to your dentist at your next checkup.

Dentist-Recommended Resources:

• https://www.ada.org/resources/ada-library/oral-health-topics/whitening
• https://health.clevelandclinic.org/is-teeth-whitening-safe

The post What is Teeth Whitening? Is it Safe, and Does it Work? first appeared on Katy Trail Dental.

Dental Malocclusion

Dental malocclusion, or teeth not fitting together in proper alignment, is one of the most common dental problems. Some of the most common signs of malocclusion that we see in our office are teeth crowding and overlapping, excessive spacing between teeth and occlusion or “bite” that is traumatic to the teeth, causing tooth wear and chipping. Misaligned teeth can cause a variety of issues, including difficulty chewing or speaking, uneven bite resulting in jaw joint pain, tooth wear, decay and gum disease.

At Katy Trail Dental, our dentists are certified Invisalign® clear aligner providers, trained to identify forms of dental malocclusion and align teeth into a healthier, more aesthetic position using Invisalign clear aligners. We love helping our patients see how their smiles can be transformed through Invisalign treatment!

The Invisalign System

What is the Invisalign system? Invisalign therapy uses clear aligner technology to effectively move teeth into their proper alignment. This is a great alternative to wire and bracket braces as they can be removed for easier cleaning of the teeth and are more discreet as they are clear. As part of your Invisalign treatment package, you will receive a series of aligners, opportunities for refinements after the initial treatment course, Vivera retainers to ensure retention of your results after Invisalign treatment, as well as a whitening kit for at-home whitening when you complete treatment.

Can I get Invisalign treatment as an adult? Yes! In fact, we highly recommend it in many cases; when our teeth are crowded, they are more difficult to clean, which can contribute to gum inflammation and disease. We aim to optimize your bite while aligning your teeth, making it more even and preventing traumatic forces on your teeth. Invisalign  therapy can also play a great role in smile transformations, ensuring the proper positioning of teeth prior to veneers, crowns or dental implants. The impact of a well-aligned, healthy smile goes beyond the physical, as we also see our patients’ confidence improve as a result of feeling more comfortable in their smiles.

What to expect when choosing Invisalign treatment:

1. One of our experienced clinicians will take a scan of your teeth using our 3D intraoral scanner. This takes less than 10 minutes, is easy, painless and a great patient learning tool as it allows you and your dentist to view your teeth in a 3D model.
2. Your dentist will review your scan, perform a comprehensive orthodontic evaluation clinically, ask you about your primary concerns with your smile, and discuss how Invisalign treatment can help address those concerns and achieve a healthier smile.
3. Your scans will be sent to Invisalign providers. From there, your dentist will carefully plan your treatment using Invisalign software with your primary goals at the forefront.
4. At your Invisalign start visit, your dentist will review the treatment plan with you, including a number of aligner trays, anticipated treatment duration and instructions on how to best wear your aligners for a successful outcome. We will send you home with your first few trays, then see you back in six to eight weeks to evaluate your progress.

What are Invisalign attachments? Attachments, sometimes called buttons, are small, tooth-colored bumps placed on your teeth when you start Invisalign therapy. These attachments are custom-fit and positioned to serve as handles for the aligner trays to grip and guide tooth movement. You may need a few attachments, or many, based on your specific treatment needs. They serve a role in assisting the aligners to apply extra, gentle force to teeth that we wish to move to align your teeth. Attachments are made of composite resin (filling material) and are bonded to the outer surfaces of your teeth–no numbing required! We use a custom template to accurately apply the attachments to your teeth, then cure and harden the attachments into place.

Is Invisalign Treatment Right for You?

We would love to see if Invisalign clear aligner therapy is right for you. We invite you to call us at (214) 380-9071 or mention Invisalign at your next visit to learn more!

Dentist-Recommended Resources:

https://www.invisalign.com/why-invisalign

The post Can I Straighten My Teeth As An Adult? All You Need To Know About Invisalign® Treatment first appeared on Katy Trail Dental.