Category: Bleaching/Whitening

Tooth Discoloration: Causes and Prevention

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

Tooth discoloration can be an embarrassing situation that often leaves people feeling self-conscious and trying to stifle their smiles. Discoloration can be categorized as extrinsic or affecting only the surface of the tooth, intrinsic or affecting the inside of the tooth or age-related – discoloration that occurs as enamel wears away over time. Tooth discoloration can appear yellow, brown, grey, white, black or purple, depending on the cause. Let’s take a look at some culprits of tooth discoloration, how to remedy it and how it can be prevented.

Causes of tooth discoloration

There are several causes of tooth discoloration. A few of them include:

Foods: Highly pigmented foods such as tomato-based sauces, chocolate, berries and beets can cause yellow or brown discoloration.

Beverages: Beverages that contain tannins, such as coffee, tea and red wine can cause a yellow, brown or purple tinge.

Tobacco products: Cigarettes, cigars and chewing tobacco can result in brown or dark yellow teeth.

Aging: Tooth enamel wears away over time, exposing the inner layer of the tooth (called dentin) and leaves behind a yellow appearance.

Antibiotics: Tetracycline stains the enamel of unerupted teeth, resulting in a banded grey or brown appearance.

Injury: Blood flow can be cut off to a tooth, causing it to turn grey.

Teeth whitening

There are a couple of options when it comes to teeth-whitening.

Over-the-counter whitening: Options include whitening strips and toothpaste/mouthwash. These whitening options are thought to be affordable, however, results are subtle as teeth only whiten an average of 2 shades. Over-the-counter whitening strips can also result in significant tooth sensitivity. These methods are best used in combination with another professional whitening method.

Professional whitening: At Eggert Family Dentistry, we offer four whitening optinos – KöR Whitening Deep Bleaching, Zoom Whitening, at-home trays with Opalescence bleach, and Opalescence Go!:

        • With the KöR Whitening Deep Bleaching method, oxygen from the gel is absorbed into the tooth, produces little or no sensitivity and can whiten teeth up to 16 shades!
        • Zoom Whitening is performed in a single two-hour appointment and can lighten teeth anywhere from 4-10 shades. Follow-up care includes sensitivity management and whitening trays.
        • Dr. Elizabeth and Dr. Jeff Eggert also offer professional, at-home bleaching trays that use carbamide peroxide bleach, a much more stable and higher concentration bleach than what is typically found in OTC hydrogen peroxide options.
        • Opalescence Go! is similar to some over-the-counter products, but at a higher concentration than most options and comes with a convenient tray and strip application process, helping to better address the nooks and crannies.

Prevention

While not all teeth stains can be avoided, bruising and flossing after eating foods notorious for staining teeth can keep the pigment from attaching itself to the tooth. As a general rule, daily brushing, flossing and mouthwash help combat stains. Also, according to BMC Public Health, “Twenty-eight percent of smokers reported having moderate and severe levels of tooth discoloration compared to 15% in non-smokers.” Clearly, limiting or eliminating the use of tobacco products is another powerful step in warding off tooth discoloration.

Eggert Family Dentistry wants to help you keep your teeth pearly white! If you need to schedule a recare visit or would like to discuss teeth whitening options with us, give us a call at 651.482.8412.

I Want to Whiten My Teeth Professionally: What Are My Options?

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

Have you been longing for whiter, brighter teeth? Make 2020 the year you pursue your dream! At Eggert Family Dentistry, we offer four effective teeth whitening methods – the Philips Zoom Whitening System, the KöR Whitening Deep Bleaching™ System, at-home custom trays using Opalescence Bleach, and Opalescence Go!. Read on to learn more about each method and decide which method is right for you.

Philips Zoom Whitening System

This is one excellent teeth whitening option we present to our patients.

  • One of the easiest and most effective teeth whitening options
  • Lightens teeth from 4-10 shades
  • Performed in a single two-hour appointment
  • At-home maintenance includes whitening trays and sensitivity management
  • Results are fast and visible, typically same day!

KöR Whitening Deep Bleaching™ System

This is another effective teeth whitening option we offer.

  • Restores teeth’s ability to absorb oxygen
  • Can lighten up to 16 shades
  • Bleaching trays are created in the KöR lab from impressions of your teeth for a perfect fit
  • We apply conditioner to your teeth to prep them for home bleaching
  • We “set” your shade in our office once your desired shade is reached
  • You can expect little-to-no sensitivity
  • With custom maintenance, results are permanent

At-Home Professionally Made Custom Bleaching Trays Using Opalescence Bleach

This is an especially popular option.

  • Can lighten 2-8 shades
  • Bleaching trays are created in our office from impressions of your teeth for a great fit
  • Appointments are fast to obtain the trays and with bleaching at home, most people see results in as little as 2 weeks
  • The bleach used is carbamide peroxide, a much more stable and higher concentration bleach than what is typically found in OTC hydrogen peroxide options
  • Maintenance is easy with bleach refill kits that we keep in stock for your convenience

Opalescence Go!

Our most economical professional option.

  • Can lighten 2-4 shades
  • Similar to some over-the-counter products, but at a higher concentration than most options
  • Comes with a convenient tray and strip application process
  • Kit is available to “Go!” with no other pre-operative steps needed

If you’re looking for a teeth whitening solution that is more effective than whitening toothpaste and over-the-counter whitening strips, Dr. Elizabeth or Dr. Jeff would love to talk with you. Give us a call at 651.482.8412!

A New Smile with Veneers – Melanie’s Story

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

How did this start?

Melanie is a long-time patient of the practice. In 2014, she talked with Dr. Elizabeth about improving the appearance of her smile. Two of her upper front teeth were shorter than she liked and she wanted to know her options for lengthening them. Dr. Elizabeth recommended doing either composite or porcelain veneers and discussed the two options with Melanie. At that time, Melanie decided to go with composite veneers, which are fabricated chairside and only require one appointment to complete. Before doing the composite veneers, Dr. Elizabeth created a wax mock-up of Melanie’s new teeth to show her what they would look like. After the composite veneers were done, Melanie was very happy with her smile and the look of her new teeth.

Melanie Before 2014

Fast forward 4 years…

Melanie is now engaged and wants to brighten her smile for her upcoming wedding. Unfortunately, composite veneers will stain over time and Melanie wanted to do more bleaching to brighten her whole smile. She wanted to know what her options were for professional whitening, as she knew that at-home bleaching wouldn’t work on her existing composite veneers. Dr. Elizabeth explained to Melanie that even professional treatments wouldn’t whiten her veneers, but there were other treatment options she could consider to achieve her desired results.

Melanie 2018 Before

What was involved?

Dr. Elizabeth developed a treatment plan for Melanie that consisted of three phases. The first was to get Melanie’s teeth into the proper position in preparation for the restorative work that would be done in the final phase. Melanie had started developing some spacing between her upper front teeth, so Dr. Elizabeth made her a retainer that was designed specifically to close this spacing. Melanie was very compliant in wearing her retainer as instructed and after four weeks, the space was closed and she was ready for the next phase of her treatment. To get Melanie’s natural teeth to her desired shade, Dr. Elizabeth recommended Zoom whitening, our in-office whitening treatment. This procedure is completed in a single session and provides fast, dramatic results. Melanie was very happy to see that the Zoom whitening system brightened her natural teeth by five full shades. Dr. Elizabeth then completed Melanie’s treatment by replacing her existing composite veneers with porcelain veneers that matched the shade of her newly whitened teeth.

Melanie 2018 After

What does she think?

Melanie said she was surprised by how quickly her treatment was able to be completed, as she had initially expected it would be a long process. She said she also felt well-informed and involved in her treatment plan.

“Dr. Eggert and her team were great about explaining the whole process and making sure I was involved throughout my treatment to make the outcome exactly what I wanted.” When asked what she would say to someone considering similar treatment, Melanie said, “I would definitely recommend talking to Dr. Elizabeth about your options! You smile every day and it’s such a great feeling to be proud of your smile.”

We are so happy that we could help give Melanie a smile she is proud to show off when she gets married next month! Congratulations, Melanie!

Take Years off Your Smile with These Successful Treatments

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

From consuming sugary foods and beverages to chewing on crunchy or tough foods, from lifestyle choices such as smoking to poor oral hygiene, year after year our teeth endure a tremendous amount of abuse. It’s not surprising then that they manifest signs of wear and tear. Here are some common issues aging teeth often encounter…and some effective solutions that Eggert Family Dentistry offers to help you regain that youthful smile.

Discoloration

People often feel self-conscious about their not-so-pearly whites and resort to closed-mouth smiles. Over time and on account of richly hued and acidic foods and beverages or smoking, white teeth often lose their luster. In most cases, teeth whitening is an effective solution, and while the results aren’t permanent, they’re easy to maintain. If your teeth are severely discolored, Dr. Elizabeth or Dr. Jeff may determine that porcelain veneers are the best option for you. In this case, a thin layer of porcelain is bonded to the front of the tooth for a bright, natural transformation.

Tooth wear

General tooth wear occurs over time. This can make teeth appear shorter and uneven. Two effective methods of reshaping and reforming teeth are porcelain veneers and crowns. In some situations, enamel shaping with a dental handpiece can help smooth out jagged edges.

Tooth decay

A lifetime of consuming sugary foods, frequent snacking and inconsistent brushing and flossing all lend themselves to tooth decay, a precursor to cavities. Good brushing and flossing habits as well as prescription strength fluoride products can ward off this decay. If cavities form, Dr. Elizabeth or Dr. Jeff will recommend fillings or crowns to prevent this decay from reaching the nerve and to restore the integrity of the tooth.

Missing teeth

Over time, bad habits such as smoking and excessive consumption of acidic or sugary foods can lead to rotten – and eventually missing – teeth. If you have missing teeth, there are a few common dental procedures that can be used to address the issue:

Bridges

Affixed to the adjacent teeth, bridges ‘bridge’ the gap created by the missing tooth with artificial, yet natural-looking, teeth.

Implants

Most similar in appearance to natural teeth, dental implants are anchored to the jawbone and provide a solid base for supporting artificial teeth, or crowns.

Dentures

In situations where you’ve lost most or all of your teeth, dentures may be your best treatment option.

Eggert Family Dentistry is experienced in caring for aging teeth. Trust us with yours! If you would like to arrange a consult, give us a call at 651.482.8412.

Professional Teeth Whitening: What to Expect

By Elizabeth Eggert

At Eggert Family Dentistry, we know that a beautiful smile contributes greatly to a person’s self-confidence and directly impacts all relationships – both personal and professional – in a positive way. We also recognize a host of daily elements that threaten to dull its lustre. From coffee, tea and red wine to tomato-based products, berries, beets and smoking, sometimes keeping our pearlys white feels like an uphill battle. That’s why, here at Eggert Family Dentistry, we offer multiple effective, professional teeth whitening solutions, including the following two most popular and often asked about:  Zoom and KöR.

Philips Zoom Ultimate Protocol

Our most popular teeth whitening procedure is the Philips Zoom Ultimate Protocol. Performed in a single, two-hour appointment, Zoom can whiten teeth anywhere from 4-10 shades! Dr. Elizabeth or Dr. Jeff start by noting the “before” shade of your teeth. Then our assistant Heather takes over where she removes plaque and polishes your teeth with a fine powder. Heather takes various precautions to keep your mouth dry and your gums protected during the whitening process. Then a professional whitening gel is applied to your teeth and that gel is activated with an LED light, allowing the gel to penetrate better into the teeth. Heather wraps up your appointment by educating you on follow-up care and sensitivity management. One great bonus of the Zoom system is that it also includes at-home whitening trays so you can continue to maintain your brighter smile over time!

KӧR Whitening Deep Bleaching™ System

Another professional whitening system we use to help our clients achieve the bright white smile they long for is the KӧR Whitening Deep Bleaching™ System. This system is similar to the Philips Zoom system and because of the well-researched science behind it, can be our most effective method to bleach teeth that might previously have been though to be “unbleachable.” KöR bleaching restores your teeth’s ability to absorb oxygen and can brighten teeth up to 16 shades!

The KӧR Whitening Deep Bleaching™ System causes little to no sensitivity and is incredibly comfortable to use. The KöR system is somewhat more labor intensive, but the results are well worth it!

When you first come into our office, Dr. Elizabeth or Dr. Jeff will start by taking impressions of your teeth. We then send these impressions into KӧR where they create your custom bleaching trays. Once your trays are ready, we have you come back into our office at which time we apply a special conditioner to your teeth and send you home with your home bleaching kit. This kit includes your custom trays, bleaching gel and desensitizer. You will wear your custom trays every night until you achieve your desired shade. At this point, an in-office procedure is completed to help “set” the shade for long-term results. With proper maintenance, you can maintain your bright and beautiful smile indefinitely. Especially for grey-stained teeth, or tetracycline stained teeth, KöR bleaching really is the only way to go.

If you’re ready for a smile you can wear with confidence, we would love to discuss our professional teeth whitening options with you! Give us a call at 651.482.8412.

Which Cosmetic Dentistry Procedure is Right for My Teen?

By Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

During the adolescent years, kids typically struggle with their self-image. This can be compounded for teens who are forced to deal with chipped, misaligned, discolored or gapped teeth. Fortunately, at Eggert Family Dentistry, we offer some great cosmetic dentistry options that can help restore your teen’s teeth and go a long way towards increasing their self-confidence.

Teeth Whitening

When it comes to teeth whitening and bleaching, Eggert Family Dentistry offers some excellent options. We supply professional-grade strips and whitening trays that are more effective and gentler on your teeth and gums than their over-the-counter counterparts. We also offer the Zoom Whitening procedure. Performed in a single, two-hour appointment, we apply a professional whitening gel to your teen’s teeth and activate that gel with an LED light which allows the gel to penetrate into the teeth. We then educate both you and your child on follow-up care and sensitivity management.

Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are ultra-thin porcelain shells that cover the front of teeth. Veneers dramatically transform chipped, misaligned, discolored or worn down teeth into that award-winning smile. They can also be used to close unsightly gaps for a smile your teen will be proud to share. Dr. Elizabeth and Dr. Jeff custom create dental veneers that compliment your child’s skin tone, facial features and personality and feel just like their natural teeth. This process takes two to three visits and the results are long-lasting.

Dental Bonding

Dental bonding, also known as composite veneers, is also effective in restoring chipped, misaligned, discolored or worn teeth just like dental veneers. Some differences do apply for these different restorations, however. For example, dental bonding can be completed in a single appointment. Dr. Elizabeth and Dr. Jeff apply a putty-like composite resin to your teen’s tooth, sculpt and shape it before curing and hardening the material with an intense blue light. Once polished, composite veneers have a smooth and shiny finish, blending in well with the natural teeth.  Dental bonding is popular since it is a more cost-effective option than dental veneers. However, the results typically only last or look their best for 5-10 years. But, that makes it a perfect option for getting your teen through their growing years when the body and jaw are still changing.

At Eggert Family Dentistry, we are changing lives one smile at a time, which is why our motto is “Dentistry for a Lifetime of Smiles.” If you have a special teenager in your life who could benefit from one of these cosmetic dentistry procedures, give us a call at 651.482.8412. We would be happy to discuss how we can partner with you to help your adolescent achieve a smile they can be proud of!

A New Smile with Veneers – Lauri’s Story

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

How did this start?
Lauri was interested in whitening her teeth and was concerned about some progressing decay around her current veneers. To find out her options, she completed the records process with Dr. Elizabeth. This process allows our doctors to use models, x-rays, and photos of the patient’s teeth, gums, and bite to better understand the cause of any problems and determine the best course of treatment. Lauri was invested in improving both the health and beauty of her smile!

What did she want?
Lauri was very interested in our KOR bleaching option, but also wanted to ensure the decay that was found was also addressed. She was interested in using this opportunity to have new veneers made to take her smile to the next level. Dr. Elizabeth took all of her requests and desires into consideration during the records process and incorporated that into her recommendation.

What was involved?
During the treatment presentation, Dr. Elizabeth gave Lauri some recommendations to consider such as orthodontics, replacement veneers, splint therapy, and discussed whitening as well. Lauri decided to move forward with a consultation with an orthodontist to get more information. After a lot of consideration, she decided orthodontics wasn’t right for her at this time. Therefore, splint therapy was started to confirm a consistent jaw position before completing new restorations. During this time she was also fitted for KOR bleaching trays to use at home and received her KOR in-office whitening treatment. By doing the KOR bleaching, Lauri was able to minimize the number of veneers she had fabricated as her color was improved for her lower teeth with the bleaching alone.

What does she think?
Lauri had veneers done in the past so the procedure wasn’t new to her. She is excited to say that she does like her teeth much better now that she had them re-done. She really wanted her new teeth to match the shape and contours of her previous veneers and was focused on improving the color, but still wanted her teeth to look completely natural. She thinks the outcome was a “slam dunk!” We asked Lauri if she would recommend this procedure to someone who unhappy with their smile and she replied, “If they didn’t like their teeth, they should do it – unquestionably!” We just love looking at that beautiful smile!

If you think veneers might be the smile solution you’re looking for, contact Eggert Family Dentistry today!

The Philips Zoom Whitening System

By Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

Thinking about whitening your teeth? You’re not alone. According to Statistica, in 2017 over 39 million Americans used some type of teeth whitener to achieve a brighter smile. But not all teeth whitening methods are created equal. Let’s take a look at a couple of the most common over-the-counter teeth whitening methods and introduce you to one of our personal favorites – the Philips Zoom Whitening System.

Tooth Whitening Toothpaste: Whitening toothpaste contains a higher concentration of hydrogen peroxide than typical toothpaste. It is the cheapest method for brightening your teeth but results can take months to appear and aren’t typically dramatic since whitening toothpaste only has the ability to remove on the surface staining.

Tooth Whitening Strips: Various companies offer over-the counter-teeth whitening strips. While these strips that you place on your teeth come in various strengths for varying results, once again, these products only remove some surface stains and cost substantially more than a tube of whitening toothpaste. Some internal tooth whitening can take place with the OTC strips, but the chemistry isn’t as stable as most of the professional whitening systems and unfortunately, there is no way to know how long the products have been sitting on the shelf, which decreases their effectiveness. Additionally, over-the-counter whitening strips are notorious for causing tooth sensitivity as well as irritating gum tissue.

The Philips Zoom Whitening System!

At Eggert Family Dentistry, we offer a variety of teeth whitening and bleaching options including professional strips and whitening trays that are gentler on your teeth and gums and are more effective at introducing the whiting product into the internal area of the tooth.. However, one of our easiest and most effective teeth whitening products – Zoom Whitening – is fast and the results are brilliant. It is performed in a single, two hour appointment and lightens teeth anywhere from 4-10 shades! With a Zoom treatment, we apply a professional tooth whitening gel to your teeth followed by an LED light to activate the gel and help the gel penetrate into the tooth. This is performed in four 15-minute increments and includes a post-treatment consult where we discuss at home follow-up care. Follow-up care may include whitening trays and sensitivity management.

We are excited to offer to the first 20 patients to contact us through our new and improved website, the chance to experience the Zoom Whitening system for HALF OFF at only $300 (normally a $600 value). Hurry! This offer expires June 30, 2018. Just in time for grads and dads!!

If you’re interested in whitening your smile and would like to discuss Zoom Whitening or any of our other whitening solutions, you can give us a call at (651) 482-8412 or contact us online. We would love to schedule a consult and help you decide which whitening option is right for you!

Don’t Be Fooled By These 5 Teeth Whitening Myths

By Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

There is plenty of information out there about teeth whitening and plenty of companies that offer the ‘perfect’ product to do the job. As the consumer, the challenge lies in weeding through all the information to get to facts and letting all the myths and unsupported claims fall by the wayside. At Eggert Family Dentistry, we believe that you deserve accurate information so you can make the best decision for your smile so we want to debunk 5 common myths regarding teeth whitening.

Myth #1: Teeth whitening will damage your enamel.
Busted! As opposed to wearing away outer enamel and revealing a fresh layer of enamel below, professional whitening opens up the pores of your teeth and diffuses oxygen into the tooth so the light scatters differently and everything appears whiter.. No damage is caused to enamel in this process.

Myth #2: Teeth whitening causes extreme sensitivity.
Busted! Although minor sensitivity isn’t uncommon, there are some proactive measures you can take to lessen the likelihood of this occurrence. For a couple weeks prior to having your teeth whitened, brushing with toothpaste for sensitive teeth helps guard your teeth against possible sensitivity from professional whitening. There are also daily mouthwashes that can reduce sensitivity. Extreme sensitivity should never occur from a professional whitening procedure.

Myth #3: DIY whitening products are comparable to the dentist’s whitening products.
Busted! Rubbing acidic fruits on your teeth or using baking soda on your toothbrush will lead to enamel erosion, hydrogen peroxide can be harsh on enamel and gums and there is no clear scientific evidence to support the use of activated charcoal to brighten your smile.

Myth #4: Whitening will make your teeth look unnatural.
Busted! There is a finite level of whiteness your teeth can achieve and that depends on the original shade of your teeth. Whitening your teeth is the most natural way to a brighter smile since the enamel stays intact and the light will still scatter from your teeth in a natural manner.

Myth #5: Once teeth are whitened the results are permanent.
Busted! Professional teeth whitening results can easily be maintained, but the maintenance you do will determine the longevity of your results. We recommend doing some maintenance monthly, which may simply mean one overnight treatment each month. Everyone’s whitening diffuses at different rates so your maintenance schedule may be more rigorous, but we will help you determine what will be best for you!.

At Eggert Family Dentistry, we offer several effective and safe teeth whitening treatments right in our office. If you would like more information about teeth whitening or any of the other services we provide, we would love to connect! You can give us a call at 651.482.8412 or contact us to schedule your consultation!

Dentistry for a Lifetime of Smiles

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

According to a study by international healthcare group Bupa, 42% of the 2000 people surveyed said that their smile is the first thing they would change about themselves and a little over a third of the surveyed group said they’re embarrassed by their smile. What’s more? Orthodontics Limited reports that teeth are second only to weight when it comes to things people feel insecure about. Fortunately, at Eggert Family Dentistry, there are a plethora of ways you can choose to improve your smile. Let’s take a closer look at 5 popular smile-enhancing options that we offer at our clinic!

Tooth Whitening: Over time, due to poor brushing habits and consumption of acidic and richly-hued foods and beverages, teeth become yellowed and dull. Tooth whitening is a safe and cost-effective procedure that brings back brilliance to your pearly whites. While historically triggering nerve sensitivity, today’s whitening agents contain fluoride and other desensitizing agents which reduce the risk of sensitivity. If properly maintained, the positive effects of tooth whitening can last for a number of years. It’s important to keep in mind that anything that can stain a white shirt can stain your smile. Ensuring thorough brushing after consumption of stain-inducing foods and beverages will extend the life of your tooth whitening procedure.

Bonding: This is an effective way to fill in gaps in your teeth – particularly the unsightly gaps in the front of your mouth – as well as whitening yellowing or darkening teeth. The results from bonding are immediate and stunning. As with teeth whitening, however, it is important to practice good oral habits in order to avoid new staining and discoloration from foods and beverages.

Porcelain Veneers: While the term may conjure up images of fragile dolls and china, porcelain veneers are actually incredibly strong and durable. These veneers are thin pieces of porcelain that are applied directly to your natural teeth for the purpose of changing their size, shape or color or to repair fractured teeth or improve the appearance of a crooked smile. This entire procedure can be accomplished in as little as two visits with Dr. Elizabeth or Dr. Jeff. Many people choose porcelain veneers simply to feel and look younger with a straighter, whiter smile!

Crowns: Crowns thoroughly cover a tooth in order to give the tooth the protection it needs to function correctly or for the purpose of changing its size, shape or color. We are fortunate to be able to complete crowns in only one visit in our office with our CEREC crown procedure.

Invisalign®: As we’ve highlighted in recent posts, Invisalign® is a fantastic alternative to braces for many teens and adults. With the use of transparent, low-profile aligner trays, teeth can be straightened and improper bites corrected. This procedure is typically more comfortable, less visible and takes less time than teeth straightening and bite correction with traditional metal braces.

If you long for a confident smile and are considering any of these great smile-enhancing options, please contact our office. We would love to consult with you and provide you with a treatment plan that is right for you!