Bleaching/Whitening Archives - Eggert Family Dentistry Blog

“I’d Like to Get Some Veneers” – The Dental Journey for Kris

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

How did this start?

Kris came to Eggert Family Dentistry as a new patient in the summer of 2021, looking for a clinic closer to home after she had moved to the area. Kris had been through Invisalign treatment in recent years, but her teeth had relapsed and she wasn’t happy with how things had changed. She also noted that she had a small mouth and a gag reflex that made it difficult for her to tolerate x-rays. Dr. Elizabeth was curious, wondering if Kris might have a compromised airway? At her new patient appointment, Kris asked Dr. Elizabeth, “I’d like to get some veneers, but what would be involved?” Kris told Dr. Elizabeth that previously a different dentist told her she would not be a candidate for veneers due to her bite. Elizabeth believed that Kris would be a candidate for veneers, but suspected that some tooth movement first would be best. So, Dr. Elizabeth welcomed Kris to undergo the records process with her in order to figure out how to get Kris the smile she deserves!

What did Kris want?

Kris’ main objective was to have whiter and bigger teeth. She wanted to be able to eat without any limitations and have her teeth show in her smile. She was sure it would give her so much more confidence. She had friends who had had veneers done on their teeth and she loved the result. What she didn’t know until undergoing the records process was why her teeth had relapsed after her last Invisalign treatment and why she had such a severe gag reflex. Dr. Elizabeth noticed that her tooth positions were putting strain on her tongue and it looked like her tongue craved more space. Dr. Elizabeth believed by addressing this, she could help Kris have a much more stable end result, a better airway, and set her up for beautiful veneers. Therefore, Kris started her treatment with Invisalign.

What was involved?

Kris underwent Invisalign treatment with goals to improve her crowding, expand her arch, create space for porcelain veneers, level her gum tissue, and provide comforting support for her joints and muscles. After less than a year of Invisalign, Kris was then ready to plan for her restorations. Before starting the restorations, Kris underwent Zoom Whitening in-office bleaching at Eggert Family Dentistry for both her upper and lower arches to help achieve the brightness she wanted. A mock-up was done as well, to verify the shape of her future veneers. Once Kris was happy with the color of the teeth that would stay natural and after she approved her mock-up, Kris was ready to prepare the teeth for veneers. She spent part of the day with Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and went through the procedures needed to get her teeth ready for her veneers. After about 3 weeks with temporary veneers, Kris came back to seat her veneers. Kris chose to veneer 8 teeth on her upper arch.

What does Kris think of her results?

Before undergoing procedures to get her veneers, Kris told us “I was really nervous because I didn’t know what to expect. It seemed overwhelming in the beginning.” Yet, she was very confident in Dr. Elizabeth and was excited to start the journey. Kris told us that she didn’t mind the whole process and after undergoing everything, she understands the need for it to take some time.

Kris is very happy with her results. She told us “Thank you! I love it so much! I am super happy with everything!” She also shared, “I think it’s so funny that people at work and my friends can tell something is different but cannot pinpoint what it is!” She would definitely recommend the treatment to others and says, “It is a team effort and you have to do everything that is expected of you for the best results.” Kris feels that having a better smile is fantastic. She would tell anyone thinking of having the treatment done “Do it in a heartbeat! Of course, it is an investment but it’s not as bad as you think and definitely worth it!”

Congratulations Kris – you look fabulous and we appreciate your trust in us to help us live out our motto of providing “Dentistry for a Lifetime of Smiles!”

My Journey with Adult Orthodontics and Porcelain Veneers – Cathy’s Story

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

How did this start?

For over 20 years Cathy has been a loyal patient with Eggert Family Dentistry and Dr. Elizabeth Eggert. Back in 2020 Cathy was having pain and she believed it to be due to her bony ridges growing on her lower right under her tongue. These bony growths are known as tori. Cathy noticed she had more pain in the evening and thought it was getting worse. Typically, tori aren’t dangerous, but they can be uncomfortable and inconvenient. They can also be linked to heavy forces being applied in your mouth. Dr. Elizabeth explained to Cathy that her bone was likely continuing to grow due to the heavy forces her muscles were placing on her teeth and bones. It was at that time that Cathy got serious about considering adult orthodontics because Dr. Elizabeth had mentioned the benefits of correcting her bite in the past and Cathy didn’t want to keep letting her muscles win!

What did Cathy want?

Cathy was not interested in removing the tori but was interested in Invisalign as an option for adult orthodontics. It was determined after a consultation with Dr. DeVoe that conventional braces were a better option for Cathy and so she agreed to follow his professional advice.

What was involved?

During orthodontic treatment, the wear pattern on Cathy’s teeth became more apparent because Dr. DeVoe had to choose whether to align her front teeth at her gum line or at the biting surface. Since Cathy shows a fair amount of gum tissue when she smiles, it was recommended to align the teeth at her gum level and change the tooth shapes with porcelain veneer restorations. Dr. Elizabeth talked with Cathy about how she could elect to only restore her front teeth and about the advantages, including color matching and tooth proportions, of restoring her six anterior teeth.

Cathy decided she wanted to change her tooth color and shape for all six of her front teeth and so Dr. DeVoe and Dr. Elizabeth coordinated her final orthodontic movements to set her up for porcelain veneers.

Cathy wanted whiter teeth so Dr. Elizabeth recommended that Cathy undergo Zoom in-office whitening to brighten all her teeth so the porcelain veneers could be made to the same brighter color. Cathy’s teeth responded well to the Zoom procedure.

Once the whitening was completed, Dr. Elizabeth did a wax-up for Cathy to see what her teeth would look like once the restorations were completed. A wax-up helps you be able to visualize the final outcome. Dr. Elizabeth was also able to do a mock-up of the wax-up in Cathy’s actual mouth, using a plastic material. This really helped Cahty see how the veneers would look before changing her teeth. After only seeing the wax-up, Cathy thought it looked nice, but said “It is hard to know without seeing it in my mouth.” Luckily, doing the mock-up worked and Cathy’s reaction was “Oh wow!” She was very pleased and was ready to move forward with the preparation for the veneers.

What does Cathy think?

When asked what Cathy thought about her restorations before actually proceeding she said, “I was nervous about the prep and what that would be like. I didn’t know how much tooth structure would be there, but I was also excited about correcting the teeth that were uneven.” After all the treatment was completed, she said she is very pleased with her results. When asked what she would say to a friend that has similar issues or is considering getting this type of treatment done she said, “I would say positive things about the outcome! I would let them know about the time frame and the prep appointments. It’s a commitment, but well worth it!”

Thank you Cathy for putting your trust in us! We love your results and look forward to serving you for many years to come!

A New Year’s Smile with Invisalign and Bonding – Ted’s Story

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

Where did this start?

Ted has been a loyal patient of Eggert Family Dentistry and Dr. Elizabeth Eggert for over 13 years. Ted was having an issue with chipping of his front teeth. Over the years the enamel of his front teeth started to get thinner. This was mostly because of the tooth positions of his lower front teeth. Dr. Elizabeth talked with Ted about orthodontic movements to help increase the longevity of any future restorations, but Ted wasn’t ready to do anything until he additionally bumped his front tooth and because of the weak enamel, a significant chip occurred. Ted still wasn’t ready for orthodontics and asked Dr. Elizabeth to start by simply fixing the tooth with composite.

Fast forward nearly 2 years and Ted started to notice the enamel thinning again with his front teeth. He understood that the lower front tooth positions put more strain on his edges and he was ready to talk about Invisalign options for orthodontic tooth movement.

What was involved?

Dr. Elizabeth gathered the records needed for Invisalign orthodontic treatment. She sent impressions, photos, and x-rays of Ted’s teeth to Invisalign where they created a 3D simulation, called a clincheck, to show how his teeth could move with Invisalign treatment. Ted was very happy with the simulation, which showed a significant improvement to his crowding, especially on the lower front teeth and he decided to move forward with Invisalign.

Ted’s case was expected to consist of 19 aligners that he would wear for one to two weeks at a time for 9-12 months. As part of Ted’s Invisalign treatment, Dr. Elizabeth included “bite ramps” on his aligners because he clenches heavily on his teeth. Bite ramps prevent patients from being able to bite down completely and clench. They help give the muscles a “stop” point and remind the muscles to stay in a more relaxed position. Ted was consistent in wearing his aligners as instructed.

After his Invisalign treatment was complete, Dr. Elizabeth made minor alterations to the biting surface of some of Ted’s teeth to remove interferences and even out his bite. This process is called equilibration and will help prevent further wear on Ted’s new smile. Once the equilibration was complete and Ted completed some whitening with Opalescence whitening solution at home, Ted was ready to strengthen his front teeth with composite bonding. Dr. Elizabeth added resin plastic filling material to his central incisors. Because his teeth are now in a better position, it was even possible to add a little length to Ted’s teeth, giving him a more youthful smile.

What does Ted think?

Ted said “I wanted my teeth fixed! I was more curious than anything as I read about orthodontic options online. I am happy I chose to do Invisalign with Dr. Elizabeth, but I wasn’t sure how long it would take.” Ted was really happy with the results and said that it was not nearly as bad as he had initially anticipated. He was concerned about not being able to eat and drink with the aligners in, but after living with them awhile, he realized it wasn’t as bad over the course of the year as he thought it would be. “They still are a bit inconvenient” but “well worth it.” When asked what he would say if he were talking to someone considering getting this type of treatment done, Ted noted he would tell them it’s “Absolutely worth it!” Ted, thank you for putting your trust in us to complete your care! We love your new bright smile and are happy that with the tooth movements, the results will be much more stable over the long-haul! Congratulations!

Illuminating Smiles: Navigating the Risks and Benefits of Tooth Whitening

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

A bright, radiant smile is often considered a universal symbol of health and vitality. As a result, tooth whitening procedures have gained immense popularity in recent years, promising to transform stained or discolored teeth into pearly whites. However, like any cosmetic procedure, tooth whitening comes with its own set of risks and benefits that individuals should carefully consider before embarking on their journey to a dazzling smile.

Understanding the Science Behind Tooth Whitening

To comprehend tooth whitening, we must delve into the science behind it. Tooth whitening primarily involves the use of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which break down into oxygen molecules. These oxygen molecules penetrate the enamel and dentin layers of the teeth, oxidizing and breaking down the pigmented molecules that cause discoloration. This chemical reaction is often referred to as “tooth bleaching.” The oxygen molecules also change how the light scatters within the tooth causing the tooth to look brighter.

Tooth whitening products mostly address the intrinsic (or internal) discoloration of the teeth. These products can also help with the extrinsic (or external) discoloration of teeth usually caused by staining due to aging, or consumption of staining substances like coffee, tea, or red wine. In general, tooth whitening does not really alter the natural color of teeth; rather, it restores them to their original, brighter shade.

Benefits of Tooth Whitening

The most obvious benefit of tooth whitening is an enhanced esthetic appeal. A brighter smile can boost confidence, improve self-esteem, and leave a lasting positive impression. Additionally, tooth whitening is a non-invasive procedure, making it a relatively quick and painless way to achieve noticeable results.

At Eggert Family Dentistry in North Oaks, MN, Dr. Jeff Eggert and Dr. Elizabeth Eggert understand the transformative power of a radiant smile. Their commitment to providing personalized dental care includes offering tooth whitening services tailored to individual needs, ensuring patients achieve the results they desire.

Risks to Consider

While tooth whitening is generally safe, it’s not without some risks. Some individuals may experience tooth sensitivity or gum irritation as a side effect of the bleaching agents. Overuse or misuse of whitening products can lead to enamel erosion, making teeth more susceptible to cavities. It’s crucial to consult with a qualified dentist, like those at Eggert Family Dentistry, before starting any whitening regimen to ensure a customized approach that minimizes potential risks.

In the pursuit of a brighter, more confident smile, understanding the risks and benefits of tooth whitening is paramount. Eggert Family Dentistry, with its experienced team led by Dr. Jeff Eggert and Dr. Elizabeth Eggert, offers a comprehensive approach to tooth whitening because we consider the unique needs and concerns of each patient. Ultimately, a radiant smile is not just about esthetics; it’s a reflection of overall dental health and well-being. Call us today to ask about tooth whitening options for you! 651-482-8412.

3 Teeth Whitening Treatments: How to Get A Snow-White Smile for the Holidays

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

The holiday season is officially here! At Eggert Family Dentistry, this is the time of year when many of our patients come to us wanting a smile that’s as white as snow for their holiday gatherings.

We understand how important it is for our patients to feel confident and beautiful in front of family and friends, and that’s why we offer a selection of effective teeth whitening solutions designed to suit a variety of preferences and schedules. Let’s take a look at the different options to help you decide which one is best for you!

Philips Zoom Whitening Treatment

One of our most popular whitening treatments is the Philips Zoom Whitening System. A swift and effective option, Zoom is performed in a single, two-hour appointment. We apply a professional whitening gel to your teeth and activate the gel with an LED light which allows the gel to better penetrate the teeth. This method can lighten your teeth by an impressive 4-10 shades! If you’re looking for a fast and effective treatment, you really can’t go wrong with Zoom.

KöR Whitening Deep Bleaching™ System

For those seeking a deep whitening treatment but have sensitive teeth, our KöR Whitening Deep Bleaching™ System might be the perfect fit. This option restores your teeth’s ability to absorb oxygen, allowing for effective whitening of up to an impressive 16 shades. The custom-made bleaching trays ensure a perfect fit, and the process involves little-to-no sensitivity. Kör is the most effective whitening system on the market and can bleach even tetracycline-stained teeth, which has been previously thought to be impossible to bleach!

Professional-Grade Strips and Whitening Trays

Over-the-counter whitening strips are a popular whitening option, however, the strips don’t provide coverage for the crevices of teeth. The part of the teeth along the gum line may also be missed. Extreme tooth sensitivity is common, and they only whiten teeth from two to four shades. That’s why Eggert Family Dentistry offers professional-grade whitening strips and trays. These are more effective and gentler on your teeth and gums than their over-the-counter counterparts. They can lighten your teeth 2-8 shades, and most people see results in as little as 2 weeks.

How to Maintain Your White Smile

Consistency is key in maintaining your whitening treatment for as long as possible. Follow any post-whitening care instructions provided by Dr. Jeff Eggert or Dr. Elizabeth Eggert, using at-home maintenance products like personalized trays or a specific toothpaste for lasting results.

Avoid overconsumption of stain-causing foods and beverages such as coffee, tea, blueberries, and red wine to significantly extend your whitening results. That’s not to say you can’t ever enjoy these foods and drinks — just that you should do so in moderation, and always follow up with a thorough oral hygiene routine.

Regular dental check-ups at Eggert Family Dentistry are also essential for maintaining your oral health and the whiteness of your smile. With proper care, your smile will be sure to impress at any holiday gathering this year and beyond!

Get a Whiter, Brighter Smile Today!

This holiday season, don’t settle for over-the-counter solutions. Whether you prefer the speed of in-office treatments or the convenience of at-home options, Eggert Family Dentistry is here to guide you toward a brighter, more confident smile. Contact Dr. Elizabeth Eggert or Dr. Jeff Eggert at 651.482.8412, and let’s make your holiday smile shine!

All I Really Want Is My New Front Teeth- PC’s Story

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

How did this start?

PC (name withheld by patient request) has been a long-time patient of Eggert Family Dentistry and was having issues with headaches and some trouble sleeping. She was interested in fixing her “two front teeth.” “My two front teeth are too big! One is longer than the other, the color bothers me and one front tooth is father forward. I had bonding done years ago and it doesn’t look good anymore.”

After many years, PC decided to undergo the records process with Dr. Elizabeth’s encouragement. During the records process, Dr. Elizabeth used models, x-rays, and photos of PC’s teeth, gums, and bite to better understand the options and to help PC understand any risks that may occur with treatment due to underlying functional issues.

What was recommended?

Through the records process and with information from Dr. Elizabeth, it was determined that the position of PC’s front teeth and the existing wear (flattened edges of her front teeth) likely are at least partially due to airway compromises, both at night and during the day. Before restoring her teeth, it was recommended that PC undergo the Seattle Protocol to help determine if we could decrease the damage being done to her teeth and help protect her new restorations for the long-haul. However, it was difficult for PC to coordinate this as she travels out of the country to help her family multiple times each year. She and Dr. Elizabeth also discussed the option of talking with an ENT to improve nasal breathing, but PC declined this as well.

Therefore, PC elected to move forward with tooth restorations to address her esthetic concerns. Yet, PC’s tooth positions due to crowding caused some esthetic hurdles. Dr. Elizabeth talked with PC and recommended orthodontics to improve tooth spacing and gingival levels. PC also declined this so Dr. Elizabeth had to think outside the box, encouraging PC to minimally seek treatment with a periodontist (gum and tissue specialist) to level out her gingival architecture.

What did she want?

PC was the most concerned about her front teeth. She understood that by declining treatment to address her airway and tooth positions, we would be somewhat limited in our options and this was a risk she was willing to take. She really wanted her front teeth to be the same color and same shape. She wanted to minimize the number of restorations, but didn’t want to have to rely on bleaching to maintain the color of the upper front teeth.

What was involved?

After deciding that she would do bleaching to improve the color for her bottom front teeth and that she would do 6 upper front tooth restorations to give the best symmetry and color options, while still limiting the number of restorations, PC started by consulting with the periodontist so she could level her gingival architecture. PC had this minor surgery completed and after 6 weeks of healing, we were ready to plan for her restorations.

At the time that impressions were taken to develop a wax-up or “blue print” for her restorations, PC underwent the in-office Zoom Whitening procedure to brighten her natural teeth. PC was happy with the color and happy with the wax-up and so her teeth were prepared and the restorations were fabricated.

What does she think?

Once the restorations and bleaching were all completed, we asked PC what she thought about the process. She noted there were a lot of things she hadn’t thought about. She hadn’t realized how interconnected all the pieces were. “I thought it would be so simple, just put a little cover over my teeth.” She said she was amazed at how complex it really was and she was really impressed with Dr. Elizabeth’s knowledge, skills, and attention to detail. She is really pleased with how everything turned out. Thanks, PC, for putting your trust in us! We love serving you as our patient.

My New Smile – “It was Necessary:” ML’s Story

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

How did this start?

ML (name withheld by request of patient) has been a patient of Dr. Elizabeth Eggert for over 10 years. When ML first came as a patient, Dr. Elizabeth had been working to do a complete oral reconstruction for his mother. His mom urged him to seek Dr. Elizabeth’s council as she was concerned for the long-term health of his teeth. When ML came to us, he mentioned that he knew he had a lot of tooth wear. In interviewing ML, he noted he had difficulty sleeping and said it would take up to 45 minutes for him to fall asleep. He also didn’t think he had a stable bite, despite being in orthodontics on and off for 14 years of his childhood and teenage years. He did have 4 teeth extracted for his first orthodontic treatment (2 upper bicuspids and 2 lower bicuspids). You can note from the BEFORE photos that ML had tooth wear and his upper teeth were stuck inside his lower teeth – this is a condition called “crossbite.”

What was recommended?

ML went through the Records Process and it was determined that the wear on his teeth was increasing at an accelerated rate and the current position of his teeth would put them at high risk for continued wear, chipping, cracking, breaking, and potentially even tooth loss. The recommendations were to get ML’s teeth into a more idealized position, keep bone support for the teeth, and restore the teeth where they have worn in order to build back to normal tooth proportions.

Years ago when ML underwent orthodontics for the first time, we didn’t know as much as dental professionals about airway and jaw constriction. It was fairly common for patients like ML to undergo extractions in order to “gain space” and “alleviate crowding.” We know more now as a profession about how this affects sleep, breathing, and tooth wear over time. Instead of extractions to “gain space” it is much more common now to encourage the bones to grow into positions that can support all the teeth. We are much more likely to recommend expansion or expanders. This solution works very well in growing children. As an adult, this was still possible for ML, but would require jaw surgery to make the corrections. Therefore, orthodontics, jaw surgery, and restorations were recommended for ML. Dr. Elizabeth also talked to ML about the alternative treatment of restoring all of his teeth and rebuilding to a different bite, but ML wanted to limit the number of restorations and Dr. Elizabeth told ML that she preferred to see a wider arch for his teeth anyway.

What did ML want?

“My lifetime goal for my teeth is to keep them.” He reported he has never been happy with the appearance of his teeth. He didn’t want “nuclear” white teeth, but he said if he was going to improve his bite, he wanted his teeth to look nicer too. ML started the process with Dr. DeVoe (orthodontist) to change his bite without any surgical correction. Dr. DeVoe did a nice job improving ML’s crossbite and moving the teeth into a position where restorations could be done to rebuild tooth proportions.

However, even after this second round of orthodontics (ML’s first round as an adult), it was still difficult to even out his bite forces without doing a large number of restorations. Also, there was an “elephant in the room:” ML’s tongue. Dr. Elizabeth couldn’t help but notice how much space ML’s tongue wanted. As you can see in the photo above, ML’s tongue wanted lots of room and would spill over his teeth with his teeth apart. It was also always very visible in photos and very active when working on ML.

While doing the consultation after this second round of orthodontics, ML said “Well, there is always still the option of jaw surgery.” While ML had not been set up orthodontically for jaw surgery, Dr. Elizabeth told ML that he was correct, there still was that option, if he was willing to undergo more orthodontics. She also shared with him the story of her mom’s journey with jaw surgery and orthodontics.

What was involved?

ML went back into orthodontics. He had 2 different surgeries with Dr. Andreasen of Momenta Oral Surgery. One to open his upper arch and expand that space and another to move his upper and lower jaw bones forward. This extended his treatment time frame, but after this third round of orthodontics, he was ready for restorations. ML felt his teeth were disappearing, it was time to rebuild them back to visible proportions.

It is easy to see how ML’s oral space improved after his jaw surgeries. His tongue is happy to have so much more room! For color and tooth proportion corrections, Dr. Elizabeth recommended a minimum of 14 restorations (8 upper teeth and 6 lower teeth) along with equilibration to finalize the bite. ML wanted whiter teeth, but it was decided that since he was doing 14 restorations, his back teeth wouldn’t show in his smile so bleaching was not needed before the restorations were done. Therefore, we did a wax-up so ML could see what the final restorations would look like and after he approved the wax-up, we prepared the teeth for restorations and a few weeks later seated his restorations.

What does he think?

When we asked ML what he thought about doing the procedure before we started he stated, “This was necessary; I never saw this as elective, but I wasn’t really looking forward to it. The thought of something happening to my teeth was a little uncomfortable. I don’t think anybody likes doing something to their body that is irreversible.”

However, ML is very happy he completed the procedures and ended up doing the jaw surgeries after all. He is surprised at how much bigger his airway is and that he no longer makes sounds at night when sleeping. He always believed he could not breathe through his nose because of allergies, but that does not seem to be the case after this treatment, it appears that he needed expansion of his oral spaces. (Note there is NO tongue visible in ML’s AFTER photo.) ML says it was a long road and he learned a lot along the way, but it was necessary!

Congratulations on your amazing results ML and thank you for putting your trust in us! We were delighted to help you through this journey!

The Power of a Great Bite – Steve’s Story

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

How did this start?

Steve came to us in 2020 and talked to us about how his bite never felt right after a new crown had been done at another dental office. Steve said that he even had undergone two rounds of Invisalign trying to make his bite feel normal again. He told us he chose our office because he researched and found that Dr. Elizabeth Eggert had the experience he was looking for in regard to helping people feel better about their bites. He told us, “I am not happy with my bite and I really just want my jaw to feel better.” He was not concerned cosmetically about his teeth, but wanted to be comfortable with his bite and to be able to eat again without feeling like he would break his teeth.

What was involved?

Steve underwent the Records Process and some interesting things were noted from the analysis. Dr. Elizabeth was able to obtain Steve’s pre-Invisalign records and noticed that he started with spaces between many of his front teeth.

Pre-Initial Invisalign

The analysis helped her find that Steve had a strained muscle and jaw position and therefore, it made sense for Steve to start his treatment with splint therapy to help find a consistent bite position for jaw and muscle comfort. The best appliance for Steve was an Anterior Deprogrammer to help his muscles release and decrease pressure and stress on his functional system. After splint therapy, it was clear that Steve’s bite had unevenly high points and his body seemed to crave more space in his mouth because his lower jaw wanted to be forward from where it was. It was almost like he was “locked” into an uncomfortable position. Dr. Elizabeth suspected that because Steve’s first Invisalign treatments closed the spaces between his teeth, that a cascade of muscle imbalances followed for him.

She recommended that Steve undergo Invisalign AGAIN in order to open the spaces back up and then restore his teeth to fill in the gaps.

Invisalign helped gain space back and Steve’s muscles were finally able to relax again, however his teeth still hit somewhat unevenly in the back. Therefore, equilibration was also completed for Steve to even out the bite forces on his teeth now that his muscles were in a calm position. After the 3^rd round of Invisalign and the equilibration, Steve told us “My muscles feel REALLY GOOD!”

Before restoring his anterior teeth with porcelain veneers to fill in the gaps, Steve also wanted the rest of his teeth whiter. Steve completed the Zoom bleaching procedure and brightened up at least 5 shades!

What does Steve think?

Steve is very happy with the final results and said that during the procedure he did not have any worries.

“I think it was a good process and I didn’t have any sensitivity with my teeth.” He told us his muscles and bite feel much more stable and he no longer gets the feeling that he is going to break his teeth. He said “The timeline was good and it went by fast.” His family also likes the results, but Steve says “It really wasn’t about the cosmetic aspect for me, but it was worth it to have the stability in my bite!”

Congratulations Steve – your results are amazing! We are so happy we were able to get your bite back for you. This case was a fun puzzler for Dr. Elizabeth because she was able to figure out how important your “pre-condition” was to a future successful outcome! We appreciate you putting your trust in us!

9 Oral Health Gift Ideas for the Holidays

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

Not sure what to buy for your loved ones this holiday season? Why not give them the gift of a healthy, happy mouth? Not only are dental hygiene gifts practical, but they can also be fun! Better yet, they’re usually highly appreciated. This holiday season, check off your gift-list with this round-up of 9 creative oral health gift ideas.

1.) Electric Toothbrush ($20-200)

Did you know that an electric toothbrush has been proven to decrease more plaque and gingivitis than a manual toothbrush? While these toothbrushes are definitely more of an investment than their manual counterparts, dentists like Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert agree: they’re absolutely worth it! When you give a family member or friend one of these toothbrushes, you can feel good knowing that their oral health is about to improve dramatically!

2.) Fancy Toothpaste ($10-55)

Have you dived into the world of luxury toothpastes before? If not, you’re in for a treat, literally. From fancy toothpastes that reportedly taste like cocktails, to gel toothpastes that harness the power of oxygen to heal your gums, there are so many options to choose from that will delight and amaze your giftees!

3.) Dental Travel Kit ($3-10)

Do you have a frequent flier in your life? A digital nomad? A dental travel kit will make an excellent stocking-stuffer for anyone who’s been bitten by the travel bug. It’s not always convenient to carry around a full size brush, floss, toothpaste tube, and bottle of mouthwash with you everywhere you go, so having mini versions of these that can fit in a small bag is ideal.

4.) Sugar free gum and mints ($1-20)

These gifts make great stocking-stuffers! Sugar free gum is good for your dental health because it stimulates saliva production which keeps your mouth healthy (it also freshens your breath!) Sugar free mints have these same benefits without the chewing, which make them perfect for people who prefer not to chew gum. You’ve also maybe heard us talk about Xylimelts, a mild mint product with xylitol. They keep your saliva production up as well as help you fight cavities!

5.) Water Flossers ($10-200)

If you’ve got someone in your life who has braces, or someone who struggles with carpal tunnel, arthritis, or other dexterity limitations, a water flosser such as the Waterpik would make a perfect oral health gift. Water flossers flush bacteria and food particles out from between the teeth and below the gums where floss can’t always reach. The water pressure also stimulates the gums, leading to an overall healthier mouth. While water flossers don’t replace actual flossing, they can make a great addition to your oral health routine!

6.) Professional Whitening Treatment ($650-1350)

Store-bought whiteners don’t whiten any bonding, veneers, or caps and crowns. Additionally, they can be mildly to extremely painful for people with sensitive teeth. If you really want to make somebody smile this holiday season, get them a professional Zoom or Kör whitening treatment. At Eggert Family Dentistry, we recommend Zoom whitening treatments for those who are looking for less expensive, quicker results. For people who have extreme sensitivity or tetracycline stained teeth, we recommend you take the Kör route, instead.

7.) Eco-Friendly Dental Supplies ($5-25)

Delight your eco-conscious friends and family with some ingenious eco-friendly dental supplies. From certified-vegan bamboo toothbrushes, to mint-flavored (non-vegan) zero-waste silk floss, to plastic-free chewable toothpaste tablets with fluoride, these products are both earth-conscious and budget friendly!

8.) Oral Care Subscription Box ($30-55)

Of all the subscription boxes out there, we think oral care has to be the most practical. After all, you use your toothbrush, floss, toothpaste, and mouthwash daily! It makes sense to restock on these products every month. Of course, you’ll want to shop around—some popular oral care subscription boxes include the eco-conscious Nudge and Bazoo, and Cocofloss for those who like fun floss flavors.

9.) Invisalign

The best gift you could give a person is a perfect smile! Invisalign is the name for clear aligners that act like braces, but are more discreet—almost invisible! Invisalign relies on the natural processes in your mouth to subtly reposition your teeth over time. Whether you’ve got a teenager looking for an alternative to braces, or an adult who wants to discreetly perfect their smile, contact Eggert Family Dentistry. We’ll be happy to create a custom Invisalign treatment plan for you and your family!

Have questions about Zoom and Kör whitening treatments, or Invisalign aligners? Call Dr. Elizabeth Eggert or Dr. Jeff Eggert today at 651.482.8412 We look forward to helping you check off your holiday shopping list this year!

Teeth Bleaching vs. Veneers

By: Dr. Elizabeth Egger

If you’re a coffee-lover or a wine connoisseur, you’ve probably considered a couple teeth-whitening solutions before. In fact, there are so many foods and drinks that can stain our teeth, you’d be hard pressed to find a person who wasn’t interested in making their smile whiter and brighter!

If at-home treatments like whitening toothpastes and whitening strips aren’t giving you the results you’re looking for, you might want to consider an in-office whitening treatment. When it comes to choosing between bleaching your teeth and having veneers made, however, there’s a lot to consider. The option that’s best for you is usually based on your level of staining, your budget, and your tooth sensitivity. Here’s a little about the professional options we offer:

Opalescence Go!

Pros:

Can take it home with you from your dental appointment
Effective
Inexpensive
Non-invasive

Cons:

Takes about 10 days at home
More sensitivity than other professional options
Not effective on restorations
Won’t remove deep stains
More “gooey” to use

Zoom! Whitening

Pros:

Fast, takes 2 hours in-office
Effective (8 shades whiter)
Less expensive than Kor
Non-invasive

Cons:

Possibly more sensitivity than Kor
Not effective on restorations (bonding, veneers)
Won’t remove deep stains

The Zoom! bleaching process is very simple. Dr. Elizabeth or Dr. Jeff’s team will first isolate your teeth, then apply peroxide gel to your teeth. A low heat light is placed close to your teeth that activates the whitening gel. You will undergo up to four 15-minute cycles during your session.

Kör Whitening

Pros:

Extremely effective (up to 16 shades whiter)
Non-invasive
Removes even tetracycline staining
Least amount of sensitivity

Cons:

About double the cost of Zoom!
Not effective on restorations (bonding, veneers)
Time-consuming – sometimes requires 4 in-office sessions and time at home

The Kör treatment was developed by Dr. Rod Kurthy in response to the lack of consistency in results of traditional whitening products, and complaints of sensitivity from patients post-treatment. This treatment is extremely effective, bleaching some patients’ teeth up to 16 shades whiter! It’s also the least sensitive option due to the science Dr. Kurthy used to develop his product, making it the perfect option for people with extremely sensitive teeth.

The Kör treatment involves both at-home and in-office processes. After an impression appointment and two weeks prior to your in-office appointment, Dr. Jeff or Dr. Elizabeth will give you an at-home kit that includes a dental tray and a special gel. This tray must be worn overnight, every night before your appointment. The at-home treatment allows for longer exposure to the gel, resulting in even whiter teeth.

When you come in for your appointment two weeks later, Dr. Elizabeth or Dr. Jeff’s team will apply a breathing gel to your teeth to finish the treatment. Sometimes a second in-office appointment is also needed, depending on the desired results.

Veneers as a Whitening Solution

Pros:

Extremely effective (you may choose your shade of white)
Completely masks all staining
Long-term results

Cons:

More costly
Alters tooth structure
Some tooth sensitivity
Time-consuming

Teeth bleaching works very well for lighter stains caused by food and drink. For more stubborn staining that can’t be removed by the bleaching process, you may consider getting veneers. This is the most involved whitening option of the three listed in this post.

Veneers are a very thin ceramic shell that covers your existing tooth structure. In placing these new veneers on your teeth, you can fix the look of issues such as staining, cracked teeth, spaces, misaligned teeth, chipped teeth, and more.

The process of getting veneers involves at least two to three visits to Eggert Family Dentistry. During the first visit, we will discuss the shape and look of your veneers and develop a plan together. On the second visit, we will prepare your teeth for the placement of the veneers by removing a thin layer of enamel. We will also take an impression of your teeth, and provide you with a beautiful temporary solution to cover your teeth over the next few weeks. Your final visit will take place two to three weeks later, during which Dr. Elizabeth Eggert or Dr. Jeff Eggert will place your brand-new veneers.

Let Eggert Family Dentistry Brighten Your Smile!

If you’re unsatisfied with the results of over-the-counter whitening treatments, call Eggert Family Dentistry at 651.482.8412 to discuss potential in-office whitening solutions and schedule an appointment. Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert will be able to help you decide which option is right for you. We look forward to helping you achieve the smile you’ve been dreaming of!