Bleaching/Whitening Archives - Eggert Family Dentistry Blog

New Crowns and Veneers – Not Scary at All! – Joy’s Story

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

How did this start?

Eggert Family Dentistry is celebrating 20 years this October! Joy has been there with Dr. Elizabeth the whole time! In 1993, Joy fell and experienced trauma to her front teeth. She had root canals and crowns done at that time, but was starting to notice a crack in the porcelain of one of the crowns and she didn’t like the staining that showed. She also wondered about better color matching for all her front teeth since at that time, only 2 teeth had crowns. For a few years, she asked Dr. Elizabeth what could be done, but was always nervous to move forward with treatment because she couldn’t decide if she was willing to accept her currently darker coloring or if she wanted something brighter and younger looking for her smile. She also now has Parkinson’s disease and notices that caring for her teeth is getting more difficult, as well as sitting through dental treatment, so she didn’t want to keep putting off the decision.

What was recommended?

Dr. Elizabeth verified the recommended treatment using photographs and 3D models of Joy’s teeth. Joy wanted to improve the color of her teeth, making everything brighter. Therefore, it was recommended to do porcelain restorations for all 4 of her upper front teeth. That way, the old crowns could be replaced and the other front teeth could also be better protected where wear and cracking was starting. Since Joy also wanted brighter teeth throughout her mouth, it was recommended that she start with bleaching so the rest of the teeth could be brighter too!

What was involved?

Joy wondered about her lower teeth and if anything could be done for the crowding, but she didn’t want to undergo Invisalign so she decided to just move ahead with the bleaching and upper restorations. Dr. Elizabeth worked up Joy’s case by mocking up a proposal on Joy’s models, looking at how the crowding in the lower teeth contributed to the slight length discrepancy of her front teeth.

Dr. Elizabeth suggested making the front teeth the same length which would also require adjusting on Joy’s lower teeth. Joy thought this was a better idea for her than Invisalign, so they moved ahead with the plan.

Joy started with Zoom whitening, which really helped her teeth brighten up multiple shades and allowed Joy to have all her teeth brightened, while minimizing the number of restorations.

Joy underwent the preparation appointment. Dr. Elizabeth noticed that Joy’s previously traumatized teeth were especially dark from the trauma. She worked to mask the color difference as much as possible, but informed Joy that perfect color matching might not be possible. Joy accepted that since she really wanted to keep her teeth, rather than extract them and replace with implants. So, after a couple of weeks, Dr. Elizabeth inserted Joy’s porcelain restorations – 2 veneers and 2 crowns.

What does Joy think?

After the procedures were completed we met with Joy to reevaluate her restorations and see how she was feeling about the treatment. She reported that everything was been feeling great and that her bite felt good. We asked Joy what she thought about getting the procedures done. She noted, “It was kind of scary. I knew a lot would be involved so I was scared.” In the end, Joy said the process was better than she thought it would be – actually, not scary at all! Joy told us, “I am so happy with it. I was looking a little dull so this brightens my smile, but it’s not over the top – it’s just enough! It’s better!” When we asked her what she would tell a friend or relative who was considering the same treatment, she said “It’s worth the investment!”

You look fabulous Joy and we appreciate your trust in us for over 20 years! We look forward to continuing to bring you “Dentistry for a Lifetime of Smiles!”

“I Want a Bright and Beautiful Smile!” – Shelley’s Story

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

How did this start?

Shelley has been a long-time patient of Eggert Family Dentistry and was interested in Invisalign treatment as she felt that her teeth were crooked and she wanted to have a smile that she felt good about in family pictures. Dr. Elizabeth Eggert recommended that she go through the complete Records Process to analyze her bite and airway as well. Dr. Elizabeth wondered if there was more at play due to information that Shelley has shared with us over the years. Shelley also wanted to learn more about sleep appliances as she uses a CPAP.

What did she want?

Shelley wanted to have a white, bright, and beautiful smile. She wanted to feel good about her smile in family pictures, and with the many moments in the future that would be captured, she wanted to be confident about her smile and be able to enjoy and cherish these memories.

What was recommended?

Through the records process and with information from her doctor, it was determined that the position of Shelley’s front teeth and the existing wear likely are at least partially due to airway compromises, both at night and during the day. To correct the crowding, it was recommended that Shelley start with Invisalign. Through this process, Dr. Elizabeth would be able to unravel the crowding. However, it was noted Shelley’s tongue and arch form needed more space than her teeth would allow, so Invisalign would create spacing between her teeth. Dr. Elizabeth talked with Shelley about restoring her upper front teeth with crowns or veneers after Invisalign to account for the space discrepancy and to help protect the enamel that Shelley has worn away over the years.

What was involved?

Once the Invisalign was completed, Shelley did some whitening to brighten her smile and prepare for her restorations. Impressions were taken to develop a wax-up or “blue print.” It was only necessary to do restorations for Shelley’s upper front six teeth to help with the spacing issue and to better protect her enamel. Shelley was happy with the wax-up and so Dr. Elizabeth Eggert prepared her teeth and the restorations were fabricated. It was necessary to do more extensive porcelain restorations for Shelley – crowns that covered the whole tooth, because of existing fillings in those teeth. Zirconia crowns were done. Zirconia is a very strong all-porcelain material that has become very esthetic as well. More and more, it is being chosen for even front teeth.

What does she think?

We asked Shelley what she thought once the Invisalign and restorations were all completed and what she thought about the whole process. She said, “This is awesome and I’ve gotten a lot of compliments.” “Everything was great and went very smoothly – you guys were perfect!” When asked what advice she would offer a friend or family member thinking of changing their smile, she said, “Prepare and be patient, but I’m so happy I did this!” Congratulations Shelley! We love working with patients like you! If you’ve been thinking about improving your smile, contact us today to learn more about what Eggert Family Dentistry can do for you! 651-482-8412.

Unlocking A Brighter Smile with Zoom Whitening – Kimberly’s Story

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

At Eggert Family Dentistry we find that a lot of our patients are interested in professional teeth whitening and want to know the options that we offer. They are often looking for quick results, lower chances of sensitivity, longevity, and an affordable cost for the treatment. One of our most popular options that checks all of these boxes is the Zoom Whitening System. This procedure includes an in-office whitening treatment, which can brighten your teeth up to 8 shades, as well as take-home bleaching trays, which help to set and maintain the color. Using a special whitening gel and a blue LED light, in just 2 hours you will have a brighter smile.

Where did Kimberly start?

Kimberly and her family have been loyal patients of Eggert Family Dentistry for a very long time, always consistent with recare appointments and they follow through with recommended treatment by Dr. Elizabeth. Recently, Kimberly decided that she wanted to brighten her smile and set-up an appointment for the Zoom Whitening procedure.

What did Kimberly want?

Kimberly, like so many of us, had staining to her teeth and noticed that in the last few years, her teeth were getting darker and more yellow. She wanted to whiten them quickly and decided that the Zoom Whitening procedure was perfect for her needs. She was afraid that the over-the-counter whitening strip options would cause sensitivity. She also had heard from friends that the white strips can take numerous applications for very minimal improvements.

What was involved?

Kimberly came to our office for a 2-hour appointment. The Zoom Whitening procedure is performed in the office and starts with photographs, obtaining an initial shade, and taking impressions to create custom bleaching trays. After these initial steps, Kimberly relaxed in the dental chair as our assistant, Heather, applied a barrier layer for her gum tissues before the bleach was applied. Kimberly sat through four 15-minute sessions where the Zoom LED light shined onto her teeth with the bleaching gel. Zoom uses this light to activate the gel, which in turn accelerates the bleaching process. Essentially, the light energy speeds up the chemical reaction that whitens the teeth. While the LED light is bright and blue, some people mistakenly think it emits UV rays, but this is not the case at all. The blue light is perfectly safe!

While Kimberly was enjoying time to herself, Heather was busy fabricating her at-home bleaching trays so she could have them as soon as possible to help set the color at home. These trays can also be used to apply a desensitizing gel, if necessary.

What does Kimberly think?

“I was curious of how the process worked and wondered if it would work for me?” Kimberly found it to be very easy and she told us she was very pleased with the results. She would tell her friends that it was an easy process! Now with the trays that were designed especially for her and included in the treatment, she can continue to brighten her smile at home for even whiter results or she can use the trays when her teeth start taking on some discoloration again, therefore allowing her to keep her confident with her beautiful new smile for many years to come!

The History of Tooth Whitening

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

When you think of tooth whitening, you may imagine the sleek kits available today or the sparkling smiles from toothpaste commercials. But did you know that the quest for whiter teeth has been around for centuries? Tooth whitening has evolved significantly, both in its methods and its understanding. By exploring its history and how it works scientifically, you can better appreciate the advancements that have made achieving a bright smile safer and more effective than ever.

Your journey through the history of tooth whitening would take you back to ancient Egypt, where beauty and hygiene were held in high esteem. Egyptians reportedly used a mixture of ground pumice stone and vinegar to clean and whiten their teeth. This is actually a very primitive version of the prophy polishing paste now used by your friendly hygienists at Eggert Family Dentistry! The Romans had their unique methods as well, often using urine—yes, urine—because of its ammonia content, which has bleaching properties. These practices, while effective to some extent, were harsh and likely caused damage to the teeth over time.

Fast forward to the 18th and 19th centuries, when barbers doubled as dentists. You might be surprised to learn that they performed tooth whitening by filing teeth and applying acid. While it might have temporarily brightened teeth, it also eroded enamel and left teeth vulnerable to decay. It wasn’t until the 20th century that safer and more scientifically sound methods began to emerge, paving the way for modern whitening techniques.

Today, tooth whitening is backed by science and advanced formulations. But how does it actually work? When you use whitening products, you’re likely interacting with two primary active ingredients: hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. These compounds penetrate the porous enamel of your teeth to break down stains at a molecular level. Whether the discoloration is caused by coffee, tea, red wine, smoking, or simply aging, these ingredients oxidize the chromogens (colored compounds) into smaller, less visible molecules, making your teeth appear whiter. There is also the effect of extra oxygen penetrating inside the teeth, therefore scattering the light differently and allowing the teeth to appear brighter!

You may wonder whether tooth whitening is safe. Thanks to rigorous testing and regulation, modern whitening products are designed to be both effective and gentle. However, overuse or misuse can lead to sensitivity or enamel damage. That’s why it’s essential to follow product instructions carefully or consult Dr. Elizabeth or Dr. Jeff Eggert of Eggert Family Dentistry. Many products now incorporate desensitizing agents like potassium nitrate or fluoride to minimize discomfort.

Understanding the history and science of tooth whitening helps you make informed decisions about your oral health. Whether you choose at-home kits, professional treatments at Eggert Family Dentistry, or whitening toothpaste, you’re partaking in a practice with deep historical roots and a bright future. So next time you flash your pearly whites, you’ll know just how far humanity has come in the pursuit of that radiant smile.

Make 2025 your year to make history! Dr. Elizabeth Eggert or Dr. Jeff Eggert would love to help you explore your teeth-whitening options. Give our office a call at 651.482.8412 to schedule your appointment!

What Good is Whitening Toothpaste Anyway?

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

When it comes to whitening toothpastes, the choices can feel overwhelming. Each brand promises to deliver whiter teeth, often within weeks. But have you ever wondered how these products work and whether they live up to their claims? Understanding the types of whitening toothpastes and their effectiveness can help you choose the best option for your smile.

Most whitening toothpastes use mild abrasives to scrub away surface stains caused by coffee, tea, or smoking. Brands like Colgate Optic White and Crest 3D White go a step further by incorporating chemical agents like hydrogen peroxide. These chemicals not only polish the teeth but also slightly penetrate the enamel to break down stains. On the other hand, brands like Sensodyne True White focus on providing a gentler whitening experience, catering to those with sensitive teeth by minimizing abrasive content.

You might notice that some brands claim to “whiten teeth by several shades” in just a few weeks. While these claims are partly true, it’s important to understand the limitations. Whitening toothpastes primarily address surface stains and don’t change the natural color of your teeth or address deeper stains. If you’re looking for dramatic results, you may need to consider professional treatments or whitening kits with your dental professionals at Eggert Family Dentistry.

The effectiveness of whitening toothpastes also depends on how consistently you use them. With twice-daily brushing, you may start to see noticeable improvements in two to six weeks. However, the results are typically temporary. Surface stains can reappear if you continue consuming staining foods and drinks. To maintain your results, you’ll need to keep using the toothpaste or combine it with other whitening methods.

Are these toothpastes safe for everyday use? For most people, the answer is yes. However, overuse can lead to enamel erosion or increased sensitivity. That’s why it’s essential to follow the product’s guidelines and consult Dr. Elizabeth or Dr. Jeff Eggert if you have concerns. Some brands, like Arm & Hammer Advance White, incorporate baking soda to provide a milder, low-abrasion option for regular use.

Choosing the right whitening toothpaste depends on your individual needs and goals. If you’re seeking gentle care for sensitive teeth, a product like Sensodyne might be your best bet. For those aiming for quicker results, a toothpaste with hydrogen peroxide, like Colgate Optic White, could be more effective. By understanding how these products work and setting realistic expectations, you can achieve a brighter smile while protecting your oral health.

Do you have more questions? The team at Eggert Family Dentistry in North Oaks, MN is here to help! We look forward to seeing you soon for your first 2025 recare appointment. Call us today and get you and your family scheduled! 651.482.8412.

Kickstart the Year with a Brighter Smile: Exploring Safe and Effective Teeth-Whitening Options

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

The new year stretches before us like a blank canvas, brimming with opportunities and untapped potential. It is a time to dream boldly, embrace fresh beginnings, and seize the promise of brighter days ahead. If you’ve been dreaming about a whiter, brighter smile, make 2025 the year you make this dream a reality. At Eggert Family Dentistry, we offer three effective teeth-whitening options guaranteed to boost your confidence! However, before we look at whitening options, let’s cover some causes of tooth discoloration.

Why Does Tooth Discoloration Occur?

Several factors can contribute to discoloration and dull your smile. Some of these include:

Tar in cigarettes, cigars, and chewing tobacco
Inadequate brushing and flossing, which allows plaque and tartar to build up on your teeth’s surfaces.
Tannins, pigments, and acids in foods and beverages such as coffee, tea, red wine, sodas, berries, chocolate, balsamic vinegar, and tomato-based sauces
Aging unfortunately darkens teeth

So, while some bad habits may be at play, you can also make healthy lifestyle choices and deal with tooth discoloration. Consequently, tooth discoloration can affect anyone. With this in mind, let’s explore some options to help you whiten your smile.

KöR Whitening Deep Bleaching™ System

One exciting teeth-whitening option is the KöR Whitening Deep Bleaching™ System. This option restores your teeth’s ability to absorb oxygen, allowing for effective whitening of up to 16 shades. The custom-made bleaching trays ensure a perfect fit. Kör is the most effective whitening system on the market and can bleach even tetracycline-stained teeth—something previously thought to be impossible. If you’ve been wanting to whiten your teeth but are concerned about sensitivity, Kör could be the perfect solution for you!

Philips Zoom Whitening Treatment

As the name suggests, Phillips Zoom Whitening Treatment is fast and effective. Completed in a single two-hour visit, this whitening option can whiten your teeth by 4-10 shades.

Here’s how it works:

We start by determining your teeth’s current shade.
We prep your mouth and apply a thin layer of whitening gel.
We illuminate your teeth with a blue LED light to accelerate the whitening process.
We repeat this process three times in 15-minute intervals.
We verify you’ve obtained your desired shade.
We apply a post-treatment gel to protect your enamel and reduce any sensitivity.

Talk about instant results! After your Zoom whitening treatment, we send you home with trays and gel to help you maintain your bright white smile.

Feeling skeptical? Check out these Zoom success stories and view before-and-after photos!

Professional-Grade Strips and Whitening Trays

A final, effective option we offer at Eggert Family Dentistry is professional-grade strips and whitening trays. Unlike over-the-counter teeth-whitening kits, these strips and trays help whiten the entire surface of the tooth—including the crevices between teeth. They also minimize sensitivity and whiten teeth anywhere from 2-8 shades, lending themselves to more comfortable and noticeable results than over-the-counter options.

If you’re going into 2025 with a less-than-confident smile, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert or Dr. Jeff Eggert would love to help you explore which teeth-whitening option is right for you. Give our office a call at 651.482.8412 to schedule your appointment!

“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.