Healthy Diet and Keeping your teeth White.

March 3, 2008 by ·

Healthy Diet and Keeping your Teeth White.
Question:  I have heard that there are natural diets that will reduce staining and whiten my teeth.  Could you explain this to me and provide me details?
 

Answer:  According to the a recent consumer poll by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) The most unattractive thing about a smile are discolored teeth.   According to the AACD Whitening treatments are the number one requested cosmetic dental procedure and have increased more than 300% since 1996.
“While daily home care and regular professional cleanings are essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums, certain foods can help remove stains from your teeth,” according to AACD President Dr. Marty Zase. “Foods such as apples, pears, celery, carrots, cauliflower, and cucumbers produce saliva which combines with the foods’ natural fibers to naturally clean teeth and remove bacteria.”
White Smile Diet Foods and Tips include:

  • Strawberries will naturally whiten your teeth.
  • Lemons will lighten and brighten too (just as they naturally “bleach” your hair, they can do the same for your teeth)!
  • Avoid drinking coffee, dark syrup sodas, red wine and blueberries. All stain teeth quickly.
  • Drink from a straw whenever possible…allows food dyes to bypass teeth altogether.
  • Baking soda will help remove stains and build up. Brush it on your teeth twice a month, just as you would toothpaste, and rinse.
  • Raw veggies are not only healthy to eat, but they will clean your teeth and remove surface stains.
  • The mechanical action of chewing sugarless gum can also stimulate saliva and clean teeth surfaces, though not recommended for patients with TMJ

Dr. Antolak practices high tech dentistry in a relaxed atmosphere.  from Implant surgery to teeth whitening we can help you out in our Shelby, macomb county cosmetic dental office located at 15055 22 Mile, shelby twp. Michigan.  Phone number is (586)247-3500

Filed Under: Cosmetic Dentistry, General Dentistry, Nutrition, Teeth Whitening Tagged With: , , , ,

Economical Smile Makeover in Michigan

April 6, 2007 by ·

Snap on Smile- an instant Smile Makeover

Question:  I really don’t like my smile!  I had an estimate on some dental procedures to help me out, but I can’t afford it.  They recommended some caps and lumineers and sounds great, but even with their financing this is out of my reach.  I heard of something that I can take out of my mouth that snaps over my teeth.  Have you heard of this device?

Answer:  I have been using thin plastic dental veneers that press fit over the patient’s teeth to determine what a new smile might look like.  We would determine if longer or more protrusive teeth would look better in their mouth and look pleasing to their appearance.  Because of the popularity of shows like Extreme Makeover and the Swan  there has been an increased demand for cosmetic dental procedures. (See last months edition of Ask the Dentist).  Some of our patient’s want this Hollywood smile, but can’t seem to fit it into their budget.  A new reversible procedure is now available for short term use.  It is called the Snap-On-smile.  It is made from a durable material that memorizes its shape and snaps over the natural teeth without adhesives.  Teeth need to be decay free and infection free to do this procedure.  It is ideal for those who can’t afford long term cosmetic dentistry, but want to look nice particularly for an important occasion such as a wedding.  The cost for this procedure is between $950-$1400 and according to the manufacturer it can last up to 3 years if maintained properly and used carefully.

There are 18 categories of tooth shapes and 23 colors to choose from.  To be fabricated, an accurate impression is taken of the teeth and in a couple of weeks your new snap on smile is ready.  This has been referred to quick fix dentistry by some and does have its limitations but is good for those financially or medically challenged who want an attractive smile.

Limitations considered are:

  • Protrusive upper teeth, it will look worse if thickness was added to them.
  • Since the teeth are made to snap over the entire existing teeth they tend to feel bulkey.
  • Patients who grind or clench their teeth will usually wear them down quickly.

The only way to see if you qualify for this procedure you can ask your dentist.  If they don’t do this type of procedure we would be happy to discuss the procedure to see if you are a candidate.  We can be reached at www.TheGentleDentist.com.  You can also visit their web site at www.SnapOnSmile.com.

To submit your questions please e-mail me at DrAntolak@TheGentleDentist.com or call (586)247-3500.

Filed Under: Cosmetic Dentistry, General Dentistry Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,