Our Services:
Porcelain Veneers
Finding Decay
Crowns & Bridges
Cosmetic Fillings
Cosmetic Implants
Dentures & Partials
Whitening Teeth
Periodontal Disease

Porcelain laminate veneers are probably the most esthetic means of creating a more pleasing and beautiful smile. They require a minimal amount of tooth reduction (approximately .5 mm) and are, therefore, a more conservative restoration than a crown. Porcelain veneers allow us to alter tooth position, shape, size and color. They are not the only alternative for all esthetic abnormalities but are truly a remarkable restoration when they are the treatment of choice.

Veneers are a fantastic way to fix front teeth. You can whiten your teeth, close spaces, and create a great smile. We can even do virtually instant orthodontics to straighten crooked teeth.

• Spaces between the teeth (diastemas)
• Broken or chipped teeth
• Unsightly, stained or washed out fillings
• Permanently stained or discolored teeth
• Misshapen or crooked teeth
• Whiten dark yellow or stained teeth

Have you ever wished you had better-looking teeth without all the hassle of braces(orthodontics) or crowns (caps)? NOW YOU CAN!

Porcelain veneers are the answer for instant orthodontics to straighten smiles, close spaces, reshape, and accomplish minor realignment of your teeth. You can even have that "Hollywood" smile you've always wanted.

Veneers are very thin and are bonded on the front of your anterior teeth. These veneers are about 0.3mm to 0.5mm in thickness but are very strong once bonded to your teeth.

They have a "life like" appearance with the strength, beauty, and durability only porcelain restorations can afford.
Veneers have several advantages over crowns (caps). There is no "dark line" that is sometimes seen with older front caps. They transmit light better and, therefore, have a more translucent appearance giving a natural, esthetic look. Veneers do not require the massive grinding of tooth structure that caps do, yet, they accomplish a lifelike esthetic result.

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Finding Decay the Easy Way

One of the most important things we do for our patients is to identify and fill cavities. Since any spot of decay can threaten the integrity of an entire tooth, this is key to preventing a host of future problems. Historically, that's why lengthy poking and prodding sessions have been an acceptable, if not very comfortable, part of dental exams. However, such methods of decay detection are only 50% to 75% successful: cavities can hide along fissure lines, or inside biting or occlusal surfaces. Further, mechanical exploratory methods are limited to finding only those cavities that are equal to or larger than the probe head. Enter Diagnodent: a revolutionary, thorough means of detecting cavities.

Laser Reflection Spots Imperfection

Diagnodent technology uses a laser diode to inspect your teeth, comparing reflection wavelength against a healthy baseline wavelength to uncover decay. First, we take a benchmark reading by aiming the laser onto one of your healthy enamel tooth surfaces, then continue on around, shining the laser into all suspect areas. As it pulses into grooves, fissures and cracks, it reflects fluorescent light of a specific wavelength which is measured by receptors, converted to an acoustic signal, evaluated electronically to reveal a value between one and 100, then displayed on a screen.

Any variation from the healthy baseline value stimulates emission of a different wavelength and alerts us to a weakened area of decay. Not surprisingly, this technology quickly and precisely identifies even the tiniest bit of decay. This means shallower, simpler fillings, preserving more tooth structure, and it provides a specific means of monitoring suspicious areas without repeated x-rays.

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Crowns & Bridges

Sometimes, people lose teeth. It can’t be helped. Face meets baseball bat, sidewalk, steering wheel, or, any other immovable object. Sometimes people are missing teeth they never had, for genetic reasons. But over the years, most lose their teeth by default, due to neglect, severe decay, and gum disease. The usual culprit is plaque.

Plaque can cause both tooth decay and periodontal disease, and if left untreated, these conditions can lead to tooth loss. While the number of people with no teeth was much higher twenty-five years ago than it is today,and while fewer people are in fact losing fewer teeth, many people are still losing them for the same old reasons: poor oral hygiene habits, lack of access to professional oral health care among certain groups in our native-born population, and the influx of immigrants from countries where oral health care and prevention information are not readily available.

A bridge is preferable to dentures, which over time can irritate and even damage gum tissues and the underlying bone.

The rule of thumb is, use a fixed bridge whenever possible before deciding on a removable denture. It is more comfortable, will provide greater function for chewing, and is likely to survive over the long haul, if the supporting teeth remain healthy.

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Chipped, fractured or worn teeth can be beautifully restored using lifelike all-porcelain veneers or crowns.
Also, because we are living longer, we need to hold onto our teeth longer. Or if they’re gone, we need to replace them, not only to maintain efficient chewing, but to support the facial muscles. If a span of teeth is missing, it can be bridged. The news about bridges is that, thanks to twenty-first century technology and advanced materials, they are more natural looking, longer lasting, and easier to place than ever before. Bridges are critical for keeping the remaining teeth from drifting. If teeth start shifting, they also start to slant. This may increase the depth of any gingival pockets, which in turn will trigger periodontal problems, and possibly lead to the loss of more teeth.

Orthodontic tooth movement and cosmetic restorations can give your smile a whole new appearance.

Bridges, which have been used for hundreds of years, are the classic option for replacing up to four teeth missing in a row, whether in the front of the mouth or on one side. Unlike removable dentures, a bridge is basically a fixed (cemented) permanent denture designed to float prosthetic teeth (called pontics) between sound natural teeth (called abutments), which serve as their anchors. Bridges are affixed to existing natural teeth or a dental implant with crowns and cement.

Because multiple missing teeth can be replaced with several types of restorations, to select the right one, the dentist and patient must make some decisions together, based on the patient’s lifestyle, oral and general health, and finances. For many dentists, the treatment of choice today is an implant. An implant doesn’t require other teeth to hold it in place. But the patient needs to be in good health. If he or she has a chronic health condition, or bad habits (such as smoking or neglecting to floss and brush), an implant procedure would be hard-pressed to succeed. And if the teeth on either side of a gap are already decayed and have fillings anyway, the patient is better off if those teeth are crowned to support a bridge.

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Fabricating a bridge takes anywhere from two to multiple appointments, depending on the complexity of the treatment. Once inserted in the patient’s mouth, it does not involve months of healing time, and only a dentist can take it out. Bridges can be made from the same materials as crowns, using practically the same techniques.

For a fixed crown and bridge, Dr. Glerum first prepares the abutment teeth as though they needed crowns.

Traditionally, after the teeth are prepared, impressions are made and a cast is then made of the prepared teeth. Dr. Glerum then requests a skilled laboratory technician to make it, prescribing the exact dimensions needed to the lab.

Bridges must be taken care of as well as or better than natural teeth. There is a common misconception that bridges protect the teeth. They don’t. The abutment teeth are still vulnerable to decay, usually at the bridge/tooth junction. And it’s not easy getting in there, especially for elderly patients. Good plaque control is also extremely important in maintaining bridges.

The reality is that it’s up to you, the patient, to maintain your bridge. Periodontal disease and recurrent decay are the most common causes of bridge failure. However, food can get trapped around and under the bridge. This makes home care particularly challenging. You will need to brush, floss, and have your teeth professionally cleaned as often as you did before, or even more diligently. Bridge maintenance is entirely your responsibility, although the Dr. Glerum and her team (your personal bridge authority) will help you keep an eye on it. With today’s technology, advanced materials, and increasing awareness of the critical importance of overall health, losing teeth is on the decline, while saving or replacing teeth is becoming the easy and more practical standard. So, if you and Dr. Glerum decide it’s time for you to cross over to a bridge, and you take good care of it, you can be sure it will stand up to wear and tear as well as the Golden Gate , the Brooklyn , or the Mackinac have done.

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Cosmetic Fillings

Are dental amalgams safe?
Is it possible to have an allergic reaction to amalgam?
Is it true that dental amalgams have been banned in other countries?
Is there a filling material that matches tooth color?
If my tooth doesn’t hurt and my filling is still in place, why would the filling need to be replaced?
Symptoms Mercury Poisoning
Meaning of a•mal•gam

Are dental amalgams safe?

Yes. Dental amalgam has been used in tooth restorations worldwide for more than 100 years. Studies have failed to find any link between amalgam restorations and any medical disorder. Amalgam continues to be a safe restorative material for dental patients.
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Is it possible to have an allergic reaction to amalgam?

Only a very small number of people are allergic to amalgam fillings. Fewer than 100 cases have ever been reported. In these rare instances, mercury may trigger an allergic response. Symptoms of amalgam allergy are very similar to a typical skin allergy.

Often patients who are truly allergic to amalgam have a medical or family history of allergies to metals. If there is a confirmed allergy, another restorative material will be used.
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Is it true that dental amalgams have been banned in other countries?

No. Erroneous news reporting has confused restrictions in a few countries with outright bans. Dentists around the world are using dental amalgams (silver fillings) to restore teeth that have dental decay. Studies have not shown a link between dental amalgam and any medical disorder.
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Is there a filling material that matches tooth color?

Yes. Composite resins are tooth-colored, plastic materials (made of glass and resin) that are used both as fillings and to repair defects in the teeth. Because they are tooth-colored, it is difficult to distinguish them from natural teeth. Composites are often used on the front teeth where a natural appearance is important. They can be used on the back teeth as well depending on the location and extent of the tooth decay. Composite resins are usually more costly than amalgam fillings.
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If my tooth doesn’t hurt and my filling is still in place, why would the filling need to be replaced?

Constant pressure from chewing, grinding or clenching can cause dental fillings, or restorations, to wear away, chip or crack. Although you may not be able to tell that your filling is wearing down, your dentist can identify weaknesses in your restorations during a regular check-up.

If the seal between the tooth enamel and the restoration breaks down, food particles and decay-causing bacteria can work their way under the restoration. You then run the risk of developing additional decay in that tooth. Decay that is left untreated can progress to infect the dental pulp and may cause an abscess.

If the restoration is large or the recurrent decay is extensive, there may not be enough tooth structure remaining to support a replacement filling. In these cases, your dentist may need to replace the filling with a crown.
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Symptoms Mercury Poisoning

It is really important to know that you may well have your own individual variations on the symptoms mentioned here. This list is a composite list of as many variations and groups of symptoms as can be found in the literature and from common report.

Those best recognized by toxicologists in a severe, acute mercury poisoning are:

• Excessive salivation and constant swallowing or dribbling at night, medically called Ptyalism.
• Blue rimmed gums, oral/gum ulceration, bleeding gums, metallic taste and later loosening of the teeth, all of which together are medically known as Stomatitis.
• Fatigue so great that there is a complete depletion of strength and incapacity to move. Work of any sort is impossible and the victim sleeps, dozes or daydreams.
• Shortness of breath and breathing problems known as Dyspnea.
• Stomach pains and indigestion
• Pustular spots and excema on the skin known as Hydragyria.
• Tremors and moodiness collectively called Erethismus Mercurialis.

Although this short list is toxicologically recognized it is the hundreds of individual symptoms that make up the bulk of the suffering. Sinus / ear / eye infections; dreadful fatigue; digestive troubles; joint and muscle pain; mental / personality disorders; insomnia; hair loss; word loss and much more.
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Meaning of a•mal•gam
Pronunciation: (u-mal'gum)
1. an alloy of mercury with another metal or metals.
2. an alloy that consists chiefly of silver mixed with mercury and variable amounts of other metals and is used as a dental filling.
3. a rare mineral, an alloy of silver and mercury, occurring as silver-white crystals or grains.
4. a mixture or combination: His character is a strange amalgam of contradictory traits.
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Cosmetic Implants

You pay the price of ugly teeth in years of neglect and enjoying life's pleasures.

Luckily, your smile can tell the world how you really feel and how you want to be perceived when you see a Cosmetic Dentist.

We are skilled in the latest smile restoration techniques including:
Laser and High Intensity Tooth Whitening
Veneers and Enamel Bonding
Dental Implants

We also offers many other services to help you find you perfect smile. Diagnostic laser technique to detect early development of dental decay

Five business day smile makeover - certain conditions apply

Implant Dentistry (Implantology)
In many situations, dental implants can give back patients their confident smile. The benefits are improved esthetics, the ability to eat comfortably and a clean, healthy oral environment for the patient.

Dental Implants are small prosthetic posts that are placed into the bone of the upper or lower jaw. They act as replacements for the root portion of lost natural teeth and also serve as an anchor for replacement teeth. Dental implants look and feel exactly like natural teeth -- in fact, no one other than you and your doctor will be able to tell the difference. Dental implants are appropriate for almost anyone who is currently missing teeth or is at risk of losing teeth.

There are many different types of dental implants available. We have extensive experience in dental implants and would be pleased to discuss the benefits of implant prosthetics with you. Ask about implant restorative treatment at the time of your consultation.

Dentures & Partials

Advantages of Dentures
Dentures are a set of artificial teeth used to replace natural ones lost because of disease or decay. There are two primary methods for fitting dentures. The teeth can be extracted and the gums and jaw allowed to heal before the dentures are fitted, or dentures can be prepared in advance and inserted immediately after the extraction. Immediate dentures are more aesthetically pleasing, but they often require several fittings as the jaw heals and changes shape.

They also allow you the advantage of never needing to appear without teeth. Because dentures are foreign to the mouth, they require a certain period of adjustment. Denture wearers must learn to chew and speak with a new set of teeth. However, they can be advantageous to older wearers by adding fullness to lips and cheeks, and helping to reduce wrinkles around the mouth.

Dentures can even decrease facial lines and wrinkles. They also provide an alternative to patients with dental disease that want to avoid extensive treatments.

Advantages of Partials
A partial denture is a removable appliance used to replace missing teeth. Partials help your remaining teeth stay in position, improve your ability to speak, and equally distribute chewing stress throughout the mouth. Its use is generally recommend for a patient who has too many teeth missing to properly support a fixed bridge, but who doesn't yet need full dentures. A partial denture holds artificial teeth in place with a base that saddles the gums, and retainers that clasp onto adjacent teeth. If partials are properly cared for, they can last as long as a fixed bridge. Their low cost also makes them advantageous to patients needing only one or two replacements of missing teeth. Maintaining a close fit is important in order to keep a partial functioning properly, so it should be checked at least once a year by a dentists.

Dentures, Partials, or Dental Implants
When deciding whether to use a partial, denture, or dental implant, there are three primary factors to consider: the number of teeth missing, the cost, and comfort. Partials are generally used to replace a small number of teeth. They're the least expensive and, if fitted properly, are comfortable. The are removable, however, and if not worn continually they can contribute to the misalignment of adjacent teeth. Dentures are also removable but are used to replace an entire set of teeth. They have enormous aesthetic value but are a significant investment, and special care must be taken to ensure they have a proper and comfortable fit. Dental implants are the most expensive replacement method, but they also tend to be the most comfortable. Implants are actually surgically anchored to the jaw, are permanent, and can be used to replace just one or all the teeth. Care of implants is similar to that of normal teeth. Regular brushing, flossing, and check-ups are required.

Old Front teeth too square and too large Unrealistic color
New Teeth shaped to face Soft, feminine look Tooth color matches complexion

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Insurance coverage for Dentures and Partials
Insurance coverage for dentures and partials varies in regard to the different types of policies available. The average policy, however, will not cover pre-existing conditions, but will cover at least fifty percent of the cost of most dental procedures. Other policies will cover much more of the total cost based on what's considered usual and customary fee for the service provided. Some policies will pay only a pre-determined fixed amount or a percentage of the cost. For many people buying dental insurance is only cost-effective if they expect to spend a great deal of money on dental care in the near future. If you are interested in dental insurance, be sure to thoroughly discuss the different policies with your agent in order to make sure you get the coverage that best meets your needs. Determine who make the dentist choice for you and your family, as some plans may have preferred service providers for dental care and offer greater coverage if they're used.

Speaking with new Dentures
When you first get your dentures, it may seem as if you're learning to talk all over again. Your voice may change as the sound echoes differently off the denture material. You may discover that some words are difficult to say because your tongue isn't used to the new dentures. Once your mouth adjusts to the dentures you'll be able to speak without any problems. You can help your mouth get used to speaking with dentures by reading out loud. If you notice a clicking sound from your dentures, you need to slow your speech and see your dentist for a possible fitting adjustment. Dentures will also decrease your ability to chew harder foods. You'll need to cut food into smaller pieces and learn to chew with an up and down motion to prevent dislodging your dentures. Once you're comfortable with your dentures and the fit is correct you shouldn't require adhesives to keep them in place.

Teeth Whitening

What is Zoom! tooth whitening?
Zoom! is a bleaching process that lightens discoloration of enamel and dentin.

What causes tooth discoloration?
There are many causes. The most common include aging and consumption of staining substances such as coffee, tea, colas, tobacco, red wine, etc. During tooth formation, consumption of tetracycline, certain antibiotics or excessive fluoride may also cause tooth discoloration.

Who may benefit from tooth whitening?
Almost anyone. However, treatment may not be as effective or some as it is for others. Your dental professional can determine if you are a viable candidate for this procedure through a thorough oral exam, including a shade assessment.

Do many people whiten their teeth?
More people than you might imagine. A bright, sparkling smile can make a big difference for everyone. The Zoom! Whitening System makes it easier and faster than ever before.

Is whitening safe?
Yes, extensive research and clinical studies indicate that whitening teeth under the supervision of a dentist is safe. In fact, many dentists consider whitening the safest cosmetic dental procedure available. As with any tooth whitening product, Zoom! is not recommended for children under 13 years of age and pregnant or lactating women.

How long do the results last?
By following some simple post whitening care instructions, your teeth will always be lighter than they were before. To keep your teeth looking their best, we recommend flossing, brushing twice daily with Zoom! Whitening Toothpaste, and occasional touch-ups with Zoom! take-home gel. These are professional formula products designed specifically to keep your teeth their brightest. They are available only through your dental professional.

Is there any difference between over-the-counter tooth whiteners and Zoom!
Yes! Consulting your dental professional is always the first step to whitening your teeth safely. Plus, over-the-counter tooth whitening strips, brush-on gels and toothpastes take weeks or months to whiten your teeth just a few shades. Zoom! is clinically proven to whiten your teeth eight shades in one hour or six shades in just one weekend.* Only a dentist can get your teeth this white, this fast.

How does the Zoom! In-Office System work?
The Zoom! light-activated whitening gel's active ingredient is Hydrogen Peroxide. As the Hydrogen Peroxide gel is broken down, oxygen enters the enamel and dentin, bleaching colored substances while the structure of the tooth is unchanged. The Zoom! light aids in activating the Hydrogen Peroxide and helps it penetrate the surface of the tooth. A study has shown that use of the Zoom! lamp increases the effectiveness of the Zoom! gel by 33% or more, giving an average improvement of eight shades*.

What does a patient experience during the Zoom! In-Office procedure?
During the procedure, patients may comfortably watch television or listen to music. Many actually fall asleep. Individuals with a strong gag reflex or anxiety may have difficulty undergoing the entire procedure.

Are there any side effects?
Some people experience temporary increased tooth sensitivity to cold during treatment. These symptoms disappear within 1-3 days after interruption or completion of the treatment.

How is exposure to the Zoom! light controlled?
The Zoom! procedure requires that all soft tissue in and around the mouth be protected. The clinician is required to monitor the procedure to insure any exposed skin or tissue is isolated and protected. Protective eyewear is required during the procedure. Light sensitive individuals including those undergoing PUVA (Psoralen+UV Radiation) therapy or other photo-chemotherapy, as well as patients with melanoma, should not undergo the Zoom! In-Office procedure. Also patients taking any light sensitive drugs or substances, whether over-the-counter, prescription or homeopathic, should consult their primary physician prior to procedure. Anyone who is not eligible for Zoom! In-Office for these reasons may be an excellent candidate for Zoom! Take-Home.

How long does Zoom! In-Office Whitening take?
The complete procedure takes just over an hour. The procedure begins with a preparation period followed by one hour of bleaching. A five minute fluoride treatment completes the procedure (a cleaning is recommended prior to the actual Zoom! Whitening session).

How does the Zoom! Take-Home System work?
Zoom! utilizes a breakthrough dual barrel chemistry that is engineered to accelerate whitening efficacy in two unique ways. First, it utilizes a breakthrough surfactant technology for improved gel penetration. Second, it helps to control the activation of Hydrogen Peroxide. This innovative formula creates an activation matrix that helps regulate the release of free radicals for optimal results. A recent study showed that the Zoom! Take-Home System delivers an average of six shades* after three applications.

How long does Zoom! Take-Home Whitening take?
The Zoom! take-home gel is designed to be worn between four and eight hours per application. Your dental professional will advise you on how long you should wear each application. Most people prefer to wear it over night while they sleep, but you can also wear it during the day if that works better for you. A recent study showed that you can achieve an average improvement of six shades* after just three applications. However, individual results may vary. Your dental professional will help you determine how many applications are right for you.

How is the Zoom! Take-Home System different from the Zoom! In-Office System?
The main difference between the two systems is that you use the Zoom! Take-Home System in the convenience of your own home over a few days or nights. The Zoom! In-Office System is performed entirely in the office.

zoomwhitening.com

For a dental appointment please call: (561)-374-8922

We also use Nite White® Excel3
Beautiful overnight results. Nothing works faster!
Fast, safe and effective
Delicious flavors
3-year shelf life

Nothing freshens up your appearance like a whiter, bright smile.
Those "glorified toothpastes" at the grocery store just can't give you the whitest possible smile, only your dentist can. Nite White® and Day White® tooth whitening system safely bleaches your teeth to lighten discoloration caused by food, coffee, tobacco, aging and other sources.

Nite White® is a fast, safe and effective tooth whitening system. The whitening gel is a thick solution, which is dispensed to patients by a dentist and applied by the patient at home using a clear and inconspicuous custom fitted tray.

The delicious Peppermint Cream flavored gel is worn overnight, while you sleep for ultimate performance and maximum convenience. In only 7-10 nights, you can achieve significant whitening results.

The active ingredient in Nite White®, carbamide peroxide, has been recognized by FDA for many years as an oral antiseptic and is now used for its superior tooth whitening properties. Nite White® is available in a variety of carbamide peroxide concentrations to whiten even the most difficult stains.

Day White® Excel 3 - A Beautiful White Smile in Only 30 Minutes Twice a Day.

Day White Excel 3 is a low sensitivity daytime tooth whitener formulated exclusively for use in a patented dual barrel syringe. In only 30 minutes twice a day, you will achieve the whiter smile you've always dreamed of!

Features
7.5% and 9.5% Hydrogen Peroxide concentrations
Low sensitivity
Delicious Cool Mint Flavor

2.4-cc Syringe
Designed to give you more control over the amount of gel you dispense, each Day White Excel 3 syringe contains three dual arch applications.

Dual Barrel Syringe Technology
The advanced technology of the patented dual barrel syringe allows the Peroxide chamber to remain separate from the activator chamber until the moment of use. This allows the freshest blend of gel to be dispensed every time!

Peroxide Chamber - Hydrogen Peroxide is more stable at a low pH, but more comfortable only at a higher pH.

Activator Chamber - Designed to unleash the full power of Hydrogen Peroxide safely and effectively, this high viscosity, low sensitivity gel contains a unique blend of soothers, conditioners and flavor enhancers.

Gum Disease (Periodontal Disease)

What Is gum disease?
What are the signs of gum disease?
How can I prevent gum disease?
Take a Self-Evaluation Quiz

What Is Gum Disease?

Gum disease (also called periodontal disease) is an infection of the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth. It is a major cause of tooth loss in adults. Because gum disease is usually painless, however, you may not know you have it.

Gum disease is caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on the teeth. These bacteria create toxins that can damage the gums.

In the early stage of gum disease, called gingivitis, the gums can become red, swollen and bleed easily. At this stage, the disease is still reversible and can usually be eliminated by daily brushing and flossing.

In the more advanced stages of gum disease, called periodontitis, the gums and bone that support the teeth can become seriously damaged. The teeth can become loose, fall out or have to be removed by a dentist.

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What are the signs of gum disease?

If you notice any of the following signs of gum disease, see your dentist immediately:

Gums that bleed when you brush your teeth.
Red, swollen or tender gums.
Gums that have pulled away from the teeth.
Bad breath that doesn't go away.
Pus between your teeth and gums
Loose teeth.
A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite.
A change in the fit of partial dentures.

Normal, healthy gums
Healthy gums and bone anchor teeth firmly in place.
Periodontitis
Unremoved, plaque hardens into calculus (tartar). As plaque and calculus continue to build up, the gums begin to recede (pull away) from the teeth, and pockets form between the teeth and gums.
Advanced Periodontitis
The gums recede farther, destroying more bone and the periodontal ligament. Teeth — even healthy teeth — may become loose and need to be extracted.

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How can I prevent gum disease?

The good news is that you can help prevent gum disease by taking good care of your teeth every day and having regular dental checkups. Here's how to keep your teeth and gums healthy

• Brush your teeth well twice a day.

This removes the film of bacteria from the teeth. Be sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush that is in good condition. Toothpastes and mouth rinses containing fluoride strengthen the teeth and help prevent decay. Choose products that bear the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance, your assurance that they have met the ADA's standards for safety and effectiveness. The ADA reviews all advertising claims for any product bearing the Seal. The Seal on a product is an assurance for consumers and dentists against misleading or untrue statements concerning a product's safety and effectiveness.

• Clean between your teeth every day.

Cleaning between your teeth with floss or interdental cleaners removes bacteria and food particles from between the teeth, where a toothbrush can't reach. Early gum disease can often be reversed by daily brushing and flossing. If you use interdental cleaners, ask your dentist how to use them properly, to avoid injuring your gums.

• Eat a balanced diet.

Choose a variety of foods from the basic food groups, such as breads, cereals and other grain products; fruits; vegetables; meat, poultry and fish; and dairy products, such as milk, cheese and yogurt. Limit between-meal snacks.

• Visit your dentist regularly.

It is important to have regular dental checkups, and professional cleaning is essential to prevent periodontal diseases.

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Take a Self-Evaluation Quiz

You may not realize that persistent swollen, red or bleeding gums, tooth sensitivity, and bad breath are warning signs of periodontal (gum) disease - a serious infection that, left untreated, can lead to tooth loss.

Jot down your answers to the following questions to find out if you have the symptoms of periodontal disease.

Do you ever have pain in your mouth?

Do your gums ever bleed when you brush your teeth or when you eat hard food?

Have you noticed any spaces developing between your teeth?

Do your gums ever feel swollen or tender?

Have you noticed that your gums are receding (pulling back from your teeth) or your teeth appear longer than before?

Do you have persistent bad breath?

Have you noticed pus between your teeth and gums?

Have you noticed any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite?

Do you ever develop sores in your mouth?

One hour Whitening

Imagine walking into our office, and leaving one hour later with a whiter smile! Yes, it truly can be done without a can of Dutch Boy Semi-Gloss.

Thanks to advances in whitening procedures, you can now accelerate the typical two week “tray” technique to a single, one hour appointment.

As you relax in our treatment room, a gel is applied to your teeth, activated by a high-intensity light, and rinsed off. The cycle is repeated two to three more times, and you’re done!

We go one step further in our office. You are provided “touch-up” solutions, so that if your teeth get darker over a period of time, you can lighten them at home by yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is this process dangerous?
A: No. All the materials used are approved by the FDA. Also, you are not consuming the gel.

Q: Does tooth whitening weaken the teeth?
A: No. Teeth are porous, like a sponge. The gel removes the stain from these pores.

Q: What are the side effects of whitening?
A: The most common side effect is sensitivity. However, if the sensitivity does not go away by itself, we can decrease or eliminate it via a fluoride treatment.

Q: How much will my teeth lighten?
A: This is a very difficult question to answer without examining your teeth here in our office. Some people have a fantastic result, while others can have a minimal result.

Q: Can you guarantee my teeth will lighten?
A: NO. During our evaluation, we will estimate for you what we expect. If we feel you will have minimal lightening or no improvement at all, we will let you know.

Q: Why can’t I just buy a kit in the supermarket or on the web, and save myself a lot of money?
A: You can. However, the trays that are provided in these kits do not fit as well as the custom trays we make for you (with the take-home process, not the in-office process). Therefore, the gels can leak all over your mouth. Also, the concentrations of these gels are not as strong as what we can provide to you.