Dental Crowns & Bridges

Stroll through any drug store, and you’ll find numerous over-the-counter (OTC) teeth whitening products. How do these differ from what’s used at the dentist’s office—and which is better? Isn’t it just easier to whiten your teeth at home?

The Main Difference Between OTC and Professional Teeth Whitening

There are many types of OTC teeth whitening products available, including strips, gels, toothpaste, and bleach kits. While some of these products are pretty good, they all have a much lower concentration of the whitening agent than what’s used at the dentist’s office. You’ll also be applying it to your teeth over a shorter period of time. Essentially, you’ll see less of a change in the appearance of your smile, and it will take much longer.

At Enamel Dentistry, we use a higher-concentrated bleaching gel, which allows us to whiten your teeth by 5-10 shades in a single office visit. It’s much more effective than OTC whiteners! OTC bleaching gels can cause sensitivity and discomfort; we use custom trays and monitor you the entire time to make sure you have a comfortable experience throughout the entire process.

In addition, some OTC whitening products contain charcoal or other substances that can damage your enamel!

What About Convenience?

OTC whiteners are certainly convenient—you just need to grab one off the shelf and use it at home. Believe it or not, professional teeth cleaning can be just as convenient! At Enamel Dentistry, you don’t have to sit in the dentist’s chair to get a whiter, brighter smile. Although that’s certainly an option, we also offer custom take-home whitening kits. While still more effective than OTC products, they’re designed to give you gentler, more gradual treatment than what you’d get with our in-office whitening. This is perfect for patients who’d like a more natural whitening process or don’t have the time for in-office appointments.

Want to learn more about our professional teeth whitening or schedule an appointment? Contact your closest Enamel Dentistry location today!

Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that helps straighten teeth without metal braces. Instead, it uses a series of custom-made clear aligners that fit over your teeth and gently move them into the proper position over time. They’re barely noticeable, and they can be removed, which is one reason why many patients choose Invisalign over traditional metal braces. Since they aren’t attached to the teeth, oral hygiene is much easier and they don’t require uncomfortable adjustment appointments. 

What Else is Invisalign Used For?

While Invisalign is primarily used for a straighter smile, it can also prevent chipping, wear, and TMJ. Beyond straightening the teeth, Invisalign can be used for:

• Gaps between the teeth
• Mild to moderate overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites
• Overcrowded teeth

Why Is Proper Teeth Positioning Important?

If the upper and lower teeth don’t fit together properly when biting or chewing, it can cause painful muscles and joints, headaches, worn teeth, and, in some cases, fractures. Over time, misaligned teeth can also become crooked or crowded. 

Although a straight smile has cosmetic benefits, it’s even more important for the way your mouth functions and overall oral health. Crooked or crowded teeth can affect your speech and ability to chew. Even worse, they can make it very difficult to brush and floss thoroughly, putting those teeth at a higher risk of cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease. Believe it or not, jaw alignment can even affect the way you breathe.

Find Out if Invisalign is Right for You

Having a straight smile is great—but it’s even better when you have fewer dental issues to worry about! And fewer dental issues equal a happier, healthier smile overall. For more information on Invisalign or to find out if you’re a good candidate for this treatment, contact an Enamel Dentistry near you!

National Wine Day falls on Saturday, May 25th this year and is a great time to celebrate with a glass of wine (or two, we won’t tell)! But wine is also one of the most common causes of tooth staining, along with tea and coffee.

How to Keep Your Smile Bright When Drinking Wine

Drinking wine won’t hurt your teeth, but it can stain them and make you feel self-conscious about your smile. Here are a few tips to keep your smile bright and avoid purple tinted teeth:

See your dentist regularly for teeth cleanings

Seeing a dentist for six-month oral exams and teeth cleanings will ensure that your teeth are free of plaque and tartar. Your teeth will be buffed and polished, which can help remove minor stains and discoloration.

Consider a white wine

White wine is free of the tannins and pigments that can stain your teeth, so think about switching to Riesling or pinot grigio

Brush before you drink wine

Since wine is acidic, it’s actually not a great idea to brush right after drinking it. Brushing immediately after drinking wine can cause premature wear to the teeth. Instead, brush your teeth before you drink. This will help remove plaque and prevent stains.

Rinse your mouth after drinking wine

Drinking a glass of water or gargling with a bit of mouthwash can help prevent wine from lingering on your teeth.

Have a salad with your wine

High-fiber foods help your mouth produce more saliva and “scrub” wine away from your teeth. Pair your wine with a salad and minimize your risk of a stained smile!
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Treating Stains – Teeth Whitening And Veneers

If your teeth have become stained due to a wine habit, don’t despair! You have options. Teeth whitening from Enamel Dentistry is an ideal way to reverse and remove wine stains. We offer both in-office and take-home kits. When the powerful peroxide is applied to your teeth, it breaks up the chemical bonds that hold the stains onto your enamel and bleaches them away.

If you have very dark or severe wine stains, or your teeth are stained due to tobacco use, veneers may be a better option. Porcelain veneers can be used to cover up the front surfaces of your teeth and replace them with a bright, white, completely non-stainable surface that permanently restores your smile!

Contact Us to Learn More About Cosmetic Dentistry in Austin!

If you’re interested in cosmetic dentistry in Austin, Enamel Dentistry is where you want to be. Our dentists have years of experience treating teeth stains with whitening and veneers. Come in for a consultation today and see what treatment may be right for you. We hope to see you soon!