Dr. Noah's Dentistry Blog

Questions About Dentistry Answered

Archives for March 2013

I’ve Developed a Space after Braces

by

I had my braces taken off just over two weeks ago and I’m already seeing a space developing between my two bottom front teeth. I haven’t worn my retainer 24/7 but I didn’t expect this to happen so fast. What should I do?

–  Anne in Oklahoma

Dear Anne,

It is extremely important that you wear your retainers religiously after the removal of braces until otherwise suggested by your orthodontist. The reason for this is that your teeth will automatically want to move back to their original position they were in before the braces were placed on them. You might not notice any change in tooth position but this will become more noticeable over time. The main reason you need to wear retainers is to keep your teeth in the position they were in after the removal of your braces. Teeth can easily shift in a day or two after the removal of braces. Elastic fibers in your gums that hold teeth in place become stretched with orthodontic treatment and it generally takes approximately a year for new elastic fibers to form and keep your teeth in their corrected position. This is why it’s so vital to wear your retainer as directed by your orthodontist.

We recommend that you visit your orthodontist as soon as possible. They may be able to tweak your lower retainer and close the space that’s developing. If this is not successful, you may need to have a new retainer made.

This blog brought to you by Dr. Noah of Region Dental.

Should I See a Dentist for Professional Whitening?

by

I want to whiten my teeth as they’re looking yellowish and dull in tone. I don’t want to use Crest strips as they don’ seem to work that well for me. I’m considering getting professional whitening with a dentist. Does it really work well and how much does it cost? Also, how often does it need to be done?

 – Mark in Oklahoma

Dear Mark,

If you’re looking to effectively whiten your teeth, seeing a dentist is a wise move.  They will give you dramatically whiter teeth without the hassle. Also, it’s important to know that any whitening product bought over the counter or treatment from your dentist, can be harmful to your enamel if it’s over-used. Products that you buy over the counter may lighten teeth a couple of shades, however it’s very temporary and the product must be used over and over to maintain tooth brightness. The reason is because these bleaching products are not as strong as what the dentist uses.

If you opt for professional teeth bleaching at the dental office, teeth tend to remain white and bright for several years. They usually never go back to the original shade but colorful diets, dark liquids and tobacco habits do discolor teeth quicker. We recommend patients touch up every few years if they notice darkening of the teeth. Touching up the teeth is a procedure that’s fairly inexpensive.

Most dentists have two types of whitening procedures available. One is an in-office procedure where a bleaching agent is applied to your teeth and a light is placed over your teeth to activate the bleaching product. This takes approximately two hours and brightens up the color of your teeth several shades. This may cost several hundred dollars.

Another option is to have bleach trays constructed and you can bleach your teeth in the comfort of your own home. This procedure is less expensive than the in-office treatment and works just as well.

We recommend you consult with your dentist to see if you are a good candidate for teeth whitening and which product is most suitable for your teeth.

This blog brought to you by Dr. Noah of Region Dental.