Going to the dentist can be stressful. While it’s a fear often associated with children, adults are just as likely to be anxious about visiting the dentist, and such fear can often keep people from scheduling appointments or coming in when they have a dental emergency. If you suffer from dental anxiety or even a dental phobia, don’t let your fears keep you from taking care of your teeth.
- Identify Your Fear
First, it helps to pinpoint exactly what your phobia is about. Painful procedures keep a lot of people at bay, and fear of the dentist might stem from the harsh lighting, an unsettling angle, and face-covering masks that make dentists seem scarier than they actually are. Once you know exactly why you’re afraid of visiting the dentist, you can take the steps necessary to conquer this fear.
- Practice Simple Relaxation Tools
This can be done through various means: guided meditation, a distracting hobby, or even just regular deep breathing exercises. When we have anxiety, our negative thoughts tend to kick into overdrive, and diverting those thoughts is a good way to stay calm and think through the situation more rationally.
- Communicate With Your Dentist
They’re there to keep your teeth clean and your mouth healthy, and they don’t want you to feel scared of them. By letting them know how you feel, they can find ways to help you put your mind at ease. Perhaps by setting up a break schedule or allowing you to signal if you feel uncomfortable. They can also provide a more calming atmosphere, such as by allowing the use of blankets or letting you listen to music during the procedure. You can also ask them to keep you informed of what they’re going to do at every step to avoid making you worried about what’s coming next.
- Ask for Numbing Medication
Whether it’s through Novocain, “laughing gas,” or any other sort of numbing agent, your dentist can prevent you from being in pain by temporarily dulling the sensation. If pain is what you fear, discuss whether numbing medication could be right for you.
- Consult a Professional About Sedation
In some circumstances, you might consider being voluntarily sedated during the dental process. While this may sound scary and would require you to prepare ahead of time, being sedated during the procedure means that you will have no pain or awareness of what’s happening. You can sleep through the procedure, wake up with a repaired smile, and skip out on the parts that cause the most anxiety.
- Find the Right Dentist For You
As with any professional relationship, it is important to find the right fit for you. Be aware of your needs, and feel empowered to find a dental professional who you trust.
Contact Lans Family Dentistry
If you’d like to visit a dentist that focuses on fostering a relaxing and welcoming environment, contact Lans Family Dentistry today to schedule an appointment or learn more about what services and accommodations we can provide for you. We understand that it can be stressful to visit the dentist, especially if you’re visiting a new dentist for the first time, and we’re here to help you feel comfortable during the visit and confident in your smile afterward.
Root canals have often been associated with pain and are considered an overall unpleasant dental procedure for those who first learn they need one. While that may have been true in the past, modern dental medicine has come a long way and has made the procedure virtually pain-free. Still, we understand that getting ready for any type of procedure can create a bit of stress and anxiety. However, knowing the reasons for a root canal and how to prepare can put you more at ease.
The Purpose of Root Canals
Root canals are a treatment for repairing and saving a seriously damaged or infected tooth versus removing it. The procedure is called a “root canal” because it involves cleaning the canals inside of a tooth’s root. This can occur when a cavity is left untreated for too long or if a tooth is cracked or damaged.
Preparing for a Root Canal
With any procedure or new experience, preparation is key to feeling more comfortable as you enter the situation. Preparing for a root canal is important, as it can lead to a more positive patient experience:
- Research your options. Consider asking local friends or family members about their root canal experiences to see which providers they have had positive experiences with. Look at reviews online if you don’t have any personal contacts.
- Learn about the procedure. The unknown can be scary, so understanding the root canal procedure before undergoing one can help ease some anxiety. A root canal consists of three general steps, and for most people, the procedure can be easily completed with just a local anesthetic. First, an opening is created in the tooth’s pulp, and the infected tissue is cleared. Next, the pulp chamber is cleared and shaped so that it can receive the filler material. Last, the opening is filled, which seals off the tooth to prevent future infection.
- Eat before your procedure and prepare to eat soft foods afterward. Discuss the exact timeline with your provider, but you will usually want to eat a meal two or more hours before your procedure as eating afterward might be uncomfortable at first. Having soft and cold foods on hand after a root canal can be more soothing and appetizing as opposed to hot or crunchy foods initially.
- Discuss pain medication and antibiotics. Your dentist may recommend you take over-the-counter pain relievers before your procedure, so follow these orders carefully. You may also discuss antibiotics with your provider, as they can help reduce the risk of infection.
- Avoid alcohol and tobacco leading up to your procedure. These substances can negatively affect your root canal and recovery since both impact your blood flow. If you smoke or drink, discuss this with your dentist and follow their recommendations regarding how long to fast from these substances prior to your root canal for optimal recovery.
At Lans Family Dentistry, we provide root canal therapy for those who need it in Northern Virginia. We understand undergoing dental procedures can be nerve-wracking. That’s why we are committed to making our patients as comfortable as possible throughout the experience, which includes adequate preparation. Our team will answer any questions you have and will prepare you with detailed instructions before your procedure to limit your pain and help you recover as quickly as possible. Contact us today to schedule an appointment to discuss your concerns.
Brushing your teeth is the most basic, and possibly most essential, form of oral hygiene as it helps to remove any residual food and plaque. The plaque contains bacteria that attack tooth enamel. Without brushing, you become more susceptible to developing gum disease and cavities, so it is important to get into the habit of brushing twice daily for two minutes each time.
That means you also need a toothbrush, but should you choose a manual or electric toothbrush? Which one provides the best care for your teeth? Both will get your teeth clean, and there are pros and cons to each.
Electric Toothbrushes
There are a variety of electric toothbrushes to choose from, each with different functions and features. At a minimum, an electric toothbrush makes some sort of automatic bristle motion to aid in cleaning teeth. They require battery power of some sort — either through being recharged or by changing out batteries as they die.
Pros of Electric Toothbrushes
Here are some of the advantages of electric toothbrushes:
- When they are used correctly, they can increase the effectiveness of cleaning.
- They work well for those with mobility impairments.
- They can make brushing easier since less hand motion is required — the brush does the work for you.
- Built-in timers let you know how long to brush. This is a big plus for children learning proper brushing techniques!
- Some have smart functions that can provide the user with feedback on how well they are brushing (too soft, too hard, etc.).
- They can be enticing to kids, which encourages better oral hygiene habits.
- They provide more of a positive environmental impact since less waste is created by replacing the heads only, instead of the whole brush.
Cons of Electric Toothbrushes
Some of the cons of electric toothbrushes include:
- Higher cost — the cost of electricity to charge them and the cost of replacement heads
- Must be charged, which can be inconvenient during travel
- Require replacement heads
- Bulkier than manual brushes
Manual Toothbrushes
While manual toothbrushes are less flashy and have fewer functions than their electronic counterparts, they are still an effective tool for cleaning your teeth and helping to prevent gum disease.
Pros of Manual Toothbrushes
Some of the advantages of manual toothbrushes are:
- Low cost
- Widely available and easy to find
- Work without batteries
- No inner electric components that could break
Cons of Manual Toothbrushes
Cons of manual toothbrushes include:
- Lack of a timer
- Possibly less effective, depending on how well a person brushes
- Fewer features than electric toothbrushes
Some studies have found electric toothbrushes to be more effective than manual toothbrushes, but others have found manual to be just as effective, so the choice is ultimately up to the user’s preference. The most important takeaway is that brushing your teeth is the best way to help prevent tooth decay and gum disease. While electric toothbrushes have more functions and may be more effective in some cases, they aren’t a necessity over manual toothbrushes.
At Lans Family Dentistry, we can answer your questions about which toothbrush is right for you while we provide you with high-quality care. We are accepting new patients in the Ashburn, Virginia area. Contact us today to set up an appointment. We look forward to serving you and your family with all your dental needs!
Dentists are often the first line of defense against serious oral health complications, but they can’t do their job without your help. Here are 3 best practices for dental hygiene.
Brush at least twice a day.
Your first thought might be, “Yes, I brush my teeth twice a day.” But do you really? If you think about it, the answer may surprise you.
Do you brush your teeth after every meal? Do you remember to floss daily (or at all)? As dental hygiene practitioners ourselves, we know that some patients find it hard to fit in basic oral hygiene practices between their busy schedules. That’s why we’re here: to help remind our patients of their responsibilities and get them into the habit of good oral health care for life!
Floss at least once a day.
Flossing is the most effective way to remove plaque from between your teeth. Plaque buildup on the surface of your teeth can lead to cavities, so it’s important to remove it regularly. In fact, flossing is often recommended as part of a daily oral hygiene routine.
If you’re using dental floss or another type of manual interdental cleaner, choose one that’s soft and flexible enough for you to easily navigate around your mouth without harming your gums or damaging any exposed roots. Dentists recommend using waxed nylon floss since it doesn’t break easily while removing plaque from beneath brackets or other fixed appliances in your mouth—it also helps prevent damage caused by overzealous toothbrushing!
If you’re not a fan of traditional dental floss (or if you have difficulty using it), alternative products like interdental brushes may be a better choice for keeping those hard-to-reach spaces clean and healthy!
Keep your toothbrush clean.
● Use a toothbrush holder or stand to keep your toothbrush upright and at an angle that promotes drying.
● Rinse your brush with hot water after brushing, making sure to remove all toothpaste residue as well as any food particles (and food particles often get stuck in the bristles).
● Store your brush out in the open air—not packed away where it could become moldy or develop bacteria growths.
Practice good brushing, flossing and using mouthwash to keep your mouth healthy.
Now that you’ve learned the basics of dental hygiene, it’s time to put them into practice.
Here are some tips on how to keep your mouth healthy:
● Brush twice a day for two minutes each time. This is the most effective way of removing plaque and preventing tooth decay—and if you’ve got kids, brushing after meals will help with their oral health as well!
● Floss once a day for two minutes or more. You’ll want to floss after every meal if possible; otherwise, at least do it once per day before bedtime. Your dentist may even recommend using an electric flosser which makes this process easier and less time-intensive than traditional flossing.
● Use mouthwash daily (particularly after eating). A good mouthwash will help eliminate bad breath by killing bacteria in the mouth but be careful not to overdo it—too much alcohol can dry out your gums and cause sensitivity over time! If possible, choose a non-alcoholic formula instead – these tend to have better ingredients overall such as fluoride which helps strengthen tooth enamel while keeping gums healthy too.”
Remember, a clean mouth is a healthy one. By adopting these habits, you’re ensuring that your teeth are strong and healthy for years to come!
Contact us to schedule an appointment for all your dentistry needs! We look forward to creating a better smile for you!
Teeth whitening is one of the most popular dental services available. However, as you look into teeth whitening for the first time, you will notice that whitening services come in a number of forms. If you are currently trying to determine the best teeth whitening option for you (and your teeth), here’s a guide on one of the possibilities: Zoom teeth whitening.
What does the Zoom teeth whitening procedure actually entail? Also, how do you determine whether or not it is the teeth whitening service for you? That’s exactly what we’ll be taking a look at in this post.
What Is Zoom Teeth Whitening?
Zoom is a bleaching treatment that can be used to lighten discoloration of the tooth’s dentin and enamel. The procedure occurs in-office and is performed by a trained dental professional. It is a great option for those who haven’t had luck with at-home treatments.
The name of the procedure comes from the tool that’s used to perform it: the Zoom Advanced Power Chairside Lamp. This technology is intended to accelerate the teeth bleaching process as it activates a hydrogen peroxide (25%) whitening solution. This hydrogen peroxide can then be broken down by the lamp, guiding oxygen into the dentin and enamel, effectively bleaching the stained substances of your teeth. Meanwhile, the structure of your tooth will remain unchanged.
What Is the Zoom Teeth Whitening Procedure Like?
First, you will need to have consulted with your dentist and determined that Zoom teeth whitening is the process for you. It is important that your dentist take a closer look at your teeth and gum health through a comprehensive exam. Certain procedures will actually require that an individual undergo whitening, including composite bonding and veneers.
After you have determined that Zoom is the teeth whitening process you will be utilizing, it is time to undergo the procedure itself. Before your session, however, your dentist will typically perform a standard teeth cleaning session. Once your teeth have been cleaned, the Zoom procedure will generally take less than an hour to complete.
To start the procedure, your dentist will cover your lips and gums so that only your teeth are left exposed to the treatment. Then, it’s time to apply the hydrogen peroxide whitening gel — this gel will stay in place for around fifteen minutes, giving the light time to do its job.
You will need to (consecutively) undergo three of these sessions, meaning that the total length of the procedure is closer to 45 minutes.
Immediately following the procedure, a fluoride paste-gel will be applied to your teeth to help reduce sensitivity.
Zoom Teeth Whitening Aftercare
Your dentist will provide you with instructions to maintain the whitening effects of the procedure. You will be provided a Zoom touch-up kit which you will be able to use at home. This kit will include whitening trays, custom-fitted to your teeth.
You might also be required to limit or avoid certain foods and beverages which can lead to staining of the teeth. If you use tobacco products, you will need to avoid those, as well.
Of course, make sure that you are keeping up with a dedicated oral hygiene regime.
Interested in the Zoom teeth whitening procedure? Contact the dental professionals at Lans Family Dentistry today.
Veneers are a type of dental crown used to cover the front part of teeth to help you achieve a straighter, more even smile. They are thin and custom-made to match the shape of your teeth for both adults and children. Veneers can be made from porcelain, plastic, or resin. They help to resolve common dental issues including a crooked smile, gaps between teeth, and stained teeth.
Porcelain veneers have been shown to provide more aesthetic results than other veneer materials because they look more like natural tooth enamel. However, veneers made from these materials may be more expensive than those made from plastic or resin materials due to their higher quality construction.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Veneers:
What Are the Advantages?
Veneers are made to match your teeth exactly and then cover the front parts of your natural teeth. This helps cover up any gaps or stains in your teeth, making them more even. Veneers can also help you achieve a straighter smile by creating a more even appearance. If your teeth have suffered years of discoloration, veneers can completely reverse your smile back to a healthier, whiter appearance in record time, compared to alternative whitening methods.
How Much Can Someone Expect to Pay?
The price of veneers is usually determined by how much an individual wants to change the look of their teeth. On average, the cost is $925 – $2,500 per tooth. It’s an incredibly wide range that is dependent on your specific dental goals. This is why it’s important to have a consultation with an orthodontist who can provide a more concrete price estimate that you can expect and consider.
Do They Stain?
Veneers do not stain, due to their porcelain composition. This is a huge benefit that attracts many to choose this dental option.
How Do I Know I’m an Appropriate Candidate?
If your current teeth are not suffering from any major oral decline conditions, you are probably in good shape to be considered for veneers. However, it’s still important to have a consultation with an orthodontist in order to find out if they are the right option for you. Veneers are not a one-size-fits-all solution, and your orthodontist will be able to assess the exact type that is a good fit for you.
Contact us to make an appointment, or with any questions.
As of 2020, 3.2 million Virginia residents did not have dental insurance. On top of that, according to the Virginia Health Care Foundation, only 67 Virginia localities have no dental safety net provider. Those are very concerning numbers for any dentist in the Virginia area. Not only is dental care one of the most overlooked aspects of our healthcare, but it can lead to serious complications if not taken care of.
We often hear:
“But why is dental health so important? I brush and floss every day, what’s the worst that could happen?”
Brushing and flossing are a very important part of dental health, but so are check-ups and regular cleanings. These aspects of oral hygiene are the ones we most leave to fate. But just because it doesn’t hurt right then, doesn’t mean that damage isn’t happening.
So… Why does oral hygiene matter?
Smiling Increases Confidence
A healthy, winning smile is often the first thing that our friends, family, peers, and coworkers see. When you prioritize your dental health, you don’t have to hide behind closed lips and silent nods. Smiling increases the dopamine and serotonin levels in your brain.
But smiling doesn’t only affect you! There’s also a carryover effect that makes others around you feel better and the reward center of your brain is activated by seeing someone else smile. It’s like the gift that keeps giving.
Smiling can also affect your work performance. Additionally, research shows that,
“Happiness also boosts activity in areas of the brain that handle decision-making, learning, and processing.”
Regular Cleaning and Check-ups Save Time
We know life is challenging. Over the last year, we have dealt with scheduling issues like working from home or going back to the office. Kids are now doing online days and it can be hard to find childcare. All of this is on top of just normal, everyday activities.
Dentist appointments tend to take the back seat when scheduling issues occur because the health of our teeth and mouth isn’t an immediate need until it’s too late and the pain starts.
Keeping those appointments can be a huge time saver, though! With normal cleaning and check-up, most patients are out the door and on their way pain-free and in a relatively short amount of time.
When you wait to go to the dentist until the pain starts, this can lead to more complicated treatment like fillings, root canals and crowns, or even extractions and partial dentures or bridges!
These kinds of treatments can take weeks to complete and multiple visits, resulting in more expensive treatment that take much longer to complete than routine care.
Preventative Care Saves Money
Dental check-ups and cleaning are our first lines of defense when it comes to mouth health. These appointments aren’t just to check it off the list or waste time and money, but they are designed as preventative care to SAVE time and money!
Today many insurance plans automatically cover the costs of teeth cleaning. Even insurance companies understand that it is cheaper to play for cleanings now than major treatments later!
And the cost is evident. With regularly scheduled cleanings, dentists can detect problem areas before they become major problems. Tiny spots of decay can be removed and filled fairly quickly and painlessly.
However, if check-ups are put off, then problems aren’t caught until they become issues. The pain of a cavity, jaw pain, and headaches from misaligned bites, abscessed teeth. A small cavity is much easier to fill than a huge cavity that develops an abscess and needs a root canal and potentially a crown.
Preventative check-ups and cleanings can save thousands of dollars over the years!
Your Tooth Health Can Affect Your Overall Health
Finally, what many people don’t realize, is that your tooth health also affects your overall health and can lead to some quite dangerous situations.
According to Oral Health in America: A Report of the Surgeon General,
“A thorough oral examination can detect tooth decay as well as signs of nutritional deficiencies, systemic diseases, immune disorders, injuries, and some cancers.”
There had been numerous studies that show that oral health can affect many different aspects of our overall health. People have been known to suffer:
– Diabetes
– Stroke
– Heart Attacks
– Clogged Arteries
– Dementia
– Premature Births
– Low Birth Weight
– Cancer
– Kidney Disease
– Death
The above list is only some of the major complications that can result from poor dental hygiene. Periodontal disease, or tooth decay that is left unchecked and untreated, is the most common cause of the above complications, and it’s also easily preventable.
Regular cleanings and oral examinations can help to prevent these conditions from ever occurring.
What Can I Do to Improve My Dental Care?
The first thing you can do is to brush and floss your teeth at least two times a day for two minutes. This helps cleanse the mouth of daily build-up and bacteria that can lead to tooth decay and poor dental health.
The second is, DON’T WAIT! If it has been a while since your last check-up, go ahead and schedule one now so, together, we can get you started on an individualized treatment plan.
At Lans Family Dentistry in Ashburn, Virginia we strive every day to provide affordable, top-quality dental care in a relaxing atmosphere.
As always, Dr. Lans, our staff, and our associates are here to answer all your questions about your dental care and be your trusted partner in superior oral and dental health.
“A smile is worth a thousand words,” Julie A. Walker. In today’s fast-paced world this is even more true. In a world of online line meetings and virtual conferences, our faces (and smiles) are the first thing people see. That first impression can make a big difference. Were we smiling? Or did we give a tight-lipped nod, not because we weren’t excited… But because we were embarrassed about our smile. One of the fastest-growing trends in dental appliances for teeth replacement has become dental implants.
And while this isn’t a new concept (a 2019 study found that 57% of Americans were insecure about their smile!), the age of electronics reminds us every time we turn the camera on for the next zoom meeting that there is something we don’t like about our smile.
Fortunately, the dental industry has made great strides in making “smile enhancement” more affordable than ever. Where 50 years ago the only affordable option may have been to pull bad teeth and then get uncomfortable, ill-fitting dentures, in 2021 Lans Family Dentistry offers many affordable options for both permanent and removable replacement teeth.
What Are Dental Implants? 
Dental implants are a permanent solution to tooth replacement. Dental implants have been used by men going back thousands of years. There is evidence that Mayans were using items like stone and seashells in 600 A.D. as implants!
A dental implant requires that a mental rod be inserted into the jawbone replacing the missing tooth’s root. The jawbone will graft onto the steel post and at that point, a crown, or artificial tooth, will cover the rod. This ensures a lifelike replacement and durability that you cannot find in removable devices.
Dental implants can be used to replace single teeth, multiple teeth, or as anchors for dentures.
Why Should I Choose Implants Over Dentures?
When it comes to dental repairs we are no longer limited to “either/or” options. Treatments can vary widely depending on what repairs need to be made (one tooth, multiple teeth, etc.) and what kind of shape the client’s remaining teeth and jaw are in.
A reputable family dentist will be able to sit down with you and explain the different treatments and what they would recommend based on how much the treatment will cost and how long the treatment will last.
Implants, though relatively new to the scene, have seen massive growth in popularity since the 1970s when they first became mainstream. Part of what makes them so popular is their ease and convenience.
– A Beautiful Smile. Dental implants are an actual part of you. They look and feel like your own teeth because they are! That gives many people that extra boost of confidence to show off those pearly whites.
– Pronunciation. Because implants are a permanent feature, you don’t have to worry about being caught without teeth in or denture slips. This leads to better pronunciation and improved speech patterns.
– Comfort. Removable dentures can often slip and slide, the glue may come loose, or rubbing may cause sores and pinching. Implants are much more comfortable because, in addition to being designed for you personally, they are permanently placed, so no need to worry about slips and sores.
– Durability. Implants today have the ability to last decades if not a lifetime. If the implants are properly cared for and maintained, then they can be a second set of “permanent teeth” to last through adulthood.
– Convenience. Dentures are fantastic. They look great and they serve a purpose, but they are not permanent. You don’t have to worry about any embarrassment about taking them out at night with dental implants. You don’t have to worry about carrying adhesive if your dentures slip. Implants get treated in the same manner your regular teeth would.
How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?
The cost of dental implants can vary greatly based on an individual’s needs.
Variables That Affect Cost
– Initial Evaluation
– X-rays/CT scans
– Tooth Extractions/Implant Prep
– Bone Grafting
– Implant Post
– Implant Crown
– Abutment
All of these factors need to be tailored to each individual’s personal needs. For example, some people may not require bone grafts. Some may choose materials that may affect the cost for the post or crown.
Dental Insurance can also play a factor in the cost of implants. You, or your dentist, can reach out to your insurance company for a list of what is covered and what isn’t. There are certain instances where it may be covered as a medical necessity and not sheerly cosmetic.
These details need to be discussed when considering implants so that you and the dentist will have a complete understanding of patient/provider responsibility and what options are affordable for your needs.
How Do I Get Dental Implants?
The first step to getting dental implants is to set up a consultation with your dentist. This way they can determine:
– If you are eligible for dental implants
– How many implants will be needed
– What, if any, work needs to be done prior to setting the post
– Projected Expenses
From there you can pick the best implants that work for your needs and set up a time frame for the treatment.
At Lans Family Dentistry in Ashburn, Virginia we strive every day to provide affordable, top-quality dental care in a relaxing atmosphere. As always, Dr. Lans, our staff, and our associates are here to answer all your questions and be your trusted partner in superior oral and dental health.
For so many different reasons, Invisalign® orthodontic treatments are an incredibly popular therapeutic choice here at Lans Family Dentistry and Orthodontics. What’s not to like? They are almost invisible in your mouth and are effective for most teeth alignment issues we encounter. Now, best of all, we are now using the iTero® digital scanner to map out the unique structure of each patient’s teeth and gums. No more goop. No more gagging. No more old-school teeth molds and oral impressions.
This is a real breakthrough for patient comfort and convenience! Plus, these digital tools deliver a highly precise 3-D rendering of our patient’s teeth, gums, and oral soft tissues.
Improved Accuracy. Patient Comfort.
The iTero® digital scanner is a compact and digital hand-held wand. As our dental technician hovers the device over your teeth and into your mouth, it captures a comprehensive image of your dental structures. The data is sorted and stored to deliver high-resolution and interactive images of your teeth.
This scanning process delivers much more precise data than any putty or silicone mold is able to offer. The system captures an astounding 6,000 images per second allowing us to be very exact on treatment protocols.
Using this system actually helps us to better measure patient progress with their Invisalign treatments. Integrated into the iTero® system is the ability to simulate outcomes and visually demonstrate what a patient’s smile will look like once the treatment is complete.
Scanners are safe, accurate, and comfortable. In just two to three minutes, we can capture a highly precise, 3-D picture of your teeth and soft tissue structures. There’s no radiation involved so it’s a safe process for everyone.
iTero® scanning provides a roadmap for your unique treatment. We have found it makes office visits go more quickly and treatment results more dramatically measurable.
Invisalign®. Comfortable, effective, and popular.
Our patients find that Invisalign braces will cause less interference in their daily life. However, at the same time, the treatment is powerful enough to achieve the beautiful smile they desire. Not everyone is born with a beautiful smile. But, that doesn’t mean you can’t do something positive for yourself.
Take the first step to improving your smile. Ask us about the new iTero® digital scanning system and see if Invisalign® is right for you!
“I want whiter teeth and a brighter smile. Can I get good results with over-the-counter teeth whitening kits?” We hear this question quite often at Lans Family Dentistry. Like most health care questions, the answers are sometimes conditional and depend upon the individual patient and their needs or desired outcomes. For most patients, professional and supervised teeth whitening yields superior and longer-lasting results.
Over the Counter Solutions.
Most store-bought whitening strips will remind you of small band-aids that stick to your teeth. Limited by their size and design, they are able to usually only whiten the front teeth. Many patients have wide enough smiles to show more than these teeth.
Overall, users may realize that store-bought products don’t provide the even, white smile they’d hoped for. In many cases, the results are not as dramatic – nor do they results last as long as professional whitening.
Professional Whitening.
In contrast, professional whitening products used by dentists are designed to whiten the whole smile. These systems use full-mouth trays to give all teeth maximum exposure to whitening solutions. Further, professional solutions used by dentists are typically much stronger than the drug-store kits. Thus, the teeth tend to whiten more quickly.
The staff at Lans Family Dentistry can also help determine each patient’s individual suitability for teeth whitening. Patients with gum disease are likely not suitable – and, those with extensive caps, crowns, or veneers may also be incompatible. Finally, those with sensitive gums may not tolerate the solutions used in these processes.
We recommend REV!
Lans Family Dentistry has experienced significant patient satisfaction with the REV® whitening system. Only 15 minutes once a day with REV’s patented 14% hydrogen peroxide formula delivers brilliant results.
REV! is water-based to hydrate the teeth. It whitens while also avoiding thermal sensitivity.
The finishing rinse is formulated for use immediately after removing your trays. It removes residual gel from teeth while enhancing and stabilizing whitening.
We recommend the product because of
• Shorter Wear Times – 1/4 the time of leading strips
• Less Sensitivity – 66% less sensitive than learning strips
• Superior Whitening – Patented technology with proven results.
Make an appointment today for professionally supervised teeth whitening – or, call to get your questions answered. Lans Family Dentistry can get you a whiter, brighter smile in no time at all.
