Side Effects from Teeth Whitening

Are you considering getting a teeth whitening procedure done?

Are you concerned about side effects that could affect your health?

At Dr. DiStefano’s office, we care about the health of you and your family, and we want to make sure you get the best information possible before deciding on a cosmetic procedure like teeth whitening!

Your smile is important to your self-esteem, and we want you to achieve the smile of your dreams. There are many options available for teeth whitening, and like any medical procedure, some side effects.

Being well informed prior to making a decision on a whitening solution could save you money and unnecessary pain!

Common Side Effects

Tooth sensitivity is the most common side effect of teeth whitening.

If sensitivity occurs, it is often temporary and will go away once you've completed the whitening process.

Here at Dr. DiStefano’s office we recommend using a sensitivity toothpaste while using any whitening system and limiting your consumption of acidic foods and drinks.

According to the American Dental Association, using a whitening product too much can also damage the tooth enamel or gums, so when considering a whitening option, make sure you follow the guidelines recommended by your dentist before putting anything on your teeth.

Looking for More Information?

Are you still not sure what teeth whitening option is best for you? Visit our website for more information about our new in-office whitening product and to talk to knowledgeable and friendly dental professionals about your options!

Reliable Products for Teeth Whitening

Let’s face it, for many of us, our pearly whites have become more of a faint yellow. Age, our eating and drinking habits, and tobacco usage can lead to tooth discoloration. Even among those who take very special care of their teeth, it’s impossible to keep that white color we all had when we were kids.

With the holidays fast approaching many people are interested in whitening their teeth, hoping to revitalize their smile. They also have a lot of questions about teeth whitening.

With so many products on the market for teeth whitening, it can be difficult to know what works and what doesn’t. Here at Dr. DiStefano’s office, we want to make sure you get the most for your money!

Whitening Toothpaste

Because they're mildly abrasive, every toothpaste helps remove stains from teeth. Whitening toothpastes, however, also contain chemicals or polishing agents that help scrub stains from teeth without the aid of a bleaching agent.

Tooth-whitening toothpastes are relatively inexpensive and brighten teeth by about one shade. Some whitening toothpastes contain peroxides, but they aren't left on the teeth long enough to have a whitening benefit.

Be aware that some ingredients in whitening toothpastes can cause allergic reactions for some people.

When looking for whitening toothpastes at a supermarket, they can easily be found next to the regular toothpastes. Nevertheless, always look for the ADA (American Dental Association) seal, which ensure product quality.

In-Office Teeth Whitening Systems

In office whitening treatments can get your teeth much whiter than whitening toothpastes, and it can be done in one visit!

At Dr. DiStefano’s office, we offer EZ White™.

An hour, dentist-supervised procedure that uses a patented, light-activated technology and oxygen-rich gel to break away stains quickly and gently in seconds, for results patients can see instantly. A 39% hydrogen peroxide power bleaching gel offers brighter, whiter teeth.

As an extra bonus an EZ White® Pro Teeth Whitening Pen is included with this procedure to use on your own to maintain your pearly whites!

At-Home Bleaching

You can get a professionally produced whitening system that you administer to yourself.

We offer Opalescence take-home whitening system. This includes custom made bleaching trays that we make for you in our office and the whitening gel.

Another option would be Sheer White professional strength whitening strips, which features 20% Carbamide Peroxide gel.

Too Many Options?

If you’re still having trouble deciding about what teeth whitening solution is best for you, visit our website for more information, or call us at 517-546-8983 to schedule an appointment with your hygienist for a pre-whitening consult so that we can help you choose the professional option that best fits your needs. We’re happy to help you!

How Cosmetic Dentistry Can Benefit Your Health

Are you considering a cosmetic dentistry procedure?

Are you concerned about how it will affect the overall health of your mouth?

You’re not alone! Many people ask themselves similar questions when considering dental procedures.

Here at Dr. DiStefano & Associates, your concerns are important to us, as is the overall health of your mouth! We want to make sure that you are informed about how cosmetic dentistry procedures will affect the rest of your mouth.

For example, if you’re considering teeth reshaping or realignment, this not only will change the way your smile looks, but also can affect your bite.

In addition, lifelike veneers and bonding procedures can help hide wear and tear that happen to teeth over time.

Typically, cosmetic dentistry is done purely to improve the look and feel of your smile, the whiteness of your teeth, and to improve your self-esteem, but it can also be very beneficial to the overall health of your mouth.

Looking For More?

Making sure you’re as informed as possible is important to us here at Dr. DiStefano & Associates! Visit our website for more information on cosmetic dentistry, or call us today to speak to one of our knowledgeable and friendly professionals!

Pros and Cons of Cosmetic Dentistry

Do you struggle with your self-esteem?

Do your self-esteem issues start with your mouth?

Do you wish your teeth were a little whiter, or a little straighter?

If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, cosmetic dentistry might be the right solution for you!

Cosmetic dentistry is any dental procedure that focuses on the appearance of your teeth, such as teeth whitening, tooth reshaping, and veneers.

If you’re considering cosmetic dentistry, here are some pros and cons you should also take into account:

Pros:

1. Dental procedures are more advanced than ever, causing most procedures to be painless.
2. Teeth whitening procedures can be done in the dentist office, or at home, for added convenience.
3. Many procedures can be done for as little as $300.

Cons:

1. Since these procedures are considered aesthetic, many dental insurance plans will not cover things like teeth whitening, bonding, or veneers.
2. Some veneers will need be replaced over the years, and replacements can be costly.

For more on your options and for help making an informed decision, visit our website, and contact Dr. DiStefano today!

How to Floss Correctly – Howell Family Dentist

Are you flossing correctly?

Are you worried that you’re not doing a good job?

You know that when you visit your Howell dentist office, the hygienist is going to ask you about your flossing habits, and here at Dr. DiStefano & Associates, we want to make sure you’re well informed!

Flossing is important, and doing it correctly can mean the difference between a healthy mouth, and hundreds of dollars in dental bills.

How To Floss

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that you floss at least once a day. Flossing properly will keep food from getting stuck in your gums, which can lead to tartar buildup.

The dentists at your Howell dentist office recommend using about 18 inches of floss, wound around each middle finger. Holding the floss tight between your thumbs and index fingers, slide it gently up and down between your teeth.

Make sure you use clean sections of floss as you move from one tooth to another!

Need To Set Up An Appointment?

At Dr. DiStefano & Associates, your health is the most important thing to us! If you’re looking for a dentist that takes great pride in putting the patient first, look no further! Give us a call today to set up an appointment!

Poor Flossing Habits Can Lead to Oral Health Problems

When you brush and floss, do your gums feel sensitive?

Do you have pain or even bleeding when you floss?

Whenever you go to the dentist, does your hygienist tell you that you need to improve your flossing habits?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, it’s time for you to see your Howell family dentist.

Flossing is one of the most important things you can do for your mouth. Flossing gets rid of food particles and harmful buildup that can lead to infections and even gum disease.

At Dr. DiStefano & Associates, your health is extremely important to us, and we want to make sure that you know a healthy mouth starts with flossing.

Flossing once per day, especially before bedtime and using proper flossing habits can prevent gum disease, gingivitis, infections, and increase the health of your gums!

If you’re still concerned that your mouth isn’t as healthy as it should be, make an appointment with your Howell family dentist! We want to make sure you’re taken care of, and have the knowledge you need to stay healthy.

Visit our website for more information on how to floss properly, and schedule an appointment today!

What to Expect at Your Child’s First Dentist Visit

Do you have a child between the ages of 6 months and one year? 

Are you concerned about when you should schedule their first dentist visit?

Are you worried that you’re not doing everything you can to ensure their mouths are healthy?

Many parents express these concerns. Going to the dentist with a small child can seem like a huge hurdle, especially if your child is fussy around strangers or experiences separation anxiety. 

At Dr. DiStefano & Associates, we take pediatric dentistry seriously, and want to make sure your child has the best care possible, especially at their first visit. 

According to the American Dental Association (ADA) and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), “the first dental visit should occur within six months after the baby’s first tooth appears, but no later than the child’s first birthday.”

Here are some things you should expect out of your child’s first dental checkup:

1. The dentist will perform a basic checkup, and discuss best practices for your child’s teeth. It’s best to meet your child’s pediatric dentist when there are no problems, according to the ADA. “A dentist can show you how to clean your child’s teeth, discuss diet and fluoride needs and recommend oral care products.”
2. The dentist will look for small signs of tooth decay. The ADA says that tooth decay can occur as soon as your child’s first tooth erupts. This can be a painful, especially for toddlers, so it’s best to make sure this isn’t happening at their very first checkup.
3. The dentist will look for problems related to habits such as thumb or finger sucking. 
4. The dentist will recommend a schedule for your child’s dental visits. 

For more tips on how to make sure your child’s visits to the dentist go as smooth as possible, visit our website to read more about our commitment to pediatric dentistry!