Antonella Milio, DMD

Tooth whitening does not change the color of dental restorations. Once a restoration is placed it cannot be changed. This is important to remember when you are having any dental restorations completed. If you want to whiten your teeth in the near future you should do so BEFORE you have the restoration placed so the restoration can be made to match your whitened teeth. If you whiten after or if you have fillings or crowns there is really no precise way to ensure your natural teeth will lighten up to match those previous fillings.

It is actually very important that the braces are done first and then the implant is placed. Once a dental implant has healed in the bone it becomes fixed and cannot be moved by orthodontic treatment. With that said if the orthodontic treatment was completed after the implant was placed potential space discrepancies between your natural teeth and the implant may be created. The implant will become the limiting factor and the esthetics may be compromised.

Maintaining healthy gums is crucial in the prevention of premature tooth loss due to periodontal disease.   It is of utmost importance that you be diligent about your home care and what I mean is don't just brush and floss but do it correctly.  Brush using the Bass Technique: Keep the brush angled towards the gums at a 45 degree angle and move in small circles. When you floss let the floss wrap around the tooth as you move up and down along the tooth. Remember, you want to remove the plaque from the surface of the tooth.  So it's not just up and down but pulling against one tooth and then the other as you move up and down.  

Be sure to keep routine dental examination and cleaning appointments. Have your dentist check your gums for deep pockets so the diagnosis of a potential problem does not go unnoticed.  Also, if you have any dental restorations have them evaluated.  Make sure they are not causing inflammation to your gums.  If a dental restoration is too bulky it may cause your gums to be inflamed which in turn may create bone loss.   

Spend the time and make sure you don't just brush and floss but that you do it correctly.

1. Moving in small circular motions keep you toothbrush angled 45 degrees which allows the bristles to sneak right under your gums.
2. Don't brush too hard or too fast. Many people think the harder the better but in reality you are just causing trauma to your gums which can cause gingival recession.
3. When flossing allow the floss to wrap around each tooth and gently slide the floss under your gums to move away the plaque!
4. Keep regular dental visits.