Gary M. Radz, DDS

• One common line of thought is not to make you teeth whiter than the whites of your eyes.
• More importantly is for the patient and the dentist to communicate as to what the patient’s expectations are and then letting the dentist help guide the patient as to what is appropriate for that patient’s age and gender.
• There is no “right” shade of white. But it is important for the patient and the dentist to agree before treatment is started as to what is the final goal as far as color is concerned.

1. DO NOT SMOKE!!!!!
2. Coffee, tea (especially green tea), and ice teas can cause a lot of staining
3. Brush as soon as possible after drinking red wines
4. Consistent, routine visits to a dental hygienist for cleanings can eliminate or minimize staining before it starts to become noticeable.

Your dentist has the ability to prove two different types of whitening solutions:

The first is done with thin plastic trays that are custom fit to the patient’s teeth. The plastic trays are filled with the bleaching solution and the patient will wear these for 1 to 8 hours once or twice a day for one to two weeks.

The second option is where the teeth are bleached in the office. The bleaching process takes about an hour. Typically it is one visit, although some offices will recommend two visits. This option is commonly associated with the use of a light source to “activate” the bleaching solution.

• Be aware that the research on the light source is divided as to whether or not it is effective. Your dentists may choose not to use the light source. He/she is not doing anything wrong. They just subscribe to a different philosophy.

1. Visit your dentist every 6 months!!!!! And allow the dentist to take periodic radiographs (x-rays).
2. Electric toothbrushes are GREAT and well worth the extra money!!
3. Flossing at least once a day really does make a huge difference.
4. Eliminate all tobacco products!!!!

People need to more comfortable (especially men) in letting their cosmetic dentist know what it is about their smile that they would like to change. I can’t help anyone improve their smile if they don’t tell me what they don’t like.

I’m there to help my patients, but they need to ask for help. You see, I can improve something in almost anyone’s smile. I’m trained to know what perfect esthetic looks like. But I’m not going to walk into a room and tell someone everything I see about their smile that I don’t like. What’s important is knowing what they don’t like…then I can present solutions. To get the results you want, communicate with your dentist.