• May 31, 2008  Overbleaching

  While you can never be too rich or too thin -- at least according to Coco Chanel -- your teeth can be too white.  I am seeing more and more patients plagued by overbleaching, which is especially problematic for those whose teeth have a lot of translucency.  In these cases, the teeth may actually get darker because the translucency of the enamel allows the inside of the tooth, which is naturally darker than the enamel, to show through.  Many long-term bleachers complain of reaching a brightness plateau of sorts as well, but this can be due more to time than to oral neglect, because the dentin within the tooth gets darker as we age.  When bleaching is no longer an option, I will sometimes recommend porcelain laminates (veneers), which can make the teeth appear whiter for a longer period of time, but even veneers can appear darker over time. 

• April 1, 2008  Quick Alignment 
  
  You've probably heard of Invisalign by now, but did you know that these discreet orthodontic appliances can be used for more modest correction?  Meet Invisalign Express, a new option for those with small spaces or a few teeth that have been rotated.  Following the same premise as the original Invisalign, this abridged version consists of a series of seven to ten aligners (as opposed to the usual 18 to 30) that can straighten you out in just three-and-a-half months.  The price is also friendlier than that of its more long-term counterpart.  I believe the ideal candidate is someone who had braces in their teens, whose teeth have shifted slightly over the years.  Remember, there is no time like the present!  If you wait until your teeth shift too much, you may not be a candidate for Invisalign Express.  As with all dental maladies, take care of it sooner and it's a lot easier. 

• February 5, 2008  "Ugly" Gums 

Eighty percent of Americans suffer from some form of gum disease, whether it's gingivitis, the mildest form, or periodontitis, a bacterial infection that affects the gums and the bone around the teeth.  I always tell my patients that a key symptom is any bleeding when flossing or brushing.  Still, I find that the majority of those affected aren't aware of it.  But the most important thing to do before addressing the aesthetics of your smile is to make sure your gums are in a healthy state.  You need to treat gum disease first, so that when you're done with cosmetic dentistry, the gums will not move and ruin whatever work has been done.  Many times gum disease it not painful.  Red gums have more inflammation because there is bacteria under them, and they may look puffy.  If you have these symptoms come straight in!