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Why Over the Counter Teeth Whitening Products are Not the Answer to a Long Term Solution

Zoom!® Teeth Whitening in Atlanta and Marietta, GATeeth whitening is one of the most common treatments patients ask us about. It is easy to acquire teeth stains – especially if you are a sugar lover or avid coffee drinker – and tough to get rid of them. It is common for patients to want their teeth whitened after they have their braces removed to give their smile that extra shine. Others want their teeth whitening to make up for past poor dental health. Teeth naturally get darker with age, but there are ways to reverse this process.

How well do over the counter treatments really work?

There are hundreds of over the counter teeth whitening products available from strips, to special lights and toothpaste, to mouth guards. You may see a small difference from using over the counter treatments, but they are generally much weaker than a doctor’s treatments and don’t last very long.

Over the counter whiteners can only contain up to 10 percent peroxide, while prescription strength whiteners can contain 20 to 40 percent peroxide. Whitening toothpaste and mouthwash are generally too weak to make any real, lasting difference. White strips work, however, they are still less effective than a doctor’s treatments. They’re also a hassle to use and can cause tooth sensitivity if you don’t follow the directions exactly.

What should I use to whiten my teeth instead?

At Wright Orthodontics, we offer a safe, effective method to whitening and brightening teeth. We use Philips Zoom!® WhiteSpeed Teeth Whitening System to provide a level of whitening that just can’t be achieved with over the counter treatments. A bleaching gel is applied to the teeth, which is then activated by ultraviolet light. The Philips Zoom!® WhiteSpeed Teeth Whitening System removes even the toughest, deepest stains from teeth, and it only takes an hour!

Are you ready for a whiter, brighter smile?  Wright Orthodontics serves the communities of Atlanta, Marietta, and other surrounding areas of North Georgia. Dr. Marc S. Wright and our friendly staff at Wright Orthodontics are ready to help you with your teeth whitening and/or orthodontic needs. Schedule a consultation or call (404)-507-2078 to learn more.

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Tips for Going to School with Braces

Braces in Atlanta and Marietta, GAIt is common for children to have their braces put on during summer vacation when they are away from school. This means they are returning to school in the fall with a new look. Your child’s first day at school with braces doesn’t have to be a stressful or sad one. Dr. Marc Wright shares his tips for taking on braces in the classroom.

Keep a braces care kit in your locker or back pack.

Keeping a braces care kit in your child’s locker or backpack is a great way to make sure they’ll have what they need for their braces at all times. Your braces emergency kit should include:

  • Dental wax for any sharp wires
  • Lip balm for chapped lips
  • Small mirror to make sure everything is looking good
  • Full-sized toothbrush and toothpaste for midday cleaning

Even if your child doesn’t play sports, you should pack a mouth guard in case they need it during their physical activity class. An emergency braces kit ensures your child will be prepared for whatever happens during the school day.

Don’t be afraid to smile!

Some students can be shy or nervous about their classmates seeing them with braces for the first time. We recommend that you share with your child that there is no need to worry – mostly everyone has had or will have braces at some point, so no one will think it’s strange that they are wearing braces. Braces are just a stepping stone to give your child an even more beautiful smile, and the results will be worth it!

Don’t forget to watch what you eat.

We all know what foods to stay away from when wearing braces – gum, sticky candy, popcorn, etc. – but it can easy to grab a handful of something yummy when it is being passed around. It is okay to inform your children that they might have to say “no” to a Snickers bar from time to time. It is also helpful to pack your own snacks or keep something you know your child can eat in their locker, so they don’t go hungry during the day (especially if they have to skip the classroom snack).

Dr. Marc S. Wright of Wright Orthodontics serves the Atlanta, Marietta, and the surrounding areas of Georgia. Call (404)-507-2078 to schedule a consultation to learn more about how we can help improve the smile of your child.