August Specials FREE SMILE DESIGN CONSULTATION
Receive an extensive consultation and report to show you your smile possibilities! Dr. Wyatt will review all of your options with you and you’ll leave our office with a complete “Smile Design” customized packet. The packet includes digital photos of your current smile and a photo of you with your new “virtual” smile. Amazing!
Wyatt Family & Cosmetic Dentistry Dr. Wyatt has a reputation for giving patients a beautiful but also natural-looking smile. Dr. Wyatt and his team are constantly updating and perfecting the latest techniques and innovations in dentistry so you know you and your family will always receive the best in dental care. • We treat patients of all ages - from toddlers to seniors • Caring for patients since 1981 • Oral sedation and nitrous oxide treatments available • In-office dental laboratory for same-day porcelain veneers and crowns • We specialize in minimally-invasive dentistry
George N. Wyatt, DDS 14300 N. Northsight Blvd. Scottsdale, AZ 85260
480.460.0996 www.WyattDentistry.com
ZOOM 3 WHITENING $199 Offer good for new or current patients. Offer expires 8/31/08.
Flash Those Pearly Whites!
FREE EXAM & X-RAYS
If you are new to our office, let us welcome you with a complimentary oral exam and x-rays! You’ll meet one of our excellent dental hygienists and receive an examination from Dr. Wyatt.
Services are performed by an Arizona Licensed General Dentist Produced by Desert Lifestyle Publishing • 480.460.0996
A Brighter Smile is Within Reach
Beware!
Five Culprits that can Dim Your Smile
Talking Toothbrushes: Choosing the Right One for You
Tooth Whitening: So Many Options...What’s Best for You?
Smile Busters: Everyday Items that can Stain Your Teeth
Is your smile the whitest it can be? Did you know that a bright white smile is not only more pleasing to look at but can make you appear younger? It can even affect your earning power and social relationships. Maybe this is why tooth whitening has become so popular that whitening toothpastes (known as dentifrices) and over-the-counter whitening strips have become so readily available. But how effective are they? And what’s the difference between store-bought whiteners vs. dental office procedures? “Whitening” is any process that will make the tooth appear whiter. Some products can bleach the tooth — actually changing the tooth’s natural color. Most bleaching products contain peroxide which can not only remove the deep stains within the tooth, but also the surface stains. Whitening products that don’t have a bleaching agent, such as whitening toothpastes, can remove surface stains only. Although there are several toothpastes on the market that are infused with polishing or chemical agents, they are relatively ineffective, says the American Dental Association, against many stains that have built up over a lifetime. Teeth are porous and therefore are susceptible to staining from foods and beverages, as well as some medications, trauma and certain illnesses. Brushing harder or more often won’t work either and can cause tooth sensitivity. In addition, brushing can only remove surface stains — not affect the intrinsic color or whiteness of your teeth.
Did you know that what you eat could affect the color of your teeth? Some common foods and beverages, when consumed regularly over a long period of time, can stain your teeth. But what you consume to nourish your body isn’t all that can dim your grin. Watch out for these five enemies of a bright, clean, healthy looking smile:
Over-the-counter whitening strips and gels are slightly more effective than whitening toothpastes, but come with their own set of drawbacks. For example, if the whitening kit you purchase uses a gel and tray, and the tray does not fit your mouth properly, you can experience some gum and mouth irritation. The whitening agents are not meant to be in contact with the sensitive skin inside your mouth. Most of the over-the-counter bleaching products contain a solution of 10% peroxide. Professionally applied tooth whitening from a dental office is available in concentrations ranging from 15% to 35%. During the whitening procedure at our office, gum tissues are isolated and protected from the bleaching solution to reduce gum irritation. Because tooth discoloration can be caused by numerous environmental and physiological events, the best whitening method is different for each individual. For example, grayish-hued teeth don’t bleach well at all and often need to be covered by veneers or dental bonding. Also, if you’ve had dental bonding in the past, whitening could cause a patchwork look because the whitening agents won’t affect the color of the bonding. Your best option for creating the pearly whites you deserve is to make an appointment and come in for a consultation. We can evaluate your unique situation and determine the best approach for you to take. We can even determine if you are a good candidate for over-the-counter whitening products, or need something more effective. So call us and make an appointment today and take a step toward a spectacular smile!
• Dark beverages such as coffee, cola, red wine and even purple grape juice are common culprits. When surveying what drinks may be harming your smile, consider the “white tee-shirt test.” Basically, anything that would stain a white shirt can stain your teeth. To help avoid their staining power, drink those beverages from a straw to minimize contact with tooth surfaces and swish some water around your mouth afterwards to help rinse out the staining agents. • Slightly acidic foods such as beer, tomatoes and orange juice can damage your smile too. The acid in these foods opens the pores of your tooth enamel, allowing stains to more easily set in.
• Highly colorful foods such as berries and soy sauce are real offenders. The pigments that make these foods so colorful can quickly be absorbed by porous tooth enamel, causing them to stain. You should brush your teeth soon after eating such staining foods to avoid their tooth-discoloring effect. • Bad brushing habits make teeth susceptible to staining. Improper dental care can allow bacteria to build up on your teeth, resulting in yellow and green stains. Poor brushing technique and forgetting to floss can allow staining materials to stay on your teeth longer, therefore allowing discoloration to take hold. • Medicines and chemicals are often the reason for discolored smiles. Most people know that the chemicals in tobacco from cigarettes and cigars can taint your smile, but did you know that excessive fluoride can too? Likewise, some antibiotics, antihistamines and overthe-counter medications can stain your teeth. Even swimming pool chemicals can react with the saliva in your mouth and cause tartar build-up that leads to brown and yellow stains.
Talking Toothbrushes: How do You Choose the Toothbrush that’s Right for You? Toothbrush design has come a long way since our ancestors used a “chew stick” to clean their teeth. Nowadays, we have a dizzying array of colors, handles and even powered vs. manual options to choose from. So how do you find the right toothbrush for you? Keep these four tips in mind: Bristles Bristles are by far the most important feature of any kind of toothbrush. You want to look for soft, rounded-tipped, nylon bristles. Stiff or sharp bristles can injure your gums and because they don’t bend that well, stiff bristles aren’t as effective at cleaning your gum line. Never purchase a toothbrush labeled as having “hard” bristles — those are simply to harsh on your teeth and gums.
Head Size and Shape Since you need to reach all surfaces of your teeth, including the hard-to-reach back molars, you should look for a toothbrush with a small enough head to reach the back surface of the rear teeth. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends a small, compact head that is easily navigated around your entire mouth. Handle Today’s toothbrush handles come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Choose one that you find comfortable to hold. Many people find the angled handle easier to maneuver, while others prefer a straight handle. People with smaller hands might prefer smaller handles, whereas a thicker handle might work
better for those with larger hands. Also, you want to be sure that the handle is long enough for you to reach your back teeth comfortably. Powered vs. Manual For some, a powered toothbrush will encourage them to brush their teeth for the recommended two to three minutes. Some powered toothbrushes even come with a timer so you are assured you’re brushing long enough. Also, those with braces, a disability or arthritis might find powered toothbrushes more comfortable and convenient to use. Lastly, no matter which toothbrush you choose, buy a product that has the ADA Seal of Acceptance. It’s an important symbol of a dental product’s safety and effectiveness.
August Specials FREE SMILE DESIGN CONSULTATION
Receive an extensive consultation and report to show you your smile possibilities! Dr. Wyatt will review all of your options with you and you’ll leave our office with a complete “Smile Design” customized packet. The packet includes digital photos of your current smile and a photo of you with your new “virtual” smile. Amazing!
Wyatt Family & Cosmetic Dentistry Dr. Wyatt has a reputation for giving patients a beautiful but also natural-looking smile. Dr. Wyatt and his team are constantly updating and perfecting the latest techniques and innovations in dentistry so you know you and your family will always receive the best in dental care. • We treat patients of all ages - from toddlers to seniors • Caring for patients since 1981 • Oral sedation and nitrous oxide treatments available • In-office dental laboratory for same-day porcelain veneers and crowns • We specialize in minimally-invasive dentistry
George N. Wyatt, DDS 14300 N. Northsight Blvd. Scottsdale, AZ 85260
480.460.0996 www.WyattDentistry.com
ZOOM 3 WHITENING $199 Offer good for new or current patients. Offer expires 8/31/08.
Flash Those Pearly Whites!
FREE EXAM & X-RAYS
If you are new to our office, let us welcome you with a complimentary oral exam and x-rays! You’ll meet one of our excellent dental hygienists and receive an examination from Dr. Wyatt.
Services are performed by an Arizona Licensed General Dentist Produced by Desert Lifestyle Publishing • 480.460.0996
A Brighter Smile is Within Reach
Beware!
Five Culprits that can Dim Your Smile
Talking Toothbrushes: Choosing the Right One for You