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You have probably heard a lot about both teeth whitening and dental sealant. Both of these procedures offer a lot via today’s modern dentistry. But which one is what you really need?

A dental sealant is typically applied to protect the chewing surfaces of teeth. Dental sealants are not typically applied to provide a cosmetic benefit, but rather a protective benefit from longer term tooth decay and the potentially hazardous impacts that a lifetime of chewing can afford. For those individuals particularly vulnerable to tooth decay, such as with some children, a dental sealant can be highly effective. Consult with your Indiana dentist to find out if this procedure is right for you.

Typically an acrylic-like substance, a dental sealant forms a strong barrier against the innumerable bacteria that are ever present in the mouth. As food and drink is broken down in the mouth, bacteria and acids are deposited on the teeth and gums that, over time, can wreak havoc on teeth. The fact is, at least 75% of tooth decay begins in this way.

The dental sealant bonds to the enamel of the tooth it is applied to, covering the small indentations and pits where acid and bacteria can be deposited. How is a dental sealant applied?

A solution is applied to the tooth surface to help prepare the tooth enamel for bonding. After allowing the solution to settle, the teeth are rinsed and dried thoroughly. The dental sealant is then applied, and is hardened under an ultraviolet light. Depending upon you chewing pattern, and what you typically eat and drink, a dental sealant can last for many years with proper care and routine checkups with your Indiana dentist. An additional layer of sealant may be applied in worn areas to provide good ongoing protection.

On the other hand, teeth whitening is primarily a cosmetic procedure, used to make the teeth appear whiter and brighter.

Even though we all start with bright white teeth, over time, routine chewing, eating and drinking (not to mention all the things we put in our mouth over time) wears down the natural bright white of tooth enamel, exposing  the natural yellow color of the tooth dentin below.

While the dentin remains intact, the tooth enamel begins to become cracked – and it is within these cracks that stains, bacteria and leftover food/dink residue collect. This causes the tooth to become dull.

Through teeth whitening, the stains and debris on the tooth enamel are washed away. The result is whiter, brighter teeth you can once again be proud of. Could your teeth use a shot of brightness? Consult with your Indiana dentist today.

Looking for an Indiana dentist who is experienced in both teeth whitening and dental sealants – and can help you achieve a brighter, whiter, more healthy smile? Contact Dr. Joseph Majka for the gentle, caring dentistry you have been looking for. Contact Dr. Majka and his team of dental professionals for an appointment today.

Many of us make New Year resolutions to begin a program of self-improvement. One way to improve your appearance – and self-confidence! - is to improve your smile with teeth whitening from an experienced Indiana dentist .

If your smile could use some brightening, you may be a candidate for professional teeth whitening. Prescription-strength teeth whitening employed by your Indiana dentist is far different than kits or teeth whitening gels available over the counter. This procedure should only be employed by a trained dental professional. Again, results vary depending upon how much teeth whitening is actually required and your current state of dental health.

There are several things you can do at home in an effort to improve the whiteness of your teeth:

• Brush twice daily with toothpaste that contains fluoride - and floss and clean between your teeth at least once a day. Remember to see an Indiana dentist on a regular basis. Good dental hygiene is the foundation for a bright smile.
• Some toothpaste has a built-in teeth whitening agent that may help improve the whiteness of your teeth. The improvement you see with this approach may vary greatly depending upon your teeth and the degree of improvement in teeth whitening that is needed and desired.
• Several manufacturers sell at-home teeth whitening kits that may include bands that are placed upon your teeth, or trays you fill with a provided liquid and place upon your teeth — both for predetermined periods of time. Again, the improvement you see with this form of teeth whitening may be dependent upon your individual dental health and the whitening agent itself. Results vary by user.

If your at-home teeth whitening efforts fail to deliver the results you would like to see, an Indiana dentist can offer professional teeth whitening services that may provide the results you are looking for.

In addition, your Indiana dentist might recommend a dental sealant following successful teeth whitening. In this procedure, a thin layer of liquid plastic material is painted upon the teeth, forming a hard, thin layer covering the teeth. A dental sealant can be effective at filling the tiny pits and fissures in your teeth that can attract germs, food and drink particles, and be an early cause of tooth discoloration and tooth decay. Dental sealants can provide a protective shield for several years, and can help extend the benefits of successful teeth whitening.

Take a look at your smile. Could teeth whitening benefit you? Indiana dentist Dr. Majka and his team of dental professionals can provide an assessment of your current state of dental health and recommend a teeth whitening option that would work best for you. Contact us for a consultation today.

You have probably heard of it before — or you have seen those Hollywood types with bright white smiles. When you look in the mirror, do you see a bright white smile? No? You could – with teeth whitening!

But do you know what teeth whitening really is and how it works?

Teeth whitening is a process that removes stains from teeth – producing an overall whiter, brighter smile. Even if you brush and floss your teeth regularly, stains can and do accumulate on the surface of your teeth, as well as on the inside / backs of your teeth. Such stains are typically caused by food and drink that have staining power – such as soda, coffee and tea. Tobacco smoking can also cause stains. Such stains are typically yellow or light brown in color and can be overcome through teeth whitening.

Occasionally, teeth will display dark brown or bluish gray stains – which can be the result of taking certain kinds of medications. These types of stains are typically much harder and more time consuming to overcome with teeth whitening.

But how does teeth whitening in your dentist’s office differ from store-bought kits? There are, after all, many over-the-counter teeth whitening kits available today.

The fact is - the success of teeth whitening is all dependent upon which procedure you employ or which product you buy, your teeth, and the degree of teeth stains. If you are considering teeth whitening from your Indiana dentist, you might be interested in understanding how it works.

A bleaching gel, typically made of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, is applied to your teeth. The dentist will apply a protective cover to the rest of the mouth, apart from the teeth being whitened. The peroxide in the gel breaks down into oxygen molecules that penetrate your teeth, which break down stains that reside within the pores of the tooth’s enamel. You see, stains cause less light to shine through teeth, making them dull and dingy. Breaking the stains apart creates less blockage for light – and the more light being able to penetrate the tooth, the whiter the tooth appears!

Once the whitening gel is applied, a laser or bright light is applied to force the peroxide to oxygenate — and attack the stains. The duration of this procedure in the office of your Indiana dentist is typically one to two hours. Following completion, your dentist may also recommend a dental sealant to help deter future staining and better protect your teeth.

Your Indiana dentist may also provide a custom-fit mouthpiece for you to take home, along with home whitening gel. Following the instructions of your dentist, you apply the gel into the mouthpiece, and then place the mouthpiece into your mouth for a predetermined period of time. This gel is not as strong as that used in the dentist’s office, so the time for achieving success can take three weeks or more. This gel is still stronger than store bought teeth whitening products – and the mouthpiece is typically more comfortable, since it is designed for your unique mouth. However, store bought teeth whitening products, applied once or twice a week for ten days or so, can be effective on less severely stained teeth, as is generally a less costly procedure. Always consult your Indiana dentist for the best approach for your teeth.

Whether you are looking for a brighter, whiter smile through teeth whitening, improved ongoing protection from stains by a dental sealant, or just looking for a caring, experienced Indiana dentist, Dr. Joseph Majka and his team of dental professionals are here for you. Conveniently located in Northwest Indiana, this Indiana dentist will provide the kind of professional, dependable care you’ve been searching for.

For experienced dental care, contact Dr. Majka for an appointment today.

When you look in the mirror, do you see a bright white smile?

Teeth are naturally white, but the effects of time can take their toll on the brightness and the whiteness of your teeth. For example, coffee and tea can discolor your teeth; and so can smoking. It is also possible for some prescription medications to discolor teeth.

If you are not satisfied with the present brightness or whiteness of your teeth, you might be a candidate for teeth whitening. There are several things you can do in an effort to improve the whiteness of your teeth.

• Always remember to brush twice daily with a toothpaste that contains fluoride - and floss and clean between your teeth at least once daily. And remember to see an Indiana dentist on a regular basis. Good dental hygiene is the foundation for a bright smile.
• Some toothpastes have a built-in teeth whitening agent that may help improve the whiteness of your teeth. The improvement you see with this approach may vary depending upon your teeth and the degree of improvement in teeth whitening that is desired.
• Various manufacturers sell at-home teeth whitening kits. These kits may include bands that are placed upon your teeth, or trays you fill with a provided liquid and place upon your teeth — both for predetermined periods of time. Again, the improvement you see with this form of teeth whitening can be dependent upon your individual dental health and how much whitening effort is actually required by the agent. Results vary by user.
• If all of these teeth whitening efforts fail to deliver the results you would like to see, an Indiana dentist can offer professional teeth whitening services that might better provide the results you’re looking for. Prescription-strength teeth whitening used by your Indiana dentist is far different than store-bought kits or teeth whitening gels. This procedure should only be employed by a trained dental professional. Again, results vary depending upon how much teeth whitening is actually required and your current state of dental health.
• Following successful teeth whitening, your Indiana dentist might recommend a dental sealant. A dental sealant is the application of a thin layer of liquid plastic material, painted upon the teeth. Once dried and cured, this material forms a hard, thin layer covering the teeth. A dental sealant can be effective at filling in the tiny pits and fissures in your teeth that can attract germs, food and drink particles, and be an early cause of tooth discoloration and tooth decay. Dental sealants can provide a protective shield for several years, and can help extend the benefits of successful teeth whitening.

Take a look at your smile. Could teeth whitening or dental sealants benefit you? Indiana dentist Dr. Majka and his team of dental professionals can provide an assessment of your current state of dental health and recommend a teeth whitening option that would work best for you. Contact us for a consultation today.