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Questions? Please email us here with your questions. Below are some of our frequently asked questions. But be sure to let us know what questions you might have and we will do our best to update this page with answers for you. Q1 - With so many over the counter whitening products available, as well as salon and mall booths offering whitening, how do I know what is best for my smile? Professional whitening or one of those other methods? A2 - These days it seems everyone wants a white smile. But with so many products being advertised to give you that 'movie star' smile you desire, how does one know which route to choose? There are several types of whitening products available today. The three main types are over-the-counter treatments (ie: Crest Whitestrips); salon type whitening (ie: "Majestic Smiles"); and professional whitening done in a dental office. Over the counter products are the least expensive, and the least effective. They can be messy, and because they aren't custom fit can be difficult to get uniform results. Using products like these too often can also cause harm. Crest Whitestrips cost approximately $34 for a 7 day supply, and have to be touched up regularly to maintain results. This could end up costing you up to $100/year. There are also several whitening "chains" popping up in strip malls across the nation. They claim to have "unlocked the secret dentists have kept" about whitening your teeth. They also offer many "deals." These places are not owned or operated by dental professionals. In many states they are illegal. Many will actually have the patients place the products themselves to get around such laws. They have no professional ability to diagnose and can overlook problems that could make whitening detrimental to ones' oral health. Whitening in an unhealthy mouth can be compared to putting a new roof on a house that's foundation is being destroyed by termites. As with all whitening products, the results don't last forever. It is recommended by these places to "touch up" every 6-12 months. You will have to go through the "light" process each time as well as pay the $99-$199 fee each time. This could get very costly over time! At Grand Avenue Dental Care we use a whitening system called "Whitening for Life." We use custom made trays and solution you take home to give you the results you desire! We also have many products to help deal with sensitivity that is sometimes associated with any type of whitening. We charge $99.00 for our system, and give free touch up kits at each preventative cleaning appointment. Considering fees for other systems that can be unsafe and ineffective, this is a service we are happy to provide to our patients! Why not whiten in a safe and controlled enviornment-and save some money in the process! Call today for your appointment! Q2 - How does diabetes affect oral health? A2 - It's estimated that up to 20 million people have diabetes, but only two-thirds of these individuals are diagnosed. Studies have shown that diabetics are more susceptible to the development of oral infections and periodontal (gum) disease than those who do not have diabetes. Oral infections tend to be more severe in diabetic patients than non-diabetic patients. And diabetics who do not have good control over their blood sugar levels tend to have more oral health problems. These infections occur more often after puberty and in aging patients. Q3 - What is a composite Resin (white filling)? A3 - A composite filling is a tooth-colored plastic and glass mixture used to restore decayed teeth. Composites are also used for cosmetic improvements of the smile by changing the color of the teeth or reshaping disfigured teeth. Q4 - I don't understand laser dentistry. What exactly is that? A4 - A laser is an instrument that produces a very narrow, intense beam of light energy. When laser light comes in contact with tissue, it causes a reaction. The light produced by the laser can remove, vaporize or shape tissue. Dental Lasers can be used to :
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