When you think of having a dental filling or crown placed, you probably don’t think of the procedure as falling under the category of cosmetic dentistry. It’s true that we generally consider these treatments as restorative procedures; they are intended to restore the structure of your damaged tooth so you can bite and chew your food, speak clearly, and save the tooth from extraction. Actually, says Dr. Todd Pizzi, a cosmetic dentist in Shrewsbury, MA, sometimes a restorative procedure has more aesthetically pleasing results.
Truth Whitening: Myths About Teeth Bleaching
Did you know that getting whiter teeth is the number one request among patients considering cosmetic dentistry? It’s true, says Dr. Todd Pizzi, a cosmetic dentist who offers teeth whitening in Shrewsbury, MA. Along with Dr. Luciana Messina at Modern Dentistry of Shrewsbury, Dr. Pizzi debunks commonly held misconceptions about the art and science of bleaching your teeth.
3 Reasons Why Adults Love Clear Braces
Children and teenagers aren’t the only age groups who benefit from orthodontic treatment. Braces are becoming more popular among adults, especially now that metal braces are no longer the only available option. Dr. Luciana Messina and Dr. Todd Pizzi at Modern Dentistry of Shrewsbury give three excellent advantages of clear braces in Shrewsbury, MA.
Trust Your Dentist for Professional Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening can make your teeth appear much more attractive, but appearances aren’t everything. It’s absolutely possible that your teeth might look perfect but hide an unpleasant problem. For this reason, it’s always best to seek professional teeth whitening in Shrewsbury, MA from your dentist rather than from a medical spa or other non-dental practitioner, says Dr. Todd Pizzi.
Why Can’t Someone Else Whiten My Teeth?
Several businesses have started offering teeth whitening, some in kiosks at malls, others at day spas. And while bleaching your teeth is generally considered safe, only your dentist can ensure optimal results. This is because your teeth are much more than just the outer layer of enamel. Beneath the enamel is a layer of naturally yellow dentin. If your tooth enamel wears away due to teeth grinding or acidity, the dentin may begin to show through. This is often mistaken for staining, which leads to aggressive whitening efforts that actually harm the tooth enamel.
Your dentist also knows how to identify oral health concerns that might not be picked up by a non-dental professional. For example, some types of staining and discoloration do not respond to whitening treatment. We can determine this beforehand, whereas another person might only discover this after the treatment fails to deliver the desired results—and after you’ve already paid.
What About Teeth Whitening Kits From the Drugstore?
If you have very superficial surface stains on your teeth, you can probably get away with a home whitening kit from the supermarket. However, says Dr. Luciana Messina, these kits usually come with a one-size-fits-all set of bleaching trays. If there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s that patients’ teeth are dramatically different. Trays that do not fit properly can rub against the gum and mouth, causing blisters or sores—and you can imagine what it would feel like to get bleaching solution on an open wound.
Your dentist, on the other hand, combines two powerful treatment phases to brighten your tooth enamel by several shades. We create trays especially to fit your teeth, and you can receive the first part of your treatment in our office. The second phase involves wearing your bleaching trays at home.
Thinking about teeth whitening in Shrewsbury, MA? To learn more about cosmetic dentistry, or to schedule an appointment with one of our dentists, contact us at (508) 842-8838. We welcome patients living in and around Shrewsbury, Worcester, North and South Grafton, Hopkinton, and the nearby communities.
Imperfect Teeth in TInseltown (And How to Fix Them!)
Sometimes it’s easy to forget that celebrities have an entire team of makeup artists, stylists, and plastic surgeons to help them look beautiful. The vast majority certainly aren’t born with perfect smiles, says Dr. Todd Pizzi, a cosmetic dentist in Shrewsbury, MA. You may never walk the red carpet, but this doesn’t mean you can’t have a smile worthy of the A-list.
“I Want Straight Teeth, but I Don’t Want Metal Braces!”
Here’s the thing about crooked teeth: They’re no fun. For many people, it’s a matter of feeling self-conscious about the appearance of their teeth. For others, it’s a problem of interfering with the ability to brush their teeth and floss effectively. If you aren’t aware of the newest methods for straightening your teeth, you may feel that traditional metal braces are your only option. Wrong! Dr. Todd Pizzi, a Shrewsbury, MA cosmetic dentist, explains how innovative orthodontic treatments can solve these problems and others.
A Photogenic Smile — No Filters, No Photoshop Required
From Facebook to Instagram, the temptation to post pictures of yourself is everywhere. And we all have the Facebook friend who’ll gladly post pictures and tag us, no matter how embarrassing or unflattering the image might be. Then there are the holidays, where everyone wants dozens of pictures. For someone who doesn’t like his or her smile, every photo opportunity is a source of anxiety. Dr. Todd Pizzi offers teeth whitening in Shrewsbury, MA so you can love the way your smile looks in photos.
Common Downfalls of Dentures | Shrewsbury, MA Dentist
Although dentures remain somewhat popular, they are no longer the dental prosthetic of choice for many dentists and patients. Problems such as improper fit, interference with speech, and a reduced sense of taste are commonly cited as reasons for switching to more stable prosthetics, such as dental implants in Shrewsbury, MA. Dr. Todd Pizzi discusses important considerations for patients whose dentures no longer fit properly, or for anyone with concerns about tooth loss.
Drink Your Milk, Impress Your Dentist
“Drink your milk!”
How many times did you hear your parents and teachers admonish you to finish your milk for strong, healthy bones. Calcium and vitamin D, both essential for strong bones, are also great for your oral health. As with your bones, your teeth are more resilient and less prone to cracks and fractures when your diet includes sufficient vitamins and minerals. Dr. Todd Pizzi explains that teeth with strong enamel are less likely to become sensitive following teeth whitening in Shrewsbury, MA.
What Are Employers Looking for? Not Yellow Teeth
When it comes to improving your smile, some benefits are more obvious than others. A brilliant smile is a great asset for someone in the dating scene, and it’s a much-needed confidence booster in any social setting. Not surprisingly, cosmetic dentistry in Shrewsbury, MA can also help you in the workplace. Dr. Todd Pizzi shares the advantages of a healthy smile for your professional image.
