Monthly Archives: July 2015

Guiding You to a Brighter Smile | Palm Harbor Dentist

close up smile red lipstickEveryone has heard of teeth whitening and it seems like everyone is doing it. It is a current, and long running dental trend as well as a frequently asked for cosmetic treatment. We all desire that dazzling bright white smile but many aren’t sure which route to take to obtain it. There are a few different methods to whiter teeth from toothpaste to professional services.

There are many brands of toothpaste that claim to whiten teeth, and stores sell all varieties of tooth whitening products – trays, gels, strips, and rinses – over the counter. The most basic form of teeth whitening is available as toothpaste – toothpaste, whether it’s labeled as whitening or not – typically contains small abrasive components that gently polish the surface of your teeth, removing discoloration caused by surface staining.

The over the counter whitening systems typically contain a bleaching agent – such as hydrogen peroxide – to lighten the color of your teeth by chemically bleaching them.  By applying the bleaching chemical to strips or trays, the peroxide can stay in contact with your teeth for 30 minutes at a time, often twice a day, often achieve quite a bit of whitening.

Dentists, however, can typically offer two different whitening options. The first is take-home tray based, using chemicals stronger than over-the-counter trays, but working on the same basic principle. Often times dentist provided trays are custom-molded to the patients teeth, providing a smooth, comfortable fit suitable for wearing for multiple hours each day – often even overnight.  Beyond the trays, dentists can often perform whitening in the office, using light and heat activated bleaching chemicals, providing a significant whitening in as little as 60 minutes. Because the procedure is supervised by a dentist, much stronger chemicals can be used, and much more dramatic results can be seen almost immediately.

No matter which method of teeth whitening you choose, the results will likely not be permanent. Your teeth are exposed to foods and drinks that will stain them over time, but your dentist can advise you on the proper procedure for repeating the whitening process at regular intervals.

If you’re unclear of which whitening method to choose Dr. Lieberman can guide you on the right treatment for your bright smile goals.

To find out more about teeth whitening contact Dr. Larry Lieberman and make an appointment 727-785-8017 or visit our website at www.dentist-lieberman.com.

Accepting patients from Safety Harbor, Palm Harbor, Clearwater, Dunedin, Tarpon Springs and all surrounding areas.

Are Amalgam Fillings Safe? | Palm Harbor Dentist

155472626Dental amalgam is a common material used to fill cavities. Fillings made with amalgam also are known as silver fillings. Over the years, concerns have been raised about the use of amalgam because it contains mercury.

There has been a longstanding discussion in the dental world over the effects of amalgam fillings. Silver fillings have been used for years to replace holes made by cavities or other tooth related injuries. The controversy surrounding amalgam fillings have to do with the mercury laced filling that they are actually composed of.

In a survey taken by dental professionals, a whopping 72% of individuals had no idea that silver filling contain mercury. Of that percentage of individuals, 92% of them would have felt safer about them if they had known.

Mercury is a neurotoxin that, at high levels, may cause neurological issues, autoimmune disease, chronic illnesses, and mental disorders.  Amalgams are 50% mercury laced with a combination of silver, tin, and copper. At a high level of exposure, OSHA is claiming that they are unhealthy.  With a number of concerning factors, amalgam fillings have made a huge impact on the dental world. As of recently, the US National Health and Nutrition Examination surveyed 31,000 adults and found that the number of dental fillings correlated to the incidence of cancer, mental conditions, thyroid conditions, neurological issues, and diseases of the eye.

While statistics show for themselves, research still must be done in the search for a sure reason to take amalgams off of the market. As we have been using them for years, they are also responsible for saving millions of teeth around the world.

To find out more contact Dr. Larry Lieberman and make an appointment 727-785-8017 or visit our website at www.dentist-lieberman.com.

Accepting patients from Safety Harbor, Palm Harbor, Clearwater, Dunedin, Tarpon Springs and all surrounding areas.