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Woman smiling with bright white teeth next to shades of tooth colors at the dental office

Teeth whitening is a popular way to achieve brighter teeth and a more confident smile. But what if you’re concerned about the potential damage it could be doing to your teeth? In this article, we’ll explore the possible risks and side effects of teeth whitening, as well as what you can do to minimize any potential damage.

Does Teeth Whitening Damage Enamel?

There is some concern that teeth whitening may damage enamel, but there is no definitive evidence that this is the case. Some people report a temporary increase in tooth sensitivity after teeth whitening, but this usually resolves within a few days. If you are concerned about the safety of teeth whitening, chat with your dentist to get their advice.

While there is no definitive evidence that teeth whitening damages enamel, it is still advisable to be careful when undergoing this process. Many over-the-counter and at-home teeth whitening products contain significant amounts of peroxide, which can irritate the soft tissues in your mouth if used incorrectly. Always read instructions carefully and follow them closely when using a teeth whitening product.

Does Teeth Whitening Damage Gums?

There is some concern that teeth whitening may damage the gums. Some people report that their gums are sore and inflamed after they whiten their teeth. However, there is no scientific evidence to support that gums are harmed during this procedure.

If you are concerned about damaging your gums, talk to your dentist about using a whitening gel that is specifically designed for people with sensitive gums. These gels often contain lower concentrations of bleaching agents, which may reduce the risk of gum irritation.

The Side effects of teeth whitening

Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic procedure that many people choose to improve the appearance of their smile. However, there are some side effects associated with teeth whitening that you should be aware of before you decide to undergo the treatment.

A side effect of teeth whitening is that it can cause tooth sensitivity. If your teeth are sensitive to hot or cold foods and drinks, then you may experience even more sensitivity after teeth whitening. This increased sensitivity may be temporary or it may last longer, depending on the severity of your original teeth sensitivity and how often you use the teeth whitening products.

Although you may experience some discomfort due to sensitivity when you have your teeth whitened, this is generally known as a safe cosmetic procedure.

Many people believe that teeth whitening will damage your teeth, but there has been no proof that this is the case.

How Often Should You Have Your Teeth Whitened?

There is no one definitive answer to the question of how often you should have your teeth whitened. Some people may find that they need to have their teeth whitened on a regular basis, while others may only need to have it done every few months or years. It all depends on your individual situation and what type of results you are looking for.

If you are someone who is looking for dramatic results, then you will likely need to have your teeth whitened more often than someone who is just looking for a slight improvement. It is also important to keep in mind that the results of teeth whitening will vary from person to person, so what works for someone else may not work for you.

Conclusion

The bottom line is that teeth whitening can be a safe and effective way to improve the appearance of your smile, but you should always weigh the risks and side effects before deciding whether or not to undergo the treatment. Talk to your dentist about what type of teeth whitening product is best for you and how often you should use it for optimal results.

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You may have seen the latest Teeth Brightening filter on TikTok and thought, “Hey! That looks great!” But how do we achieve this bright white smile IRL? That’s where we come in!

 

Step 1: Brush & Floss Your Teeth Regularly

First things first, to achieve a brighter smile, you must be consistently flossing and brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste. We mean it! Flossing on a regular basis is scientifically proven to prevent cavities, gum disease, and improve your oral health. So it makes sense that brushing and flossing on a regular basis would improve the discoloration of yellowed teeth and allow for a more radiant smile. 

couple brushing their teeth at same sink

Step 2: Consult Your Dentist About Teeth Whitening Products

Next, scheduling an appointment with your dentist every 6 months is a necessity. Before you can begin using any type of whitening product, you should consult a professional to see if your teeth can handle this treatment. Some people have more tooth sensitivity to teeth whitening products than others. It’s a great way to confirm that this is the best route for your dental journey. 

Your dentist may recommend other cosmetic dentistry options to customize your treatment & achieve these whitening results. These could include porcelain veneers, dental implants, or even cosmetic bonding. 

Professional Teeth Whitening Trays that look like Retainers

Step 3: Choose A Teeth Whitening Product

If your dentist agrees that teeth whitening is a safe option, the next steps are to weigh the pros and cons of different teeth whitening products or treatments on the market. There are thousands of options to choose from. Whitening strips, whitening gels, whitening toothpaste, and even in-house professional teeth whitening systems like Philips Zoom Teeth Whitening. 

 

Here are some tips on choosing the right teeth whitening product for you:

  1. How sensitive are your teeth to cold? If you answered extremely, you may want to find a teeth whitening system with a lower percentage of hydrogen peroxide or ones that use baking soda or xylitol. It may take longer to whiten your smile but will not be as sensitive to your teeth. 
  2. How fast do you want results? If you answered immediately, you will want to ask your dentist for their in-house whitening systems. Typically a Zoom Whitening Treatment at our office takes less than 2 hours and you emerge with a brighter, whiter smile! This is great for those looking for instant gratification or preparing for a big event (wedding, photoshoot, etc). 
  3. Do you want to whiten at home? Dental whitening trays and strips are available over-the-counter. However, if you want a more customized fit with less agitation on your gum line, we recommend custom whitening trays created by your dental office. 

 

Finally, select the teeth whitening product that best fits your needs, smile brighter, and never need a TikTok filter again! 

 

We hope this guide to a brighter healthy smile was helpful. If you are in the North Carolina area and searching for a dentist that offers teeth whitening near you, contact Lane & Associates Family Dentistry today! With over 40 locations across NC, nearly 18 dental insurances accepted, and Free Teeth Whitening for qualifying patients, we can help you on your way to a brighter smile today!

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Knowing the impact COVID-19 has on our world today, Lane & Associates Family Dentistry(LAA) has decided to join in the research to improve our tomorrow. As of Fall 2021, LAA will be partnering with the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health), in the trial of their latest reusable elastomeric half-mask respirators (EHMRs). 

Lane & Associates Family Dentistry is proud and excited to incorporate the use of EHMRs across all 40 of its dental offices over the next several months. These EHMRs are unique because they are designed with replaceable air-filtering cartridges to prevent the spread of airborne illnesses from practitioner to the patient and vice versa.   

Respirators are the standard protection device used in many industries. But their use in healthcare is unique in that a constant supply is always needed, especially during times of public health crisis. The durability and reusability of EHMRs make them desirable during product shortages for public health emergencies and challenges.  

What will these respirators mean for me? 

These EHMRs will only be worn by clinical staff members in our offices and will not affect your dental appointments at LAA. However, we will continue to ask that all patients who enter our facilities wear their face coverings as has been our COVID policy since May 2020. 

How long will LAA be wearing the respirators? 

Our clinical team members who elected to test the masks will be wearing these for the next few months. Although these masks may look cumbersome, we believe they could have life-saving effects during any subsequent pandemics, especially for those in the healthcare industry. 

Our team at LAA is excited to join NIOSH in this research for a healthier tomorrow! Please reach out at info@lanedds.com if you have further questions regarding this new partnership. 
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Kid-Friendly Dentistry at LAA

We are so excited to announce that Dr. Victoria Gill, aka “Dr. Tori”, is joining Lane & Associates as our in-house Pediatric Dentist! Dr. Tori will begin seeing patients in our sister company NCOSO (NC Oral Surgery + Orthodontics) at the Cary St Charles and Durham Miami offices starting August 16th. She will also be accepting Medicaid patients at these locations. 

Pediatric Services Offered 

  • Dental Cleanings, X-rays, and Comprehensive Exams
  • Home Care Guidance
  • Fluoride Treatment
  • Sealants
  • Mouthguards
  • Education and Nutritional Guidance
  • Tooth-colored Crowns
  • Nitrous and Sedation Options
  • Space Maintenance and Appliances
  • Special Health Care Needs

Schedule Your Child’s Dental Appointment

To learn more about Dr. Tori and schedule an appointment, please visit our Lane Kids Dentistry page or request an appointment through our NCOSO website now!

REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT

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So, you want to whiten your teeth. You’re not alone! In fact, when the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry asked what people would most like to improve about their smile, the most common response was whiter teeth.

There Are Several Teeth Whitening Options

With so many teeth whitening products on the market, you may be left scratching your head as to which one you should choose. As with any type of treatment, it’s important to know all the facts so you can make the best choice for you and your unique smile! Some of the most common teeth whitening options are:

  1. Whitening toothpaste
  2. Whitening strips and gels
  3. Tray-based teeth whiteners
  4. In-office professional teeth whitening

Professional Teeth Whitening Trays that look like Retainers

Whitening Is Safest And Most Effective When Supervised By A Dentist

You should always consult with your dentist before deciding to whiten, as this cosmetic procedure isn’t for everyone. There are also many benefits to whitening treatment with your dentist!

For example, if you’re considering a tray-based tooth whitener, seeing your dentist is definitely your best option. Your dentist will take an impression of your teeth so that your mouthpiece tray is customized exactly to fit your teeth. This will ensure maximum contact between your teeth and the whitening solution as well as protect your gums.

If you choose in-office whitening, such as Zoom Whitening treatment, your dentist will provide additional protection for your gums and the soft tissue of your mouth so that no irritation from the whitening solution occurs. To do this, your dentist will apply a gel to the gum tissue or use a rubber shield.

With over-the-counter products, you’re on your own. Your dentist, however, will check your mouth, the type and extent of stains on your teeth, the number of dental restorations you have, and consider your medical history to decide which whitening option is best for your specific smile. They will oversee the process and results of the treatment to ensure the treatment’s safety and efficacy.

A Note To Parents

Teeth whitening is a big trend among teenagers. Parents should always supervise their teenagers’ use of whitening products as overuse or failure to follow directions can damage tooth enamel or irritate gums. Be sure to consult with your dentist before allowing your teenager to whiten to make sure they are at an appropriate age and stage of dental development for whitening.

Still curious about how whitening works? Check out the video below to learn more!

Keep Your Smile Beautiful

What truly keeps teeth bright, white, and healthy is daily brushing and flossing. But if you feel like your smile is lacking some sparkle or has yellowed over the years, give us a call or come in to see us! We’d be happy to help you brighten up that beautiful smile of yours.

 

In fact, did you know we offer a Free Teeth Whitening Program to our patients? Find out if you are eligible for this free offer by contacting us today! At Lane & Associates Family Dentistry, we love to make you smile!

 

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What you can expect from Lane & Associates Family Dentistry during the Flu & COVID-19 Pandemic

Originally published: March 12, 2020 | Updated: May 14, 2020

At Lane & Associates, we strive to uphold the highest level of care for our patients at all times. During every office visit, your health and safety are our highest priorities. With the recent Flu and Coronavirus (COVID-19), this year’s season has been particularly difficult which reinforces the need for all of us to be vigilant in the prevention of the spread of these diseases. 

How to Sew Surgical Masks for Medical Professionals | More COVID-19 Updates from Dr. Lane

Our offices follow all of the current recommendations for infection control and disease prevention published by the CDC(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health), OSHA, and other significant organizations. 

As always, the most important priority at Lane & Associates is the safety and wellbeing of our patients and team members. In addition to our already rigorous daily sanitizing procedures, we will continue to go above and beyond these guidelines. We are increasing the frequency of cleaning and disinfecting of the lobby, dental exam chairs, equipment, bathrooms, and all other areas of our offices. At each of our locations, you will also find hand sanitizer next to the front desk. All patients are encouraged to wash their hands frequently during their visits for at least 20 seconds, as the CDC recommends.

New Policies & Procedures (as of May 2020):

  • As we begin to reopen our offices, you may see some changes during your next appointment.
  • Our office will communicate with you before your appointment to ask screening questions.
  • Before entering the building, we are offering curbside check-in and temperature screenings for all patients. All staff are also screened before entering the building each day.
  • You may see that our waiting rooms are closed or adjusted for social distancing measures. Furniture is further apart and all magazines/children’s toys have been removed (since these items are difficult to clean).
  • Appointments will be managed to allow for social distancing between patients. You may also be escorted into and out of the building.
  • All consent forms, treatment plans, and payments may be presented to you in the treatment room.
  • Hand sanitizer or hand-washing stations will be available for patient use.
  • We may ask you to wait in your car to reduce the number of patients in the reception area at any one time.

Lane and Associates dental staff screening patients taking temperatures

7 Health recommendations during this Flu & Virus Season: 

  1. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, avoid close contact with others to prevent them from getting sick as well.
  2. If you are sick, please postpone any non-emergency or elective dental procedures until you are feeling well. If you are unsure, please call your home office to discuss your treatment with your dental provider. 
  3. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you are coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
  4. Wash your hands as set by the guidelines from the CDC. **See the Handwashing Instructions infographic below**
  5. Do not hoard medical masks or gloves as these are needed by healthcare professionals. Due to the high demand, the CDC does not recommend the general public buying these items but instead practicing everyday preventive actions, such as washing hands, covering your cough, and staying home when you are sick. 
  6. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
  7. Practice other good health habits. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill. Get plenty of sleep, take care of your oral health, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

Washing Your Hands the Right Way

One of the most important steps in preventing the spread of infection is to consistently wash your hands as set by the guidelines from the CDC. See our infographic below with step by step instructions on how to properly wash your hands. The basics to remember are to rinse with water first THEN lather on the soap. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds and be sure to get underneath your fingernails and in between each finger. If you are wearing rings, either take these off before scrubbing or get underneath during your 20-second scrub. Rinse your hands with clean water once you’ve completed scrubbing. Remember, after rinsing – use the paper towel or one-use towel to turn off your sink.

How to Wash Your Hands:

Hand washing infographic

DOWNLOAD THIS INFOGRAPHIC

Watch this video from the CDC with FAQs about Handwashing:

Next Steps…

According to the American Dental Association, “Respiratory hygiene/cough etiquette infection control measures along with contact precautions are currently recommended for preventing transmission of COVID-19 and all flu-like illnesses in a dental healthcare setting.”If you currently have the flu or have had direct contact with anyone diagnosed with the Flu or the Coronavirus, or if you have recently traveled to an area where the Coronavirus is prevalent, please inform one of our team members.

All of our employees are well trained and given periodic updates on infection control policies and procedures to ensure that your visit and treatment at Lane & Associates is as safe and comfortable as possible. As always – we sincerely appreciate your trust in us to provide your dental care.

Have further questions? Contact our offices or email us at info@lanedds.com. 

 

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AS WE LEAD UP TO THE 54TH ANNUAL SUPER BOWL we know that our sports-loving patients (and those in it for the food!) are getting hyped for the game. It probably reminds you of your time playing sports growing up or cheering your kids and family members on in their favorite activity. There’s no doubt about it–playing sports can be a magical thing.

We love it when our patients are having fun and being active, but unfortunately, sports-related dental injuries happen all the time. That’s why we make custom mouthguards in our practice, so you and your children can always play it safe!

super bowl 2020 mouthguard

Wear A Mouthguard And Reduce Your Risk Of Injury

You may be surprised to learn that up to 40 percent of dental injuries are sustained during sports activities. In fact, not wearing a mouthguard makes you 60 times more likely to sustain an injury to the face and mouth! Wearing a mouthguard during recreational as well as competitive sports activities decreases both the frequency and severity of the injury.

A fractured, chipped or knocked-out tooth isn’t the only thing a mouthguard safeguards against. Did you know that wearing a mouthguard can also help prevent more serious injuries such as concussions, jaw fractures, and neck injuries? Not to mention the protection it provides for the soft tissues of the mouth like the tongue, lips, and cheeks.

This is especially true for those of you with braces. Not only are your braces an investment you should protect, but those metal brackets can be especially damaging to your mouth if you’re hit by a stray ball or elbow. On top of that, if your braces are damaged, there may be a delay in your orthodontic treatment.

Custom Mouthguards Provide More Comfort And Protection


When it comes to purchasing a mouthguard, you have a couple of different options. A custom-fit mouthguard made specifically for you by a dental professional is the most effective and comfortable choice. We can even specially customize your mouthguard for the specific sport you play. Custom mouthguards are:

  • Less likely to be displaced during the action because of their custom fit.
  • Durable and tear-resistant. Custom mouthguards last longer due to the higher quality of materials used to construct them.
  • More fitted and less bulky. This adds to the overall comfort and makes talking, breathing and swallowing easier.

Your Smile Is Worth Protecting

Customized specifically for your smile, the mouthguards we make in our practice provide superior safety and genuine comfort. Your smile is worth protecting. Talk to us today about your own custom mouthguard by contacting us online or scheduling an appointment!

We love to make our patients smile! Ask us more about Mouthguards & any other dental-related questions by filling out this form or calling 877-LANE-DDS.

THE CONTENT ON THIS BLOG IS NOT INTENDED TO BE A SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE, DIAGNOSIS, OR TREATMENT. ALWAYS SEEK THE ADVICE OF QUALIFIED HEALTH PROVIDERS WITH QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE REGARDING MEDICAL CONDITIONS.
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Happy Holidays, From Our Family To Yours!

Our offices will be closed from December 24th through December 29th to celebrate the holidays. We’ll be back and ready to assist you on Monday, December 30th.

We wish you a joyous holiday season and a Happy New Year!

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