Teeth whitening is an effective way to enhance your smile in Cary

We know that our patients want their smiles to be attractive. This is why we offer teeth whitening at our offices in Cary and Cornelius. Teeth whitening is one of the most frequently requested cosmetic procedures available today. With the use of our at-home whitening trays, your teeth can be up lightened to eight shades, improving the aesthetics of your smile.

The whitening procedure

The first step toward a dazzling smile is comprehensive dental exam from Dr. Carl McMillan. The doctor will be looking for potential problems such as cavities or gum disease that may need treatment prior the having your teeth whitened. Depending on how long it has been since your last professional cleaning, it may be recommended that you have this done prior to teeth whitening. The next step would be taking impressions of both your upper and lower teeth. The dental lab will use these to create custom whitening trays. Once your trays are ready, you will return to our office to receive the trays, whitening gel, and instructions. We can answer any questions you have regarding the whitening treatment.

Effective ways to keep your teeth white

Teeth whitening is not a permanent solution, over time, your teeth can discolor, and a touchup procedure will be necessary. With proper care, your smile can stay brilliant for a very long time. Tobacco is one of the biggest factors in discolored teeth. While tobacco damages the aesthetics of your smile, it also damages your health. This is why we offer a program to help our patients stop smoking.

Some of the other common foods and drinks that can rapidly stain your teeth include:

• Red wine
• Tea and coffee
• Berries and cherries
• Dark colas and sports drinks (the acid in these can damage tooth enamel in addition to causing discoloration)
• Red sauces such as spaghetti sauce
• Anything with artificial colors

A good rule to remember is that if it will stain your fingers or tongue it will stain your teeth. You do not have to forgo all of your favorites forever, just use moderation, and with liquids, use a straw. This minimizes the contact the liquid has with your front teeth reducing its ability to stain.

A beautiful smile is just a phone call away; call our Cary office at (919) 865-0700 or the Cornelius office at (704) 765-3150 to schedule your appointment. We can give you a reason to smile.

Holistic Dental Centers in Cary and Cornelius, NC offer many general and cosmetic options, designed to protect patients’ oral health, as well as overall health and well-being.

Dr. Carl McMillan is a holistic dentist with a medical degree from the College of Dental Medicine of the Medical University of South Carolina. Due to his expertise, he was honored with the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT) presidency. He is compassionate towards patients and committed to providing them with safe, toxic-free dental treatments to help them maintain a happy and healthy smile.

Dr. Luis Crespo obtained his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the West Virginia University School of Dentistry. An IAOMT member, he believes prevention is the best medicine and strives to educate both patients and parents on the benefits of maintaining a healthy mind, body, and spirit. He has served underprivileged communities across the world.

Dr. Erin Wilbanks graduated from Louisiana State University School of Dentistry in New Orleans with a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. She is an accredited IAOMT member, is SMART (Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique) certified and is a member of the Academy of General Dentistry.