Monday, November 28, 2016

3 Basics when buying Whitening Products

3 Things to Know before buying Whitening

1)  The difference is in the percentage.

  • Retail Stores:  3-10%   vs.     Dental Office:  25-40%
    • In any store whether it is Walmart, Target, CVS, Sam's or Costco the percentage of active ingredients is often hard to find on packaging if it is even listed--these products usually contain 3-10% hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide.  ONLY dental professionals are able to offer whitening with a higher percentage of usually 25-40% of the hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide.
2)  We recommend an exam first and here's why.

  • Crowns, veneers, fillings, dark staining, white spots on teeth all make a difference.
    • If you have any of these restorations present in your mouth, they will not change with any whitening product.  If you have tooth colored fillings on your front teeth you may whiten your teeth but not the filling, you will then either need the filling replaced to match the whitened shade, or discontinue whitening.  The same is for crowns and veneers.  
    • Dark staining from medications or white spots on your teeth will either not change or the white spots will get whiter as well.
  • For the above reasons it is good to have a recent exam with your dentist in the books.  Also, you should never whiten if there are active caries/decay present.
3)  Using a light...DOES NOT make a difference.  Studies show it is all for show.

  • I can't speak for other offices, but at Barden Family Dentistry we try to offer the best product at a reasonable price.
    • The expense that comes with the "light" for in-office whitening has shown no added benefit.  Studies say that it is perhaps the heat from the light which causes additional dehydration to the tooth.  It gives the patient the illusion that they achieved better results when in fact, there is no difference at all, except in your pocketbook!
Thanks for reading.  We are offering Christmas specials on whitening.  They are great for stocking stuffers!

Please post any questions, comments or concerns!

Deanna

Saturday, November 12, 2016

My Team & Our Patients

My Team & Our Patients
    I have been delaying the first blog for Barden Family Dentistry.  My avoidance comes from wanting it to be perfect as it's the FIRST one.  Well, it won't be perfect but I believe it's a great way to start.  My team and I have almost completed our 6th month together.  Everything is a learning opportunity and there is always a way to make things better for our patients.  In just 6 months I've become more aware of 2 important things that I will always be thankful for.

      1)  My entire team consists of ROCKSTARS.  Mistakes are a given, but I would put my team and their experience and knowledge up against any dental team.  Combined my team has over 45 years of experience in the dental field and each of them are still trying to better themselves each day.  Thank you Elaine, Misty and Katie for giving it your all.  I couldn't ask for more than that.  They are dedicated to you, our patients.  I sincerely love each of them. 

     2)  I will start by saying I will inadequately describe this one.  Our PATIENTS, our community has shown tremendous support and Barden Family Dentistry wouldn't be succeeding without you.  When people ask me about my professional experiences in the dental field, I try to explain the gratitude, dedication and consideration our patients have.  Let me tell you, you can't find this everywhere I assure you.  On numerous occasions I've said to my team, "That is why I love working here because that wouldn't happen anywhere else."  To our dental family and future dental family members, thank you.  You've truly defined what I call a dental family or dental home.