Anyone with a new year’s resolution to improve their personal
appearance might consider the new technique available in West Virginia
that whitens teeth five to seven shades whiter than their natural
color. According to dentists Dr. Richard Howard and Dr. Edward Howard,
“Discoloration from coffee, smoking, medicines or other reasons
often makes people self conscious about their smile. There are a number
of techniques that can help. We are the first ones in the state to
use this particular technique and we find it to be most effective.”
The two brothers have practiced family dentistry for 25 years in Charleston,
“But, for the holidays, everyone is interested in looking their
best and we get a lot of calls asking for a quick solution to smile
problems.”
Dr. Richard Howard says, “ “First we polish the teeth
and put a protective covering on the gums. We saturate each tooth
with the ‘bleach’, which is 25% hydrogen peroxide. Allergic
reactions are very rare although a few people may have a slight sensitivity
to the material. Teeth are exposed to a direct light for about 20
minutes, then rinsed. The procedure only takes about 45 minutes. The
lightening is immediately apparent, usually from five to seven shades
lighter than before treatment.”
Dr. Edward Howard says it is a long lasting, but strictly cosmetic
procedure. “This improves the look of natural teeth, but it
doesn’t remove tarter. It has no affect on composite fillings,
crowns or dentures.”
Patients are given a kit to take home, which they use daily for the
following two weeks. The at home follow up gel treatment enhances
the brightness of the teeth. After a final visit to the dentist to
confirm results are as expected, most people simply use the at home
treatment every six months or so to maintain the desired look.
The brothers agree that the improvement can be an invaluable boost
to self-confidence.
“A big smile makes everyone feel better –the person giving
it and the person receiving it. When there’s a safe, convenient
way to fix the problem, no one should be hesitant to smile because
they’re embarrassed about their teeth.” PL
For more information, call 304-343-8805.
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