Teeth Whitening vs. Veneers

Discolored teeth can have a negative impact on your self-confidence. At the Wellesley, MA, dental practice of Dr. Murad Padamsee, we’re dedicated to giving you a healthy, beautiful smile that you’ll be proud to show off. We offer a wide range of dentistry services — including teeth whitening and veneers.

Teeth Whitening in Wellesley, MA

One of the most popular cosmetic dentistry services we provide is teeth whitening. If your main concern is simply getting your teeth to a whiter shade, we offer in-office Zoom!® whitening as well as a take-home whitening system for your convenience.

Zoom!® Whitening, as its name suggests, is the fastest way to get whiter teeth. This procedure involves the application of whitening gel and a halide light to activate the gel. Before the actual treatment, you will be educated about the procedure and your teeth will be thoroughly cleaned and prepped. The whitening process itself takes about an hour; aftercare involves brushing with anti-sensitivity toothpaste and practicing good oral hygiene.

Our take-home whitening system takes longer to achieve the same results; however, it’s more affordable than Zoom!® Whitening and is used at your convenience. Custom-fit trays will be made for you to ensure the whitening gel stays where it should during treatments. The trays are worn twice daily for 30 minutes for several weeks; they can also be worn overnight if needed. Dr. Padamsee will tell you exactly how to use your at-home whitening system and answer any questions you may have.

Veneers for a Smile Makeover

Cosmetic veneers are another way to achieve the smile you want. Veneers are crafted from thin porcelain that looks and feels like your natural teeth. Your teeth are buffed to prepare for veneer application; the veneers are bonded to your teeth using a cement-type material and a special bonding light. Veneers aren’t recommended for teeth that have fillings, and they’re more expensive than teeth whitening services. But when it comes to dramatic results, veneers can’t be beat — which is why so many celebrities who want perfect teeth go this route.

Schedule Your Consultation

The first step to whiter teeth is an initial consultation and exam with Dr. Padamasee at our upscale Wellesley, MA, dental office. Callus to schedule your appointment, or get in touch through our appointment request form. We can help you achieve the white smile you’ve always wanted; in addition, we provide an array of other dental services including TMJ treatment, sleep apnea solutions, preventative dentistry, pediatric dentistry and more. 

5 Steps for Improving At-Home Oral Hygiene

Regular dental checkups are imperative when it comes to good oral health; however, at the Wellesley, MA dental practice of MuradPadamsee, BDS, DMD, MS, we also believe strongly in patient education and oral disease prevention. In between your routine dental visits, there are some things you can do to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Check out these five oral hygiene tips:

Brush Properly

One of the best ways to keep your mouth in good shape is by brushing regularly — at least twice daily. Although brushing your teeth is pretty simple, there’s a right way to do it. According to the American Dental Association, here’s how to brush:

Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle and use short horizontal strokes to brush teeth. Make sure to get not only the front of your teeth, but also the back as well. Use an ADA-approved fluoride toothpaste when brushing and finish up by brushing your tongue gently as well to remove bacteria.

Floss Daily

Our Wellesley, MA, dental practice also advocates daily flossing to remove stubborn plaque and bacteria-causing food particles from in between teeth. Many people don’t floss as often as they should; this is sometimes because flossing causes mouth tenderness and bleeding gums. These are both symptoms of gingivitis and gum disease — all the more reason to floss every day.

Flossing is an easy way to keep your mouth healthy. Wrap an 18- to 24-inch piece of floss around your index and middle fingers and use it to get in between the teeth. The flossing motion should be horizontal, then vertical, to remove plaque and particles from between the teeth and under the gumline.

Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of water isn’t just good for your body, but your oral health as well. If you have chronic dry mouth, bacteria can build up and lead to plaque and gingivitis. The general rule for water consumption is 8 glasses per day; however, your needs may be more or less depending on your activity level, age, and body type. Keeping your mouth hydrated with sugarless gum is a good way to freshen breath and keep bacteria at bay between meals.

Eat a Healthy Diet

Cleaning your teeth is just one part of the equation; what you eat can also make a difference in your oral health. Sweet treats aren’t the only culprits when it comes to tooth decay — eating carbohydrate-laden foods like bread and pasta can also lead to bacteria buildup that leads to plaque, gingivitis, and gum disease. Brush and floss after eating, and try to choose healthy food items like crunchy vegetables to keep teeth in tip-top shape.

Don’t Use Tobacco

Smoking and using snuff and/or chewing tobacco can have a negative impact on your oral health. Not only do tobacco users have a higher incidence of gum disease and tooth decay, they also suffer from chronic bad breath. Tobacco use discolors teeth, and can lead to oral cancer among other health problems. If you use tobacco and need help quitting, speak to your doctor.

Schedule Your Checkup Today

When you come in for your routine checkup at our modern Wellesley, MA, dental office, Dr. Padamsee and his experienced staff will educate you further on how to properly care for your teeth and gums at home. Give us a call to schedule your appointment or reach out through our website. We look forward to caring for your smile!