Using an electric toothbrush such as a Sonicare or Oral-B, is hands down the best tool available for your home care regimen.
Most OTC whitening products are adequate and whitening toothpastes in combination with your electric tooth brush and a whitening mouth rinse can increase the amount of time between gel whitening touch-ups.
Avoid home remedies when trying to whiten your teeth. They can do more damage than good. You’re better off buying an OTC product that regulates the ingredients.
When thinking about what can stain your teeth, we like to recommend using the common sense rule. If it can stain your clothes or your skin, odds are it can stain your teeth also. Obviously, you can’t always avoid these types of things, but just try and exercise moderation when eating or drinking these types of things.
Good foods to eat are raw, crunchy vegetables such as celery, apples, oranges, and any fruit that has a clear or almost clear juice and doesn’t have a lot of seeds, nuts, and lots of water. Crunchy water-based foods are better at promoting a clean environment and have less chance of promoting stain than sticky, heavy dark foods.
We have yet to find a good at-home whitening kit that rivals what can be done in the office by certified professionals but if you want to try an OTC home whitening kit, keep in mind that these products only have up to 10% hydrogen peroxide, so for the process to be effective, you need to use the product for an extended period, while avoiding the stain-inducing foods mentioned above in order to achieve any result.
clear removable braces, facial and dental cosmetic surgeries have decreased significantly. With these types of products, gaps have been bridged between invasive surgical procedures and the non-invasive approaches such as teeth whitening and skin care products.
What has brought along this recent non-invasive trend? Is it the recession that caused people to look for less expensive cosmetic approaches? Or is it that people have become more educated about the processes and the potentially negative consequences of surgical procedures?
In my opinion, it’s probably both. Generally with new cosmetic products and techniques, it takes awhile before they become publicly accepted and mainstream. But that has not been the case with the newer products aforementioned. With a vast amount of information readily available to patients and more conscious spending, products such as Juvederm, Botox, and Invisalign have exploded in the market relatively quickly.
Regardless of what brought on this new non-invasive trend, it’s a huge positive for the cosmetic and beauty world. Cosmetic practitioners have new weapons in their arsenal and while surgical procedures are absolutely necessary in certain cases, we now have options for patients where surgery may be too aggressive as an treatment option.]]>
00Andrew Frangellahttps://drfrangella.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/frangella-logo.pngAndrew Frangella2011-07-15 02:49:002011-07-15 02:49:00The New Trend in Beauty
In recent years, many celebrities have gone through smile transformations that have enhanced and improved their looks. Others, have had cosmetic dental procedures that leave us scratching our heads:
Zac Efron reportedly closed the gap between his teeth orthodontically using removable clear braces. It appears he had teeth whitening too. In my opinion, the drastic improvement with such a minimally invasive procedure, puts him at the top of the list of great smile makeovers.
Katherine Heigl subtly enhanced the look of her teeth with invisalign nyc. Thumbs-up for the non-invasive improvement to her teeth which in my opinion, gives her an “A+” in the smile makeover category.
“I got a whole dental overhaul, compliments of Armageddon,” Ben Affleck reports. It appears a full set of veneers with some gum work are behind his new and improved.
I love this “before” picture from what appears to be from the movie “The Outsiders.” Tom Cruise’s smile in the “before” was probably created specifically for the role or maybe it’s just a doctored photo to emphasize the smile change. Either way, Tom Cruise has been through orthodontics to straighten his once crooked teeth. Notice that the midline of his teeth do not match up with the middle of his face. Interesting what the eye does not pick up at first glance.
Catherine Zeta Jones now sports a typical celebrity smile, Hollywood white porcelain veneers from ear to ear. It’s a big difference for someone who had a “normal” smile.
I would suggest a more natural, less invasive approach to enhance the smile such as teeth whitening and removable clear braces instead of porcelain veneers.
Michael Douglas must have gotten jealous of his wife’s perfect smile because his teeth now appear to be more symmetrical and even at the edges. I think the eveness at the edges goes with his age.
Notice any similarities in shape and design compared to his wife’s? Looks like they’re visiting the same dentist!
Celine Dion’s smile transformation is a great example of what a difference a nice smile can make. With what appears to be a “gum lift,” in combination with porcelain veneers, her smile depicts the natural looking improvement most dentists strive for.
George Clooney is the man! He appears to be living the life and has the pefect smile to go along with the lifestlye many men dream about. He’s likely had veneers or caps to lengthen and replace the missing tooth structure that has worn off over the years. It also appears he had a “gum lift” to reduce the amount of gum tissue visible when he smiles.
Veneers and gum surgery are as invasive as it is with cosmetic dental procedures but likely needed in this case. What isn’t necessary, in my opinion, is the blindingly white color that was selected for his smile makeover. A more natural shade selection would have earned this smile makeover an “A+.”
Clearly not happy with the gap between his two front teeth, rapper 50 Cent appears to have had it closed with a set of porcelain veneers. While his smile has drastically improved and the final result is great, in my opinion, he may have been better served with a less invasive way of getting there.
Removeable clear braces to close the gap, teeth whitening to remove the yellow staining, and replacement of the non-matching crown on his front tooth would probably have delivered a similar result non-invasively.
In deep need of a drastic smile improvement, Nicholas Cage got one and now has the picture perfect Hollywood smile we have all come to recognize.
Looks like “Iron” Mike Tyson traded in the gold teeth for a nice set of natural looking ones. If you ask your local commodities broker, a bad trade considering the price of gold these days, but I’m sure most dentists would agree it was about time. I especially like that he preserved the trademark space between his two front teeth.
I would love to have been a fly on the wall to hear the conversation Hilary Duff had with her dentist before deciding to place porcelain veneers on her teeth. From what I understand, she did have some chipping and wear on her teeth but the initial result was way too aggressive a solution. In my opinion, the latest redo of her veneers is more natural looking.
Katie Price’s first set of veneers were okay to start but her latest set are way too short, flat, and chiclet looking. To make matters worse, she has reported extreme sensitivity in her teeth after having them done.
To improve the situation, I would recommend she dial-it-down a notch with the shade of the teeth and have them lengthened to more natural proportions.
What celebrity do you think has a picture-perfect smile?]]>
Healthy and natural, can quickly turn towards tacky, ‘Chiclet’ territory though. Remember the ‘Friends’ episode with Ross and his glow in the dark teeth?
So what is the rule of thumb for teeth whitening?
The ideal shade of white really depends on personal preference. However, to retain that natural look, the whiteness of your teeth should not exceed the shade of the whites of your eyes (in most people). This allows you to have a nice bright smile without looking over-whitened.
here are many options for teeth bleaching available. Finding the right method for you that will provide you with a beautiful, natural smile can be a daunting task.
Before beginning any whitening procedure, consult your dentist first, to confirm which method is best for you.
00LAURA FRANGELLAhttps://drfrangella.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/frangella-logo.pngLAURA FRANGELLA2011-06-28 22:04:002011-06-28 22:04:00Teeth Whitening: How White Is Too White?
Watch any movie or television show and what do you see?
Perfect, straight, and unbelievably white smiles.
I’m not saying these types of smiles don’t occur naturally…however, often times in the media world you are looking at veneered, whitened, and orthodontically treated smiles. If you’re looking to replicate what you see in the media, here is some useful information on how to get your perfect smile.
There are many different ways to achieve your perfect look but before you start any work, the first step is to have a clear idea of what exactly you want to change. Is your smile too dark? Do you hate the way one of your teeth tilts? Is it the shape of your teeth you want to be different? Or the spaces in between them?
It is important to know where you want to go with your treatment so that you can pick the best type of treatment possible. Many of our patients come in and declare, “I want veneers.” While they think they need veneers, they may only require a non-invasive treatment such as Invisalign or teeth whitening to achieve the desired result. Therefore, it’s best to express your goal to your dentist and be open to different options he/she may suggest to get you there.
Veneers are a great aesthetic tool that can dramatically change a smile. However, veneers are a permanent restoration and require special care to keep them looking pristine. Maintenance should be taken into account before beginning treatment. Click here to learn more about the veneer process.
The decision to have porcelain veneers made is an important one. Veneers can provide a dramatic, beautiful, and realistic change to your smile. Once completed, most veneer restorations require special care and may have to be replaced after a 5-10 year period. In order to retain that look, you should take extra care to protect them from chips and decay.
To learn more about how to protect and maintain a healthy smile click here.]]>
00Andrew Frangellahttps://drfrangella.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/frangella-logo.pngAndrew Frangella2011-06-23 11:16:002011-06-23 11:16:00The Truth About Porcelain Veneers
Do you have a function to go to and not enough time for teeth whitening? Here are 4 tips for faking it:
1. Wear red lipstick.This is a trick seen often in dental advertisements. You may have noticed, women always have red hued lip color on. The contrast of your lip color and the red shade helps make your teeth appear lighter and brighter. If red’s not your color, then try to avoid wearing lipsticks that have a yellow or orange tone to them because they can give your teeth a yellow hue. Also, avoid pale or frosted shades and matte finishes, as they tend to make teeth look dull.
2. It’s all about the outfit! Try to avoid wearing bright white clothes.If you want to wear white, try picking a white that is off-white, cream or at least a shade lighter than your teeth. It will give the illusion that your teeth are whiter than they are, simply by comparison.
3. To make your teeth really pop, try using bronzer. Tan, golden, and darker skin tones make teeth appear whiter. By using a bronzer, with an appropriate lip color, you can make your smile appear brighter.
4 . And lastly, accessorize, accessorize, accessorize! Try wearing jewelry with a little sparkle to it such as silver, sparkling crystals or rhinestones. Avoid wearing gold which can emphasize yellow tones in teeth.Of course these are only a temporary fixes. For a truly dazzling white smile, speak with your dentist for recommendations on the best way to whiten your teeth.]]>
00Tina Frangellahttps://drfrangella.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/frangella-logo.pngTina Frangella2011-06-15 22:43:002011-06-15 22:43:00No Time for Teeth Whitening? 4 Tricks for Making Teeth Appear Whiter
When a filling is performed, it can be slightly irritating or traumatic to the nerve or pulp of the tooth. This can cause inflammation of the nerve leading to sensitivity in the tooth. This type of sensitivity is normal and usually subsides within 2 weeks.
The bite may be high.
When you have a filling placed, the tooth is numb so it is often hard for the patient to tell if the bite is correct. If the bite is not balanced properly, it can focus too much biting force on one tooth, causing sensitivity. A slight adjustment will usually correct this.
Another cavity nearby.
If you have multiple unfinished fillings or active periodontal disease in the area it is not always easy to tell which area is causing the sensitivity. This is because all the teeth are linked by branches of the same nerve. So it can be hard to tell which tooth it is. As a result, you may be feeling pain on one tooth, but it may be caused by a cavity or problem in another tooth.]]>
00LAURA FRANGELLAhttps://drfrangella.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/frangella-logo.pngLAURA FRANGELLA2011-06-08 17:50:002011-06-08 17:50:00Why do I have tooth sensitivity after a filling?
A few Secrets to having “No Cavities!” at your next dental exam…
1. Floss!
Simply put, debris gets trapped in between your teeth, and the longer it sits there, the more problems it can cause. Clear the debris by flossing after meals and before you go to bed.
Fluoride strengthens the enamel on your teeth. Check your toothpaste and mouthrinse and make sure that it has fluoride in it.
4. Use an electric toothbrush.
Use an electric tooth brush such as the Sonicare at least twice a day. It vibrates at a very high frequency clearing debris from your teeth. Most people brush for too short a period of time, many electric toothbrushes will count the 2 minutes of recommended brush time.
The average person should get a professional dental cleaning twice a year. There are many areas of the mouth that are missed with routine home care – a professional cleaning will get to these areas.
If you follow these steps strictly you will improve your oral hygiene and increase the likelihood of hearing the words “No Cavities!” at your next exam!]]>
00Andrew Frangellahttps://drfrangella.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/frangella-logo.pngAndrew Frangella2011-06-02 00:27:002020-01-14 11:36:57The Secrets to "No Cavities!"….
If you find your self doing the sniff test or constantly popping a piece of gum or a breath mint to hide your bad breath then you are probably one of the 80 million people that suffers from halitosis or chronic bad breath.
There are many causes to bad breath but the biggies are:
If you haven’t seen the inside of a dental office in about two-three years, have no idea what floss is or how to use it, and your toothbrush is about as old as you are then you probably fall into this category.
Brushing, flossing and regular dental visits are key to removing the plaque, bacteria and debris from your teeth. Your bad breath is being caused by the breakdown and decay of this debris and also from the wastes from the bacteria in your mouth. To prevent this make sure to always brush and floss after you eat and to visit your dentist every 6 months to remove any remaining plaque or calculus your brush and floss can’t reach.
2.Dry mouth (xerostomia)
Dry mouth can be caused by many things, medical problems, medications you may be taking, mouth breathing, or radiation treatment. Saliva is a very important part of your mouths natural way to keep itself clean. Your saliva is constantly washing away food particles and bacteria in your mouth. If you have dry mouth this can allow the bacteria in your mouth to overgrow and food particles to remain and decay causing bad breath.
To resolve this the first step is to find out what the cause of your dry mouth is. You should contact your dentist to come up with a good solution to keep your mouth clean.
3.Diet and Nutrition
Another common cause of bad breath is due to your eating habits. Eating spicy foods, coffee, smoking, or eating onions and garlic can cause you to have bad breath for up to 72 hours after ingestion. Also, certain diets such as the Atkins or carb free diets can cause ketosis which gives your breath a sweet smell. Also, fasting and hunger can cause bad breath as well.
The only solution to these problems is simply to eat a healthy well balanced diet and if you have an important event its probably a good idea to avoid onions and garlic for about a day or two beforehand.
So most importantly, to keep your breath fresh and pleasant its important to brush and floss regularly, see your dentist every six months, keep hydrated, and maintain a healthy and well balanced diet.]]>
Have you noticed, now that you’re pregnant, you’re gums are red and inflamed, leading to gingivitis? During your pregnancy your body as you know is going through a lot of changes. Between the hormone surges, the morning sickness and the cravings you may feel like your body is out of your control. Because of all the changes you’ll be undergoing you have to be extra diligent about your oral health. Your teeth and gums are more susceptible to problems during this delicate period of your health.
Because of your overactive hormones your gums can become more reactive to plaque and bacteria on your teeth. This can make them more prone to gingivitis (inflammation and irritation of gums). It is not uncommon for pregnant women to get something called a pregnancy tumor on their gums. Normally they are painless, but can spontaneously bleed. These red or purple lesions are simply irritated and inflamed gum tissue that usually resolves after the baby is born.
Also, morning sickness can repeatedly expose your teeth to an acidic environment, leading to weakened tooth enamel and making you more susceptible to decay and erosion.
To prevent these problems you should continue to see your dentist regularly for cleaning appointments as well as practicing good home care. At home you should floss at least once a day and brush after every meal. If you are prone to morning sickness you may want to incorporate a fluoride rinse to your daily regimen. Some suggest that after vomiting you should rinse with a mixture of a teaspoon of baking soda dissolved in a cup of water, to neutralize the acid in your mouth prior to brushing.
Non-invasive procedures can be completed during your pregnancy, such as exams (without x-rays) and cleanings. If you have a dental emergency, which requires anesthesia to resolve, you should always contact your obstetrician first and get clearance for treatment.
Maintaining good oral health is important not only to mother but to baby as well. Recent studies have shown a link between low birth weight and pre-term babies and gingivitis. It is believed that bacteria from gingivitis can travel from your gums into your bloodstream. It can then travel to the uterus and cause an increased production of chemicals called prostaglandins which can induce premature labor. By following a good home care regimen and seeing your dentist regularly you can help maintain good oral health during and after your pregnancy.]]>
Last week, Dr. Tina and I attended a Beauty Bash media event hosted by the popular trend website Momtrends at Persona Salon by Krister Atle in Midtown. We had the opportunity to meet a lot of great bloggers that we love reading (The Prissy Mommy Chronicles, Mom-101, Glamamom, The Stroller Ballet, Cheap Chic Nursery, A Mommy in the City, Dim Sum Debutante, New York Chica, NYC Single Mom, Raising Three Savvy Ladies, and many more lovely ladies) as well as fellow sponsors in the beauty care industry (Mama Mio, Damone Roberts, Evy Drew, The Plastic Surgery Center, Lacey Ryan, New York Cake Pops, Simply Naked, LeSportSac, and Bellamy Blue Photography).
It’s always great to get out of the office and meet potential patients and be able to answer whatever dental questions they may have, face-to-face. We also had the floor to address how best to maintain a bright, beautiful smile at home, in between office whitenings.
Here are a few helpful tips that we shared at the event:
Photos via High Line Media.]]>
Healthy and natural, can quickly turn towards tacky, ‘Chiclet’ territory though. Remember the ‘Friends’ episode with Ross and his glow in the dark teeth?
Have you noticed, now that you’re pregnant, you’re gums are red and inflamed, leading to gingivitis? During your pregnancy your body as you know is going through a lot of changes. Between the hormone surges, the morning sickness and the cravings you may feel like your body is out of your control. Because of all the changes you’ll be undergoing you have to be extra diligent about your oral health. Your teeth and gums are more susceptible to problems during this delicate period of your health.
Because of your overactive hormones your gums can become more reactive to plaque and bacteria on your teeth. This can make them more prone to gingivitis (inflammation and irritation of gums). It is not uncommon for pregnant women to get something called a pregnancy tumor on their gums. Normally they are painless, but can spontaneously bleed. These red or purple lesions are simply irritated and inflamed gum tissue that usually resolves after the baby is born.
Also, morning sickness can repeatedly expose your teeth to an acidic environment, leading to weakened tooth enamel and making you more susceptible to decay and erosion.
To prevent these problems you should continue to see your dentist regularly for cleaning appointments as well as practicing good home care. At home you should floss at least once a day and brush after every meal. If you are prone to morning sickness you may want to incorporate a fluoride rinse to your daily regimen. Some suggest that after vomiting you should rinse with a mixture of a teaspoon of baking soda dissolved in a cup of water, to neutralize the acid in your mouth prior to brushing.
Non-invasive procedures can be completed during your pregnancy, such as exams (without x-rays) and cleanings. If you have a dental emergency, which requires anesthesia to resolve, you should always contact your obstetrician first and get clearance for treatment.
Maintaining good oral health is important not only to mother but to baby as well. Recent studies have shown a link between low birth weight and pre-term babies and gingivitis. It is believed that bacteria from gingivitis can travel from your gums into your bloodstream. It can then travel to the uterus and cause an increased production of chemicals called prostaglandins which can induce premature labor. By following a good home care regimen and seeing your dentist regularly you can help maintain good oral health during and after your pregnancy.]]> 