by drrapisarda
Planning a wedding, arranging a family photo shoot, or preparing for a speech can make life hectic. You may not notice that your teeth look yellow or stained until the final few days prior to your event. If you’re short on time, but long for a brighter smile, call Boston dentist, Dr. Robert Rapisarda. With Rembrandt® teeth whitening, Dr. Rapisarda can brighten your teeth dramatically, up to ten shades, in just an hour.
What Is Rembrandt®?
In 1989, Rembrandt® was the first manufacturer to provide teeth whitening toothpaste. Since then, the company has provided consumers with mouthwash, canker sore toothpaste, and whitening strips. Today, Rembrandt® partners with cosmetic dentists to provide patients with a light-activated whitening system that utilizes Virtuoso Lightening® Gel and the Sapphire® Light. An additional benefit is, this one-visit, one-hour treatment does not require special after-care treatments at home.
What Stains will One-Hour Whitening Address?
Dental stains are categorized as intrinsic or extrinsic. Intrinsic stains exist within or beneath tooth enamel. One example is fluorosis, the white, horizontal lines that form on teeth during their development. Fluorosis occurs, most often, when children swallow fluoridated toothpaste. As a result, their permanent teeth feature the tell-tale, permanent white lines. Intrinsic stains may also form if your mother took tetracycline antibiotics in her second or third trimester, when she was pregnant with you, or if you used these medications before age eight. Injury to teeth may result in tooth discoloration, as will the rare condition, dentinogenesis imperfecta.
Extrinsic stains occur from substances that come in contact with the surface tooth enamel. Discolorations from drinking tea, coffee and wine; stains caused by darkly pigmented foods, such as tomatoes and blueberries; and tobacco’s nicotine stains are considered extrinsic. Rembrandt® can lighten or erase extrinsic stains, but not intrinsic stains.
How Long Do Rembrandt® Whitening Results Last?
The longevity of your whitening results will depend, in part, on how to care for your teeth. If you follow these tips, your whitening could last years. However, should you need another session, Rembrandt® is gentle enough that you can re-treat as needed.
Tips for Maintaining a Bright Smile
- Brush your teeth for two minutes when you wake, before eating or drinking.
- Brush your teeth for two minutes, then floss, 30 minutes or longer after eating dinner.
- Use mouthwash before and after brushing.
- Use a tongue scraper to remove plaque from the surface of your tongue.
- Avoid highly acidic and darkly pigmented foods and beverages.
- Rinse your mouth with water after meals and snacks.
- Drink colas and juices through a straw.
- Visit Dr. Rapisarda twice a year, or as recommended, for cleanings and checkups.
- Re-treat as necessary.
What if Rembrandt® Isn’t Right for Me?
To address intrinsic tooth stains, a topical whitening system, even one as powerful as Rembrandt®, will not work. If you suffer from fluorosis or other intrinsic dental stains, talk with Dr. Rapisarda about cosmetic dentistryoptions that will solve your problem. He may recommend porcelain veneers, bonding, or all-white dental crowns to permanently whiten your teeth.
Schedule Your Consultation
To learn more about Rembrandt® Whitening or to schedule your cosmetic dental consultation, give us a call today. Dr. Rapisarda has an excellent reputation for providing general, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry.