Tooth Whitening Options: Do They All Work?

    /24-7PressRelease/ - April 13, 2008 - The ADHA, American Dental Hygenists' Association, recommends that you seek the advice of an oral health care professional before making any decisions concerning a tooth whitening procedure. Which tooth whitening options work the best for what conditions? Your dentist can help you determine this for your own circumstances. Here are some things to consider.

What caused your teeth to have discolorations and stains?
In some cases, too much fluoride or the antibiotic tetracycline can cause staining to occur. But more often than not, the stains on your teeth are caused by pigmented substances like black tea, coffee, tobacco, red wine, cola drinks; or by age.

Before considering any type of tooth whitening, it is important to remember that if you intend to have any fillings or tooth replacement, complete your tooth whitening first. The coloration of any dental work will not be affected by whitening and it is better to have your dentist match the restorations to your new shade of white.

What treatments can remove stains?
Options for whitening your teeth include whitening toothpastes, whitening strips, over-the-counter tooth whitening kits professional treatments, and professional take-home kits. Whitening toothpastes contain abrasives which wear away the enamel. This is not a healthy way to whiten your teeth, nor is it effective in any case, unless you brush your teeth for 30 or 40 minutes each day. Store-bought kits contain generic trays which will almost certainly not fit your teeth. Whitening strips can give some success.

In-office tooth whitening
Professional tooth whitening surpasses all other methods. Your cosmetic dentist will first protect your gums and mouth tissue, and then apply the professional-strength whitening gel to your teeth. You can listen to music or watch a video while the special light shines on the whitening gel, activating it and speeding it up.

This sequence is done three times, for 20 minutes each. If your teeth become a bit sensitive, the procedure can be stopped and a de-sensitizing agent applied to your teeth. Afterwards, you will receive a fluoride treatment and a take-home kit for follow-up. Your dentist will explain how to use the kit and you can use it for touch-ups later on.

Professional take-home kits
If you would prefer to do the whitening in your own time, your cosmetic dentist will have a pair of custom trays made for you. They will fit you snugly, unlike the generic trays in store-bought kits. This will keep the whitening gel uniformly close to your teeth and give you consistent, smooth results. You can discuss with your dentist which strength of whitening gel you'd prefer to have: strong, medium, or mild. That would depend on how sensitive your teeth are. Each kit contains some desensitizing gel, in case you need it.

You'll be given clear instructions on how to use the kit, and in any case, there will be a little user manual with it. You can always call if you have questions.

How effective are these systems?
An in-office treatment is enormously effective and you'll be astounded by the dramatic difference in your smile! A professional take-home kit is also enormously effective as long as you use it according to the directions.

These tooth whitening treatments remove the ordinary staining that we all have from pigmented foods and drinks, and from age. But if your teeth are stained from tetracycline given during childhood, or from too much fluoride, or some kind of genetic factor, tooth whitening is not effective. Why? Because that type of staining is too deep in the tooth. No whitening agent can reach it.

An alternative and very popular procedure is porcelain veneers. Another might be dental bonding.

Are there any side effects to tooth whitening?
Any side effects have proven to be short-term:
• Temperature sensitivity can be increased with the use of hydrogen peroxide, especially at higher concentrations.
• Bleaching trays can cause gum irritation.
• Too much use of the over-the-counter bleaching products can wear down the enamel on your teeth. Read the ingredients and avoid any that contain acid or abrasive substances like bicarbonate of soda.

Done by a qualified cosmetic dentist, tooth whitening is safe, fast, and effective. Your smile will be transformed, and won't that make you smile even more?

Contact Dr. Guy Spinner at Smile Solutions for more information about tooth whitening and to schedule your initial consultation.

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