Posts Tagged ‘teeth whitening’

Teeth Whitening Facts

Posted on: August 7th, 2012 by Nicholas Geller, DDS No Comments

Is your wedding approaching and you want your smile to be its brightest? Or maybe you have an important speaking engagement? Whatever the reason, tooth whitening isn’t just for the movie stars, and it isn’t just for one day. Many people have their teeth whitened, and probably millions more are thinking about it. The desire for a brighter smile with whiter teeth is very strong, and teeth whitening safely lightens the color of the teeth, lasting for up to five years.

Is whitening for you?

Generally, whitening is successful in at least 90 percent of patients, though it may not be an option for everyone. Consider tooth whitening if your teeth are darkened from age, coffee, tea or smoking. If you have very sensitive teeth, periodontal disease, or teeth with worn enamel, whitening may be discouraged until these other problems are resolved.

What’s involved?

First, an examination will determine whether you are a candidate for teeth whitening and what type of whitening system will provide the best results.

If you’re in a hurry for whiter teeth, you may decide to have your teeth lightened immediately. Your dentist will use either an in-office whitening system or laser whitening while you sit in the dental chair. Many patients alternativelychoose dentist-supervised at-home whitening, which is more economical and can provide similar results.

At the next appointment (if you don’t choose laser whitening) impressions will be made of your teeth to fabricate a mouthguard appliance for you. The mouthguard is custom made for your mouth and is lightweight so that it can be worn comfortably while you are awake or sleeping. The mouthguard is so thin that you should even be able to talk and work while wearing your mouthguard. Along with the mouthguard, you’ll receive the whitening materials and you’ll be given instructions on how to wear the mouthguard.

Some systems recommend whitening your teeth from two to four hours a day. Generally this type of system requires three to six weeks to complete, and works best on patients with sensitive teeth. Other systems recommend whitening at night while you sleep. This type of system usually requires only 10-14 days to complete.

How long does it last?

Whitening should last from one to five years, depending on your personal habits such as smoking and drinking coffee and tea. At this point you may choose to get a touch up. This procedure may not be as costly because you can probably still use the same mouthguard. The retreatment time also is much shorter than the original treatment time.

How does it work?

The active ingredient in most of the whitening agents is 10 percent carbamide peroxide (CH4N2O2), also known as urea peroxide; when water contacts this white crystal, the release of hydrogen peroxide lightens the teeth.

Is it safe? Any side effects?

Several studies have proven whitening to be safe and effective, and the American Dental Association has granted its seal of approval to several popular teeth whitening products. Some patients may experience slight gum irritation or tooth sensitivity, which will resolve when the treatment ends.

What are realistic expectations?

No one can really predict how much lighter your teeth will become. Every case is different, but typically there is a two-shade improvement as seen on a shade guide. The success rate depends upon the type of stain involved and your adherence to the prescribed regimen. Whitening does not lighten artificial materials such as resins, silicants, or porcelains.

7 Everyday Tips for Whiter Teeth

Posted on: March 13th, 2012 by Nicholas Geller, DDS No Comments
Here are some simple, everyday tips that can improve your oral health and give you whiter teeth! 
  1. Cut out the stain-causing food.
    Some of the biggest culprits for stained teeth are the foods we eat or drink. Typically, anything with a dark color will likely affect your teeth. These include things like coffee, red wine, and even dark sodas and juices. If you can’t bear to do away with these things completely, be sure to brush immediately afterwards, and consider using an over-the-counter bleaching kit or a teeth whitening procedure from your dentist.
  2. Eat stain-fighting foods. Certain foods, like many fruits and vegetables, have the exact opposite effect as the stain-causers discussed above. These foods have a hard texture, and scrape plaque and bacteria off your teeth as you eat. Apples, raw carrots, celery, and unsweetened popcorn are all excellent and healthy choices. And for best results, these should be the final things you eat during a meal.
  3. Replace your toothbrush. Bacteria builds up on your toothbrush over time, so while you may think you keeping up with your oral health, you are just putting (sometimes harmful) bacteria back in your mouth. It is best to change your toothbrush, or replace the head of an electric one, every few months.
  4. Consider getting a tongue scraper. Plaque is not just a tooth problem; it can build up on your tongue as well, and is one of the leading causes of bad breath (halitosis). A tongue scraper does a much better job than just brushing your tongue, so use it every morning.
  5. Vinegar and Baking Soda (just not at once). Both of these substances give an extra boost to your oral health regimen by helping remove stains and killing bacteria. Apple cider vinegar can be used every morning as a gargle before normal brushing, and baking soda should be brushed with once a week as you would with normal toothpaste. (Just avoid using both at once or you might find yourself in a middle school science experiment.)
  6. No Mirrors. It may seem a bit difficult at first, but practice flossing without using a mirror. Once you have mastered this, you can floss anywhere such as in your car or at your desk. Make a habit out of flossing regularly and leave several packages in the areas you frequent throughout the day.
  7. Twice a day! At a minimum you should brush your teeth when you wake up in the morning and before you go to sleep at night. Saliva tends to dry up during the night, so (since it helps prevent plaque buildup) its best brush off all the plaque before this vulnerable period. Brushing first thing in the morning also helps remove plaque and bacteria that has built up as you slept.

A Brighter Smile With Teeth Whitening

Posted on: February 21st, 2012 by Nicholas Geller, DDS No Comments

You’ve lived this long, you’ve earned it…

No doubt about it. We’re living longer, we’re living better. All that effort put into diet and exercise is paying off. And while you’re going through your paces on the treadmill, do consider another part of you that might need a bit of improvement: your smile.

With age, one of the first things to go is the freshness of your smile. At about thirty, tooth color begins to dim. There is a natural tendency for dentin—just beneath the enamel—to yellow. And if you smoke or overindulge in coffee or cola, darkening can be dramatic. Exercise and low-fat foods count for less if your smile gives you away.

But just as our health habits have improved, so has cosmetic dental technology. Now we have the tools and techniques to perfect the color—and so the healthful look—of your teeth.

Tooth whitening systems take many forms. There are gels and solutions accelerated by light; the laser is coming into use to “jump-start” the whitening process. We can change color fast or over time.

In any case, the result is visible in days and, with touch-ups, will last as long as you do.

While perfect thighs are next to impossible, a perfect smile is within everyone’s reach. Go for it—don’t let your smile age faster than the rest of you.