How can I make my teeth whiter?
One of the most common cosmetic questions we are asked by our patients is how do I make my teeth whiter. There are a number of answers to this question. While enamel is the strongest substance in our body, it is porous and can stain. Culprits include coffee, tea, cranberry juice, red wine, soda, berries, soy sauce and smoking. Trauma to the teeth, tetracycline, nerve degeneration or simple aging can also change the color of teeth. In recent years a number of over the counter bleaching products have been made available to the public that can lighten the appearance of teeth.
Whitening Toothpaste: Whitening toothpastes are effective surface stain removers but they won't brighten your teeth. Some contain titanium dioxide, a white pigment in paint, giving a temporary appearance of lightening (usually only between one and two shades). They also consist of abrasives and may wear down enamel and expose yellow dentin, the vital tooth structure that lies beneath the enamel. With long-term usage, this may actually then give the appearance of yellowing teeth.Will bleaching hurt my teeth? Is it safe?
Over the Counter Bleaching Trays: Patients should avoid over the counter bleaching alternatives since these use trays that are often ill-fitting, increasing the risk of both bite problems and the likelihood of burning gum tissue.
Over the Counter Strips (Crest White Strips): Clinical studies have shown that whitening strips are effective in lightening teeth. However, results are limited only to between 3 and 4 shades shades and usually only appear after extended use. (Estimated results are visible in between 7-30 days of consistent use)
Paint on Whiteners (Colgate Simply White): Paint on whitener's use equivalent ingredients to those in found in both tray and strip whiteners. However, instead of being applied via tray or strip they are painted directly on the teeth. Preliminary studies show that these products are fairly effective at slightly whitening individual teeth (3-5 shades). Long-term studies do not exist on the continued efficacy or safety of these products.
At-Home (Dentist Supervised) Method -A custom mouthpiece or "tray" is made by the dental office to fit your teeth. This tray fits over the patient's teeth and holds the bleaching material against the teeth for a specified period of time. There are different concentrations of bleach that are worn via the tray for 30 minutes per day for an average of 6 to 14 days. The regimen will be determined by the dentist and may differ for each patient. Using this treatment patients' can expect between 6-7 shades of whitening.
Zoom! Chairside Professional Bleaching-(In-office 45-90 minute method)- Zoom is revolutionary method of teeth whitening which quickly, safely and effectively whitens all teeth at once. Now you have the chance to remove years of stain and yellowing comfortably and quickly during your lunch hour with astonishing results averaging 8 shades in less than 2 hours.
Studies have shown that bleaching gels cause no harm to teeth when used under direct dental supervision. Some people experience temporary minor sensitivity during the bleaching process but typically people do not experience any side effects. As with any cosmetic procedure, patients need to exercise judgment in how they go about whitening their teeth..
How long does dental bleaching last?
The results are not permanent and depending on your diet and lifestyle habits may need touchups anywhere from 2-5 years. If you want to make a permanent change to the shape, position or color of your teeth, porcelain veneers can be ideal. If you have existing crowns that need to be whiter, you can upgrade to whiter, all-porcelain crowns. If you have bonding or tooth color fillings you may need to change them once you have completed bleaching.
