Everyday more people are becoming concerned with their appearance, including clothing, weight and smile.  Because of these trends more people are turning to cosmetic dentistry to enhance their appearance. As individuals continue to consume products that stain their teeth – many are turning to whitening or bleaching to get that sparkle back. Unlike a decade ago when whitening began to gain popularity, today treatments are available for everybody’s budget and timeframe: from picking up a home whitening kit (about $20), to taking the time and sitting in the dentist chair (about $400); there is a method for everyone.

But as with any cosmetic enhancement, you shouldn’t go in blindly. Before walking down the path of cosmetic procedures, you should take the time to review all of your options.  It is important to know the look you want to achieve and the best process to get those results.

Here are a few questions you should know the answers to before you start any whitening process.

What is whitening (or, bleaching for that matter)?
Whitening teeth simply means: restoring the natural color to teeth by removing stains and dirt. So technically, any product that cleans your teeth is considered a whitener, even toothpaste and floss. The whitening process starts by cleaning the tooth surface and removing daily plaque from your teeth. In order to get that brilliant pearly glow, a bleaching agent is needed. To keep your teeth glowing, regular teeth cleanings are necessary too.

The FDA (Food Drug Administration) defines “bleaching teeth” as whitening teeth beyond their natural color. This is something that can only be accomplished with the use of a bleaching solution (such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide). So, whitening and bleaching is essentially the same thing.

How is whitening done?
An in-office whitening is the fastest and most effective method to bring that sparkle back to your smile. It offers the most significant color change in the shortest amount of time.

First, your lips and gums are protected with a barrier.  Your teeth are then coated carefully with high-concentration peroxide gel. The gel remains on your teeth in intervals of eight-to-ten minutes for up to three sessions during the sitting. While the gel is applied to your teeth, a laser light is used to activate the peroxide, thus breaking the stains away from your teeth.  So, within one hour, your teeth will have a high glossy white glow and your teeth will sparkle.

At-home bleaching trays are the second most effective method of whitening. Often your dentist will recommend using the trays after you’ve had an in-office session to keep your smile brilliantly white.

When using at-home methods, dental trays are made to fit your teeth. Patients are provided with the whitening solution and directed to fill the molds with the solution and wear the tray for approximately thirty minutes at a time, for several days in a row.

No matter which method you chose, it’s important to discuss expectations with your dentist so you know which procedure is best for you.

Why are teeth sensitive after a whitening, is the solution damaging my enamel?
There is nothing harmful about getting your teeth whitened, although there may be a few side effects you might find bothersome.

Many patients experience sensitivity to extreme hot and cold temperatures initially. This is because when the teeth are whitened the pores of the enamel are opened to remove stains. The discomfort should only last about 24 hours after the whitening process – it takes time for the pores to close.

Research indicates that teeth lose some enamel hardness when using different whitening agents. However, using these agents under the supervision of a dentist should not cause permanent damage. You should be aware that prolonged exposure to these whitening agents could cause tooth color to change to a grayish hue. This only occurs if whitening agents are used too frequently and these effects are usually reversible.

It’s always best to consult your doctor about these concerns, or if you notice any of these symptoms.

Is whitening safe for Bonding, Veneers or Crowns?
Whitening is only truly designed for natural teeth. The whitening agents only lighten the tooth surface, so if you have crowns, bondings or veneers, there is a chance that your natural teeth will lighten and your dental restorations will maintain a darker shade.  For this reason, it is important to discuss whitening options with your dentist before starting whitening your teeth, even if you plan to use over the counter products.

Before placing veneers you should consider whitening your teeth. Doing this will ensure that your new veneer restorations will reflect your natural tooth color. If you choose to lighten your teeth after having veneers placed, you will only be able to lighten the color of your tooth to the shade of the veneer.

How long will the effects of tooth whitening last?
Although the whitening process will bring back the true whiteness of your teeth, the effects are not permanent and the whitening will fade as you consume products that stain (ie: tea, coffee and/or cigarettes). Depending on how you care for your teeth, effects can begin to diminish within months, or can last for years.  By having regular cleanings every six months, most new stains can be removed when the dentist polishes your teeth. Reducing your intake of coffee and tea can also ensure that your pearly white teeth keep their sparkle. If you know that you consume many staining agents, consider having bleaching trays made so that you can touch up every few months on your own, keeping that smile fresh.

If you have any additional question please don’t hesitate to call Dr Kederians office at (424) 901-0701.

Click here to find out more about whitenings by Lisa Kederian, DDS.

This entry was posted on Friday, July 23rd, 2010 at 9:30 pm and is filed under Blog. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.