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FAQ About Dental Whitening
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| << Previous FAQ Page 12 | Ask the Cosmetic Dentists' Index | Next FAQ Page 14 >> |
Q: What is whitening?
A: Dental Whitening (sometimes called "bleaching") is a popular dental procedure used to whiten teeth. Some people get their teeth bleached to make stains disappear, while other just want a whiter shade.
Q: How does it work?
A: The active ingredient in most of the whitening agents is 10 percent carbamide peroxide, also known as urea peroxide; when water contacts this white crystal, the release of hydrogen peroxide lightens the teeth.
Q: What are the different ways to whiten teeth?
A: There are a number of different ways to whiten teeth. There are accelerated in-office approaches using a light activated technique with the peroxide gel. There are also at-home whitening kits used with a peroxide gel. Also, porcelain veneers can have the effect of whitening teeth to the shade determined by you and your cosmetic dentist.
Q: Is it safe? Are there side effects?
A: A number of different studies have been performed over the years showing this method of whitening to be safe and effective. The American Dental Association has granted its seal of approval to a number of teeth whitening products. Some patients may experience slight gum irritation or tooth sensitivity, which will resolve when the treatment ends.
Q: Why do teeth discolor?
A: Discoloration occurs in the enamel and can be caused by medication, coffee, tea and cigarettes. Discoloration also can be caused by your genetic make-up or simply getting older.
Q: How is whitening performed?
A: Whitening can be performed by our cosmetic dentist in the office or, under dental supervision, at home. Many patients enjoy whitening at home because it is more convenient. Treatment in our office begins when we create a custom mouthpiece to ensure the correct amount of whitening solution (composed of carbamide peroxide) is used and that your teeth are properly exposed. Typically, whitening at home takes two or three weeks, depending on the desired shade you wish to achieve. Whitening in the office may call for one hour and ½ visit to our office.
Q: How do I know if I am a candidate for whitening?
A: 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. Teeth darkened with the color of yellow, brown, or orange respond better to whitening. Other types of gray stains caused by fluorosis, smoking or tetracycline are lightened, but results are not as dramatic. If you have very sensitive teeth, periodontal disease, or teeth with worn enamel, we may discourage whitening.
Q: How long does whitening last?
A: Like skin tone, each person is different. In addition to genetics, it depends on how many cups of coffee, glasses of cola, red wine and other staining drinks and food you have cross your teeth. Many people can go from one to three years without significant need for touch-ups in whitening. The ultimate whitening is through porcelain veneers, which can last much longer.
Q: What are realistic expectations with whitening?
A: No one can really predict how much lighter your teeth will become. Every case is different. Typically, there is a two-shade improvement as seen on a dentist's shade guide. The success rate depends upon the type of stain involved and your compliance. Whitening can only provide a shift in color from gray to a lighter shade of gray, for example. Whitening does not lighten artificial materials such as resin, composite, or porcelain.
Q: What if I have tetracycline stained teeth?
A: The difficulty presented by staining that results from tetracycline use is that it is not uniform, but usually presents as horizontal light and dark bands. For such teeth, the banding effect will remain after whitening, albeit in a lighter color.The only practical way of eliminating the staining you describe is by covering it up. This can be done by the placement of crowns, or more conservatively by placing porcelain veneers.
Q: My teeth have turned yellow. What can I do?
A:A good cleaning in our dental office with a prophy jet using baking soda spray is a good start. Professional in-office whitening using a light activated technique, especially when combined with take-home whitening can also help.
Q: My teeth have really dark stains, what can be done?
A: First, get a hygienic cleaning with a prophy jet, which uses a baking soda spray followed by tooth polishing. This will help determine the type and amount of real discoloration present in the enamel of your teeth. Then, you can either opt for professional in-office whitening using a light activated approach, take-home whitening, or porcelain veneers to get a more permanent whiteness.
Q: Do over-the-counter whitening products work?
A: Frequently, we hear from people who have not gotten the results they wanted through over-the-counter whiteners. Several factors can contribute to the darkening of teeth, including the effects of age, foods and drinks, smoking and some medications. Darkened teeth caused by oral supplements or medications pose more of a challenge. The whitening process involves placing a whitening solution in contact with the teeth, causing oxidation of stains and subsequent lightening. There are a variety of systems available, ranging from those done in the dental office to dentist supervised at-home systems.
Q: I have heard about laser whitening. Would that help someone with really dark teeth?
A: Laser whitening is a procedure that is becoming less popular and is being replaced by professional light-activated, in-office whitening systems. For a high percentage of our patients, this whitening technique has been very successful. It usually takes a couple of hours and usually costs about $650 and includes take-home whitening trays as well. Many times, the laser whitening used to cost from $1,200 to $2,000.
A smile darkened with the color of yellow, brown or orange responds better to whitening than brown or white spots caused by fluorosis, smoking or tetracycline (grayed teeth). If you have very sensitive teeth or teeth with worn enamel, we can use whitening materials that are designed specifically for sensitive teeth.
The more traditional take-home whitening takes a little longer to complete. Tray whitening is accomplished by wearing a form-fitted tray containing a whitening or whitening agent at home for two to four weeks. The professional take-home systems tend to cost a little less than in-office systems, at around $450.
In the take-home system, we mold your teeth and make the trays to fit snugly to your teeth to prevent spillage of the whitening gel. Usually you place these trays over your teeth before going to sleep and take them out in the morning.
With tray whitening most people will notice a change in the color of their teeth the first night they bleach. Often tray whitening takes about seven to ten days to complete.
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