By Michelle Horst, DDS
The American population spends hundreds of thousands of dollars on cosmetic dentistry each year. With the quest to obtain the brightest smile, I often have patients ask me: “What is the best way to whiten my teeth? Will it work for me?”
The answers to this question really depend on the specific individual. Do they have dental caps (crowns) or fillings that are visible in their smile? Do they enjoy drinks such as red wine or coffee? Did they win that High School football game years ago that left them with a broken or dark tooth? How about age? Medications?
When visiting your dentist, it is important to consider these life scenarios prior to starting a successful whitening regimen. For instance, as we age, the outer shell of the tooth (enamel) tends to wear with brushing, and becomes thinner; revealing the darker, more yellow layer of tooth, called dentin. Foods such as grape juice, wine, and coffee contain pigments that can attach to the bright enamel (outer shell), resulting in a less than ideal tooth shade. Smoking also layers pigments on the teeth that can darker their color. If you have ever been hit in the mouth, trauma to a tooth can occur, which can lead to multiple layers of dark dentin forming under the enamel to protect the nerve. Medications can also permanently damage teeth, especially tetracycline antibiotics, which form dark, often horizontal brown stains on the teeth. If you haven’t seen a dentist for a while, you may have cavities (decay) that need to be treated prior to successfully whitening.
The best candidates for whitening are often those that have more yellow teeth, due to staining from tobacco or dark pigmented foods. Individuals who have a gray tone of tooth shade, have experienced tooth injury, have fillings/crowns/veneers, or are taking or have taken medications that stain teeth often require more than bleaching to correct discoloration, and are not the best candidates for tooth whitening.
If you are indeed a good candidate for whitening, there are three options available to you: whitening toothpastes, in-office bleaching, and at-home bleaching. Over-the-counter whitening toothpastes contain mild abrasives, and chemical and polishing agents that are used just to remove stains from the surfaces of teeth. In-office bleaching occurs at the dental office, and usually takes over an hour to complete. A rubber dam is placed over the teeth so that a very strong bleaching agent can be placed on the teeth and not damage the gums. In some cases, a light or laser is used to enhance the whitening agent. At-home bleaching can occur by having trays made especially for your teeth at a dental office. A peroxide-containing gel is then placed in the trays, and is used at home; more frequently, at first, to obtain a bright tooth shade. They are then periodically used to maintain this shade. At-home bleaching can also be accomplished with OTC whitening strips. As time goes on, and as teeth start to stain or darken again, all of these whitening procedures will need to be repeated periodically.
If used correctly, there are usually no significant differences between the ultimate whitening effects of an in-office bleaching regimen compared to at-home bleaching using prescription strength gel (dental whitening trays). Both techniques need to be periodically repeated to maintain a bright smile. Cost is generally less for bleaching trays compared to an in-office bleaching appointment. Bleaching trays made at your dental office contain a stronger concentration (prescription strength) of peroxide-containing whiteners compared to whitening strips, or a solution bought over the counter; and thus tends to work faster and more effectively. It is important not to over bleach your teeth, as it can cause sensitivity and permanent tooth damage.
With all of the tooth-whitening gimmicks on the market, it is important to remember that teeth are body parts, with nerves and blood vessels inside of them. Make sure to purchase products that are ADA (American Dental Association) approved to be safe and effective for your body. Visit your dentist to review the best and most efficient way to give you the bright, beautiful smile you deserve!
For further information regarding tooth whitening and dental procedures, visit us at www.associatesindentistry.com for links to trusted, professional dental sources. With locations in Canton, Elmwood, Washington, Peoria, and Bartonville, Associates in Dentistry is ready to serve you and your family. Convenient weekend and evening appointments are available.
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