EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT WHITENING YOUR TEETH

by Dr. Michael Lazaros

How is whitening done?

 A custom-made mouth tray is worn filled with a special gel every night for 2 weeks. Or, you may choose to wear the tray for 1-2 hours during the daytime.

 How white will my teeth get?

 Most people get substantially whiter teeth and some will even get a dramatic improvement. However, one in seven get no improvement. Results cannot be predicted.

Yellow and brownish teeth whiten best. Gray is harder to whiten. Teeth with bands of gray have uncertain results.

 How long will the whitening last?

 For some, the results last for years. Most people will need to do two or three nights of whitening every 6 months to keep up maximal whiteness.

 You will lose some whiteness during the first 2 weeks after treatment. Postpone cosmetic dentistry until the color has stabilized.

 What is the fee for whitening?

 The fee for the upper whitening tray plus professional instruction is $205. The second  tray is $137. The gel we recommend, Colgate Platinum, is an additional $46 per kit-our actual cost. Each kit will fill one tray 30 times. With care, the tray may last for years.

 Why do you recommend doing only the uppers at first?

 Two reasons. One, it is the BEST way to check the progress of your whitening. Two, it saves money in case the teeth do not whiten much and you do not wish to do the bottom teeth.

 Will my current fillings and caps match my whiter teeth?

 Don’t expect them to, although they might. Be prepared to replace prior dental restorations that show if you get very white.

 Is this safe? Does whitening harm the teeth in any way?

 Whitening products with the approval of the American Dental Association have been carefully tested and proven safe for teeth and gums.

Many people do report that their teeth are sensitive during the whitening process. This always passes when treatment ends and your dentist can show you how to minimize this even during treatment. Be sure to show the dentist any sore spots on teeth or gums.

 Pregnant women may not use whitening products at this time.

 How effective is LASER BLEACHING?

 The latest studies have shown that lasers do NOT enhance the whitening of teeth! The reported success of laser whitening is now known to be simply the effect of using stronger versions of the gel.

 What about stronger versions of whitening gels?

 Higher concentrations of gel can produce faster results but these products create more tooth sensitivity and are not currently approved by the American Dental Association.

 What about the whitening systems sold in stores?

Most of these systems offer a tray with very poor fit where much of the gel is swallowed. Crest Whitestrips can whiten well but only the front six teeth. Many find that the strips don't fit well and dislodge easily.

 Special whitening toothpastes DO NOT WORK!

 How do I treat the tooth sensitivity?

Try skipping your treatment every third day. If this does not help, buy toothpaste for sensitive teeth with POTTASSIUM NITRATE and wear it in the whitening tray for 30 minutes.