With that said, teeth whitening still reigns supreme in cosmetic dentistry because it’s easy, affordable, and produces drastic results.  Yet, only 15% of the population has tried it, and the misinformation on the subject is widespread.  Read on for answers to your frequently asked questions, and the facts to disprove all myths.

How do my teeth get stained?

There are 2 types of stains, extrinsic (outer) and intrinsic (inner).  Extrinsic stains, or surface stains, can be caused by coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco and can usually be managed by brushing, flossing, and having a professional cleaning at your required intervals.  Along with teeth whitening gels supplied by your dentist, reports show that certain chewing gum and toothpaste may help eradicate these unwanted burdens.  Intrinsic stains come from inside the tooth and can be caused by tetracycline or excess fluoride during tooth formation.  Other culprits include aging, wear, and trauma.  Intrinsic stains are more difficult to eliminate than the extrinsic, and most bleaching products only produce mediocre results.  The new Deep Bleaching technique, developed by Rod Kurthy, is the only procedure known to date deliver consistent and predictable outcomes.  Greystone Smile Design is proud to offer Deep Bleaching!

Can teeth get too white?

No, not really.  BEFORE bleaching, many patients present with this very question, but a patient has never complained AFTER bleaching that their teeth are too white.  Porcelain veneers or crowns can sometimes appear too white or too opaque, and poorly fabricated ones can appear “fake.”  The reason for this is simple – they’re artificial.  Natural teeth, no matter how white, can never appear “fake” – because they’re not. 

What about bleaching lights and lasers?

These are supposed to cause a faster breakdown of the peroxide in the bleaching gel and release oxygen faster in order to get more substantial results.  Does it really work?  Many clinical studies show that there is absolutely no visible difference when using a light or laser.  Most of us agree that there is probably SOMETHING going on with the lights and lasers, but it just doesn’t seem to make any practical difference.

Are there any risks with teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening is extremely safe when procedures are followed as directed.  The main risk and most common adverse reaction is tooth sensitivity to temperature, touch, and pressure.  The is likeliest to occur with higher concentrations of take-home bleaching gels and with 1 hour in-office whitening procedures.  Using a sensitivity toothpaste for 2 weeks prior to bleaching can drastically reduce tooth soreness.  Deep Bleaching has its own sensitivity agents to combat this dreadful side effect.  Also, patients with gum recession may be more prone to sensitive teeth during bleaching because of the exposed cementum layer of the tooth.  Another caveat to look out for is gum irritation, which usually only lasts a few days.

Is bleaching ok for children?

The tooth nerve chamber is very large in children and adolescents.  Because of this, they may experience an increased sensitivity and are more likely to have problems.  We do not recommend tooth whitening for children.

Teeth Whitening Options at Greystone Smile Design

Professionally Dispensed Take-Home Whitening Kits - This method is the easiest, most affordable, and lets you be in control.  Impressions are taken of your upper and lower teeth, and custom trays are made from the models.  Place a small amount of bleaching gel in area of the trays that will sit against the front of the teeth to be whitened.  Place the trays in you mouth and diligently wipe off all excess gel from your gums.  Trays are to be worn overnight.  In the morning, remove the trays and clean them with a toothbrush and water.  Everyone’s teeth whiten at a different rate.  Some people’s teeth absorb the whitening gel very well, while others are more whitening resistant.  I recommend bleaching the upper teeth first so you can compare the improvement with the lower.  This gives you a medium to monitor the improvement and allows you to titrate the result to your desired liking. 

1 Hour In-Office Whitening - This technique is the 2nd tier and produces pearly whites in one easy appointment.  The gums are protected by a resin material and the high concentration bleach is applied to the teeth in 15 minute intervals.  This is usually used in combination with take-home bleaching kits for maximum results.  This is great for weddings, reunions, and other special events where you need to look your best and time may be an issue.

Deep Bleaching – This is the most advanced teeth whitening technique ever developed!  A 1 hour in-office visit is followed by 2 weeks of wearing specially designed trays, and is completed with another in-office appointment.  This technique has proven to be permanent with little to no sensitivity.  You can have beautiful white teeth and not have to give up your coffee, tea, or red wine!  Visit this link for more info and to watch the video by Rod Kurthy himself.

Note:  Teeth whitening gels have no effect on fillings, veneers, crowns, and bridges.  Pregnant or nursing women are advised to avoid bleaching although impact on the fetus or baby is not yet known.

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Related Links:

Greystone Smile Design

Greystone Smile Design Blog

Birmingham, AL Teeth Whitening