THURSDAY, JULY 7, 2005
Dear Dr. Mady: I have been thinking about getting my teeth whitened for quite some time and now I am ready to make a move. The procedure that seems the quickest and the best is the in-office type that is done by a dentist. I have also seen it done on television makeover shows and the results seem phenomenal. Is it safe, will it work for anyone, and how long do you think it will last? Please provide any information about the process that may help me in my decision. - Donna in Belle River
Dear Donna: I believe that you are talking about the same in-office chair-side tooth whitening system that we now perform in our practice. It is quick, convenient and inexpensive. It is a tooth bleaching process that lightens discoloration of tooth enamel and dentin, the layer beneath the enamel. More people than ever are now whitening their teeth and a bright, sparkling smile can make a big difference for anyone and is usually a great esteem booster.
There are many causes of tooth discoloration. Besides aging, the worst culprits are staining substances including but not limited to tea, coffee, red wine and smoking. We also see striped, spotted and discolored teeth from excessive fluoride or certain antibiotics that were taken by individuals during tooth formation. These cases can be improved also.
Almost anyone with natural teeth and limited previous cosmetic dental restorations on their front teeth can benefit from this type of amazing treatment. Keep in mind though that some people will get better results than others for various reasons. If your dentist offers this kind of procedure, he or she will be able to determine whether you are a good candidate or not, through a consultation or comprehensive dental examination and shade assessment.
Research has concluded that whitening teeth under the supervision of a dentist is safe. It may even be the safest cosmetic dental procedure available. However, this treatment is not recommended for children under the age of thirteen or for lactating mothers.
As far as results go, by following the simple post-treatment instructions, your teeth should always stay lighter than before. You must floss daily, brush twice a day and do the occasional touch-up at home with the whitening gel given to you after treatment by your dental professional. A whitening toothpaste may even help you maintain your whiter smile.
Over-the-counter whitening products such as strips, brush-on gels, and toothpastes take a considerably longer amount of time to work and the results are not nearly as dramatic as with the in-office treatment of a dental professional. The chair side method commonly lightens three to six shades lighter than these store bought products.
The best system currently in use is light-activated. This light is utilized in conjunction with a light-activated gel whose active ingredient is hydrogen peroxide. As the hydrogen peroxide gel is broken down, oxygen enters the enamel and dentin, bleaching colored substance while the structure of the tooth is unchanged. The light actually aids in activating the hydrogen peroxide and helps it penetrate the surface of the tooth. The use of the light has been found to increase the effectiveness of the peroxide gel by approximately thirty-three percent.
During the procedure, you will find that it is very relaxing. You can listen to music or watch television. You may experience some mild sensitivity to cold during the treatment, but these symptoms usually disappear one to three days after the treatment is completed.
The complete procedure takes between one and two hours. It begins with a preparation and isolation period followed by one hour of actual bleaching. A five minute fluoride treatment completes the procedure. It is important to know that a dental cleaning by your dentist or hygienist is required prior in-office tooth whitening.
After completion, your dentist will advise you to stay away from certain tooth staining beverages and foods, especially during the first forty-eight hours, and then to use some whitening gel for a few nights in a pair of custom fabricated trays, to finish things off. You will be amazed by the results, and I think you are on the right track if you are considering this technologically-advanced form of cosmetic dental treatment.
This column is reprinted with the permission of the author and The Windsor Star. "Ask the Dentist" is written by Windsor dentist (and ECDS member), Dr. David Mady Jr.. The column appears the first Thursday of each month in the Windsor Star. Readers with questions can write to "Ask The Dentist", c/o The Windsor Star, 167 Ferry St., Windsor Ontario, N9A 4M5