5 Ways Your Cosmetic Dentist Can Improve Your Smile

Are you covering your smile because you are embarrassed by your yellow and stained teeth?  How about a chipped front tooth that you are self-conscious of when you smile?  From minor changes to major repairs, the cosmetic dentist can perform a variety of dental procedures to improve your smile. Some of the common procedures are discussed:

                                                                Bleaching

Professional Teeth Whitening In-Office Teeth (Chair Side) Whitening is performed in the dental office for about 60-90 minutes. Prior to the procedure, an informed consent discussion form is reviewed and signed.  The discussion includes patient’s diagnosis, proposed treatment, risks & benefits, pre-existing condition/shade of teeth, and patient’s expectations prior to treatment.

There are many tooth whitening products available to dentists.  These products contain hydrogen peroxide in concentrations ranging from 10 percent to 40 percent.  They are sometimes used with a light which is supposed to accelerate the whitening process.

Take-Home Whitening involves the loading of whitening gel into the custom fitted bleaching trays for the upper & lower teeth. Depending on the varying concentrations of the bleaching ingredients, the treatment can be completed in one to two weeks.

Home-Use Whiteners Dispensed by Dentists

The dental may recommend the Home-Use Whitening for you. This type of treatment involves loading the whitening gel into the custom fitted plastic trays that fit over the teeth (upper or lower).

The dentist provides instructions on the duration of the treatment. Carbamide peroxide is the most commonly used active ingredient in home-use whitening products. These products contain carbamide peroxide in concentrations ranging from 10 percent to 35 percent.

Depending on the varying concentrations of the bleaching ingredients, the treatment can be completed in one to two weeks. Talk to the dentist about which Home-use Whitener is best for you.

 Anna Lee, D.D.S

In-Office whitening

There are many toothwhitening products available to dentists. These products contain hydrogen peroxide in concentrations ranging from 15 percent to 40 percent. They are sometimes used with a light, which is supposed to accelerate the whitening process. The whitening procedure is usually completed in 60 minutes. 

To help protect the mouth, a dental dam or protective gel is used to protect the teeth, gum tissues, tongue and lips. Safety glasses are used to shield the eyes from the light.

Most patients are happy and satisfied with the result. Their teeth are whiter and they smile with greater self-confidence. To maintain the white smile, the teeth may require periodic touch ups. The dentist will recommend a home maintenance kit.

Some patients experience temporary tooth sensitivity to cold food and beverages for a day or two following the procedure. Other report occasional irritation of oral tissues, but these symptoms usually dissipates after the procedure is completed. 

Anna Lee, D.D.S.

Tooth Whitening/Bleaching

What is tooth whitening/Bleaching?

Tooth whitening is a bleaching process that reverses discolorations of enamel to create a whiter and brighter appearance.

How do you know if tooth whitening is for you?

A thorough oral examination and x-rays are essential to determine if Tooth Whitening is right for you. The causes of tooth discoloration may include:

-Tetracycline (antibiotic) staining

-Excessive fluoride/fluorosis

-Trauma (injury) to the tooth

-Pulp (nerve) degeneration

-Restorative material (amalgam/silver filling)

-Genetic and acquired illnesses

-Aging

-Staining substances, such as coffee, tea, red wine, or tobacco

Some teeth may not respond to bleaching and the dentist may recommend other options such as bonding, crown or veneers to improve the smile. 

Anna Lee, D.D.S.