Teeth Whitening (Opalescence & Philips Zoom)

Lot of beverages and foods such as coffee, tea, wine, curries etc. can stain the natural white color of our teeth. Certain medications can cause discoloration as well. Smoking can also cause teeth to discolor. Teeth cleaning by your dentist can often remove any external stains. It also promotes good oral health. Be sure to visit your dentist every 6 months for a comprehensive examination and cleaning.

No, Most major insurances DO NOT cover this cost but we strongly advise you to check with your insurance.

It depends on your food habits and more importantly your oral hygiene habits. Lot of foods and beverages such as tea, coffee, wine, smoking etc. cause staining. Whiteness may begin to fade within a month if for example you are a heavy coffee drinker. If you can brush or thoroughly rinse after you consume such foods, the effect of staining can be reduced. Those who avoid such staining foods and beverages may not require teeth whitening for a year or more.

Tooth enamel which is the top most layer of the teeth is a very hard tissue and cannot be easily damaged. Studies of whitening products using 10% carbamide peroxide showed little to no effect on the hardness or mineral content of a tooth’s enamel surface. In my experience I haven’t see teeth whitening causing damage to the tooth structure or to the nerve but there are a lot of products available in the market which contain high concentration of bleaching agents such as hydrogen peroxide. Never use any dental product which does not carry the ADA seal of acceptance. Tooth whitening in some cases may cause increased tooth sensitivity and gingival irritation. Both conditions usually are temporary and disappear within 1 to 3 days of stopping or completing treatment. Research has shown that there can be tooth surface roughening and softening in some cases. During teeth whitening process, care needs to be taken not to eat or drink foods that can cause staining.

Teeth whitening products containing 10% carbide peroxide have not shown any damage to existing fillings. Tooth whitening may not be a good option if you’ve had bonding or tooth-colored fillings placed in your front teeth. The color of these materials cannot be enhanced by whitening, and they will not match your newly whitened teeth. In these cases, you may consider options, such as porcelain veneers or dental bonding on other teeth.

Cost depends on the treatment type and the material used. It can cost upwards starting from a couple of hundred dollars. But before you go for teeth whitening, it is important to get your exams and cleaning done and understand if you really need teeth whitening. At Rachna Pall DDS, we do offer promotions on teeth whitening. Please call our office to find our current promotions on teeth whitening.

These are dental products containing activated charcoal on store shelves, from toothpastes to kits. Products containing this ingredient claim to remove coffee stains, wine stains, and plaque. There is no scientific evidence regarding their benefit and moreover these are not backed by American Dental Association.

Whitening systems can be variously categorized. The following approach is in accordance with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

Whitening Toothpastes

Whitening toothpastes typically contain higher amounts of abrasives and detergents than standard toothpastes, to remove tough stains. Whitening toothpastes do not contain bleach (sodium hypochlorite) but some contain low concentrations of carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide that help lighten tooth color. Whitening toothpastes typically can lighten tooth color by about one or two shades.

OTC Whitening Strips and Gels

Whitening strips deliver a thin layer of peroxide gel on plastic strips shaped to fit onto the buccal surfaces of the teeth. There are a variety of white strip products on the market with varying instructions. Whitening gels contain peroxide-based gels which can be applied with a small brush directly to the surface of the teeth. The teeth can usually be lightened by 1 or 2 shades.

Whitening Rinses

Whitening rinses contain oxygen sources such as hydrogen peroxide to react with the chromogens. It can take up to few months to show improvement in tooth color.

Tray-Based Teeth Whiteners

Tray-based tooth whitening systems are available both professionally and OTC. This method involves the use of a fitted tray containing carbamide peroxide-bleaching gel worn for 2 to 4 hours a day or overnight. Usually by following the manufacturer instructions tooth whitening is noticeable in a few days, lightening the teeth by 1 or 2 shades.

In-Office Whitening

Quicker tooth whitening can be achieved through in-office whitening because the products deliver higher concentrations of peroxide than OTC. Results are seen after one 30- to 60-minute treatment. More dramatic results can be obtained with several applications.

Following are some of the tips to maintain your teeth healthy:

• Avoiding the consumption of foods that stain your teeth. Using a straw reduces the contact time between the food and the teeth so that the liquid bypasses your front teeth.
• Brush or rinse immediately after consuming stain-causing beverages or foods.
• Follow good oral hygiene practices. Brush your teeth at least twice daily and floss at least once daily to remove plaque. You may use a whitening toothpaste (once or twice a week only) and a regular toothpaste the rest of the time.
• Visit your dentist every 6 months for exams and cleaning. This is covered by almost all insurances and will help you not only for your oral health but your overall health as well.