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Advanced cosmetic and general dentistry

What brands of teeth whitening work for fluorosis stains?

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What’s the best brand of teeth whitening get rid of fluorosis stains on my teeth? I have tried the strips, the paint on gel and I got a whitening kit with strong gel, and the stains aren’t going away. It really looks like the whitening didn’t do anything at all. Are there certain brands are known to a least lighten up fluorosis stains? Thanks – Patrick

Patrick– The correct treatment for fluorosis stains depends on the extent and the color of the stains. Using teeth whitening on fluorosis stains might not be the best option. Unlike surface stains on teeth that can develop from dark foods or drinks, fluorosis stains start within the teeth and are seen on the tooth enamel. If there are just a few spots, dental bonding can be used to cover the affected areas.

If you have extensive spotting, teeth whitening—even professional strength whitening from a dentist—might not help. It might make the stains more noticeable. Porcelain veneers will cover the stains, and a cosmetic dentist will work with you to decide how white you want your teeth to be. It takes skill to create translucence in porcelain veneers without making teeth look pasty or unnaturally white. An artistic cosmetic dentist will give you a new smile with porcelain veneers that looks completely natural.

Regardless of the treatment you decide on, don’t let just any dentist whiten your teeth. Find an accredited cosmetic dentist to examine your teeth. He or she will determine the best treatment for your case, and you’ll get beautiful results.

 

This post is sponsored by Lowell cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.

Do teeth whitening swabs work better than whitening strips?

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I always look for new ways to whiten my teeth on my own. Sometimes I hit on something that works and sometimes I have bought products what were really a waste of my money. I have received some good results with whitening strips. One of my friends told me about whitening swabs. Will these get stubborn stains out of my teeth? Davine

Davine – Before you whiten your teeth, you need the professional opinion of a dentist to anticipate the results of whitening them. In some cases, bleaching gel can make stains in your teeth more noticeable.

After you know that you are a candidate for teeth whitening, the most effective way to remove stains that are embedded in your teeth is carbamide peroxide bleaching gel that has a high concentration and that is allowed time to penetrate your teeth. Whitening trays are the best way to hold bleaching gel against your teeth so that it penetrates them.

The effectiveness of whitening swabs depends, in part, in the type and the concentration of bleaching gel used. Although you may be instructed not to eat or drink while the gel is in your teeth, you won’t get the same penetration the swabs as with customized trays, which lock out saliva and prevent your tongue, cheeks, and inner lips from rubbing off some of the gel.

We checked reviews for a few brands of whitening swabs—outside of the manufacturers’ websites. Some people say they get good results, while the majority of people are disappointed.

Consult with a cosmetic dentist for help with identifying the cause of the stains in your teeth, and finding out which whitening treatment will work best for your case.

 

This post is sponsored by Lowell cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.

Five Things You Should Know Before Whitening Your Own Teeth

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Few people would turn down a chance to have whiter teeth. Very few. You finally have the opportunity to get the Hollywood-white smile you’ve always wanted. And it’s way cheaper than you’ve ever dreamed. The prices of do-it-yourself whitening kits make a bright smile more affordable than ever—especially with online coupons and offers for free whitening. But before you bite into the teeth whitening scene, there are five things you should know that can help you improve your smile and avoid damaging it.

1. What’s the cause of those stains?

Why are your teeth stained? Are you a heavy coffee, tea, or wine drinker? Do you smoke frequently? These habits can stain your teeth, and it’s likely that bleaching gel will brighten your smile. But if the cause for the stains in your teeth is medical or due to prescription drugs, bleaching them may have no effect at all. At times, it can make the stains worse.

2. What’s in your whitening gel?

Not all gels are created equal. Professional-strength teeth whitening gel from a dentist contains carbamide peroxide. Some whitening agents that claim to brighten your teeth just don’t do the job. Read the ingredients before you use the gel, and ensure it doesn’t contain anything that will irritate your lips or gums, or that will cause an allergic reaction.

3. Does the gel or kit come with instructions?

How do you use it? How long should the gel stay on your teeth? These are things you should know before you start whitening your teeth. Stronger gels usually don’t need to stay on your teeth overnight. They can make your teeth super sensitive to heat or cold, and the gel can burn your gums.

4. Custom bleaching trays make a difference

One-size-fits-all teeth whitening trays are misleading. Bleaching gel needs to stay in contact with your teeth to whiten your them. But it also needs to stay away from your gums. If the gel oozes out of the trays, ouch! Your gums will burn, baby burn. Ensure the bleaching trays you use are customized to fit your teeth.

5. Be patient

Did you know that you can actually over-bleach your teeth? The teeth whitening process should not go on and on. Follow the instructions. Whiten them for two weeks, or for the period specified in the instructions, and wait for the gel to continue to whiten before you proceed. If you whiten your teeth too much, they can dry out and become discolored.

Whitening your teeth can be done safely and successfully. The best results are supervised by a dentist. Tell your dentist that you’re thinking about getting your teeth whitened. He or she will likely offer some free advice based on the condition of your teeth that can help you consider your options and make a smart choice.

This post is sponsored by Lowell, MA cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.

Will a dentist whiten a child’s tooth?

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My 6 yr old son had a playground accident at school in early April. The tooth is progressively getting darker. I took him to his pediatric dentist who said that the tooth is primary so it will eventually fall out so we shouldn’t worry about it. I didn’t expect my son to be so very embarrassed about the tooth but he is. He already has enough stress in school and I don’t want him to start being teased for a year or two until the tooth falls out and the permanent one comes in. How do I find a dentist who will whiten the tooth for us? Chadra

Chadra – The darkness of your son’s tooth is internal—from trauma. Tooth whitening removes stains that start from the outside and penetrate the teeth. For example coffee, smoking, certain berries, and other food or drink can penetrate the teeth and stain them. But the whitening won’t remove the darkness from trauma.

There is a way to whiten the teeth internally. The procedure typically follows a root canal treatment after the infected tooth pulp is cleaned out. The bleaching agent is placed inside the tooth and sealed in to prevent leaking. The procedure is repeated three to four times until the darkness is resolved. The procedure requires the cooperation of the patient, and it is not an option for primary teeth. Even teeth whitening for external stains is usually not recommend for children until they reach their teen years and all of their permanent teeth have erupted.

Although other children may notice your son’s tooth, a simple explanation that the tooth was injured in a playground accident may be enough to satisfy their curiosity. Based on your son’s age group, he may not be teased at all. If so, it is unlikely that he will be teased excessively or that teasing will be prolonged. You can consider preparing your son to take any teasing lightly and find a way to make a joke about it so he doesn’t feel self-conscious.

If the tooth becomes painful, you should schedule an appointment with your son’s dentist for an examination.

This post is sponsored by Lowell, MA cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.

Do the teeth whitening products from online coupons work?

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For several years I have seen Groupon and Living Social coupons lately for at home teeth whitening products. Do these really work? I’ve always wanted to have a really white smile and now it looks like I can do it affordably. The prices vary and so do the sellers so I’m not sure what I should look for to get a quality product. Are there any types of whitening that are better than other? – Gretchen M.

 

Gretchen.

At-home teeth whitening products are becoming increasingly popular. Some of the products contain as much as  35% carbamide peroxide, which is professional-strength gel.

But you need to exercise caution. There are some advantages of getting teeth whitening from your dentist, even if you decide to get a take-home kit from your dentist.

Not all stains on teeth can be removed with teeth whitening products. Depending on the cause of the stains, the bleaching gel might make the stains more noticeable. Existing dental work on your teeth needs to be checked before starting the teeth whitening process, and that should be done by a dentist.

Your dentist will be able to provide you with customized trays for your teeth. These trays will help you to avoid wasting the gel or irritating your gums with trays that don’t properly fit. Your dentist can monitor the progress of the teeth whitening and determine if adjustments need to be made.

Be cautious about the products that you use. Talk with your dentist about the coupons you’ve seen and discuss cost. Your dentist might be willing to work with your budget, so that you can get your teeth safely whitened.

 

This post is sponsored by Lowell, MA cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.