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Advanced cosmetic and general dentistry

Why is my dentist against doing teeth whitening before filling cavities?

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I’m wondering if you can tell me why my dentist might be against doing teeth whitening before filling my cavities. I want my teeth whitened for a family reunion / cruise. My dentist does in-office whitening but he wants me to have cavities filled first. The whitening is my priority because the reunion is in 3 weeks. I thought that I should get my teeth whitened first and fillings after to match. I’m confused. I asked him about his reasoning, but he pretty much said he prefers to do it that way. Before I go back to my dentist, I want to be sure that I understand the right order to get the work done. Which should be done first teeth whitening or fillings? And why would my dentist ask me to get the cavities filled first? Thanks. Nikki

Nikki – We’re not sure why your dentist is asking you to have your cavities filled first. Your teeth can be whitened first, but whether or not they should be depends on the condition of your teeth and the extent of your cavities. We’ll explain some factors for you to consider.

  • Prescription-strength teeth whitening can cause sensitivity in teeth. If you have untreated tooth decay, the bleaching gel can affect tooth nerves and cause much discomfort.
  • Some experts say that bleaching gel can irritate decayed teeth or make cavities worse and weaken your teeth.
  • If your teeth are whitened after cavities are filled, the fillings will be darker than your teeth. But this probably won’t be noticeable—particularly because cavities are usually placed on the biting surfaces of your teeth. Composite fillings are tooth colored and less noticeable anyway.

If you want your fillings to match your whitened teeth, ask your dentist again if whitening can be completed first. You can also try again to ask for an explanation as to why he prefers to fill your cavities first. The reason will likely make sense.

Additionally, you can consider getting a second opinion from a cosmetic dentist.

 

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

Groupon teeth whitening kit burned my gums

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I got a teeth whitening kit on Groupon. I didn’t want to get the cheapest one or the most expensive one. So I went in the middle. The kit came with trays that you have to boil and then shape onto your teeth. I followed the instructions carefully and fit the trays to my own teeth. I put the amount of gel in the trays as instructed and put the trays on my teeth. The instructions said to leave the trays on for 30 minutes. I had them on for just 3 minutes and had to take them off because my gums started burning so bad. The next day white stuff was peeling off of my gums and they were still burning. How do I find a teeth whitening kit that is affordable but won’t ruin my gums? Thanks. Saray

Saray – When you buy a teeth whitening kit online and it irritates your teeth or gums, there are several possible causes.

  • The whitening trays aren’t a good fit, and bleaching gel is oozing out of the trays onto your gums.
  • The bleaching gel is too strong, or you’ve left it on too long.
  • The bleaching gel contains an irritant or a chemical that is causing the burning or sensitivity.

How to find teeth whitening that works – not hurts

Customized trays – Customized trays are made based on impressions of your teeth. They have a snug fit to keep the teeth whitening gel sealed on your teeth. If you use the amount of bleaching gel instructed, it won’t ooze out and burn your gums. Your dentist can provide you with an accurate impression and customized trays.

The right concentration of gel – Bleaching gel comes in a variety of strengths. A gel needs to be selected based on the extent of the stains in your teeth and the level of sensitivity in your teeth. Although you might need a lower concentration of gel, your treatment period can be extended to get your teeth their brightest. Consult with your dentist to ensure you use the right gel and treatment time.

Quality bleaching gel – Only use high-quality gel for teeth whitening. Carbamide peroxide is the primary ingredient in the gel used by dentists. Don’t order gel from questionable sources.

If you have prolonged irritation or sensitivity in your teeth or gums from bleaching gel, schedule an appointment with your dentist for an exam. For the most predictable and successful results, get your treatment from your dentist, or ask him or her for advice before you make the purchase.

 

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

How much will a cosmetic dentist charge to whiten my teeth if my parents won’t pay for it?

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My parents don’t want me to go to a cosmetic dentist to whiten my teeth until I’m 21. I’m 16 and have my own job. They didn’t exactly say that I can’t do it, so I know I would need to get it done on my own. I’ve been trying to talk my dad into it and I told him I will pay for it. He said he would talk to my mom and they will discuss whether or not I can get it done if I pay for it. He’s not making any promises though. For now they would never take me to the dentist themselves and put it through on their dental insurance so I’m planning on getting it done myself. I want to save enough money to cover the cost so that my parents will never get a bill. Will you please tell how much a cosmetic dentist will charge me to whiten my teeth? Thanks. Brooks

Brooks – We understand that you want a bright smile, but please understand that dentists, doctors, and other healthcare professionals must obey the law. When it comes to cosmetic dentistry, this means that a minor cannot receive restorative or cosmetic treatment without the consent of his or her parent or legal guardian.

Translation: A cosmetic dentist won’t whiten your teeth without approval from your parents.

Informed Consent Process

The informed consent process requires a dentist to have a discussion with your parent or legal guardian before you receive treatment. This requires a cosmetic dentist to explain treatment options, risks, and outcomes for the treatment you’re receiving. Depending on the dentist, verbal consent or a signature will be required from a parent or legal guardian.

How Much Does Teeth Whitening Cost?

If your parents agree that you can have your teeth whitened as long as you pay for it, your dentist will let you know the fees associated with it. Your cosmetic dentist will require you to have a recent dental cleaning before your teeth are whitened. The cost of teeth whitening depends on the dentist and his or her location in the U.S.

The average cost in the U.S. is below. Your actual cost might differ.

Take-home whitening: $250-$400

In-office whitening: $450-$650

Keep in mind that although most people have no problems with teeth whitening, it isn’t for everyone.

  • Your cosmetic dentist needs to examine your teeth and gums to ensure they are healthy enough for whitening.
  • If there are stains in your teeth, the cause of the stains will be determined before your teeth are whitened.
  •  In some cases, teeth whitening doesn’t help stains at all. It can even make stains worse.
  • Your dentist will let you know the results you can expect from bleaching your teeth.

It’s best to speak with your parents and calmly discuss the reasons you want your teeth whitened. Respect their decision. If you try to sneak and get it done anyway, the consequences might not be worth it.

This post is sponsored by Lowell, MA accredited 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.

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.