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Advanced cosmetic and general dentistry

An 8-Step Guide to Whitening Your Teeth Before You Get Dental Crowns

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Are you trying to determine the best way to whiten your teeth before getting dental crowns? Several keys will ensure your crowns match your newly brightened smile.

1. How Much Is Enough?

Although there is no specific limit on how long to whiten your teeth, the longer you use the bleaching gel, the whiter your teeth will get. Keep in mind that sensitivity can become an issue. And the pace of whitening will decrease over time.

2. Questions to Ask Yourself Before Teeth Whitening

  • How satisfied am I with the color of my teeth?
  • How much have I bleached them in the past?
  • Has the bleaching gel I’m using made a difference?

3. How Much Time Should You Whiten Each Day?

In general, you should keep the bleaching trays on your teeth for a minimum of 20-30 minutes. But it can stay on longer. The length of your daily whitening time depends on whether the bleaching gel is causing a lot of sensitivity in your teeth.

4. What Time of Day Is Best?

Photo of a woman's mouch with custom teeth whitening trays being placed on her teeth; from Lowell MA accredited cosmetic dentist Michael Szarek, DMD.

Custom teeth-whitening trays seal bleaching gel against your teeth

You can whiten your teeth during the day or at night. One advantage of nighttime use is that while you’re sleeping your, saliva flow decreases. The bleaching gel will stay in the trays longer. Although daytime use is effective, increased saliva flow can water down the gel. Custom bleaching trays fit snugly and keep saliva out, but if you don’t have them, the bleaching gel will get diluted. You will need to rinse the trays and replenish the gel.

5. What If You Overdo It?

Your teeth will let you know if you’ve whitened them too much. They will become sensitive to heat and cold. But you can manage the sensitivity in one or more of the following ways:

  • Take ibuprofen daily
  • Ask your dentist for fluoride gel
  • Use Sensodyne toothpaste, which is for sensitive teeth.

6. When to Stop Whitening Your Teeth Before Receiving New Dental Crowns

After you’ve completed the whitening sessions, oxygen bubbles from the peroxide gel will continue to disperse and whiten your teeth. It takes about two weeks for the color to stabilize. If you’re receiving crowns on your front teeth, wait the full two weeks before visiting your dentist to match them to your natural teeth.

7. Before You Receive Your Crowns

It’s best to find a skilled cosmetic dentist who will guide you through the whitening process and provide lifelike dental crowns that perfectly match your natural teeth. A dependable cosmetic dentist will never be satisfied with taking a chance on matching the crowns with your whither teeth. Ask yourself, “Is this the right dentist to give me a new smile?”

Although you might think crowns are the best solution for the issues with your teeth, an experienced cosmetic dentist will explain your options. Look for a nearby accredited cosmetic dentist. Accredited cosmetic dentists have demonstrated their skill by completing rigorous exams and submitting successful patient cases to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

8. After You Receive Your Crowns

Over time, your teeth will pick up stains from coffee, tea, wine, smoking, and certain fruits. Every six months, you can whiten your teeth for a few days to restore their brightness. Be careful not to overdo it because they will no longer match your dental crowns.

This post is sponsored by accredited cosmetic dentist Michael Szarek, DMD of Lowell, MA.

Teeth whitening scam with crazy shipping charges

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Every now and then I search for deals on teeth whitening. I finally found one that sounded good. It was for a month trial of whitening and all I had to do was pay shipping and handling. The cost for shipping was posted on the website as $9.99. I thought that was pretty expensive but compared to free whitening I thought it was nothing. Within the last 2 months, I’ve received 3 charges for shipping and handling, but I still don’t have the whitening kit. My credit card company is investigating it now. I just want to know where I can get legitimate, free teeth whitening trials. Do you have any recommendations? Todd

Todd – We’re sorry to hear about your experience. Unfortunately, it is common. There are some risks that come with getting free teeth whitening online. What should you consider?

Beware of Getting Free Teeth Whitening Online

  • Source – On the website, instead of a business address, there is usually only a toll-free number or a contact form if you need to speak with someone at the company. The website probably doesn’t tell you the source of the whitening. If you call the company, you are unlikely to find out exactly where the whitening kit was made.
  • Contents – How do you know if the syringes really contain bleaching gel? Some consumers have found out that the contents were either ineffective or harmful to their teeth.
  • Results – If what you receive isn’t bleaching gel, either it won’t work, it can harm or discolor your teeth, or it can burn your teeth, gums, or other oral tissue.

If your dentist doesn’t offer free teeth whitening, ask for a payment plan to make it more affordable for you. It’s best to receive quality bleaching gel, along with supervision from your dentist. You’ll get predictable results that will last.

 

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

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.

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.

2 minute tooth brushing but teeth aren’t noticeable whiter

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I’ve followed the 2 minute tooth brushing guideline for about 3 to 4 months but my teeth aren’t noticeable whiter. They feel cleaner than when I quickly brushed them. They are just not whiter though. How long will it take to see some results? Pilar T.

Pilar – Although two-minute tooth brushing is a way to ensure your teeth are clean and that debris is removed from them, it won’t necessarily make your teeth whiter. If you’re using peroxide-based toothpaste, you may eventually see the results, but they will be minimal.
Whitening your teeth and breaking down the stains below the surface is successful with carbamide peroxide bleaching gel. Professional-strength gel comes from a dentist, along with bleaching trays to keep the gel in contact with your teeth. It’s the prolonged contact on your teeth helps the gel break down stains in them.

Some people have tried self-whitening only to find that the bleaching gel wasn’t strong enough, or in some cases, that it made stains more noticeable. That’s where a dentist helps—anticipating the results you will get and recommending the correct treatment based on the type of stains in your teeth

We encourage you to continue to thoroughly brush your teeth, but if you really want them whiter, consider getting them professionally whitened. Ask your dentist how whitening your teeth can be made affordable for you.

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