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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 the teeth whitening kits featured on Groupon really work?

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I keep seeing Groupons for teeth whitening kits. $39 is much cheaper than having my teeth whitened by my dentist. But do these kits really work? Thanks! Chantele R.

Chantele – Whether or not the teeth whitening kit works depends on the agent used in the whitening gel, as well as the strength of the whitening agent. But there are several reasons that you might want to have your teeth professionally whitened by your dentist.

Over-the-counter whitening strips and gels will only remove surface stains, if they help at all. The same is true for whitening toothpaste. The whitening gel that you receive from your dentist will penetrate your teeth and remove embedded stains.

Teeth bleaching  isn’t right for everyone. Depending on the cause of the stains, whitening your teeth will make the stains even more noticeable. Your dentist will exam your teeth, determine the cause of the stains, and recommend the appropriate treatment for them—which may not be teeth bleaching. In some cases, porcelain veneers are the only way to conceal stains or discoloration in teeth.

Your dentist will take an impression of your teeth so that customized teeth bleaching trays can be made for you. Ready-to-use kits have one-size-fits-all trays, which often do not fit correctly. The results of the whitening gel will not be as efficient as it would with customized trays. If the ready-made trays are too large, gel will likely be wasted.

Talk with your dentist about your interest in teeth whitening. He or she will be able to give you a beautifully white smile. Some dentists offer teeth whitening specials from time to time, too.

This blog post is courtesy of Lowell cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.