Tooth Whitening- Fact and Fiction

Whitening Today

      The material ingredient that dentists use today to whiten teeth is carbamyl, or hydrogen, peroxide. The peroxide, when used correctly, is very safe. When exposed to a tooth surface for an extended time period, is actually taken up past the enamel into the dentin part of the tooth. This produces a long lasting whitening effect, not just a process that removes the outer stain caused by coffee, tea, colas, or smoking.

Toothpastes

      Most whitening toothpastes, with few exceptions, contain no peroxide. They have additional abrasives which help remove outer stain but do nothing to actually change tooth color. I think they are no better than regular toothpastes for whitening so save your money.

      There are a few toothpastes on the market that do contain some peroxide, but the fact that you expose your teeth to its dilute concentration for only a short period of time while brushing renders even this paste minimally effective.

Whitening Strips

      You now see whitening strips on the shelves. These strips do contain some peroxide but not as concentrated as a dentist can provide. For select patients these can be a mild temporary whitening effect. From the samples I received, I feel they are difficult to wear and can be used incorrectly due to their generic shape.

Are you a Candidate?

      I believe that patients should be seen by a dentist to determine if they are good candidates for tooth whitening. Are their gums in good condition? Is there any existing decay? Is there root exposure or sensitivity? Do they have a tooth color that will brighten? (There are some tooth shades that will not whiten with peroxide solution.) These questions should be answered by a professional before the tooth whitening process should begin. I also think patients should be monitored by a dentist during the process to make sure their gums are remaining healthy and they are getting an acceptable color change.

Our Office

      Tooth whitening done at our office is effective and safe. Once a patient is examined and determined to be a good candidate, impressions of the mouth are taken so customized trays can be fabricated. These carefully trimmed, thin plastic trays are used to hold the thick concentrated carbamyl peroxide gel against the tooth surface, not allowing it on the gums because the solution can irritate gum tissue. These trays with the peroxide gel are worn for a period of one to eight hours a day until the maximum whitening effect has been reached (approx. 40-50 hours).

      This is quite different than exposing teeth to a dilute concentration of peroxide for only a minute while brushing or a temporary minor shade changes for those able to adapt the strips. Be an informed consumer, read the fine print. Dr. Posluszny conveniently offers two types of professional whitening systems for his patients, both including the trays described above. They are both very effective and produce great results. We have many satisfied patients who show a beautiful result. If you have any further questions or are interested in this procedure, please call the office.