Re: Teeth Whitening
Im a 4th yr dental student about to graduate.
Tooth whitening isnt really harmful to your teeth...there is some reports of slight risk of resorption but really whitening is fine. Sensitivity is a temporary side effect and can range from mild to severe. Consider alternating in a desensitizing tooth paste like sensodyne containing potassium nitrate.
Zoom etc in office bleaching doesnt work. Seriously. Dentists use it b/c patients want the service of doing it in an hour or two and buy into the hype. During the procedure your teeth become desiccated and whiten but the result is temporary and the final shade change is minimal. Again, it is a marketing gimmick.
Crest white strips and all the other OTC work fine for a slight to moderate change.
Ask your dentist if he/she makes trays and can issue you some 22% carbamide peroxide. Wear the trays overnight. This is the most effective and proven method. You can continue to bleach for months to a year to get the desired results.
If you have any hypocalcification (white spots) they will not change but whitening your teeth to match them and hide them somewhat sometimes works.
ALso if you have dark intermittent stains in addition to yellowish shade teeth, consider a good cleaning or microabrasion in order to remove them.
Lastly, bleaching will NOT change any restorations you have. Any composite fillings, porcelain laminate veneers or porcelain crowns will not change colors and will have to be replaced. If you are planning on having these done in your anterior teeth, think to bleach to the desired shade before having these services.
Feel free to PM me any specific questions.
-JP
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