PROFESSIONAL TEETH WHITENING
Teeth whitening can lighten the color of the teeth and the effects can last for many years. There are a variety of techniques (including BriteSmile, Zoom, Crest Whitening Strips and other drug store whitening brands) and some work much better than others. Because everyone has different levels of staining and sensitivity, it is best to have the whitening procedure monitored by a dental professional. For most patients, teeth whitening is the easiest and least expensive method of cosmetic dental enhancement. We look healthier and younger when our teeth are not dark in color. Younger patients can get their teeth whitened easier and quicker; but as we age, the stain in the teeth is more intense. Some of our senior patients have mentioned that their grandchildren have made comments about their "yellow teeth" that have inspired them to enhance their smile. We have had patients in their senior years whiten their teeth and it has really helped them feel better and look younger.
Whitening Alternatives
Problems with teeth whitening can arise when the wrong formula is used. Most dentists and drug store products are using a "one strength treats all" method. This often causes extreme sensitivity for some patients. The sensitivity is so bad that the patient cannot even breathe through their mouth comfortably. If they stop the whitening process, the sensitivity goes away, but the patient may become fearful of trying it again. If a dentist is using a customized technique rather than a "one strength fits all" method, the problems with teeth whitening are greatly reduced. When the right method is utilized, teeth whitening can make a huge difference and is definitely worth the effort.
The effects of teeth whitening do not last forever and most patients have to repeat the whitening process. Some do whiten their teeth or bleach their teeth too much and can damage the enamel while others only need to repeat teeth whitening every year or two.
Some patients don’t have the time or the patience to deal with a whitening procedure and want results that last a lifetime, not just a couple of years. For those patients, like the one in the picture below, we recommend veneers as a whitening alternative. Veneers permanently whiten your teeth without the use of any chemicals. They can also change the size and shape of your teeth and correct chipped or broken edges.
Effectiveness of Store-Bought Whitening Kits
Teeth whitening can actually produce results that everyone can see if the right teeth whitening technique is chosen and customized to the patient. Store-bought solutions are not tailored to the individual and therefore do not work well on most people. On the TV Series 20/20, the hosts did a Crest Strip teeth-whitening test with 18 patients and found that not a single one of the patients had whiter teeth after weeks of use. Most of the patients thought their teeth were whiter even though the host could not see a difference at all.