| How
safe is laser whitening? |
| Laser whitening was approved by the
FDA (Food and Drug Administration)
in March of 1996. The hydrogen peroxide
used in the bleaching process has been
used in dentistry for over 20 years.
The Diode Laser which we use is soft
tissue and tooth friendly and does
not cut or harm teeth. Our center has
safely performed over 1,000 laser treatments
with no known tooth or gum damage. |
| |
| Is
the procedure painful and are
there side effects? |
| The procedure itself is generally
painless and requires no anesthesia.
An occasional twinge or tingling may
be felt but these are usually mild
and of short duration. Less than 5%
of patients may experience a mild sensitivity.
They usually last less than 24 hours
and is usually controllable by taking
ibuprofen. |
| |
| How
white will my teeth get? |
| There is no universal answer as the
type and amount of staining will affect
results. Extrinsic (external) stains
such as coffee, tea, nicotine, red
wine, dark colas, aging, etc. are readily
removed resulting in noticeably whiter
teeth. Intrinsic stains from tetracycline,
flourosis, decalcification and other
discolorations occurring during tooth
development are much more difficult
as these are deep inner stains. Noticeable
lightening will result but the basic
stain coloration normally remains.
Every case is unique and is evaluated
prior to treatment. That is the purpose
of the consultation and discussion
of "expected" results prior
to treatment. |
| |
| How
long will it last? |
| Stains that are removed are gone
forever. However, depending on lifestyle
and oral care they may reoccur. Some
people may never need to re-lighten
their teeth, while most may need occasional
touch-ups. Using your maintenance trays
and whitening toothpaste should keep
them white for as long as you use them. |
| |
| Can
I treat again to get them whiter? |
| Each treatment results in lighter
teeth but with diminishing results.
The amount and type of stain determine
how much lighter. Darker teeth may
require multiple treatments or using
your whitening trays to get their whitest.
However, there is a saturation point
at which excessive "over bleaching" can
result in enamel damage. We will not
furnish you enough gel for this to
happen without scheduling an evaluation
appointment. |
| |
| Will
whitening affect my crowns or
fillings? |
| The whitening process will not harm
or weaken existing restorations. Laser
whitening will only clean-up existing
crowns of fillings but will not change
their color or shade. It is possible
that they may need to be replaced to
match the lighter natural teeth. |
| |
| Will
my teeth stain more easily after
the laser treatment? |
| Your teeth will stain at the same
rate regardless of whether you whiten
or not. However, after treatment you
are more aware of the shade of your
teeth and stains are more visible on
whiter teeth. |
| |
| How
many teeth do you whiten? |
| From molar to molar (excluding molars),
which normally means 10 upper and 10
lower teeth. |
| |
| How
does the laser compare with bleaching
trays? |
| Both are effective and will give
good results when properly used. The
laser procedure shows results in one
hour that may take wearing trays 1-3
weeks to achieve. Also, the laser is
in the doctor's control whereas the
trays are under the patient's control.
It takes discipline, patience and there
is usually more discomfort with the
trays. Approximately half the patients
we treat with the laser have tried
trays, and for one reason or another
have chosen to get the laser treatment.
If you could lose 10 pounds in one
hour instead of dieting for 1-3 weeks
to achieve the same 10-pound loss,
which one would you choose? The biggest
advantage of the laser is instant gratification,
which our low cost makes possible for
the same price most dentists charge
for the trays alone. |
| |
| Keeping
Teeth White |
| So what can you do to keep your teeth
glowing white? Here are some easy to
follow tips: |
| Avoid Foods
That Stain Teeth |
| Foods with lots of pigment such as
soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, most varieties
of berries, cherries, and curry will
stain teeth. If these cannot be completely
avoided, it is recommended to brush
your teeth as soon as possible after
eating these foods. |
| |
| Drink Water |
| You can help prevent stains to your
teeth by swishing a mouthful of water
around immediately after eating or
drinking a staining beverage. This
also helps to keep breath fresh. |
| |
| Use a Straw |
| Coffee, Red wine, Colas and other
dark soft drinks, teas, and cranberry
juice can cause staining. Using a straw
for these drinks will allow the staining
liquid to bypass the front teeth. |
| |
| Eat Crunchy
Foods |
| Celery, apples, and other crunchy
foods will remove food particles in
your teeth and help to prevent stains.
Sticky foods are more likely to cause
staining. |
| |
| Brush Your
Teeth
The Right Way |
| Brushing your teeth is essential
for good oral hygiene. It also helps
to remove plaque and keep your teeth
white. Here are some tips for getting
the most out of brushing: |
| |
Brush your teeth at least twice
a day
Use a whitening toothpaste
Use a soft bristle brush
Use an electric toothbrush if possible
Brush thoroughly in a gentle circular action
Brush where the gums meet your teeth
Replace your toothbrush every three months
Don't brush too hard!
Floss.
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