Jan. 30, 2007 -- Los Angeles and Beverly Hills Teeth whitening products bought over-the-counter are crowding toothpaste aisles. Today's movie stars wouldn't be caught dead without a glistening grin. Even your next-door neighbor is sporting a pearly white smile.
With this increasing focus on perfect smiles, how do you choose from the innumerable tooth-whitening treatments available? Herewith, a few tips.
AVAILABLE TREATMENTS
There are two ways to whiten teeth. The first, and most common, are bleaching treatments that actually change the color of the tooth. Peroxide, the active agent in these products, helps remove deep and surface stains. By contrast, the agents in non-bleaching whitening products use a physical or chemical action that can only remove surface stains.
Whitening products may be dispersed or administered by your dentist or purchased over-the-counter. These fall into two categories:
• Peroxide-containing whiteners or bleaching agents; and
• Whitening toothpastes, aka "dentifrices."
SAFETY OF PEROXIDE TREATMENTS
Clinical studies reveal water-based products with a 10-percent carbamide-peroxide solution are both safe and effective. The American Dental Association, however, recommends you consult your dentist to determine the best treatment for your needs and situation.
PEROXIDE STRENGTHS
Inexpensive, over-the-counter products usually have about four-percent peroxide content, with the capability of lightening your teeth by two or three shades.
Your dentist can prepare a mouthpiece that you fill with gel and wear a few hours every night for about two weeks. This gel has about a 10-percent to 15-percent peroxide content that can whiten your teeth by about eight shades.
Even more powerful whitening treatments administered at your dentist's office contain a concentrated peroxide solution of about 35 percent. This process required a single hour-and-a-half to whiten your teeth by 12 to 14 shades.
Because in-office treatments contain higher peroxide concentrations, your dentist will isolate your surrounding gums with either a rubber dam or protective gel.
SIDE EFFECTS
The most commonly observed side effect to peroxide is tooth sensitivity with some patients experiencing occasional irritation of the soft tissues of the mouth.
Patients with many fillings, crowns and extremely dark stains should receive treatment only under your dentist's supervision.
Excessive treatments, however, can create an unnatural appearance. Your dentist can help you decide what level and type of treatment will look appropriate. The goal is to create teeth that are pearly white, not glow-in-the-dark Clorox white.
TOOTH ENAMEL
Whiteners will not wear down your tooth enamel because they don't work like an acid, as is commonly thought.
Think of this enamel as a crystal with many facets. Over time, stains collect between these facets and discolor your teeth. Peroxide simply cleans out these stains.
RECOMMENDED TREATMENTS
Click here to search for teeth-whitening treatments that bear the ADA Seal of Acceptance.
LEARN MORE
Call Dr. Mobasser today at 1.310.550.0383 or email us to schedule an appointment and learn more about tooth whitening.
Copyright © 2007 Sinai Marketing, Inc. and Dr. Anthony Mobasser. All rights reserved
