August 14, 2007—LOS ANGELES, BEVERLY HILLS AND SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA— The key to cosmetic dentistry is generating results that are natural.

This is especially true for teeth whitening procedures. The explosion of at-home teeth whitening products has opened the door to some uncomfortable dental issues, mainly caused by patients not following instructions.

A study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association cited the most common problem caused by over-the-counter teeth whitening procedures is increased tooth sensitivity to hot and cold food and drinks. More than half of people who use whitening treatments suffer from increased sensitivity at some point, according to Docshop.com.

Most often, the increased tooth sensitivity is short-lived, said Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist Dr. Anthony Mobasser. In a few cases, however, people have experienced painful sensitivity.

“It is likely that in these cases, people are not following the whitening product’s instructions,” Mobasser said. “Sometimes people feel that if the product is used for a longer period of time than is recommended, they will get better or quicker results. That is not true.”

Some people can go overboard with at-home teeth whitening procedures and become compulsive bleachers because they are under no professional supervision. Mobasser warns that this is a dangerous practice that can compromise dental health.

Too much whitening can cause teeth to become blotchy and discolored. Continued abuse of at-home whitening products can even damage enamel, oral tissue and dental pulp.

Safe Methods
Consulting with a cosmetic dentistry professional instead of taking the task of teeth whitening treatments into your own hands is a wise choice, Mobasser said.

A cosmetic dentist can determine which whitening procedure is safest for you and will render the best results, even if it’s an over-the-counter product. The at-home teeth whitening market offers a lot of products to choose from, which can be confusing. Seeking guidance from a professional can help you avoid an unfavorable experience.

Professional Solutions
Like many cosmetic dentists, Mobasser offers several teeth whitening procedures in his office. These procedures are performed under the supervision of the cosmetic dentist.

Chair-side tooth bleaching is one option. It may require only one 30 minute to one hour office visit to achieve the desired result, Mobasser said. This procedure involves applying a protective gel to your gums or a rubber shield to protect the sensitive gum tissues. Bleaching agent is applied to the teeth and a special light or a laser may be used to enhance the action of the agent.

Mobasser also offers bleachingproducts that contain peroxide to bleach tooth enamel.

Peroxide whiteners usually come in gel form and are applied via a custom-fitted mouth guard, Mobasser said. Some require application twice a day for two weeks and others may be used at night for the same period of time.

One benefit of undergoing teeth whitening via a professional is that these procedures are supervised, Mobasser said. Patients who experience uncomfortable side effects can express their concerns with their cosmetic dentist, who can determine if the patient should continue the program of treatment or try another method.

Learn More
If you would like to learn more about teeth whitening procedures provided by Dr. Mobasser, or you would like to speak to a professional about cosmetic or reconstructive dentistry, please call: (310) 550-0383, or visit Dr. Mobasser’s web site: www.celebritydentist.com.

About Dr. Anthony Mobasser

Dr. Mobasser is regarded as the authority in aesthetic dentistry in Los Angeles. He is a pioneer of modern cosmetic dentistry and is one of the most experienced and qualified dentists in the world. His refined techniques have set a standard for cosmetic dentists. Dr. Mobasser holds degrees in mathematics and engineering. He earned a biochemistry degree from University of California Los Angeles and completed his DMD degree at the University of Pennsylvania and Harvard, where he graduated with honors.

© 2007 Sinai Marketing and Dr. Anthony Mobasser. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Sinai Marketing is credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this article is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.
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