Blast From the Past: Tooth Whitening

We've got a throwback for you from the Sammamish Dental Center archives! Here is an article copied straight from our first issue of "Dental Health News," a print newsletter formerly published by Dr. Goharkhay before web blogs were around.

The information presented here may predate the most current research on dental health and should be taken as an entertaining insight to the history of SDC and of dentistry.

Let us know what you think of our old newsletter, and what topics you'd be interested in reading about in the future! As always, if there's anything you have questions about or if you need further information, please do not hesitate to give us a call.

Tooth Whitening: The Right Bright Smile for Me!

Research has shown that you have less than 10 seconds to make a good first impression on someone you're meeting for the first time. And clean, white teeth go a long way in helping you make that initial, positive first impression, both in your personal and professional life.

Manufacturers have recognized this, and are now advertising home bleaching products for your teeth... but which is the best method for you?

As people age, their teeth age too, and years of coffee, tea, red wine, certain fruits and smoking can add up on your teeth to dull the color. Bleaching can lighten teeth that have been stained or discolored by food or age, or darkened as a result of injury. If you're interested in restoring your not-so-pearly whites to their former luster, you'll be interested in these tooth-whitening tips:

1. Your first stop should be to your dentist’s office, to make sure that you have a healthy mouth and are a good candidate for the bleaching process.
2. Step 2 involves a discussion between you and your dentist on your tooth whitening expectations. For example, yellowish-hued teeth will probably bleach well, brownish-colored teeth not as well, and grayish-hued teeth less well. Be aware also of bonding or tooth-colored fillings placed in your front teeth, as the whitening will not affect the color of these materials, possibly making them stand out after the bleaching process is complete. In this case, you may want to discuss other options such as porcelain veneers or dental bonding.
3. Once we determine that bleaching will work for you, we can talk about the methods available for bleaching, and which one suits you best. Different products have different benefits, risks, and side effects:
   • Some whitening toothpastes, as sold in your local drugstore, use abrasive ingredients that are really not bleaching products at all, as they work on surface stains only. Be aware of the damaging effects that these abrasive ingredients could have on your skin.
   • Bleaching kits sold in stores stay on your teeth longer than toothpaste and are comprised of stronger bleaching chemicals. Kits that include a “one-size-fits-all” tray to hold the “bleach” should be used with caution as the tray may not fit your mouth precisely, increasing the possibility of gum irritation. There is also the risk that chemicals may leak from the tray into your mouth. Tooth and gum irritation is a real concern with any bleaching program, and as such should be monitored by a professional.
   • A professional teeth-whitening program issued and supervised by your dentist uses a program that’s custom-made to your needs. While it may not be your cheapest option, it is certainly your best bet for safe treatment and long-lasting, professional results. If you’re interested in immediate results, we can provide in-office whitening. However, a more economical option is dentist-supervised, at-home whitening, which involves a bleaching tray that’s custom-made for you, that fits over your teeth and can be worn at home to whiten your teeth in as little as 2 weeks. We will supervise the teeth whitening process each step of the way, ensuring that it is proceeding safely while monitoring any sensitivity to your teeth or gums.

Take the first step to whiter, brighter teeth by discussing all of your options with us. We'll ensure that you have all of the information on whatever program you decide to follow, and give you something to smile about when it's over!