Alhambra Tooth Whitening

Dr. Krasnodara Gashparova is a dentist and has answered some of the common questions Bizymoms visitors have about Tooth Whitening.


Q. Who may benefit from teeth whitening?

A. First, everybody’s teeth are different and we all have different habits. There are few factors to consider:

1. Individual factors:

Starting color: We all are born with teeth with color that ranges from yellow-brownish to greenish-grey, and intensifies over time. Yellow-brown is generally more responsive to bleaching than green-grey.

Translucency. Translucent teeth are thinner and permit more light to pass through. Therefore they look darker and no bleaching system or concentration of the gel can correct that. From another hand opaque teeth are thick; they appear lighter in color and whiten better.

Tooth formation. Another very important factor is exposure or trauma during tooth formation. Exposure to tetracycline or other minerals as well as excessive consumption of fluoride result in deeply penetrated stains that are much more resistant to be corrected by bleaching.  For these deep-set stains I recommend take-home teeth whitening that are maintained over a year.

2. Outside factors: Age. Over the years, teeth darken as a result of wear and tear and stain accumulation. As we mature (age), bleaching may require a little more effort.  By the fifties, the teeth have absorbed so much stubborn stains that can be difficult (but not impossible) to remove.

Eating and smoking habits: Consumption of coffee, tea, red wine, cola, and other colored beverages and foods causes significant staining over time. In addition, acidic foods such as citrus fruits and vinegar contribute to enamel erosion. As a result, the surface traps more stains. Teeth grinding can also add to micro-cracking in the teeth.  Nicotine leaves brownish deposits which slowly soak into the tooth structure.

In conclusion everybody can benefit from bleaching in different range: The younger the person, the more effective the treatment and the more intense the stain, the longer the process.

Q. What is tooth whitening?  What does tooth whitening involve? How long does this take?

A. There are three major teeth whitening options available today - in office whitening, take home whitening, over the counter products. No anesthetic is required, and no tooth is lost or damaged. We check the condition of our patient’s teeth through exam and x-rays to determine which one applies to their unique situation.

In office teeth whitening

Best benefit is significant color change in a short period of time. Usually takes 45 min to 1 hour. The first step is to isolate the teeth and protect the gums and lips. Then a safe tooth bleaching gel of peroxide is applied and the bleaching process is activated by special light. This process releases oxygen that lightens discolorations without harming tooth structure, removing even years-old stains.  Best of all, the results from the in office teeth whitening system are immediately noticeable, so you’ll leave after your appointment with 6-8 shades whiter teeth. Depending on the staining on the teeth, the process can be repeated two more times or followed by a home-use whitening system.

Take-home whitening

If you can allow more time for your whitening process then you have another option - home whitening
The procedure involves impressions from all of your teeth from which clear custom trays are fabricated - one for the upper and one for the lower. Gel with different concentration of peroxide, but higher than the one you can buy over the counter, is loaded inside and the tray are worn 30 min to 2 hours. The whole process takes 7 to 10 days and can be repeated in 4 months. .

My experience shows that this system produces better results in long term - being gradually bleached your teeth can reach maximum whitening with less to no discomfort. This is also a better investment for your dollars because you can use it for touch ups every 4-6 months.

Over the counter

There are strips, apply on liquids, whitening tooth pastes. Being over the counter products, they are loaded with low concentration peroxide, which makes them less effective. The most popular are probably Crest White strips. Carefully follow the instructions; the gel can burn your gum tissue.

Q. How much does tooth whitening cost?

A. Universally valued by men and women alike, whitening (or bleaching) treatments are available for every budget.

Over the counter products are between $30 -$100

Take Home Systems $199- $399 (my fee- $250)

In Office Whitening $299-$500 (my fee- $350 that includes custom trays)

All depends on the brand used.

Q. Who are not recommended to undergo teeth whitening?

A. Individuals at greatest risk for whitening sensitivity are those with gum recession, leaking fillings, deeper cracks, and sensitive teeth to start with. Endodonticly (teeth with root canal) treated teeth have to be completely and permanently restored before any type of bleaching.

I don’t recommend whitening before age of 16. There is a greater chance of tooth sensitivity before the process of tooth maturation is completed. Pregnant women and nursing mothers should be very careful. Best if they wait until they stop nursing.

Q. What are the side effects?

A. Teeth Whitening Risks and side effects

Teeth whitening is considered a safe procedure when it is performed and followed as directed. However, there are certain risks associated with bleaching that you should be aware of:

Sensitivity: Bleaching can cause a temporary sensitivity to cold and touch. This is most likely to occur during in-office whitening due to the very high concentration of the bleach material that is used.

This type of sensitivity shouldn’t last more than a couple of days but in some cases may persist up to a month. I supply my patients with special toothpaste containing potassium nitrate and higher concentration (1.1%) sodium fluoride.

Small amount of people experience spontaneous shooting pains ("zingers") usually in top and bottom front teeth

Gum irritation: Some of those who use peroxide whiteners experience some degree of gum burning resulting from the contact with the gel. Such irritation typically lasts for couple of days and doesn’t require special treatment.

Technicolor teeth: Bonding or tooth colored fillings, porcelain veneers and crowns are not organic substance and they will not be affected through the bleaching process. Natural teeth contain organic structures and they can be whitened. Therefore at the end of the treatment there may be discrepancy in the shades. This results in what is frequently called "Technicolor" teeth.

Q. How to contact Dr. Gashparova if we have further questions?    

A.
Address:
1933 W Valley Blvd
Alhambra, CA 91803
Phone: (626) 289-6131
Email: daradds@yahoo.com
Website: http://www.daradds.com/