Dentistry is the known evaluation, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases, disorders and conditions of the soft and hard tissues of the jaw (mandible), the oral cavity, maxillofacial area and the adjacent.
An Interview with Dr. Joanne Block Rief on Tooth Whitening
Dr. Joanne Block Rief is a dentist and has answered some of the common questions Bizymoms visitors have about Tooth Whitening.
Q. What is tooth whitening?
A. Tooth whitening is a way to chemically whiten teeth that is easy and affordable for most patients.
Q. Who may benefit from teeth whitening? And who are not recommended to undergo teeth whitening?
A. Most patients could benefit from teeth whitening unless the patient has crowns, bridges or veneers on the front teeth. These restorations will not lighten with any kind of whitening. Some forms of stain are much harder to whiten such as bluish-grey stains from taking tetracycline. Also, patients with very sensitive teeth may not be recommended to undergo whitening. The bottom line of it is that virtually everyone who is a candidate for tooth whitening will see moderate to substantial improvement in the brightness and whiteness of their smile.
Q. What does tooth whitening involve? How long does this take? And how much does tooth whitening cost?
A. There are three whitening options. The first is In-Office whitening. This involves the controlled use of a higher-concentration of peroxide gel, applied to the teeth by the dentist or other trained dental professional. The peroxide stays on the teeth for about 15 minute intervals for a total of about an hour. The cost of this treatment is approximately $500-$700. The next method is take-home whitening kits. I feel that the take-home method produces the best results over the long term. This techniques involves taking an impression of the patients teeth and dispensing whitening gel in a custom tray resembling a mouthguard. Either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide can be used approximately one hour two times per day for about two weeks. The third option is over- the-counter whitening. This is the least expensive method that involves a store-bought whitening kit. The problem with this technique is that the concentration of bleach is lower that that which the dentist can dispense. The gel is applied to the teeth in a tray, whitening strips or paint-on application. Many times this technique only whitens a few of the front teeth instead of the whole smile which can be accomplished with a custom tray.
Q. What are the side effects?
A. The side effects of whitening can be temporary sensitivity of the gums and teeth, especially those with gum recession.
Q. How to contact Dr. Rief if we have further questions?
A.
Address:
10 Crossroads Drive, Suite 203 Owings Mills, MD 21117
Phone: (410)363-2121
Fax: (410)363-7266
Email:crossroadsdentalarts@yahoo.com
Website: www.crossroadsdentalarts.com
