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. Mark J. Barnes on Tooth Whitening
Dr. Mark J. Barnes is a dentist and has answered some of the common questions Bizymoms visitors have about Tooth Whitening.
Q. What is tooth whitening?
A. The darker tissue of your teeth, the dentin, can become exposed as the outer layer of enamel is worn away by the effects of aging, or substances that stain enamel such as coffee or tobacco. Food particles are naturally attracted to a tooth’s enamel by a particular protein. Products such as coffee and tea, berries and soy sauce are notorious for staining teeth. Over time, teeth actually become more absorbent and vulnerable to staining from food and other substances.
Some commercially available "whitening toothpastes" can be mildly effective at removing stains and brightening teeth. However, many of these products have abrasive substances that can actually wear away your tooth’s enamel. Whitening agents actually change the color of your teeth, but only are effective on certain types of stains. For example, bleaching agents have a difficult time removing brownish or grayish stains. These products also are not as effective on pitted or badly discolored teeth, or on restorations such as crowns, bridges, bonding and tooth-colored fillings (porcelain veneers or dental bonding may be more appropriate in this case).
Professional whitening performed by our office is considered to be the most effective and safe method available; done properly, tooth whitening can last as long as five years. Over-the-counter whitening systems are somewhat effective as long the process is monitored and directions followed closely.
Q. Who may benefit from teeth whitening?
A. Any individual wanting to improve the brightness of their smile can benefit from whitening their teeth. Whitening can give you a younger-looking appearance and is a great way to make your summer tan look darker.
Q. Who are not recommended to undergo teeth whitening?
A. Patients with very sensitive teeth may need to consult their dentist before whitening, due to the potential for increased sensitivity. Sensitivity is often a sign of other conditions such as TMJ disorders or sleep apnea. Whitening will not change the color of existing composite fillings in your mouth, so individuals with significant fillings should consult their dentist to avoid spotty whitening results.
Q. What does tooth whitening involve?
A. In our office, we take impressions of the upper and lower teeth then fabricate custom fit trays. These trays are made of PBA-free plastic that is soft and playable and fits over the teeth. We will supply you with the prescription strength bleaching gel to apply inside the trays. A small dot of bleaching gel is placed inside the plastic tray on the front side of each tooth; the trays are then placed over the teeth and worn for 1 hour while the bleaching gel takes action. In some cases, whitening treatment can improve the health of the gums.
Q. How long does this take?
A. The custom bleach trays can be used with active bleaching gel every night until the teeth have reached the desired whiteness. This typically takes 2-4 weeks. The great news is that the bleach trays can be used at any time in the future to freshen up the whiteness of your smile.
Q. How much does tooth whitening cost?
A. We are currently running a special on our custom bleaching trays for only $175. The trays are yours for life and you can buy bleach re-fills any time you would like to brighten up your teeth. Many dentists charge more than $350 for this same treatment package.
Q. What are the side effects?
A. Some people experience increased tooth sensitivity after teeth whitening. Over-the-counter white strips are particularly abrasive and can cause a great deal of sensitivity. Custom bleaching in a dental office is much less abrasive on tooth enamel. The prescription strength gel sold in the dental office for use in custom bleach trays contains extra sensitivity protection for your teeth. Otherwise, there are no significant risks to teeth whitening.
Q. How to contact Dr. Barnes if we have further questions?
A.
Address:
6700 Lookout Road Suite 1
Boulder , CO 80301
Phone: 303-530-7525
Fax: 303-530-2883
Email: drbarnes@markjbarnesdds.com
Website: http://www.markjbarnesdds.com/
