Kennewick Teeth Whitening

Dr. Lilo Black is a dentist and  has answered some of the common questions Bizymoms visitors have about Teeth Whitening.


Q. What is tooth whitening?

A. Tooth whitening is a common procedure in which teeth are bleached using an oxidizing agent such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide.  These agents will penetrate the porosities in enamel, and eventually the dentin, lightening the tooth in the process. 

                                                  
Q. Who may benefit from teeth whitening?

A. The ideal whitening patient should have healthy teeth and gums with minimal anterior restorations, and no intrinsic staining, such as tetracycline banding.  Restorations, fillings or crowns, will not whiten like teeth do and may need to be replaced following bleaching.  Tetracycline banding is a type of intrinsic stain which, regrettably, does not typically bleach well and requires other methods to change the color.


Q. Who are not recommended to undergo teeth whitening?

A.In-office whitening procedures are typically not appropriate for children under the age of 16, because their teeth are more sensitive. Anyone with large or multiple anterior restorations, decay, gum problems, intrinsic staining should consult with their dentist before bleaching.


Q. What does tooth whitening involve?

A. There are many methods of whiting teeth from over-the-counter products such as toothpastes, rinses, gels, strips and trays, to prescription product such as custom trays and light accelerated bleaching systems.  These products will typically contain a peroxide derivative as the active ingredient in different degrees of concentration.


Q. How long does this take?

A. Many factors will influence the length of time required to bleach teeth.  The concentration of the bleaching agent, the duration of contact with the teeth, the starting shade and the desired ending shade.


Q. How much does tooth whitening cost?

A. There is a broad range of prices for bleaching products from the cost of a tube of toothpaste to about $600 for in-office bleaching.


Q. What are the side effects?

A. Many patients will notice hypersensitivity of their teeth while they are bleaching, this will typically subside once treatment is finished.  The results from bleaching will require maintenance that is lifestyle dependent.  For those of us who enjoy coffee, tea, red wine etc., we will need to bleach our teeth more frequently to maintain our desired shade.


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

A. Address:  8400 W. Gage Blvd
                     Kennewick, WA
                           99336
Phone:  (509)735-9548
Email:  info@henagerblack.com
            lilob@henagerblack.com