Northbrook Tooth Whitening

Dr. Spencer R. Bloom is a dentist and has answered some of the most common questions bizymoms visitors have about Tooth Whitening.


Q. What is tooth whitening? 

A. Tooth whitening has different definitions. Toothpaste companies would like you to think that polishing is whitening, but it isn’t. It is stain removal only, and only where you brush. True whitening is bleaching and that requires some form of a peroxide. It is very common for bleaching to have sensitivity as a temporary side-effect and it is generally in direct proportion to the strength of the bleaching material used. In-office bleaching is the strongest form and gives about two weeks worth of whitening in about an hour.  Bleaching trays can be used with different strengths of bleaching material so you have a lot more control over the speed and therefore over the side-effects. Wraparound cellophane bleaching techniques are least expensive, but effective if done consistently.

Q. Who can benefit from teeth whitening? 

A. The lighter enamel shades will bleach more easily than darker enamel shades. However, specialty techniques exist to work on even the toughtest cases. The very darkest of tetracycline stained teeth often need veneers after bleaching. Only enamel can be affected by bleaching, so fillings, crowns, bonding, and porcelain won’t be affected.

Q. Who is not recommended to undergo teeth whitening? 

A. Children and young teens should not undergo whitening for several reasons. Their pulp tissues are nearer to the enamel surface and could, theoretically, be more susceptible to unexpected complications. Their gumlines will be changing a lot as they grow; more of the enamel is covered now that won’t be covered later. Also, as stated above, adults with porcelain crowns or veneers or bonding or bonded fillings should have consultation to evaluate what can be whitened and how to make the entire smile a uniform shade. Nobody should begin whitening without first verifying that the gums are healthy and there is no tooth decay.

Q. What does tooth whitening involve?

A. Well, the first step goes back to my first definition, i.e. if teeth don’t look nice because of stains, then the stains should be removed before evaluating for bleaching. Chairside ’power bleaching’ involves one to one and a half hours in the chair. The gums are protected and a strong bleaching gel is applied; it may be repeated. Home bleaching with custom trays involves impressions so that trays can be made. Bleaching gel and trays are presented with instructions for use at home. Bleach strength can be adjusted up or down.

Q. How long does it take? 

A. Most home bleaching, whether with custom trays or over the counter strips, takes 10 days to 2 weeks if sensitivity hasn’t caused one to go slower. Most home bleaching can continue with a second round if the results aren’t satisfactory.

Q. How much does tooth whitening cost? 

A. Chairside bleaching is typically $500-700. The cost usually includes custom trays so periodic touchups can be done at home.  Bleaching trays w/bleaching gel is typically $250-500. Bleaching strips are $40-60 per package. 

Q. What are the side effects? 

A. Sensitivity to cold air and liquids is common, however, with home bleaching the effects can be minimized by either using toothpaste made for sensitivity (starting at least one week prior to bleaching) or using special bleaching gels that have desensitizers in them or taking twice as long to use the product compared to the instructions.

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

A.
Address:
1290 Shermer, Suite 1
Northbrook, IL 60062
Telephone: (847) 272-0016
Email: wecatertocowards@sbcglobal.net
Website: http://www.drsbloom.com/