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. Frederick S. Muenchinger on Tooth Whitening
Dr. Frederick S. Muenchinger 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 very popular today as patients demand brighter smiles.
Q. Who may benefit from teeth whitening?
A. Most patients can benefit from tooth bleaching. As in many things, some patients seem to benefit more from bleaching that others. It is very hard to predict what degree of success each patient will achieve. Most patients achieve nice results in a few weeks, with touch ups required every few months for a day or two.
Q. Who are not recommended to undergo teeth whitening?
A. We do not recommend bleaching of vital natural teeth in youngsters under 16-18 years of age due to the still forming dental structures.
Q. What does tooth whitening involve and how long does this take?
A. There are many methods to whiten natural teeth. The method I use is to fabricate a very thin clear vinyl tray custom fitted to the patients dental arch and place a very viscous sticky bleaching gel in the trays to be worn at home for several hours each day until the desired lighter shade is achieved. The whitening gel is a carbamide peroxide substance that can be obtained thru a dentist and is available in different strengths depending on the usage desired. Peroxides are strong oxidizers that penetrate the enamel of the tooth and oxidize the stains within the tooth. Over time it will oxidize stains in the dentin as well, but that takes a longer time. Sometimes the teeth and gum tissue will become temporarily sensitive, and the bleaching will need to cease until the teeth and gum tissue is comfortable again.
Q. How much does tooth whitening cost?
A. Costs of this service vary but $250-$500 for both arches is a UC fee.
Q. What are the side effects?
A. There are no known disadvantages or side effects from bleaching and no known long term harm to teeth has been reported. Over the counter dental strips do work but not as effectively or efficiently as stronger bleach products available thru your dentist. Some patients have had quick results with bleaching lights thru clinics and dental offices, but post treatment sensitivity is more often associated with this method.
Q. How to contact Dr. Muenchinger if we have further questions?
A.
Address:
3450 Medical Plaza
3450 E. Fletcher Avenue
Suite 320
Tampa, FL 33613
Phone: 813.972.2551
Fax: 813.972.2873
Email: muenchinger@mindspring.com
Website:http://www.tampabayprosthodontics.com/
