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. David Lewis on Teeth Whitening.
Dr. David Lewis is a Dentist and and has answered some of the common questions bizymoms visitors have about Teeth Whitening.
Q. How long do teeth whitening procedures take?
A. Whitening can take an hour, or up to a few months.
Q. Are there various ways to whiten teeth?
A. In-office whitening is done by the dentist using a very strong concentration of a hydrogen peroxide material, and is usually one-visit of about an hour. At-home whitening is done using custom trays made by the dentist and worn over-night for a week or two for each dental arch. There are also over the counter products to use as with the dentist made trays. I believe the best, most lasting results are from the trays and materials dispensed by dentists for home bleaching. OTC products do work, but not as well. The instant bleaching done in one visit, seems to be a fad catering to patient’s desire for instant gratification; it doesn’t last as long, and is more costly and more uncomfortable, so I don’t offer it.
Q. What are the side effects?
A. Bleaching can cause transient tooth sensitivity, especially to cold, which usually resolves when you stop the treatment. In some cases, exposed root surfaces and other factors make it too painful to tolerate the treatment. Most people do fine, and it is best to have the treatment supervised by the dentist, in case there are problems.
Q. What causes teeth to become stained and discolored?
A. Teeth can be discolored from your genetics, where you grew up (ie. minerals in the water, as with flourosis), and then from what you put in your mouth; smoking, coffee, tea, colas, red wines, and tinctures all cause superficial staining of teeth. Some severe staining of middle aged people was induced by taking tetracycline drugs when their teeth were forming.
Q. How to contact Dr. Lewis if we have further questions?
