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. Peter J. Nkansah on Tooth Whitening
Dr. Peter J. Nkansah 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 a cosmetic procedure where a hydrogen peroxide gel is applied to the teeth. This gel can be of varying strengths and may be light-activated or not. Only natural tooth structure changes colour, with enamel responding better than root surfaces do. It is important to note that the colour change does not occur by stripping any of the tooth surface away. Hydrogen peroxide simply takes the colour out of whatever it touches.
Q. Who may benefit from teeth whitening?
A. Younger patients with yellow discolouration and no restorations (fillings) will notice the greatest changes. Since enamel responds better than the other types of tooth tissue, the thicker enamel of younger patients is the ideal tissue to treat.
Q. Who are not recommended to undergo teeth whitening?
A. Tooth whitening works but has less pronounced results with gray- or brown-tinted teeth. In general, advanced age is associated with lesser results because of the thinner enamel. People with sensitive teeth are likely to experience heightened sensitivity during the time of treatment. There are now preparations that include desensitizing ingredients. Otherwise, hydrogen peroxide breaks down largely to water and oxygen, so chemically speaking, the gel is relatively harmless.
Q. What does tooth whitening involve?
A. Tooth whitening involves the application of gel to the teeth and waiting. Contact time is the key to success.
Whitening systems can be used at home or in-office. The home systems are designed to be worn between 30 and 120 minutes a day for 1 to 2 weeks. The gel is either impregnated onto flexible strips or provided in syringes, which is injected into custom-fitted mouth trays. The main advantage of home trays is that you can stop whenever you like. Also, if there is some relapse of colour over time, the trays can be used to "freshen up" the whitening.
In-office systems use a more concentrated gel than the home kits and often light activation. These appointments usually take 90 to 120 minutes, and should be followed up by a "white diet" (limits coloured food like wine and beets) and a week of home whitening with custom trays. Results are more immediate and less-controlled.
Q. How long does this take?
A. As mentioned above, an in-office appointment lasts about 2 hours. The at-home process can take a week or two, depending on the desired results.
Q. How much does tooth whitening cost?
A. Costs vary wildly, as pricing is at the discretion of the practitioner. In-office whitening costs range from $350 to $1000. Home kits range from $50 to $300.
Q. What are the side effects?
A. Tooth sensitivity is the most common adverse effect. It is reported at some level in about 30 percent of cases. Tooth whitening does not make teeth weaker or more susceptible to cavities.
