Sunday, March 13, 2011

Is tooth bleaching only temporary?

This is a frequently asked question by people contemplating whitening their teeth. I usually answer, not really. Teeth that have been 'bleached' using hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide formulations do tend to turn more yellow over time, but often the results can last for years.

Most patients interested in maintaining a 'bright' smile do perform bleaching touch ups using custom trays or over the counter formulations such as Crest Whitestrips. Usually only a few treatments are needed to renew a smile's brightness. It should be noted that diet and oral habits such as smoking or chewing tobacco can shorten the span of time needed between touch ups.

For patients contemplating chair side whitening with any light assisted system , we strongly recommend that custom whitening trays are also fabricated for later use. They will be useful for touch ups or in achieving more whitening afterwards (if needed).

2 comments:

  1. Hi Dr Spindel.

    A few months ago I'm working in my dental office with Niveous Shofu (http://usdentaldepot.com/Dental-supplies-catalog/Peroxide-25/Dipenser-100-3g-syringes-SHOFU%28-%29P111967).

    You have experience with it? What other whitening dental gel you recommend?

    From already thank you very much

    Dr. Mario Fraifer

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  2. I have used a prior Shofu product years ago and it worked well. I primarily use Zoom whitening gel. It works well and has a brand name that most patients recognize.

    Most of the systems that are available from reputable dental companies apparently work, and I have no real information on which if any is the best.

    I welcome comments and opinions of other dentists.

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