Question:
My dentist just put me on OTC flouride gel the other day. I was wondering
how often I could use it (for sensitivity as I've had quite a bit of bone
loss due to periodontal problem which was treated) without getting my teeth
stained. Btw I'll be 30 end of the month if my age matters. And because of
exposed root area due to bone loss I suppose whitening/bleaching is not an
option for me in the future?
Answer:
We've got plenty of people around here who are pretty
interested in tooth bleaching. Here's some details for
patients who are still considering this:
Tooth Whitening
Formerly, tooth bleaching was performed exclusively in the
dental office. Treatment consisted of caustic solutions and
intense heat applied to the surfaces of the teeth.
In contrast, I use a mild solution of carbamide peroxide
(15%) which is applied to the thin bleaching tray which has
been custom fitted for you, the patient. The bleaching
process will lighten discolorations of the enamel and dentin.
These discolorations are caused by coffee, tea, colas,
tobacco, excessive fluoride, nerve degeneration and aging.
During the bleaching process, the structure of the tooth is
not changed. Oxygen is broken down and bleaches the colored
substances within the enamel and dentin. Results are usually
seen immediately, although the process may take from 10 to 14
days.
Some instructions:
1. Keep the gel refrigerated. Store in an upside-down
position.
2. Place a small amount of gel in each tooth reservoir of the
bleaching tray. Use a small amount. The tooth indentations
should be about 1/4 full. Excess gel will only overflow
onto your gums.
3. Brush your teeth before bleaching. Bleach for 1 hour,
twice a day. When finished, rinse or use a wet toothbrush
to brush your teeth. Also, rinse or brush out your trays
to remove the excess material that may be present after
treatment. Refrain from eating, drinking or smoking for
30 minutes after treatment.
4. Some people experience increased tooth sensitivity to cold
during the treatment. These symptoms always disappear
within 1-3 days after interruption or completion of
treatment. If sensitivity should occur, wait 24 hours
before resuming bleaching treatments.
5. Avoid citrus foods and beverages to minimize discomfort
from sensitivity. If sensitivity should persist after
bleaching is completed, please call your doctor.
6. To maintain whiteness, repeat the treatment procedure for
2 or 3 days every four to six months.
Some notes:
I have looked into many manufacturers products. I dispense
16% carbamide peroxide (Life-Like Cosmetic Solutions) in the
2 oz. bottled gel. This is equivalent to 22 syringes (3 mL).
Most manufacturers dispense 4 syringes per arch. Upper and
lower kits will have 8 syringes which is quite often, not
enough material. The patient finds himself/herself in the
precarious position of having to return for "Touch-Up Kits"
even with being extremely frugal with the material. This is
why I choose to dispense the 2 oz. bottle instead -no chance
of running out!
I custom fit upper and lower boil and bite trays. I will not
do just an "upper" or just a "lower." I have a vacuum forming
apparatus in the office, (which produces anatomically correct
trays, night guards, sports guards, etc.) but I find that the
boil and bite technique is just fine if you, the dentist
carefully adapt the trays to the surfaces of the teeth and
especially if the patient does not have to be too frugal with
the bleaching material.
I lightly pumice the teeth prior to adapting the trays. I do
the whole gadillah (the whole ball of wax) for $65. That's
upper and lower for the $65. - trays, bleaching material,
everything. I do not get rich on this but I do this
mainly as a practice builder. It is cheaper and more fun than
handing over solid cash to the Yellow Page people.
By the way, I just got a call as we were bleaching someone's
teeth. Its the Yellow Pages. "Such a crummy listing! How do
you advertise?" this dude asked. "Best way possible, I
replied. "Word of mouth! Goodbye!"
I got some custom whitening trays and whitening syringes from
www.crackasmiledental.com for under $70 they trays work great. Most
websites charge to much.
