| Tooth Whitening Everyone appreciates a bright, white smile -- and today, there are a dizzying array of teeth-whitening products and procedures on the market, ranging from over-the-counter products in your local drugstore to more sophisticated clinical procedures available only from dentists. 'Chairside' Whitening. If you are a candidate for bleaching, Dr. Foley may suggest a procedure that can be done in her office. This procedure is called chairside bleaching and with this procedure, Dr. Foley's staff will apply either a protective gel to your gums or a rubber shield to protect the oral soft tissues as a bleaching agent is then applied to the teeth. A special light can also be used to enhance the action of the agent. Use-at-Home Whiteners. Alternatively, there are several types of products you can use at home, which are either available from Dr. Foley's office or are purchased over-the-counter at your local pharmacy. Generally, these products contain peroxide(s), which actually bleach the tooth enamel, relying on carbamide peroxide as the bleaching agent. Carbamide peroxide comes in several different concentrations (10, 16, and 22 percent solutions). As with any medical procedure, you should speak with Dr. Foley if any side effects become bothersome. For example, teeth can become sensitive during the period when you are using the bleaching solution. In many cases, this sensitivity is temporary and should lessen once the treatment is finished. Some people also experience soft tissue irritation—either from a tray that doesn't fit properly or from solution that may come in contact with the tissues. Toothpastes. All toothpastes help remove surface stains through the action of mild abrasives. "Whitening" toothpastes bearing the American Dental Association's (ADA) Seal of Acceptance program have special chemical or polishing agents that provide additional stain removal effectiveness. Unlike bleaches, however, these products do not alter the intrinsic color of your teeth. If you have any question or would like more information, feel free to Ask Dr. Foley, with no cost or obligation. If you prefer, you're welcome to schedule a consultation or appointment with Dr. Foley's office. |
Tooth Whitening Options
    What causes tooth discoloration? There are many causes. The most common include aging, consumption of staining substances (coffee, tea, colas, tobacco, red wine), trauma, nerve degeneration, and old restorations. During tooth formation, the consumption of tetracycline may also cause tooth discoloration. The good news is that now this yellowing can be easily reversed. In recent years, procedures have been developed to whiten, or bleach, teeth. Hundreds of thousands of people have whitened their teeth over the last 10 years. Almost everyone can benefit from tooth whitening. People are drawn to your smile; a whiter smile can give you extra confidence or improve first impressions. To learn more about Tooth Whitening and the products and techniques we use, feel free to Ask Dr. Foley, with no cost or obligation. If you prefer, you're welcome to schedule a consultation or appointment with Dr. Foley's office. |
So how can tell you which whitening procedures would be effective for you? Whiteners (which bleach discolored teeth) may not correct all types of discoloration. For example, yellowish-hued teeth will probably bleach well, brownish-colored teeth may bleach less well, and grayish-hued teeth may not bleach well at all. Likewise, bleaching may not enhance your smile if you have had bonding or tooth-colored fillings placed in your front teeth. The whitener will not effect the color of these materials, and they will stand out in your newly whitened smile. In these cases, you may want to investigate other options, like porcelain veneers or dental bonding.
Peroxide-containing whiteners typically come in a gel and are placed in a mouthguard. Some products are to be used twice a day for 2 weeks, and others are intended for overnight use for 1-2 weeks. If you obtain the bleaching solution from Dr. Foley's office, we will make a custom-fitted mouthguard for you that will fit your teeth precisely.
If you have any concerns about such side effects, don't hesitate to 
