Peroxide for Teeth Whitening
I understand that the teeth whitening gel that dentists use are made of peroxide. I was thinking about saving some time going back and forth to the dentist by just whitening with the peroxide I have at home. How long would I have to keep it on? Do you have any recommendations for how to go about it?
Laurie
Dear Laurie,
While it is true that dentists use a peroxide to whiten teeth, it is not the peroxide you are purchasing over the counter. Using over-the-counter peroxide That is a liquid 3% solution, which is very weak. What your dentist uses is a gel that is at least 33% peroxide. It’s significantly stronger.
If you were to try to do this yourself, you would need to keep the peroxide on your teeth for a minimum of fifteen minutes at a time for it to penetrate the teeth. Because it would be liquid that would mean that you would have to keep swishing it around in your mouth for that length of time. Not only would that be uncomfortable for you and impractical, but there is a negative medical side effect, too.
This is because peroxide is great at killing bacteria. The only problem with that is it does not distinguish between good an bad bacteria. As a result, you will end up with an oral yeast infection on the soft tissue in your mouth.
The safest thing for you to do is to have professional teeth whitening done. Not only is the whitening more effective because it is stronger and in gel form, but your dentist will provide you with a custom fitted tray that you will wear over your teeth. This will keep the gel on your teeth while protecting your mouth and gums. You won’t have to go back and forth, You can wear the trays at home and your dentist will provide you with the gel to take with you.
This blog is brought to you by Moline Dentist Dr. Thomas Goebel.
Click here to learn about in office Zoom Whitening where you can get brilliantly white teeth in just one appointment.
Teeth Whitening and Dental Fillings
I have quite a few dental fillings. Some of them are amalgam, that I want to replace. Others are composite, which I like. But, I want to whiten my teeth so I will likely need to change the composite fillings too so that they can match. My question is what order do I do this? Is there anything else I need to know about changing fillings?
Charlie
Dear Charlie,
I’m glad you wrote. I would start with the teeth whitening. That will allow you get your teeth the color you want and then you will be able to match the new dental fillings to the brighter color. There are a couple of types of professional teeth whitening. You can do at home teeth whitening. This allows you to just put the whitening gel in some custom made trays that your dentist provides for you and you wear them at a time which is most convenient for you. Obviously, the longer you wear them each day, the faster your teeth whitens, but that schedule is completely up to you.
A second option is Zoom Whitening. This allows you to whiten your teeth in one day, but you’ll do it in your dentist’s office with several short whitening sessions under the Zoom light. Once you have your teeth the color you want, then you can go ahead and replace your fillings.
The amalgam fillings that you have are made mostly from mercury. While the American Dental Association does say they are safe, mercury is a known toxin so you want to make sure that the dentist you have do the procedure knows how to do a sanitary amalgam removal. You do not want to inhale or swallow any of the mercury.
I would look for a mercury-free dentist or a holistic dentist when it comes to switching out your fillings. They will know the right safety precautions to take as well as have the equipment required to do the job properly.
This blog is brought to you by Moline Dentist Dr. Thomas Goebel.
Tetracycline Stains and No Money for Porcelain Veneers
I’ve had tetracycline stains for most of my life. Ten years ago, I asked my dentist if I could whiten my teeth to get rid of the stains. He told me that the only solution for tetracycline stains is porcelain veneers. I priced those and there is not a chance in the world I will be able to afford that. My smile is so humiliating to me that I never do it. Is there a chance that teeth whitening has improved enough in the last ten years to make a difference?
Kelly
Dear Kelly,
While porcelain veneers are still the best solution for tetracycline stains, you can make a decent difference by using teeth whitening. Make sure you use take home teeth whitening trays instead of something like Zoom Whitening. Zoom would take too many sessions and you are trying to save money.
While you can make a difference with the bleaching, you will have to be persistent. You will get the best results if you can wear the trays overnight. If you can’t tolerate the bleaching for that long, then just wear them during the day for as long as you can. I would plan on bleaching for several months but it will make a difference.
As I mentioned at the beginning, porcelain veneers will give you a much better result. My recommendation is that you start with the whitening while you save up for the veneers. However, you would need to have them done by a skilled cosmetic dentist. Dental school will not be enough. You will want someone with post doctoral training in cosmetic dentistry. This is especially true when it comes to tetracycline stains. They are one of the most challenging cases there are.
You’ll want to ask if they’ve done these type of cases before. If they haven’t, look for someone else. If they say they have done them, then ask to see before and after images of the cases so that you can get an idea whether or not the results are beautiful and something that you would be proud to have yourself.
This blog is brought to you by Moline Dentist Dr. Thomas Goebel.
Rules for Touching Up Teeth Whitening
I’m looking to touch up my smile ahead of my upcoming dental crown placement. However, I’m having trouble getting information from my dentist on how to go about this. My specific questions are mostly in regard to how long I have to whiten, such as how many hours per day and how many days/weeks to plan.
Fannie
Dear Fannie,
I’m a bit concerned that your dentist cannot answer these questions. These are pretty basic cosmetic questions. Much more basic that making a dental crown blend in naturally to the adjacent teeth.
While there isn’t an definitive number of hours and days I can give you, there are general principles. The first of which being that the longer you wear the teeth whitening gel each day, the faster your teeth will whiten. For example, if you wear them for five hours a day, your teeth will whiten much faster than if you just whitened for 30 minutes a day.
If you are in a hurry, the most effective way to do it would be to wear the teeth whitening trays over night. This is not only because the gel will be on your teeth longer, but also because we produce less saliva at night. If that is not possible for you, then just wear them for as long as you can tolerate throughout the day. Another speedy option is Zoom Whitening. It is an in-office teeth whitening procedure that will whiten your teeth in just one appointment.
The one definitive is something you did not ask. That is how long you need to wait between the time you finish your whitening and when you can get your dental crown made. Your teeth will continue whitening for up to two weeks after you complete your procedure. After that, you will be safe to have your dental crown done.
This blog is brought to you by Moline Dentist Dr. Thomas Goebel.
Teeth Whitening and Dental Bonding
I have a chipped tooth due to the concrete and I having a disagreement. The concrete won. I figured that while I am fixing the chip in my tooth I should also whiten my teeth. Is there any special procedure or rules I need to follow in order to get both of these done?
Andy
Dear Andy,
Sorry about your battle with the concrete. Having dental bonding done is a fantastic solution for a chipped tooth as long as you go to an artistic dentist who has experience as well as post-doctoral training in the procedure. This is quite an advanced procedure, because it has to be done freehand.
You asked a very important question about the procedures and rules. When it comes to dental bonding with teeth whitening, it is imperative that you have the teeth whitening done first. The reason for this is the nature of the whitening gel. While it does wonders for natural tooth structure, it will have zero impact and the bonding itself. That means your teeth will whiten, but the bonding will stay the original color with which it was designed.
If you have your teeth whitened first, then the dental bonding can be formed to match the new color exactly. While bonding requires an expert cosmetic dentist, teeth whitening is a pretty basic cosmetic procedure and can be done by any dentist who offers it. The next question is how fast do you want to get this done.
At home teeth whitening can take several weeks to months, depending on how long you whiten each day along with how white you want your teeth. If you are in a hurry, then I recommend in-office Zoom Whitening. This can be done in one appointment. However, you will want to leave one week between the time of your whitening and when you have the bonding done. This is because the teeth will continue to whiten for a bit after the appointment is done. This is true with at home whitening as well.
Then, when that is completed you can see the cosmetic dentist for your dental bonding.
This blog is brought to you by Moline Dentist Dr. Thomas Goebel.
Why Do I Have Cracks in My Teeth After Zoom Whitening?
Last month, I got Zoom whitening. My dentist asked me to wait two weeks for the color to settle before I started at-home whitening if I wanted it. Now that I am whitening my teeth and looking at them close up in the mirror, I see fine lines, like hairline cracks that I have never noticed. Is the bleaching gel too strong for my teeth and causing them to crack? Will these cracks get worse if I keep using the gel? Thank you. Krystiana from NM
Krystiana,
Thank you for your question.
Does Zoom® Whitening Cause Hairline Cracks in Teeth?
Zoom® and other brands of in-office whitening do not cause hairline cracks in teeth. The bleaching gel breaks down stains but does not cause fractures. You may notice preexisting craze lines while examining your teeth more closely as you whiten them.
What Are Craze Lines in Teeth?
Craze lines are tiny, thin vertical cracks in teeth enamel. The lines occur with age and are most noticeable in middle-aged adults and seniors. The American Association of Endodontics states that most adult teeth have craze lines.
Factors that contribute to craze lines include:
- Habitually chewing ice or hard objects
- Misaligned teeth
- Nail biting
- Teeth clenching or grinding
- Tooth trauma or injury
Facts About Craze Lines
What you should know about craze lines in teeth:
- They are harmless and painless.
- Most often, they affect the front teeth.
- They are limited to tooth enamel and do not affect the layers beneath.
Can a Dentist Hide Craze Lines in Teeth?
An experienced cosmetic dentist can apply dental bonding to your teeth and hide craze lines. The bonding will perfectly match your tooth shade and translucence. Still, if you have prolonged sensitivity while whitening your teeth or feel any discomfort in the teeth with craze lines, speak with your dentist.
Dr. Thomas Goebel, a Moline, Illinois dentist, sponsors this post.
Dental bonding for fluorosis stains keeps sliding off my teeth
I have fluorosis stains on my teeth, so my dentist recommended Zoom whitening and dental bonding. The Zoom whitening was because the teeth that are not stained were so yellow that he wanted all my teeth to have even color. My dental bonding is a mess and seems to just peel off like melting plastic. My dentist is blaming the issue on my bite. Even after repeat bonding, it still falls off. The peeling bonding looks as bad as the fluorosis stains. I am done with my dentist but wondering if bonding is not the right thing for my teeth. What should I do? – Thank you. Angelica from Maine
Angelica,
We are sorry about your experience with your dentist. Fluorosis stains occur from consuming too much fluoride as a child while teeth are still developing. Fluorosis stains can be mild, moderate, or severe. Hiding the stains is challenging for most dentists, and only an experienced cosmetic dentist can
Mild Fluorosis
Mild fluorosis stains appear as white, blotchy stains on teeth. If you have mild stains, you may not need any treatment.
Moderate Fluorosis
Moderate stains can cover the entire fronts of teeth and make them blotchy.
Many patients suffering from very mild fluorosis may feel that no treatment is necessary. However, if the white spots become more extensive, they can cover the entire front surface of the teeth giving a mottled appearance to the teeth.
Severe Fluorosis
Severe fluorosis stains are white or brown and can cover teeth, detracting from your smile severely.
Cosmetic Dentistry for Fluorosis Stains
Fluorosis stains often appear on the tooth enamel only. A skilled cosmetic dentist can conceal the stains with dental bonding. An advanced cosmetic dentist might use this process:
- Grind out the discoloration
- Apply a base layer to your teeth
- Layer composite as required
- Cure the composite
- Polish your teeth
Your dentist did well to bleach your teeth so that the bonding would match. But if your dentist cannot get the bonding to adhere to your teeth, you need an advanced cosmetic dentist’s help. We recommend scheduling an appointment with a dentist who has advanced training and experience concealing fluorosis stains with bonding.
Thomas J. Goebel, DDS of Moline, IL, sponsors this post.
How many days should I have pain after a repeat root canal?
I regret agreeing to root canal treatment from my new dentist. I went for an exam, cleaning, and Zoom whitening consultation. The dentist told me that an old filling in an upper left molar was cracked, and I had decay beneath it. I had no problems with the tooth, but the root canal was traumatic and took three visits. My dentist completed the root canal in March, but the tooth still hurt. My dentist referred me to an endodontist who reviewed my x-ray and said my dentist might have missed a canal. The endodontist repeated the root canal and found no untreated canals. She said that the tooth would hurt for a few days. Now, almost six days later, I’ve had intense pain, and it is only a little better today. I am worried that I am going to lose the tooth. I regret seeing this dentist. All I wanted was clean and white teeth. Why is my tooth still hurting? Thank you. Aleksandr from IL
Aleksandr,
Thank you for your question. Root canal failure is not determined by the length of time you feel discomfort. But if the pain is even improving slowly, it is a good indication that your tooth may be healing.
How Long Should a Tooth Hurt After Repeat Root Canal Treatment?
After root canal treatment, some patients feel no pain at all. But others can expect to feel tenderness and discomfort for a few days. Tissue inflammation around tooth roots often causes irritation and pain. Previous infection or an endodontist’s file—used to clean the canals—can irritate your tooth.
Your endodontist said that your tooth would hurt for a few days, so your discomfort is as she predicted. You did not mention increased pain or swelling, so it seems that the second root canal succeeded. Although your dentist did not miss any canals, perhaps he did not seal the end of the tooth root properly. If so, the pain would linger.
Professional-strength bleaching gel, like Zoom, can cause some irritation to healthy teeth. So be patient with starting Zoom treatment. After two or three days, if your tooth does not improve any or if it gets worse, call your endodontist. Your endodontist will let you know when it is safe to do so.
Thomas J. Goebel, DDS of Moline, IL, sponsors this post.
My dentist can’t match bonding to my whitened teeth
I decided to get Zoom whitening before dental bonding because my teeth were dull. I needed the bonding because I had sensitivity near my gumline. So my dentist completed Zoom, and we waited to see if my teeth were white enough, then she did a repeat office treatment. I loved the whiteness of my teeth, and I got compliments on my smile. I thought I was ready for bonding until my dentist finished it. Now my teeth look pasty and rough. My dentist failed to tell me that she didn’t know how to match the bonding to my whitened teeth. So I am going to find another dentist to redo the bonding. But I would like to know if a dentist must remove the current bonding. Or can they add new bonding on top of it? – Thanks. Chase from IN
Chase,
We are sorry to hear about the disappointment with your bonding after you completed Zoom whitening.
If a dentist has cosmetic dentistry training, it should not be difficult to match the color and texture of your teeth. And matching bonding is not a complex matter.
Does Botched Dental Bonding Need to Be Replaced?
Whether or not a dentist must replace dental bonding depends on the extent of the color difference. Another dentist might be able to remove some of the surface of your existing bonding and use another color to resurface it. Otherwise, a dentist can etch off the current bonding and replace it. A dentist can tell the difference between composite bonding and your tooth structure.
A dental bur is a tool used for cutting, grinding, and removing tooth structure or dental work. A bur can remove your existing composite without harming your tooth structure.
Abfraction Lesions—Causes and Treatment
An abfraction lesion is an area above the gumline where the tooth structure is worn away. An abfraction is usually caused by clenching or grinding your teeth.
- Appearance – It looks like an indentation in the tooth
- Effects – Lesions expose layers beneath the enamel and create sensitivity
- Progression – Although an abfraction is not a cavity, it can become difficult to clean and promote decay if it extends below the gumline.
- Long-term treatment – If you know you grind your teeth—or if your dentist detects grinding—you can get a custom nightguard to wear while you sleep. It will protect your teeth from the force of grinding and help your bonding last longer.
Although a good family dentist can match bonding to the whiteness of your teeth, look for a dentist with advanced cosmetic dentistry training. It will minimize the chances of being disappointed with the results again.
Thomas J. Goebel, DDS, a Moline, IL cosmetic dentist, sponsors this post.
Why would I need veneers, Invisalign, and teeth whitening?
I moved to the area in 2019, and I have seen two dentists. Neither of them impressed me enough to become a regular patient. In January, I received a postcard from a dentist whose office is between my job and home. I gave her a try because I am interested in porcelain veneers. She talked briefly about veneers but said she would first whiten my teeth with Zoom, recommend Invisalign, and finally finish my teeth off with veneers. I did not ask for teeth whitening or Invisalign. Then she said something about reducing the cost by $500 if I agreed to all the services. Are all those treatments necessary? Porcelain veneers alone cost enough! Or are dentists selling package deals now? I feel like I should be disgusted about an attempt to upsell and trick me. – Thank you. Teal from Ohio
Teal,
Thank you for your inquiry. We understand why you feel that your dental visit was cluttered with sales talk.
Teeth Whitening Before Veneers
A cosmetic dentist might recommend bleaching your teeth before placing veneers for these reasons:
- Porcelain is colorfast – It is impossible to whiten porcelain veneers, so whitening must be completed first if you want to brighten your smile.
- A ceramist makes veneers match your tooth color – A cosmetic dentist takes pictures of your teeth and gives a ceramist instructions to create veneers that match your tooth shade. If you whiten your teeth after receiving your veneers, your teeth will be whiter than the veneers.
Bleaching is not a requirement – But whitening your teeth with Zoom or any other whitening system is not required to receive veneers, and neither is Invisalign a requirement.
Invisalign, Porcelain Veneers, or Both?
Depending on the alignment of your teeth, orthodontic treatment may provide better results than porcelain veneers, but you did not mention why your dentist recommends Invisalign. Cosmetic dentists often use porcelain veneers to make slightly crooked teeth look perfectly straight. And they do it without Invisalign.
Schedule a Cosmetic Dentistry Consultation
Without Dr. Goebel examining your teeth, we will not speculate about the reasons for the dentist’s recommendations. So we suggest that you schedule a consultation with a dentist who has advanced cosmetic dentistry training. Talk with the dentist about each issue that concerns you. He or she will explain your treatment options and the results you can expect. No dentist should pressure you to receive treatment of any kind.
Thomas J. Goebel, DDS of Moline, IL, sponsors this post.