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Tooth Whitening (Part 2 – Is It Safe?)

This is the second instalment of my Tooth Whitening series of articles that will address the most common safety-related issues.

When I ask my patients what they would like to improve about their smile, the most common response is whiter and brighter teeth. If you are searching for a cost-effective, safe and non-invasive way to esthetically improve your smile then whitening may be an excellent treatment for you.

Whitening Treatment Options
Tooth whitening is a safe and effective way to brighten most people’s smiles and is available in a variety of methods and concentrations. The most common methods are Custom-Tray Whitening which is done in the comfort of your home, Laser Whitening is performed in our clinic, and there is a variety of commercial products sold over-the-counter at retail stores.

First Steps
For your safety it is imperative to have a comprehensive examination first by a Dentist to assess for conditions that may impact on the success of this treatment.  Additionally, we strongly advise having a professional cleaning by a certified Hygienist to remove plaque and tartar so that the whitening effects are maximized (i.e. we want you to whiten your teeth and not the bacteria on them!).

For Your Comfort
If you have ever tried store-bought whitening products then you have likely experienced tooth and gum sensitivity. The main reason for these complications is due the type of bleaching agents used and due to the lack of proper isolation of the tooth and gum tissues during treatment. Our whitening solutions contain Potassium Nitrate which protects teeth from excessive sensitivity during and after treatment. We also have additional desensitizing treatments available in-office to improve your comfort.

Meeting Your Expectations
Since each option has different advantages and disadvantages, a consultation with one of our Dentists is integral to determining the cause of discolouration and the suitability of the patient for whitening. We will also discuss additional treatment that would reduce the risk of complications, increase the success of treatment, and help you achieve reasonable expectations.

For Your Safety
Since tooth whitening is a treatment, maximizing results and minimizing potential side effects are best accomplished when whitening procedures are provided and monitored by a dental professional.

Complications If Not Done Properly
Pre-existing restorations, such as dental bonding, porcelain veneers or crowns, do not respond to treatment at all. Instead, whitening agents can damage the surfaces of these materials causing microscopic abrasions and scratches that may attract and accelerate staining. Additionally, if your gums have receded and the root surfaces have been exposed, unfortunately whitening will have no effect. For this reason, it is important to consult with your Dentist to determine reasonable expectations and seek protective treatment in advance of whitening treatments.

If you whiten the root surfaces where gums have receded, unfortunately there will be no marked effect. Instead, you may experience a more than typical amount of temperature sensitivity and pain. Our laser whitening and custom tray treatments avoid these complications with the precise use of materials and techniques to protect these fragile tissues.

safetyLaser vs Trays vs Strips
Both Laser and Custom Tray whitening systems offer fast, comfortable and effective results. The choice of one system over the other simply depends on your personal goals. If you would like fast results, laser whitening takes an hour. If you have a history of tooth sensitivity or would like a more controlled and targeted approach, then custom-trays would be more suitable for you.

Strips are not custom fit to your anatomy and therefore your teeth are not properly isolated from the gums. Excess whitening solution then oozes onto the gums (and burns them) or onto sensitive areas of the tooth (such as the root). Our whitening systems isolate the teeth and seal the gums, protecting them from the whitening agents.

This is why it is essential to seek the advice and supervision of a dental professional. At Westmount Dental we will always educate, inform, and help you make the best choice that is in your best interests.

 

Westmount Dental offers appointments throughout the week including evenings, Saturdays and Sundays. We always welcome ne patients, emergencies and offer free consultations. And we rely on your referrals for our growth.

Our dentists provide a full range of treatment including dental implants, root canal therapy, wisdom tooth surgery, sedation, Invisalign orthodontics, and cosmetic treatments. most importantly, our preventive dental care program aims to reduce the risk of you and your family requiring more invasive and costly treatment.

Our office is located in the heart of Thornhill in Vaughan. Call today to schedule your appointment. 905-881-8284

About the Author
Dr. Mark Buzaglo is a graduate of the University of Western Ontario where he completed his Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree, receiving the Pierre Fauchard Academy Award for outstanding academic achievement. He completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Toronto where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree with Honours. Dr. Buzaglo is an avid believer in ongoing continuing education and has completed many certified courses in all aspects of dentistry with particular focus in the fields of Cosmetic, Invisalign Orthodontics, and Implant Dentistry. He is a contributing writer and editor for the oral health programs at AdvancingIn.com and mdBriefCase.com, Canada’s foremost on-line continuing medical education websites for Medical Doctors in Canada. Dr. Buzaglo has a creative passion that is evident throughout your experience in his office, Westmount Dental. He has personally designed the layout and features of the office to provide an esthetic appeal to the flow of the working space. His creative ability is truly reflected in the dental treatment he provides to his patients.

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