Why Whiten?
White, straight teeth seem to be in every television and magazine ad we see today. And with so many types of whitening products and techniques on the market, my goal in this article is to help give you options and advice from a dentist’s perspective.
I had the opportunity to travel to the Ultradent Elite Conference and came away with some interesting updates on whitening. Ultradent is a dental company based on research and development of a variety of dental products, and very well-known for their bleaching processes and gels.
Ultradent’s founder and expert on vital bleaching, Dr. Dan Fisher, gave an insight into many types of bleaching gels, applications, and research behind these various products. One of the most intriguing findings I came away with knowing was that there is now research supporting the improvement of enamel after bleaching! Who knew?! Research now shows that any bleaching agent-containing fluoride reduced cavity susceptibility. Our office recommends Opalescence gels which contain both potassium nitrate and fluoride to not only help strengthen your teeth, but also prevent sensitivity.
Another takeaway fact to remember is that you need to wait for a few weeks after bleaching to have any type of restorative work completed. This would include any type of composite bonding, composite restorations, or any type of porcelain work that will be bonded into place. The bleaching gel has been shown to decrease the bond strength of composite resins for a short period of time, so we recommend waiting two weeks before completing your restorative dental work.
One of the best ways to whiten your teeth professionally is still a “low and slow” technique. Professionally made bleaching trays, worn with a low strength gel for a few weeks, is the safe and effective way to bleach your teeth. There are in-office techniques that are helpful as a “jump start” to whitening your teeth, however, all of them still recommend that you wear trays after the procedure. One of the best products I have seen on the market is called Opalesence Boost by Ultradent. This is a power bleaching gel that offers a brighter whiter smile after just 40 minutes in the dental chair and requires no lights or lasers.
If you choose to forego whitening trays and gels, a product that patients are excited about is Opalesence Go. Opalescence Go is the professional alternative to over-the-counter whitening options. It’s a simple, fast, and a great-tasting way to start a whitening treatment or for whitening touch-ups. With no impressions or custom trays necessary, Opalescence Go is ready to use right out of the package. No impressions, no models, no lab time. They are sleek and comfortable, and adapt to any smile. They contain 15% Hydrogen Peroxide and recommended to be worn 15–20 minutes for 5–10 days.
Take away tips:
- Whiten your teeth! It’s good for your enamel!
- Wait at least a week after bleaching before going to your dentist to have any restorative work performed
- Put any bleaching gel in the refrigerator- it will prolong the efficacy of the gel
- If you have bleaching trays and want to brighten quickly, try Opalesence Boost gel