What's New in Teeth Whitening

Teeth Whitening in Flagstaff AZ

How it works:
Carbamide Peroxide is the main ingredient in most all teeth whitening systems.  When it is mixed with water, it releases Hydrogen Peroxide.  Hydrogen Peroxide is the active ingredient that whitens your teeth.  This method has been found by the FDA and the ADA to do no damage to or weakening of tooth structure.

There are four major methods of which to whiten ones teeth:

1.  Zoom Whitening-  A very strong dose of beach is placed on one's teeth.  A strong light is then shone on the solution.  This is reapplied 3 times over an hour.  Dr. Bacon had this unit for a short time in his Flagstaff dental office.  It caused so much post bleach pain that patients needed medication to get through the next 24 hours.  Needless to say we stopped using this technique.  Interestingly, research has since shown the light had no effect on the bleaching.

2.  Whitening Toothpaste- Toothpaste with a whitening ingredient have been shown to have little to no effect.  The whitener stays on the teeth so short a time as to not be able to soak in. Some toothpastes whiten also by abrasion.  This does remove superficial stain but over time can wear down your enamel and damage teeth.  It is best and safest to have superficial stain periodically removed by a dental hygienist.

3. Whitening Strips- This is an effective way to whiten teeth.  The disadvantage is the strips adhere better towards the edge of the teeth than by the gum line there tends to be a range of shade in each tooth.

4.  Custom Trays-  The best and most effective way to whiten teeth is to have a custom fit tray made at a dental office.  The custom tray better retains the bleach by the gum line. Just 30-45 minutes a day for 4 or 5 days does the job!  We also have a desensitizing gel to put in your tray after whitening if you have some sensitivity. Impressions for bleaching trays are easy and take very little time.  Because you can reuse your tray for years custom trays are less expensive over time than strips! You can read more at our Flagstaff Downtown Dental office's website.