I tried the whitening thing many, many years ago. No difference. If there was a difference, it would need to be measured with some sort of advanced scientific instrument. It was those custom trays with gel I got from the dentist. I must have did it for months. My teeth were always on the dark/discolored side. The problem is most of your tooth color comes from the inside (the dentin). Your enamel is semi-translucent. It's hard stuff so the whitening gels aren't going to get inside your teeth, and if they do, it's just a tiny amount. You might get some surface bleaching, but it's not going to last. I eventually went with veneers for my upper front facing teeth. That also covered imperfections in my teeth. Anyway, whitening is relatively inexpensive, so there's no harm in giving it a try.
Hi, some types of staining don't whiten well. Tetracycline staining is notoriously difficult to whiten and necrotic teeth usually need internal bleaching after a root canal.
Thank you for this wonderful explanation. My dental hygienist recommended that I do her touch up whitening routine which is using 15% Opalescence 2x a week. Is this safe? Thank you
No, the results are permanent but the teeth will pick up stain depending on what you eat and drink. It's like washing a car, the car will be clean but it will get dirty again over time.
I find that using straws when drinking coffee and grape juice and any dark sodas but I use metal straws for coffee and I make sure it’s not too too hot because the cheap straws they make today will melt. lol and if you smoke cigarettes or Maryjane you’re not gonna have great results for to long
Dr. Rich is a great dentist! Makes you feel VERY comfortable at his beautiful office!
Thank you very much for the kind words Robert. It was a pleasure meeting you!
I love your honesty
Thank you!
Dr gave a very thorough understanding of bleaching gels and how they work
Thank you.
Your right doctor - after 2 days my teeth got darker i.e. yellowing. Feels like a waste of money
Were you bingeing on cola maybe
I tried the whitening thing many, many years ago. No difference. If there was a difference, it would need to be measured with some sort of advanced scientific instrument. It was those custom trays with gel I got from the dentist. I must have did it for months. My teeth were always on the dark/discolored side. The problem is most of your tooth color comes from the inside (the dentin). Your enamel is semi-translucent. It's hard stuff so the whitening gels aren't going to get inside your teeth, and if they do, it's just a tiny amount. You might get some surface bleaching, but it's not going to last. I eventually went with veneers for my upper front facing teeth. That also covered imperfections in my teeth. Anyway, whitening is relatively inexpensive, so there's no harm in giving it a try.
Hi, some types of staining don't whiten well. Tetracycline staining is notoriously difficult to whiten and necrotic teeth usually need internal bleaching after a root canal.
Thank you for this wonderful explanation. My dental hygienist recommended that I do her touch up whitening routine which is using 15% Opalescence 2x a week. Is this safe? Thank you
You're welcome. Yes using the 15% Opalescence twice a week is safe.
Hi Dr. How do your pts manage avoiding non-staining food/drink when whitening over 2-4 weeks with 10% carbamide and clear aligners?
Hi, most people just eat and drink as they normally would.
So the results are not parmanent??
No, the results are permanent but the teeth will pick up stain depending on what you eat and drink. It's like washing a car, the car will be clean but it will get dirty again over time.
I'd say it's more like a tan, than a dirty car
I find that using straws when drinking coffee and grape juice and any dark sodas but I use metal straws for coffee and I make sure it’s not too too hot because the cheap straws they make today will melt. lol and if you smoke cigarettes or Maryjane you’re not gonna have great results for to long
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