In Part 1 of this two part series, I told you what tooth whitening is and the methods of delivery that are available. Now, I will talk about the limitations and possible side effects of tooth whitening, options for long-term maintenance, the costs associated with tooth whitening, and some ideas that may help you get a discount.
Tooth whitening has some limitations, so not everyone can achieve movie-star whiteness. Previous dental work will not whiten. If you have a crown, bridge, or even tooth-colored fillings on your front teeth, these will not change color. If you choose to whiten anyway, be prepared to either have these restorations replaced or know that they will stand out and will not match your newly-whitened natural teeth.
Some staining may be difficult or impossible to whiten. A tooth that has had a root canal or is dark from tetracycline – an antibiotic that was commonly prescribed to teens for acne during critical years of tooth development – can turn a deep shade of gray and is difficult to correct. Occasionally, root canaled teeth can achieve results from internal whitening, but this is a procedure you can talk over with your dentist. Longer periods of whitening or a stronger solution may help both root canaled teeth and teeth with tetracycline stain, but either of these methods should be closely monitored by your dentist.
There are some side effects that should be taken into account before your tooth whitening procedure has begun. The first, tooth sensitivity, is the most common complaint. Strong peroxide preparations dehydrate the teeth and aggravate the dental pulp causing sensitivity that can last for a few days. Persons with pre-exisiting sensitivity should discuss with their dentist the possibility of increased pain and sensitivity before whitening their teeth. There are options for reducing sensitivity including using sensitive-formula toothpaste, fluoride treatments, and desensitizing gel treatments while whitening. Over the counter anti inflammatories can also provide relief. In-office whitening can cause a higher level of sensitivity than the at-home tray method because of the increased strength of the preparation.
Another side effect of tooth whitening is chemical burns of the soft tissues. The peroxide in tooth whitening preparations is a strong chemical, which allows it to penetrate the hard enamel on the teeth. If it comes into contact with the soft tissues of the mouth (gums, lips, cheeks, etc.) it will produce painful blisters. This is easily prevented by not overloading the trays with tooth whitening gel and by wiping away any excess gel that squishes up out of the tray onto the gums. If the gel continues to contact and burn the tissues, call your dentist so he or she can make sure your trays fit properly.
The whiter, brighter teeth that are achieved with tooth whitening is said to last at least two years. Maintaining this whiteness is relatively easy and is usually very inexpensive for those who used the custom tray method of tooth whitening. Your dentist should have whitening refill kits available that you can purchase and use at home for touch-ups. Whitening for one or two nights (if properly maintained, you shouldn’t need longer than this) every three to six months will help keep your smile bright. One of the disadvantages of in-office whitening is that home touch-ups are impossible unless you have a set of custom trays made for home use. This usually will result in additional charges by your dentist.
The cost of tooth whitening can be expensive, and insurance does not cover any of the cost because this is a cosmetic procedure. The custom tray method averages $200-$400, and the in-office whitening procedure is about $500 and up. Sometimes, though there are ways to find good deals without resorting to questionable procedures in your neighbor’s cousin’s best friend’s basement. Occasionally, to drum up business, a dentist in town will send out mailers offering great discounts on tooth whitening and other procedures. He may require, though, x-rays and an exam before doing the whitening (which should be done anyway), so be sure you take the cost of everything into account. Another idea is to make a deal with your dentist. If you need extensive work, ask your dentist if he will throw in the whitening for free. Or ask if you can get a discount if you get some friends together for a group whitening session. If he normally charges $400, he may do the procedure for half if you get ten friends and family members to come in with you. What dentist is going to turn down an easy $2,000? It’s worth a shot!
Here are some final things to keep in mind before you head down to your dentist’s office for whitening. First, as I mentioned earlier, a thorough exam should be performed before you go through with tooth whitening. Your dentist needs to record areas of decay or demineralization (weak enamel) before you use any preparations on your teeth. If you need restorations, your dentist should wait two weeks after the whitening procedure is complete before scheduling the work. This is because the restorations may not adhere well to oxygen rich teeth, and it gives the final shade time to settle in. Also, keep in mind that proper home care is important to maintaining beautiful, white teeth. Power toothbrushes may prolong the effect of professional tooth whitening as well.
Now that you know the limitations, side effects, and maintenance procedures for tooth whitening, it’s time to call your dentist to make an appointment today.
