Dr. Lawrence Wang runs Madison Square Dentistry in Manhattan, which focuses on cosmetic and restorative dentistry. Here, he discusses the unique Deep Bleaching treatment he uses in his practice.
You have a number of options when it comes to whitening your teeth. Depending on your schedule and your brightening expectations, you and your dentist can decide which is best for you. For the convenience of whitening in your own home, a variety of over-the-counter gels, strips, and toothpastes are designed to whiten your teeth (I recommend Crest Whitestrips — they work), but they contain less concentrated ingredients and can take up to a month to show results.
Two big professional teeth whitening systems are out there: Zoom! and BriteSmile, both one-hour in-office procedures in which the dentist applies a gel to the patient’s teeth. A lot of people like them, but I don’t use them because they tend to provide inconsistent results; sometimes they work and sometimes they don’t. One hour is just not enough sometimes for the bleaching to completely work.
With the Deep Bleaching whitening system I use, I create custom, comfortable trays that patients wear while they sleep. These trays fit like a glove, unlike with other bleaching systems where the bleaching solution often leaks out. The unique peroxide bleaching gel sinks deep into the enamel of your teeth, making whitening not only effective, but also easy for you. This, combined with two one-hour in-office visits, is guaranteed to give you a bright smile.
As far as safety goes, numerous studies have examined the effects of whitening and bleaching methods. Bleaching is not recommended for children under 16, as their teeth are still developing, and is also not recommended for women who are pregnant. The most common side effects of teeth whitening — both the in-office and take-home varieties — are teeth and gum sensitivity. This sensitivity is usually temporary, and should subside soon after you’ve stopped using the product.
Whiter teeth not only provide the benefit of a cleaner-looking and more attractive smile—a bright smile enhances your confidence and self-esteem, too. As a bonus, professional teeth whitening can lead to healthier teeth, because when your teeth look better, you tend to take better care of them to keep them looking terrific.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
