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Clay molds of teeth at dentist's office
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Pearly Whites (201)Americans spend more than a billion dollars a year on professional teeth whitening. Everyone appreciates pearly whites, but what's the best way to go about getting them?
Dr. Daniela Pavlin and Beverly Hills dentist Dr. Linda Segal give tips for whiter teeth in the dentist's chair and at home.
And after a tour of Brite Smile, one of the leading power bleaching providers, Dr. Edward McLaren of the UCLA Dental School tell what's worth the cost — and which products to leave alone.
Teeth Whitening Basics
- The top teeth-stainers are coffee, tea, colored soda and red wine.
- Tea stains teeth worse than coffee.
- Whitening products, as well as power bleaching and bleaching trays, only work on natural teeth.
Power Bleaching
- Power bleaching costs about $600, and is typically not covered by insurance.
- Power bleaching uses a combination of gel and lights and takes about one hour. Results last up to two years.
- Power bleaching patients have to follow some strict dietary restrictions for 24 hours after the process — anything that will stain a white shirt will stain the teeth during that time.
Brite Smile
9725 Wilshire Boulevard
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
310-385-8016
Brite Smile provides power bleaching in their offices.
Bleaching Trays
- Bleaching trays cost $200-$300.
- Bleach used in the trays ordinarily contains 7.5 percent hydrogen peroxide.
- Trays are custom-made to fit the mouth.
- Most patients use the trays for five to seven days; however, very yellow or grayish teeth may take three weeks or more.
- Overuse of bleaching trays may cause your teeth to look translucent.
- Trays no longer need to be worn overnight, and you shouldn't do so.
- Bleaching trays can be used for a touch-up every six months.
- Bleaching gel can be used safely for up to three years.
Overnight Bleaching Strips
- Over-the-counter teeth whitening strips for overnight use cost around $15.
- You can safely use up to two boxes every six months.
- Make sure teeth are completely dry before applying the product.
- Some whitening toothpastes contain tin oxide, which some studies have linked with lung problems.
UCLA Dental School
10833 LeConte Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90095-1668
Contact: Edward McLaren, DDS
www.dent.ucla.edu
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