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Choosing a Cosmetic Dentist: What Patients Should Know
Transcript
Why Teeth Become Discolored
- Hey, everyone. It’s Dr. Lee Brown from Freedom Dental of West Chester. Today, I want to tackle one of the most common questions we get: How should I whiten my teeth?
- The first thing we need to think through is why we want to whiten our teeth. Why are they darker? Is it an extrinsic stain, like coffee? Is it an intrinsic stain, like old tetracycline staining? We hear about that in different generations.
- We need to figure that out first. Depending on why the teeth are stained, it might modify our answer.
How Existing Dental Work Affects Whitening
- We also need to understand what types of existing restorations are or are not on our teeth. If you have an untouched tooth that just has coffee staining on it, there is one way that we are going to whiten things.
- If you have a bunch of old fillings and staining around them, we may have to talk about something different.
Professional and Store-Bought Whitening Products
- In-office whitening products have come such a long way. Personally, I love KöR Whitening because it offers different options depending on your situation, how dark the teeth are, and how stained they are. Those things play a key role.
- With over-the-counter whitening products, you are going to see varying degrees of success. Typically, younger patients and patients who do not have teeth that are as dark are going to start to see some results.
- Honestly, you do not always know exactly what is going to happen until we get eyes on the teeth and can give you better guidance based on what we have seen. Just like any other medication or anything else, we all react a little differently.
When Other Cosmetic Options May Be Considered
- We need to understand why we want to whiten, the reason behind it, and the status of our teeth. In some cases, we have to ask whether traditional whitening will truly help or whether you are better off looking at some different options that we have discussed in other segments.
- Bonding, veneers, and crowns have different pros and cons.
Why a Dental Evaluation Matters
- Whitening is great stuff. It is going to strengthen the teeth, but you definitely want to get with your dentist.
- We want to take a close look, make sure there are no active areas of decay, and then we can custom-form the right situation and the right answer for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I whiten my teeth?
The right teeth whitening method depends on why your teeth are darker, what type of staining is present, and whether you have existing fillings or restorations. Dr. Lee Brown recommends having a dentist examine your teeth before choosing professional whitening, an over-the-counter product, or another cosmetic option.
Why does the type of tooth stain matter?
The type of stain matters because extrinsic and intrinsic discoloration may respond differently to whitening. Extrinsic staining can come from sources such as coffee, while intrinsic staining can include older tetracycline-related discoloration. Identifying the cause helps the dentist determine which whitening approach may be worth considering.
Can over-the-counter teeth whitening products work?
Over-the-counter whitening products can produce results, but the degree of success varies. Dr. Lee Brown notes that younger patients and people whose teeth are not as dark may begin to notice improvement. A dentist cannot know exactly how your teeth will respond without first examining their condition and discoloration.
When might traditional teeth whitening not be enough?
Traditional whitening may not be enough when discoloration is connected to old fillings, existing restorations, or stains that are unlikely to respond as expected. In those situations, a dentist may discuss alternatives such as dental bonding, veneers, or crowns, each of which has different advantages and disadvantages.
Why should a dentist examine my teeth before whitening?
A dentist should examine your teeth to identify the cause of discoloration, review existing dental work, and check for active areas of decay. This evaluation helps the dentist provide guidance based on the condition of your teeth rather than recommending the same whitening method for every patient.
