Monthly Archives: October 2017

Teeth whitening

Need a good brand of free teeth whitening to remove spots from braces

I’m wondering if you can recommend a good brand of free teeth whitening for me. Over the past 4 years I’ve spent so much money on dental appointments and braces. My braces were removed in September but my teeth still have spots and stains on them. My whitening toothpaste isn’t doing anything for them. My dentist offers whitening but it’s over $400. With all of the money I spent in the office I can’t believe that she won’t give me a discount. I even asked, but she isn’t discounting the whitening for me. So I’m looking at my options for free whitening and I’ll do it myself. Is there are brand you can recommend? Thx. Kip

Kip – When you wear braces, diligent care must be taken to avoid the buildup calcification under brackets and wires. Your teeth have to be regularly and thoroughly cleaned and brushed. Otherwise, teeth will be stained when the braces are removed. But exercise caution with trying to remedy the situation with free teeth whitening, unless the whitening treatments are provided by a dentist.

Removing Teeth Stains after Braces Are Removed

Surface stains can be polished off by a dentist. Any discoloration that’s left can be improved, too. But the way it is done depends on the type and extent of stains on your teeth.

  • Cement residue – Can be improved with dental cleaning and polishing.
  • Surface stains – Are improved when your teeth are cleaned and polished. Teeth whitening can be used to remove embedded stains.
  • Decay or erosion – Chairside dental bonding can improve the appearance of your teeth. Dental bonding is mixed to match the color and translucence of your natural teeth.

It’s best to visit an experienced cosmetic dentist to determine which treatment—or which combination of treatment—is best to remove the spots and stains from your teeth. You might not be able to receive free teeth whitening from a dentist, but if whitening is needed, the dentist will ensure treatments are completed before you receive dental bonding.

Some dentists offer free teeth whitening for their own patients who keep regularly scheduled appointment for dental cleanings and exams. We suggest that you schedule a consultation with at least two cosmetic dentists to discuss your options.

Be assured that spots from braces can be concealed, but you need an experienced cosmetic dentist to determine the best way to remove them. Don’t try do-it-yourself, free teeth whitening. It can make your teeth look worse.

 

This post is sponsored by Plano, TX female dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.

Sedation Dentistry

Is sedation dentistry safe if I’m a coward at the dentist?

I am a coward at the dentist and I have a low tolerance for pain. I know I need sedation but I’m concerned about the safety. A normal person would be numbed with local anesthetic, but it doesn’t work for me. My dentist has tried numbing me 2 hours before my appointment but it has no effect. It’s as if nothing was done at all. He isn’t a gentle dentist either. So I’ve put off any serious dental work. Within the past two weeks I received a postcard in the mail from a nearby dental office. It’s a husband and wife team that practices sedation dentistry. Is this really a safe alternative? Is there any way to tell whether or not it would work on me before the dentist starts drilling in my mouth? Thanks Lizzy

Lizzy – Your case is not unusual.  Millions of Americans have dental anxiety or dental phobia and consider themselves to be dental cowards. It helps to have a gentle dentist, but sometimes that isn’t enough. When the anxiety is high enough, local anesthetic either wears off very quickly or doesn’t work at all. Sedation dentistry is a safe alternative.

Conscious oral sedation uses common anti-anxiety medication to relax you. You’ll still be conscious and have your reflexes, and your vital signs will be monitored. But you’ll be completely relaxed. Some dentists use nitrous oxide to calm the patient so that the local anesthetic will be effective. Remember sedation is not local anesthetic, but it helps you relax so that the anesthetic will work. It can also help you experience less sensitivity to pain.

Sedation Dentistry Is Safe

Sedation dentistry is safer and less expensive than general anesthesia. It helps you to have a pleasant dental experience, and it’s likely that you won’t recall what happened during the appointment. It is safe. Your medical and prescription history is reviewed to determine if you are a candidate for it. During your dental procedure, your vital signs are monitored.

You can find a gentle dentist who enjoys treating fearful and anxious patients. It’s important that you get the treatment you need, so that you can maintain good oral health. Sedation dentistry can help.

This post is sponsored by Plano dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy. Dr. Lacy’s office is convenient to Addison, Allen, Carrollton, Farmers Branch, Frisco, Garland, Highland Park, and Little Elm.

Teeth whitening

Are free teeth whitening samples any good?

I have a question about free teeth whitening samples. There are so many at home whitening kits on the market, it’s hard to choose. A lot of the products I’m interested in have free whitening samples, which sounds like a great way to try out a product. My teeth are just yellow and have a few brown stains on them. I really want them to be a lot brighter. Can free whitening done at home be just as effective and safe as what you can get professionally from a dentist? Thanks Liana

Liana – The ability to whiten your teeth for free sounds good.  But when whitening products are not being monitored by a professional, there are several risks.

Even home whitening kits that are bought over the counter can be harmful if they are used incorrectly. Some of the risks with at home, DIY teeth whitening include:

  • Gum sensitivity – This is the most common. With a strong concentration of bleaching gel, if it is not applied properly, the process can cause burns to your soft tissue, or even cause irreversible gum recession.
  • Inadequate bleaching trays – Many teeth whitening kits require the use of bleaching trays, which helps contain the gel and prevent spillage. Unfortunately, if a dental professional is not supervising the procedure, it’s possible the trays won’t fit properly. Some of the gel may leak out onto your gums, mouth, or skin, and cause burns.
  • Low-quality bleaching gel – Depending on the chemicals used in the product, instant whitening kits can cause irreparable damage to tooth enamel.

Free whitening is best when offered and supervised by a dentist. There are several reasons:

  • Dentists are able to predict if the stains in your teeth can be dissolved by bleaching gel, or if the gel will make your stains noticeable.
  • A dentist can also provide the correct strength of bleaching gel, based on the sensitivity of your teeth.
  • Bleaching gel from a dentist doesn’t contain cheap products that will harm your teeth.
  • You’ll receive customized bleaching trays that fit well and keep the bleaching gel in contact with your teeth, but away from your gums and lips.

Speak with your dentist to find out what types of teeth whitening are offered and how it can be made affordable for you. Some dentists offer free teeth whitening to their patients.

This post is sponsored by Plano, TX dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.