Tag Archives: free teeth whitening

Teeth whitening

What’s the Best Teeth Whitening for Home Use?

What’s the best teeth whitening for home use? I prefer to do it myself and avoid the dental office and the cost of whitening. Several people I know got whitening at the dental office, and others did it at home. The dental office whitening doesn’t look much better to me. Rather than trying different brands, what’s the best teeth whitening or the best brands I can use? Thanks. Shelby from MN

Shelby – Although many people use whitening strips or peroxide, the results will be limited.

What’s the Best Teeth Whitening for Home Use?

The best teeth whitening for home use is professional strength gel from a dentist and custom teeth whitening trays. High-strength whitening works fast. Most people can notice the difference the next day if they follow their dentist’s instructions. If you prefer over-the-counter whitening, look for brands with carbamide peroxide, which is in the gel dentists use.

Why Does Teeth Whitening from a Dentist Work Best?

The whitening from the dentist works better because the custom-made bleaching trays fit your teeth precisely. With the trays snugly fitting your teeth, the bleaching gel penetrates better for effective stain removal. Also, your dentist will provide professional-strength bleaching gel to make your teeth whitest.

Another advantage of seeing a dentist for teeth whitening is that he or she can determine whether bleaching your teeth will whiten your teeth or make the stains in them more noticeable. Depending on the cause of the stains in your teeth, whitening them may worsen matters.

If cost is a concern, speak with your dentist about your desire to whiten your teeth. You may be surprised at how your dentist can make your take-home treatment affordable. Some dentists offer free teeth whitening with your exams.

Dr. Miranda Lacy, a Plano, Texas, female dentist, sponsors this post.

Ceramic Crowns, Dental Crowns

Can an Electric Toothbrush Loosen a Crown?

After getting teeth whitening and new crowns, I invested $150 in an electric toothbrush in July, and I think it loosened my crown. I received two crowns in May, and one is loose. I intended to take good care of my teeth and minimize cavities because I want to stay out of the dental office unless it’s necessary. But within the past two weeks, I’ve felt my crown loosening. The loose one is a crown on a post. I stopped using the toothbrush already, but are the vibrations known to loosen crowns? I wish I had asked about this before spending money on the toothbrush. Thank you. Giada B. from NJ

Giada,

Sonic vibrations in electric toothbrushes help loosen plaque, but they are not strong enough to loosen the cement from your dental crown.

Dentists use high-powered ultrasonic scalers to remove a cemented dental post from a tooth. But the tip is rigid and transfers the full strength of the vibrations wherever a dentist applies it. Even with this instrument, a dentist must press firmly on the post for an extended period to loosen a post.

The vibrations of an ultrasonic or sonic toothbrush are gentle. If your post and crown are cemented properly, the toothbrush will not loosen them. But a loose dental crown is a problem. Schedule an appointment with your dentist right away. He or she will remove your new crown and determine why it is loose.

You received your crowns in May—so they are not old or worn and should not be loose. It seems that something went wrong in the cementing process, and your dentist must stabilize your crown to prevent damage to it, your bite, and other teeth.

If your dentist can’t resolve the issue, schedule a second opinion with an advanced cosmetic dentist with training in occlusion and bite. Hopefully, it will not be long before you can enjoy your brighter smile and new crowns.

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

Teeth whitening

Is My Toothpaste Scratching My Veneers?

I think I misunderstood something about whitening toothpaste and porcelain veneers. My dentist gave me free teeth whitening gel and trays. I wanted to get all my natural teeth whitening before she placed veneers. After I finished whitening my teeth, I used whitening toothpaste to keep them bright. And after I got veneers, I kept using the toothpaste. But last week, at my dental appointment, the hygienist said that I could damage the veneers with the whitening toothpaste. I thought that other whitening agents do not change the color or harm veneers. Could I really scratch them with the toothpaste that I’m using to keep my natural teeth bright? – Deynah from Long Island

Deynah,

Thank you for your question.

Whitening toothpaste cannot change the colors of your veneers. But if you use them long-term, their abrasiveness might scratch the glaze on your veneers. If you have not been using the toothpaste long, do not worry about it.

What Can Scratch Porcelain Veneers?

Certain toothpastes, dental materials, and dental chemicals can damage the glaze on porcelain veneers. Some of them include:

Photo of a yellow toothbrush with toothpaste being applied to it; for information on free teeth whitening in Plano, TX
Long-term use of abrasive toothpaste can scratch porcelain veneers
  • Abrasive toothpaste
  • Abrasive polishing pastes
  • Acidulated fluoride
  • Power polishing equipment at a dental office

We recommend toothpaste made for cosmetic dental work.  Supersmile is a toothpaste brand that will remove surface stains from veneers without damaging them. Be careful about types of toothpaste within a brand that claim to be low abrasion. Read the labels for specific instructions about using the brand of toothpaste on cosmetic dentistry work. Consistently rubbing your veneers can wear away the bonding between your teeth and veneers.

You can use bleaching gel from your dentist to touch up your natural teeth and keep them bright without harming your porcelain veneers.

Miranda Lacy, DDS, a female dentist in Plano, TX, sponsors this post.

Teeth whitening

Dentist won’t whiten my teeth without treating a broken tooth first

I have intense pain in a tooth that broke three years ago. I did not see a dentist about it until I decided to get my teeth cleaned and whitened. Last week, I saw a dentist who says that there is no way I can get my teeth whitened without treating this tooth that is hurting my chin and jaw. The dentist asked me to return for an x-ray because I was in the office for a teeth whitening consultation. Is it necessary to take care of an old broken tooth before whitening my teeth? – Brandon from Denver, CO

Brandon,

A tooth infection is causing your pain, and it needs treatment right away. If the pain is traveling into your jaw and chin, the infection is spreading.

Tooth Pain in Your Jaw and Chin

If you have tooth pain in your jaw and chin, schedule an appointment for an x-ray as the dentist you saw recommended. And ask her to x-ray your other teeth. Your broken tooth probably had a large cavity. Before pain spreads to your jawbone, other teeth can get infected along the way. Stopping the infection now is a wise decision.

When Can You Get Your Teeth Whitened?

Nose-to-chin photo of a man's white teeth - from Plano, TX dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy

You can get teeth whitened after the infection is clear. If the dentist can save your broken tooth, she will recommend root canal treatment and a crown. But if most of the healthy tooth structure is gone, or if the tooth is too damaged, you will need an extraction.

If root canal treatment is an option, you can wear a temporary crown until completing the whitening process. After your teeth are as white as you want them, your dentist can make a crown to match.

Check the Dentist’s Cosmetic Dentistry Training

The improvement you want for your smile can benefit from a cosmetic dentist, so check for the dentist’s advanced cosmetic dentistry training. A cosmetic dentist can perfectly match a crown to your newly whitened teeth. The results will look natural.

Miranda Lacy, DDS of Plano, TX, sponsors this post.

Teeth whitening

Why are my teeth darker after Zoom whitening?

I got Zoom whitening in June, but now my teeth are not as white as they were at first. My dentist gave me the impression that my teeth would stay white. I am concerned that I paid for treatment that is not going to last. Is this normal? And if so, how often will I need to repeat the treatment? Thank you. Jade

Jade –

When you receive in-office Zoom Whitening, your teeth will be ultra-bright–much brighter than in the following days. In a week or so, after your teeth rehydrate, the color might be a few shades darker than when you first received the treatment, but that’s normal. In-office Zoom treatment jumpstarts the process. But you may need to follow up with another in-office whitening session or take-home whitening.

Photo of upper and lower teeth whitening trays in a blue case; for information on free teeth whitening from the office Plano dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.
Custom teeth whitening trays for home use keep your smile bright

Your dentist probably gave you a take-home whitening kit to use after in-office treatment. When you use the kit as directed by your dentist, your teeth will continue to whiten. But do not use the take-home kit more than directed by your dentist. It is possible to over-bleach your teeth. When that happens, teeth can get brittle and turn dark.

If you follow your dentist’s instructions for at-home treatment but want your teeth even whiter, speak with our dentist about it. They will explain how to safely whiten your teeth without causing a lot of sensitivity or damaging your tooth structure.

Miranda Lacy, DDS of Plano, TX, sponsors this post. Dr. Lacy offers free whitening to patients to maintain regular dental cleaning and exam appointments.

Teeth whitening

How Can I Fix a Chipped Tooth?

My teeth are healthy, but I want to make some changes that will make my smile look better. Three weeks ago, my tooth chipped. It’s really a small chip on the outer edge of my front center tooth. You can see it, but it is not very noticeable. But I have also been wanted to get my teeth whitening. I read online that I should get my teeth whitened before getting a porcelain veneer for the chip. How natural looking will the veneer look? Can a dentist shape it exactly the way it was? And if I get my teeth whitened, will the veneer be a close match or a perfect match? I am afraid to get a veneer if it is not going to match perfectly. Since it is a cracked front tooth, I think a mismatched veneer will be more noticeable than the small crack. Thank you! M. Santiago fro LA

Dear M. Santiago,

We wish that Dr. Lacy could examine your tooth to explain your treatment options. But you likely have two options for your cracked tooth, and a porcelain veneer is one of them.

How Can You Fix Chipped Tooth?

A dentist can repair a chipped with a porcelain veneer or dental bonding. Either cosmetic dentistry treatment can make your tooth look like it was never chipped. Let us explain the difference between repairing a chipped tooth with a veneer vs. dental bonding.

Porcelain veneer for a chipped tooth

If a cosmetic dentist repairs your chipped tooth with a porcelain veneer, you can expect the following:

  • Coverage – A porcelain veneer will cover the entire front of your tooth.
  • Tooth preparation – A dentist will likely need to prepare—or etch—the tooth lightly to ensure the veneer fits well.
  • Crafting the veneer – After your dentist takes an impression of your teeth, a lab will make a custom veneer to fit over your chipped tooth.
  • Skill level – A dentist with advanced cosmetic dentistry training can give you a lifelike veneer that matches the characteristics of your chipped tooth and matches your brightened smile.
  • Cost – The average cost of one veneer in the U.S. is about $1500.
  • Longevity – Well-made veneers can last up to 20 years.

Dental bonding for a chipped tooth

If a dentist uses dental bonding to conceal a chipped tooth, you can expect the following:

  • Coverage – Dental bonding will fill in the chip and blend with the surrounding tooth structure. A dentist will not need to cover your entire tooth with bonding.
  • Tooth preparation – A dentist will roughen your tooth enamel in preparation for bonding.
  • Crafting the bonding – A dentist mixes composite bonding in the office to match your tooth shade. Afterward, the dentist will shape, harden, and polish the bonding.
  • Skill level – Almost any dentist can use dental bonding to conceal a small chip.
  • Cost – The average cost of dental bonding in the U.S. is about $100 – $400 per tooth.
  • Longevity – Dental bonding lasts three to five years.
Before and after photos for information on free teeth whitening, from Plano TX dentist Miranday Lacy DDS.
A cosmetic dentist can whiten your teeth and match bonding or a veneer

If you prefer a porcelain veneer over dental bonding, look for a dentist with advanced cosmetic dentistry training. Then, you will get natural-looking results that match your newly whitened teeth.

Miranda Lacy, DDS, a Plano, TX female cosmetic dentist, sponsors this post.

Teeth whitening

Do I really need both wisdom teeth extracted?

My dentist is going to remove my lower right wisdom tooth because it aches. He says that if I don’t remove the upper right wisdom tooth, it will drop into the space of the lower one and eventually hit my gums or interfere with other teeth. Is that true. Do I need both wisdom teeth extracted? I am 54 years old and do not want unnecessary complications. I am anxious to begin teeth whitening treatment. Thank you. Regina

Regina,

Your dentist is right. It is wise to remove wisdom teeth in pairs for several reasons.

  • Drifting – Keeping the upper right wisdom tooth can cause it to drift into the lower space.
  • Bite disruption – The unevenness can disrupt your bite or contribute to tooth decay or gum disease.
  • Tooth decay or gum disease – Without a lower tooth to chew against, if the upper tooth disrupts your bite, tooth decay or gum disease can occur in other teeth.

What Can You Expect with Wisdom Teeth Removal?

You can expect painless surgery and progressive recovery with wisdom tooth removal. Impacted wisdom teeth can be challenging to extract. If your dentist is not experienced with a variety of cases and your teeth are impacted, he may refer you to an oral surgeon.

Comfort – Before surgery, the oral surgeon will sedate you.

Surgery length – Your time in surgery depends on how many teeth the surgeon will remove and if they are impacted. Average time for removing all four wisdom teeth is about 1.5 hours.

Progressive recovery – You will see some swelling and feel soreness, but post-operative instructions explain how to manage them both and keep comfortable. Each day, you will progressively feel better. Although complications are rare, your oral surgeon will explain the signs and symptoms of complications, including:

Photo of upper and lower teeth whitening trays in a blue case; for information on free teeth whitening from the office Plano dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.
Teeth whitening can begin after wisdom tooth extracation
  • Dry socket
  • Infection
  • Sensory nerve damage
  • Sinus perforation

Follow-up visits – You may have one follow-up visit after extraction, but it is often not needed.

Your dentist will schedule an appointment to check the extractions sites and ensure your gums and remaining teeth are healthy before starting teeth whitening treatment.

Plano, TX female dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy sponsors this post.

Teeth whitening

Which Toothpaste Will Brighten My Dental Crowns?

Hello,

I don’t think that teeth whitening will whiten my crowns, but I read online that some toothpaste brands will help brighten veneers. Will you tell me if Supersmile toothpaste works for veneers and porcelain crowns? Thanks. Terri

Terri,

Your question has two parts: whitening cosmetic dental work and toothpaste that is safe to use on it.

Can You Whiten Cosmetic Dental Work?

Photo of upper and lower teeth whitening trays in a blue case; for information on free teeth whitening from the office Plano dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.
Ask for teeth whitening before you get cosmetic dental work

Cosmetic dental work, including ceramic crowns and porcelain veneers, cannot be whitened. The dental materials are colorfast. The same is true with dental composites. You cannot whiten it. Although you can use teeth whitening products if you have cosmetic dental work, only your natural teeth will get brighter. The cosmetic work will stay the same shade.

If you need new cosmetic work and want to whiten your natural teeth, ask your dentist for teeth whitening first. Your dentist will ensure your new crowns or veneers will match the shade of your natural teeth.

What Kind of Toothpaste Is Safe for Cosmetic Dental Work?

Supersmile toothpaste is safe for cosmetic dental work. Most toothpaste is abrasive and can scratch the surface of porcelain veneers or ceramic crowns—but not Supersmile. It will help keep your dental restorations white.

Will Supersmile Toothpaste Whiten Crowns or Veneers?

Supersmile toothpaste will keep your crown or veneers white, but it won’t make them a lighter shade. But your question seems to be about whitening your dental crowns. Toothpaste will not whiten crowns that are already dark. Depending on the cause of stains in your crowns or veneers, a cosmetic dentist can polish them. But if your dental crowns are old, worn, or have a metal foundation, polishing won’t work.

We recommend scheduling an appointment with an advanced cosmetic dentist to examine your crowns. It might be time to replace them, but the dentist will explain your options.

Miranda Lacy, DDS, a Plano, TX, female dentist, sponsors this post.

Teeth whitening

Will Teeth Whitening Help White Spots or Make Them Worse?

When I was a child, solid white spots developed on the tips of my teeth. As a teenager, I had braces, and I think the braces cause white spots on my upper center front teeth. My family dentist says my teeth are healthy, and since I’m 30 years old with healthy teeth, I shouldn’t be overly concerned. The white spots because they are noticeable when I smile. Will Zoom whitening or whitestrips make the spots more prominent, or are porcelain veneers better? Thanks, Laney from AL

Laney,

So many dentists have the attitude that your teeth look okay, so leave them alone. But that’s not what you want. And they’re not genuinely concerned about how you feel about your smile. They just fix teeth to their satisfaction. Don’t ask your family dentist to do anything about the white spots on your teeth.

Zoom whitening, whitestrips, or any teeth bleaching will improve the spots on your teeth. It can make them worse. Although some dentists might prescribe whitening, find a dentist with advanced training in cosmetic dentistry.

Although Dr. Lacy would need to examine your teeth, dental bonding might conceal the white spots. If not, porcelain veneers will cover them. If you want a brighter smile overall, you can whiten your teeth and then use bonding or porcelain veneers for the white spots.

  • Photo of upper and lower teeth whitening trays in a blue case; for information on teeth alignment from the office Plano dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.
    Teeth bleaching isn’t for white spots on teeth

But don’t think that every dentist who claims to be a cosmetic dentist can do the work. Some claim to be a cosmetic dentist because the procedures are profitable. But the dentists don’t have artistic talent or training, color management, or translucence. If you choose a dentist based on their claims alone, you can still be disappointed with the results.

Take time to find a cosmetic dentist to conceal the white spots, and then you can return to your family dentist for general care.

Miranda Lacy, DDS, of Plano, TX, sponsors this post.

Teeth whitening

How to Get a Whiter, More Even Smile Without Porcelain Veneers

I want my teeth to be whiter and to close the spaces between them, but I can’t afford porcelain veneers. I’m thinking about a snap-on smile because it will cover both of my concerns. I’m not sure how a snap-on smile compares to veneers, but I know it’s cheaper. Braces are out of the question for the spaces between my teeth. I’m not sure that my research has revealed all my options, though. How can I improve my smile without going into debt? Thanks. Yazi

Yazi

Before you ask a dentist for a Snap-On Smile, we’ll explain what you can expect. It will help you decide if it’s the solution you’re seeking.

What to Expect from a Snap-On Smile

Cost – You can expect to pay about $1500 for a Snap-On smile. If you wear it all the time, it can last two years or more—depending on how well you take care of it.

Aesthetics – A Snap-On smile fits over your teeth, so it makes them look bulky. Unless you have small teeth, a Snap-On smile might draw more attention to your smile in a negative way.

Feel – It’s an appliance that fits over your teeth. Although you’ll get used to it, it won’t feel natural. And it takes time to learn to speak without lisping while you’re wearing it.

Alternatives for a Brighter, More Even Smile

Alternatives to a Snap-On Smile will give you better, longer-lasting results.

Brighter smile

If you want a brighter smile, teeth whitening is an option that will help your smile look younger. Some dentists offer free or discounted whitening to patients to keep their cleaning and exam appointment.

Teeth whitening will help your smile look younger

Closing gaps or spaces

Also, tooth-colored composite bonding will close small gaps or spaces between your teeth. But it takes an artistic cosmetic dentist to apply dental composite and mimic the characteristics of natural teeth.

If you ask for a specific treatment, some dentists will provide it even though alternatives might work best for the long-term health of your smile. We suggest that you schedule consultations with at least two cosmetic dentists. They will examine your teeth, explain your options, and let you know what to expect.

Miranda Lacy, DDS, a Plano, TX, female dentist, sponsors this post.