Have you tried the OTC (over the counter) tooth whitening products such as Crest White Strips™? The products promise you'll achieve visibly whiter teeth -- and you will -- but what they don't tell you is that the products take time and commitment. This month I talk about the differences between OTC whitening products and in-office tooth whitening procedures.

If you haven't yet, do take a moment to leave a comment in my new blog about cosmetic dentistry. I look forward to reading what you think!

Crest White Strips vs. Professional Whitening

Crest White Strips are an effective and safe method for whitening your teeth; however, the product's main drawback is that you must apply the strips every day.

Many of the patients I see for professional whitening are frustrated after a week of using the strips -- the bleaching action doesn't happen overnight and it can be difficult to keep the strips adhered to the teeth.

Sensitivity is another disadvantage. Most tooth whitening procedures increase teeth sensitivity for twenty-four hours until the teeth become remineralized by saliva. When you use the white strips on daily basis, however, your teeth are sensitive to the strips' 6% hydrogen peroxide for the entire month. Ouch!

The main advantage to professional tooth whitening -- or "chairside" whitening as it is sometimes called -- is that you gain immediate results. Generally, a professional can whiten teeth in an hour. And, with the proliferation of dentists offering the service, prices have dropped dramatically -- prices now range from $250 to $600.

One caveat however -- tooth whitening is not for everyone. The procedure doesn't work on crowns or other types of dental work and, depending on the amount of discoloration, you may not achieve "Hollywood" whiteness.

I usually talk to my clients before the procedure to ensure they understand the shade of whiteness that can be achieved and to reassure them that bleaching doesn't cause any harmful effects. (I also recommend that pregnant or lactating women hold off on the procedure until a later date.)

Once you've had your teeth professionally whitened you can then use the OTC strips once a month for a couple of nights to maintain the whiteness.

Want white teeth in an hour? Call Helaine Smith today!

Dr. Smith offers Zoom! Chairside Whitening. The procedure starts with a thorough cleaning after which a whitening gel of hydrogen peroxide is applied over your teeth. Then, we flash the Zoom! low-heat light on your teeth for twenty minutes to activate and break down the hydrogen peroxide. As the hydrogen peroxide breaks down, it allows oxygen to enter your teeth and bleach the enamel. The process is repeated two more times -- ensuring you walk out our door with a beautiful new smile.

Get the smile you've always wanted -- call Dr. Helaine Smith today!

PS -- Dr. Smith also offers pain-free general dentistry. If you're unhappy with your current dentist, have recently relocated, or have never visited the dentist due to fear, call our office to schedule your consultation.

By phone: 617.327.1350
Through our Website: www.helainesmithdmd.com
Email: helainesmithdmd@aol.com

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Please forward this newsletter to your friends and family who will benefit from the value of a bright and healthy smile. Please inquire about our monthly ZOOM! special offerings by calling us at 617-327-1350. A brighter smile is just a phone call away.