Teeth Whitening 101 by Dr. Bobbi: Here’s All Everyone Must Know
Dr. Bobbi Peterson is a celebrity orthodontist, and her practice, Aces Braces, is located in Brooklyn. After completing her residency, Dr. Bobbi joined NYC Cosmetic...
The post Teeth Whitening 101 by Dr. Bobbi: Here’s All Everyone Must Know appeared first on The Village Voice.
Dr. Bobbi Peterson is a celebrity orthodontist, and her practice, Aces Braces, is located in Brooklyn. After completing her residency, Dr. Bobbi joined NYC Cosmetic and General Dentistry and worked with a well-known celebrity dentist.
Dr. Bobbi and Aces Braces offer numerous dental services, including braces, tooth gems, and teeth whitening. Teeth whitening is one of the most popular procedures among her patients regarding cosmetic dentistry, but she has noticed that many patients are not adequately educated about this procedure. So, Dr. Bobbi decided to share her knowledge and teach patients everything they should know about teeth whitening.
There are multiple teeth-whitening treatments
“There are multiple ways to whiten your teeth,” Dr. Bobbi says. “You can try doing it with toothpaste or with some over-the-counter products. Or, you can get professional whitening at a dentist’s office.”
Always consult your dentist first
“Even if you plan to use some over-the-counter products, make sure to consult your dentist first,” Dr. Bobbi warns. There are numerous products with high amounts of peroxides, which can damage the teeth if not used properly.
Professional teeth whitening does not damage your teeth
Dr. Bobbi points out that professional teeth whitening is the safest and the best option for teeth whitening. “We use active ingredients to open pores in your teeth and lift stains temporarily. After each whitening session, your teeth naturally remineralize and rehydrate. This means that your teeth won’t be damaged during the whitening session,” Dr. Bobbi explains.
Laser or UV light teeth whitening is temporary
Many patients believe that once they whiten their teeth, the results are permanent. However, as Dr. Bobbi points out, laser and UV light teeth whitening are temporary, and the results must be maintained regularly.
Stains cannot be removed overnight
“There are many companies that sell products and claim they will whiten your teeth overnight. Scientifically, this is not possible,” Dr. Bobbi says. “There is no whitening agent that can safely penetrate deep enough into the teeth at that speed.” In reality, the whitening process can take anywhere from a few days to up to four months for patients with severe stains.
Sensitivity after teeth whitening is normal
“Don’t worry if your teeth feel sensitive after a whitening session. That is perfectly normal and doesn’t mean your teeth or gums were damaged,” Dr. Bobbi explains. During the whitening process, the teeth become temporarily dehydrated, reducing their ability to insulate the nerve from temperature changes. The sensitivity should disappear in 12 to 36 hours.
Caps and veneers cannot be whitened.
Many patients who have caps and veneers wonder what will happen if they decide to whiten their teeth. “Caps and veneers are created to match the color of your surrounding teeth. They can neither whiten nor stain and teeth whitening will not damage the dental work,” Dr. Bobbi says.
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