Teeth Whitening Archives - Ryan Perry, DDS

Teeth Whitening Results from My Dentist Didn’t Last

Posted on October 14, 2023 by AllSmiles.

I got in-office teeth whitening from my dentist two months ago, but it didn’t last. My teeth are not as white as they were at first. I thought the results were supposed to last for months. How do I know whether my dentist did something wrong or if I need to whiten my teeth again? Will I have to pay again? – Thanks. Karyssa

Karyssa,

When you first receive in-office teeth whitening, your teeth will be ultra-bright. The color stabilizes in a week or so after your teeth are rehydrated. Your teeth may be slightly darker than when you first received the treatment, but that is normal. Teeth whitening at the dental office jumpstarts the whitening process, but it does not eliminate the need for follow-up sessions.

What Can You Do If Teeth Whitening Results Don’t Last?

If teeth whitening results from a dentist do not last, you may need to return to the office for another session. Also, your dentist may have given you a take-home whitening kit. The kit should contain custom bleaching trays based on teeth impressions that your dentist took. If you have the kit, use it as your dentist directed, or call the office for instructions. Avoid overbleaching your teeth, which can weaken and discolor them.

Follow up with your dentist

If your dentist didn’t give you details about a follow-up session in the office or teeth whitening at home, call the office to explain your concerns and ask what to do next. Although most dentists include follow-up sessions and take-home whitening kits in the initial cost, you can ask about additional expenses.

Talk to your dentist calmly without being demanding if you do not respond satisfactorily. You may need to resume whitening with another dentist if yours does not communicate clearly about your teeth whitening treatment and what to expect.

Baton Rouge family dentist Dr. Ryan Perry sponsors this post. Please read about how he strives to provide his patients with the best care possible.

Dental Bonding on My Front Teeth Is a Mess

Posted on June 29, 2023 by AllSmiles.

The dental bonding on my front teeth is a mess. I’ve had dental bonding on my four front teeth since 2002, and it was beginning to look worn. When I asked my dentist to replace the bonding with porcelain veneers, she preferred bonding rather than grinding my teeth down for porcelain veneers. Her reasoning made sense, so I agreed to the bonding and scheduled an appointment two weeks later. When my dentist finished, I could see that it did not match my teeth, which she had whitened in June. Also, the bonding work created a gap between my front teeth that did not exist before.

My dentist assured me she would correct the bonding color and gap, so I returned in late November. I did not notice any improvement. I talked to my dentist about my disappointment; again, she promised to correct it. But I have yet to reschedule the appointment because I do not trust her, and I am considering finding a dentist for porcelain veneers. Is switching dentists the right thing to do? Also, is there anything wrong with asking for veneers, or should I let another dentist try bonding again? Thanks in advance for your suggestions. Michelle from Cleveland, TN

Michelle,

Your experience shows that your dentist will unlikely match your bonding to your tooth color. Dentists who use bonding on front teeth must understand how to manipulate color to achieve a perfect match for your teeth. Bonding requires hand application, which makes it even more challenging. Still, a trained cosmetic dentist with an artistic eye can achieve beautiful results.

How Do Dental Bonding and Porcelain Veneers Compare?

Close-up smile, portraying teeth whitening vs bonding for white spots on teeth — A skilled cosmetic dentist can match bonding with your surrounding teeth after you complete teeth whitening treatment

Both dental bonding and porcelain veneers will conceal chipped teeth. How do they compare?

Dental bonding

Material – Composite can beautifully match tooth color, translucence, and gloss.
Application – A cosmetic dentist applies bonding by hand directly on your teeth and layers and sculpts them to achieve natural-looking results.
Longevity – If you take good care of it, bonding can last about five years. But it will stain over time.

Porcelain veneers

Material – Porcelain is more durable than tooth enamel and, like dental bonding, beautifully matches natural teeth. Cosmetic dentists work with artistic ceramists to produce natural-looking veneers.
Application – After conservative tooth preparation, a dentist will bond a custom-made veneer to each affected tooth.
Longevity – Veneers can last eight to twenty years, depending on their quality and how well you care for them.

Your dentist said she prefers bonding over grinding your teeth for porcelain veneers. But porcelain veneers require light tooth preparation—not grinding down your teeth. So, it seems your dentist does not understand the porcelain veneer process. We recommend scheduling an appointment with a trained cosmetic dentist to discuss your options for concealing your chipped front teeth. If you want a brighter smile overall and are thinking about bleaching your natural teeth, complete it before you get bonding to ensure your cosmetic dentistry work matches your teeth.

Baton Rouge family dentist Dr. Ryan Perry sponsors this post. Please read about how he strives to provide his patients with the best care possible.

My Bite Is Off and My Teeth Chatter with New Dental Crowns

Posted on May 30, 2023 by AllSmiles.

After a fall, I got composite on my front teeth at age 16. I asked a dentist to replace the composite at age 30 because it was discolored, and now at 42, I have crowns instead because my dentist said it was best. These new crowns for my front teeth and lateral incisors that I got in January look and felt worse than the bonding ever did. I had no problems with the bonding. Whatever my dentist did with the crowns changed the spacing of my teeth. My top teeth hit the bottom ones weirdly, and my teeth chatter like I am cold or nervous. My dentist has tried to adjust my bite countless times with zero success. My mouth burns and gets drier by the day. My wife says it’s anxiety. Will I need new crowns to chew and speak correctly and stop my teeth from chattering? I was supposed to get teeth whitening next, but I told my dentist I wanted to wait. My mouth is so messed up. Thanks. Dexter from Queens, NY

Dexter,

You have several concerns about the effects of your new crowns.

You had successful dental bonding, but your dentist replaced it with crowns. Your dentist’s ethics and your experience with the crowns are alarming. Your dentist’s treatment plan concerns us and sounds like aggressive overtreatment.

Your dental crowns should feel so natural that you do not notice them. Instead, your teeth meet weirdly and tap together so much that you described it as chattering.

Although dental crowns can look fine, a dentist must understand occlusal principles to ensure your bite is balanced. When your jaw slides forward, your front teeth should guide the back teeth apart. Your upper and lower teeth should meet simultaneously, but they should also provide anterior guidance.

When you slide your saw from side to side, canine teeth should force all other teeth apart. Tooth shape affects your speech.

Your dentist has missed some tooth shape or function aspects with your dental crowns. You will need a second opinion from a dentist with advanced training in occlusion and bite to identify the source of your concerns.

Your wife is correct that your anxiety over dental issues can cause burning mouth syndrome. Dry mouth and burning are two of its symptoms.

Before planning for dental crowns, your dentist should have whitened your teeth to ensure your teeth and crowns are the same shade. It’s best to postpone your whitening treatment anyway.

Get a second opinion from an experienced dentist to correct your bite and determine if your existing crowns are savable and what must be done to harmonize your bite.

Baton Rouge family dentist Dr. Ryan Perry sponsors this post. Please read about how he strives to provide his patients with the best care possible.

Will I Need Teeth Whitening for White Spots from Braces?

Posted on March 28, 2023 by AllSmiles.

Will I need teeth whitening sessions for white spots after wearing braces? I don’t have an orthodontist yet, but I will get braces this year. I am 28 years old, so it’s a little late for me, but now is the time that I can afford braces. Sometimes I think that the way my teeth look is holding me back from receiving job promotions. I have seen both teens and adults go through years of braces only to end up with straight teeth with white spots. How long will I need teeth whitening for braces? I want to plan and budget for it. Thanks. Gavin

Hi, Gavin,

Thank you for contacting Dr. Perry’s office in Baton Rouge. We understand your concerns about white spots on your teeth after braces. We will explain why they occur and whether teeth whitening will help.

Will Teeth Whitening Help White Spots from Braces?

Woman putting on teeth whitening trays — Teeth whitening may make white spots on teeth more noticeable. Consult with a cosmetic dentist.

Depending on how white spots on your teeth compare to your natural tooth color, teeth whitening can make the spots more noticeable. Although bleaching gel can whiten your natural teeth, the white spots on our braces are from the decalcification of your teeth. If you want your natural teeth whitened anyway, your dentist will create a treatment plan.

What Is the Treatment for White Spots After Braces?

Dental bonding is often the treatment for white spots after braces. Plaque buildup behind braces can leave discoloration on your teeth.

Consider the facts:

Plaque buildup robs teeth of calcium
Decalcification leaves white spots
Dental bonding can conceal the imperfections in your teeth.

How Can You Prevent White Spots After Braces?

You can prevent white spots on your teeth after braces with a routine of oral hygiene and professional dental cleaning from a hygienist.

Take these preventive measures:

Floss daily and brush twice daily.
Clean around the brackets to remove food debris.
Keep your dental appointments for exams and cleansings.
Avoid these foods, as recommended by the American Dental Association in an article on how braces can improve your oral health:
Hard candy
Ice
Nuts
Popcorn
Sticky foods, such as chewing gum or chewy candy

Best wishes, Gavin, for your orthodontic treatment.

Baton Rouge family dentist Dr. Ryan Perry sponsors this post. Please read about how he strives to provide his patients with the best care possible

How Can I Limit Tea Stains on My Teeth?

Posted on November 26, 2022 by AllSmiles.

I use whitening strips every six months, but I cannot keep up with the tea stains on my teeth. I drink about four cups of teeth daily. Will it help keep the stains away if I brush my teeth after I drink tea? What stain-removing toothpaste brands do you recommend? Thank you. Janelle from Douglasville, GA

Janelle,

Thank you for your question. We will give you some suggestions on how to minimize teeth stains from teeth while enjoying your tea.

How Can You Limit Tea Stains on Your Teeth?

You can minimize tea stains on your teeth with these precautions:

Avoid sipping on tea all day
Rinsing your mouth after you drink it
Choosing less acidic teas and limiting highly acidic teas
Avoid brushing your teeth immediately after drinking tea

Avoid Sipping Tea All Day

Sipping on tea all day increases stains on your teeth. It is best to consume tea in the morning rather than for a prolonged period.

Rinse Your Mouth After Drinking Tea

Rinse your mouth with water after you finish the tea. Water neutralizes the acid in your mouth and helps prevent erosion and demineralization. Water also promotes saliva production.

Avoid or Limit Highly Acidic Tea

Acid from tea lowers the pH of your mouth. Highly acidic teas will demineralize your teeth, causing them to lose calcium, phosphorous, and other minerals. Your tooth enamel and dentin, the layer beneath the enamel, will soften after drinking highly acidic tea but will harden as your saliva production increases.

Any tea below four on the pH scale is highly acidic and likely to promote tooth decay and acid reflux, which further erodes tooth enamel.

The average pH level of tea:

Black tea: 4.9-5.5
Green tea: 7-10
Herbal tea: 6-7
Fruit Teas: 2-3

Tea Has Health Benefits

Tea has health benefits, so you don’t need to stop drinking it. The March 2009 issue of the Journal of Periodontology published research that shows that people who drink green tea regularly have better periodontal (gums) health than people who do not drink the tea regularly. Healthy gums reduce the risk of oral infection, tooth decay, and tooth loss.

Avoid Brushing Your Teeth After Drinking Tea

Avoid brushing your teeth after drinking tea because the beverage lowers your mouth’s pH. If you brush while your teeth soften temporarily from demineralization, it can weaken and damage tooth enamel. If your tooth enamel becomes weak, talk to your dentist about fluoride treatment. You may find whitening toothpaste that removes surface stains from your teeth but beware of abrasive toothpaste that can scratch your tooth enamel. Whitening toothpaste cannot remove stains deeper than the tooth enamel.

Professional Teeth Whitening for Tea Stains

Thorough whitening can help your teeth stay whiter and longer. In-office or take-home teeth whitening from a dentist breaks down stubborn stains beneath the enamel. If you have limited success removing tea stains from your teeth, talk to a dentist about professional whitening.

Dr. Ryan Perry, a Baton Rouge family dentist, sponsors this post.

Dentist Won’t Whiten My Teeth Unless I Get a Root Canal

Posted on August 6, 2022 by AllSmiles.

My dentist will not whiten my teeth unless I get a root canal. My first molar needs a root canal, but I want my teeth whitened first. I even asked my dentist to extract the tooth and let’s move on to whitening, but she won’t do it. A root canal and crown cost more than I am ready to pay for right now. Even with dental insurance, my out-of-pocket cost will be almost $1,000. Don’t I have the right to get the treatment that I want? Abel from Charleston, WV

Abel,

Thank you for contacting us.

Dr. Szarek would need to examine your tooth and x-rays to provide an accurate diagnosis and treatment options.

What Are the Effects of First Molar Tooth Extraction?

If your dentist removes a first molar tooth as you wish, it will affect your chewing efficiency and bite. Without replacing the tooth, neighboring teeth will shift, creating the need for orthodontic treatment. Then, your dentist would rightly recommend replacing the tooth with a dental implant to prevent the misalignment of other teeth and the need for braces.

First Molar Root Canal Therapy

Saving your first molar with root canal treatment makes sense and costs less than extraction in the long term. We recommend talking to your dentist about the pros and cons of root canal versus tooth removal. If you have a tooth infection, prompt root canal treatment will prevent the infection from spreading to other teeth or your jawbone. Your dentist can explain why you need root canal therapy if she has not already done so.

Get a Second Opinion

Remember that another dentist may agree with your current dentist that root canal treatment is the priority for your oral health. If you and your dentist cannot agree on treatment, you can consider getting a second opinion on your first molar tooth and teeth whitening options. Before your appointment, send a copy of your dental records and x-rays to the second opinion dentist.

Dentists commit to protecting your oral health. Many may not agree to a course of treatment that puts your oral health at risk. You may need to see another provider if you insist on your preferences. Although you have the right to the treatment you want, be sure that you understand how delaying a procedure affects your short- and long-term oral health.

Dr. Ryan Perry, a Baton Rouge family dentist, sponsors this post.

Before-and-after Kor teeth whitening photos — The KöR Whitening System gets dramatic results. Your dentist will ensure your teeth are healthy first.
Photos courtesy of KöR Whitening

How Often Can You Whiten Your Teeth?

Posted on June 15, 2022 by AllSmiles.

When the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry asked survey participants what they would like to improve about their smile, the most common response was: whiter, brighter teeth. If you are thinking about whitening your teeth or have already begun treatment, what should you know about whitening frequency? How often is too often to whiten your teeth?

How Often Can You Whiten Your Teeth?

How often you whiten your teeth depends on your phase in the whitening process. You will whiten more frequently when you begin treatment, remembering to wait for the color to stabilize before you keep whitening your teeth. Afterward, you will decrease the whitening frequency for touchups throughout your lifetime.

Beginning whitening treatment

Your dentist will recommend a frequency for in-office or take-home treatment when you begin whitening.

In-office – Your dentist will do in-office whitening, often in three to four 15- to 20-minute sessions. Let the color stabilize to see if you have reached the desired brightness. Depending on how bright you want your smile, your dentist may recommend continuing whitening at home for up to two weeks. Also, you may need to return to the dental office for another whitening session.
At-home whitening – You will use bleaching gel and trays to whiten your teeth daily or nightly for two weeks. Depending on the bleaching gel strength and your tooth sensitivity, you will leave the gel on for 30 minutes or more.

Teeth whitening touchups

Periodic touchups at home will keep your smile bright. Your dentist can provide custom bleaching trays. Custom trays offer these benefits:

Even coverage during whitening
Maximum penetration of the bleaching gel into your teeth
Protecting your gums from exposure to the gel and burns

How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last?

According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, teeth whitening lasts six months to two years. But each person’s case is different. If you drink coffee or tea or use tobacco products, those habits will stain your teeth, and you may need to do whitening touchups more often.

Can You Whiten Your Teeth Too Much?

Yes, you can over-whiten your teeth with bleaching gel. The American Dental Association cautions that excessive whitening can have these effects:

Tooth-nerve irritation
Sensitivity
Tooth enamel damage
Gum irritation

If you begin to feel increased sensitivity from whitening your teeth, your dentist may recommend one or more of these remedies:

Give your teeth a break and stop bleaching them
Use toothpaste for sensitive teeth before and after bleaching
Fluoride treatments to reduce sensitivity
A lower strength bleaching gel
Pre-bleaching conditioning gel

Conclusion

Whitening your teeth is an excellent option for a smile makeover. But do not overdo it. Follow instructions from your dentist or the bleaching gel manufacturer for safe whitening that will not harm your teeth or gums.

Baton Rouge family dentist Dr. Ryan Perry sponsors this post.

Teeth whitening made white spots look worse

Posted on January 25, 2022 by AllSmiles.

I had braces for 18 months, and when my orthodontist took them off, I had white spots on several teeth. Whitening toothpaste didn’t help. So, at my last exam and cleaning, my dentist recommended Zoom. After Zoom treatment, my teeth are super white, but the white pots look brighter. My tooth color is uneven now and looks worse to me. My dentist said she would think of something else to try, but it scares me that she thought Zoom would work, but it did not. What are my options? Max from Virginia

Max,

Thank you for your question. Without advanced cosmetic dentistry training, a general dentist may not understand how to correct white spots on teeth and achieve even tooth color.

Will Teeth Whitening Improve White Spots?

Teeth whitening effectively removes stains embedded in teeth and makes your natural teeth whiter. But it usually makes white spots worse because it will not change the white areas but can make them more noticeable.

How Can You Treat White Spots on Teeth?

The treatment for white spots on teeth depends on their appearance and cause. If you have white spots after braces, decalcification around the brackets usually causes it. These factors cause decalcification:

Lack of oral hygiene around braces
Plaque buildup robs the teeth of calcium
Lack of calcium leaves white spots

Treatment options

Treatment options for white spots on teeth after races include remineralization, microabrasion, or dental bonding.

Remineralization – Fluoride treatments from your dentist and a calcium-rich diet may mineralize teeth over time. Also, remineralizing gels can help.
Microabrasion – During this process, a dentist will remove discolored tooth enamel and apply an abrasive substance to your teeth. Afterward, the dentist will clean, rinse, and polish your teeth.
Dental bonding – After removing the decalcified enamel, a cosmetic dentist can apply dental bonding to fill in spaces. Cosmetic dentists understand how to blend dental bonding to mimic the color and gloss of natural teeth.

We recommend scheduling an appointment with a dentist who has advanced cosmetic dentistry training to discuss your options. Your cosmetic dentist will ensure the bonding matches your newly whitened teeth.

Dr. Ryan Perry, a Baton Rouge family dentist, sponsors this post.

Is Teeth Whitening Permanent?

Posted on December 8, 2021 by AllSmiles.

Surveys show that when asked what they want to improve most about their smile, most people say they want whiter teeth. In the United States, the average cost of professional teeth whitening is $300 to $600. But is it worth it? Is teeth whitening permanent?

Is Teeth Whitening Permanent?

Teeth whitening permanently lightens the natural pigmentation of your teeth. But how bright your smile remains depends on several factors:

Limiting exposure to things that stain them – Smoking, heavy coffee drinking, eating berries, and other staining foods can cause teeth stains.
Touching up your teeth – If you want to keep your teeth as white as when your dentist bleached them, you must do periodic touch-ups to remove stains.
Practice good oral hygiene – Brushing twice daily and flossing daily help control plaque and tartar buildup that can cause yellow teeth.

Peroxide, Charcoal, or Teeth Whitening from a Dentist?

What results can you expect with using peroxide or charcoal to whiten your teeth versus teeth whitening from a dentist?

Peroxide

Peroxide-based bleaching gels can whiten teeth. But if the gel does not stay in contact with your teeth long enough, it will not break down stains. Dentists provide custom whitening trays to keep the gel on your teeth and away from gums and oral tissue. Avoid habitually rinsing your mouth with hydrogen peroxide to whiten your teeth. It can kill good bacteria and cause an oral yeast infection.

Charcoal

There are few studies on the effectiveness of charcoal for teeth whitening. But the American Dental Association reveals that a mixture of salt and charcoal makes teeth yellow because it removes tooth enamel and exposes dentin—the layer beneath the enamel.

Teeth Whitening from a Dentist

Although teeth whitening from a dentist costs more than over-the-counter kits, professional teeth whitening lasts longer. And you will get reliable results. A dentist will do the following to give you the best results:

Determine if teeth whitening is the solution for your stained teeth
Choose a brand and bleaching gel strength that will work for you
Monitor the progress and adjust treatment as needed
Anticipate sensitivity and help you minimize or avoid it
Achieve long-lasting, reliable results that you can maintain with touch-ups

Schedule an appointment with a dentist experienced with teeth whitening to discuss your options. If you have a budget, ask how the dentist can make teeth whitening affordable for you.

Baton Rouge family dentist Ryan Perry, DDS, sponsors this post.

Teeth whitening did not help my stained bonding

Posted on September 30, 2021 by AllSmiles.

I’ve only had dental bonding for two years, and it is turning yellow. My dentist whitened my teeth before I got bonding, and I get gel with every dental cleaning appointment. I tried teeth whitening, but it did not help at all. Will my dentist need to reapply the bonding? Why is this happening? – Thank you. Jada from TN

Jada,

Thank you for your question. We will explain why bonding stains, how composite bonding and porcelain veneers compare, and how to keep your bonding bright.

Why Does Composite Bonding Stain?

Quartz, plastic resin, and other materials make up dental composite. The substance is porous and absorbs stains. Dark drinks, such as colas, coffee, tea, or grape, will penetrate composite and stain it.

Surface stains – As composite surfaces get tiny scratches in them over time, stains adhere to them. But a cosmetic dentist can polish the composite bonding to get rid of the scratches and stains.
Deep discoloration – Stains that deeply penetrate composite are challenging to remove. Your dentist cannot polish them out.

Teeth whitening and dental bonding

Teeth whitening products will not improve composite bonding color. Abrasive whitening toothpaste can further scratch dental bonding and make stains look worse.

Composite vs. Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain is non-porous and resists stains better than tooth enamel.

Preventing Composite Bonding Stains

Polishing the composite – A skilled cosmetic dentist can help you maintain composite bonding by polishing away tiny scratches and stains.
Avoid abrasive toothpaste – Non-abrasive toothpaste, such as Supersmile®, will help keep your dental bonding bright.
Avoid staining beverages – Coffee, tea, and colas can stain your bonding. Drink them in moderation and rinse your mouth with water afterward.

Although composite bonding costs less than porcelain veneers, they attract stains and do not last as long. When it is time to replace your bonding consider if veneers might be an option for longer-lasting results.

Ryan Perry, DDS of Baton Rouge, sponsors this post.