How Safe Is Tooth Whitening?

Below is an excerpt from an article found on Colgate.com 

Over a decade of research has proven bleaching and other whitening methods to be both safe and effective. Several products in the market today have shown no adverse effects on teeth or gums in substantial clinical and laboratory testing. Be sure to look for clinically proven products, follow directions and consult with your dental professional.

In the past, the higher bleach concentrations used in-office treatment resulted in more sensitivity. Today, however, bleaching gels are well buffered, making sensitivity less of an issue. Sensitivity may occur in people after whitening procedures, particularly when they eat hot or cold foods, but usually disappears after 48 hours and stops completely when treatment is stopped.

If you do experience sensitivity, there are several ways you can help eliminate it:

• If using a tray applicator, wear the tray for a shorter period
• Brush with a toothpaste made for sensitive teeth that contains potassium nitrate to help soothe tooth nerve ending
• Ask your dentist or pharmacist for a product with fluoride, which helps re-mineralize your teeth. Brush-on or wear in your trays four minutes prior to and after whitening your teeth
• Stop whitening your teeth for several days to allow you teeth to adapt to the whitening process. Within 24 hours, the sensitivity will cease. The longer you whiten your teeth, the less sensitivity you will experience

In a few cases, your dentist may discourage dental bleaching:

• If you have gum disease, teeth with worn enamel, cavities or particularly sensitive teeth
• If you're pregnant or breast-feeding
• If you have tooth-colored crowns, caps or other dental work in your front teeth, which can't be bleached

To read the entire article visit Colgate.com.

Hicks Family Dentistry   
Kevin Hicks, DDS 
756 Lititz Pike
Lititz, PA 17543 
(717) 625-0596 
HicksFamilyDentistry.com

Dental Teeth Whitening

KÖR™ WHITENING – THE NEXT EVOLUTION IN TEETH WHITENING

Deep discoloration, such as tetracycline staining, can defeat even the best professional whitening treatments. Which is why we’re pleased to offer a fantastic whitening procedure called KöR Whitening. With this system, even stubbornly stained teeth can become a brilliant white. If you’ve ever been let down by the results from other treatments, you will be astonished by this technique.

If your teeth are only moderately discolored, you can choose the custom whitening trays we produce in our own lab. After the initial appointment, you will be given materials and instructions to complete this safe and reliable procedure at home. Results become visible within 1 - 14 days.

Hicks Family Dentistry   
Kevin Hicks, DDS  
756 Lititz Pike 
Lititz, PA 17543  
(717) 625-0596  
HicksFamilyDentistry.com

Cosmetic Dentistry

Don’t Hide Your Smile – Remake It!
Are you ready for your “close-up”? Do you already possess the dazzling smile you’ve always wanted? If not, let us assist you. We’ll offer you the optimum combination of preventive care, tooth-colored fillings, and restorative procedures to produce ideal oral health and ensure aesthetic appeal. Smile makeovers are extremely affordable and available faster than you might think. Don’t wait any longer to have a smile that makes YOU happy! Stop by our office so we may tell you all the incredible options available in bonding, whitening, crowns, and veneers.

Hicks Family Dentistry 
Kevin Hicks, DDS 
756 Lititz Pike
Lititz, PA 17543 
(717) 625-0596 
HicksFamilyDentistry.com