Zoom Whitening Archives - Dr. Duane Delaune's Blog

Does Citric Acid from Lemons Whiten Teeth?

Posted on January 26, 2024 by AllSmiles.

Can I whiten my teeth with lemons or lemon essential oil without damaging them? I know natural lemon is acidic, but will the essential oil work? I read online that lemon oil will whiten teeth without damaging them. If I can find natural alternatives to teeth bleaching, that would be great. So, if not lemons, I’m interested in anything else I can do at home. Thanks. Kamilya

Kamilya,

Whitening your teeth can refresh your smile. If your teeth are in good condition, brighter teeth can look like you’ve had a smile makeover.

Does Citric Acid from Lemons Whiten Teeth?

Citric acid from lemons etches tooth enamel, temporarily giving it a frosty surfer and making it look whiter. However, roughened tooth enamel will eventually attract more stains, making your teeth look worse.

Some Internet articles claim that the citric acid in lemons kills bacteria and whitens teeth. However, pigments in food and drink, not bacteria, cause stains on teeth. Regular toothbrushing removes bacteria-causing plaque. You don’t need lemons to do that.

Do Lemons Damage Tooth Enamel?

Repeatedly using lemons or regularly eating them will thin tooth enamel. The least abrasive over-the-counter whitening system is Crest 3DWhitestrips. However, the 3DWhitestrips are less effective than professional bleaching gel from a dentist. Ask your dentist about a take-home whitening kit if you want an alternative to in-office whitening.

Carbamide peroxide in bleaching gel penetrates tooth enamel to break down stains and whiten teeth. The gel will not erode tooth enamel unless you overuse it. A dentist can monitor your whitening progress to minimize sensitivity and prevent over-bleaching.

We recommend an exam from a dentist to determine whether teeth whitening is safe for your teeth based on the cause of the stains in them. Otherwise, the dentist will recommend cosmetic dentistry alternatives to address your concerns about tooth stains, spots, or discoloration.

Metairie, Louisiana, dentist Dr. Duane Delaune sponsors this post.

Why Did My Dental Bonding Stain Within Three Weeks?

Posted on November 14, 2023 by AllSmiles.

I got Zoom whitening three months ago and waited before getting dental bonding on my four upper front teeth. Three weeks ago, I got dental bonding that looked like a perfect match, but now the bonding is stained and darker than my teeth. I drink coffee daily, but the bonding should stain that quickly, should it? I called my dentist’s office and left a message. She returned my call after hours and recommended reducing my coffee intake to keep the bonding white. Bonding doesn’t stain within three weeks. Will I need to get the bonding redone? What is the bonding staining already? Is it cheap? Thank you. Taelyn from San Diego

Taelyn,

We understand your concerns about your dental bonding. Although bonding is not stain-resistant, it should not stain within weeks. We suspect that your dentist doesn’t have extensive training in bonding techniques and how to help new bonding deflect stains.

Does Dental Bonding Stain Within a Few Weeks?

Quality dental bonding does not stain within a few weeks. However, most general or family dentists have an inventory of general-purpose bonding, a high-strength material that is not aesthetically appropriate for high luster on front teeth.

Composite bonding is a blend of plastic resin with quart, silica, and glass. Various composites exist—some are durable but have limited shine. Others have high luster but lack durability. Then, newer nanofill composites combine strength and luster.

How Can You Get Bonding to Match Your Whitened Teeth?

Expert cosmetic dentists have an inventory of various composites to match your newly whitened teeth. Also, composites vary in shade, luster, and translucencies. Skilled cosmetic dentists blend composite bonding to match the graduation of color and gloss in your tooth enamel.

When a dentist chooses a material that lacks luster when polished, the bonding can stain more easily. You can ask your dentist to polish your bonding or use another material to achieve more luster while resisting stains. If your dentist cannot improve your bonding and match it with your Zoom-whitened teeth, consider seeing a skilled cosmetic dentist for the work.

Metairie, Louisiana, cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune sponsors this post.

An example from Dr. Delaune of how a cosmetic dentist can produce beautiful results with dental bonding.

My Top Teeth Don’t Show When I Smile

Posted on July 21, 2023 by AllSmiles.

When I smile, you can barely see my upper teeth. Sometimes when the weather is cold, my jaw feels tight, and I cannot pronounce certain words. I am self-conscious about it. I want to do something about it. I wear a night guard for teeth grinding and jaw and neck pain. I saw a dentist recommending crowns, but I would like to know if that is the only option. If I ever get this straight, teeth whitening is next on my wish list. Where do I start? – Cynthia from CT

Cynthia

Your description sounds like your bite collapsed, and you have temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. A dentist may be able to open your bite with crowns, but you need an experienced dentist for an accurate diagnosis.

Opening Your Bite and Restoring Your Smile

Skilled dentists open your bite with a temporary restoration. If successful, they will duplicate the temporary crowns with the final crowns. What determines your temporary restorations’ success?

You no longer have teeth or jaw pain.
You love your smile and how it affects your facial appearance.
Your upper teeth show when you smile.
The restoration resolves issues with your speech.

Choosing a Dentist for TMJ and Bite Issues

Consult with a dentist with training in occlusion, bite, and TMJ treatment

A general or family dentist must have advanced training in full-mouth reconstruction to resolve all the issues with your teeth, bite, and jaw.

In the United States, several high-quality institutes offer advanced training to dentists on occlusion and bite so your jaw, teeth, and bite are in harmony. Look for dentists with advanced training from one or more of these training facilities:

Dawson Academy, Florida
D. Pankey Institute, Florida
Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies, Nevada

We recommend scheduling consultations with at least two dentists with advanced training and experience in full-mouth reconstruction. List your questions and prepare to take notes to compare your options from each dentist. Also, tell the dentist you want teeth whitening as part of your smile makeover. The dentist will include it in your treatment plan.

Metairie, Louisiana, dentist Dr. Duane Delaune sponsors this post.

What Causes Jaw Numbness After Wisdom Teeth Removal?

Posted on May 15, 2023 by AllSmiles.

Is it normal to have severe jaw numbness after wisdom teeth removal? I already contacted my oral surgeon and dentist. It will be two weeks since I got the surgery. The oral surgeon did sensation tests and asked me to return in two weeks. I notice the sensation most when I eat, chew, or brush my teeth. Because of this, I canceled my in-office teeth whitening and the beginning date for braces. Will I be stuck like this? – Thanks. Dakota

Hi, Dakota,

Thank you for contacting Dr. Delaune’s office in Metairie regarding jaw numbness after wisdom teeth removal.

What Causes Jaw Numbness After Wisdom Teeth Removal?

Nerve damage causing lingering jaw numbness after wisdom teeth removal. Most surgeons evaluate the risk of nerve damage during surgery. The nerve that travels to your lower teeth, chin, and lower lip is close to the roots of your lower wisdom teeth.

Is Jaw Numbness After Wisdom Teeth Removal Permanent?

How long jaw numbness lasts can depend on the type of nerve damage. Below are the classifications and what to expect:

Bruising – You will feel numbness for about a month, after which the feeling will return progressively.
Crushing – You will feel numbness for a year as the nerve grows new fibers.
Severing – A severed nerve will not regrow, and the damage is permanent.

What Can You Expect?

If you have nerve damage, expect it to last at least a month. You may not feel improvement before your follow-up appointment with the oral surgeon.

As the nerve recovers, you will feel lip tingling first and gradual improvement. Meanwhile, patiently wait for the nerve to heal.

Talk to your dentist about rescheduling your teeth whitening treatment. Your orthodontist will consult with the oral surgeon to assess your recovery and when it is safe to begin treatment.

Metairie, Louisiana, dentist Dr. Duane Delaune sponsors this post.

Dentist Agreed to Composite Veneers and Then Declined

Posted on February 10, 2023 by AllSmiles.

After three consultations with dentists about teeth whitening and composite veneers, I selected a dentist close to my job. My teeth are uneven, chipped, and discolored. I’ve had teeth whitening by a dentist before, but it made the other problems more noticeable. My dentist did the whitening and said we could wait a week or two before the color stabilizes to see if I want to continue whitening. Then he said we could discuss what I wanted for my porcelain veneers. Before I let this dentist do my teeth whitening, we agreed to composite veneers, not porcelain. I reminded the dentist that we decided that I could get composite veneers. Then he said that he only does porcelain veneers.

I chose composite veneers because of my budget and desire to see how it looks. If I like it, why would I agree to tooth preparation for porcelain veneers? The composite costs less, I can try it out, and if I don’t like the dentist’s work, I can pursue other options. Isn’t this my choice? What can I do about a dentist who will only do porcelain veneers for me? Thanks, Paul from Columbus, OH

Paul,

Thank you for contacting Delaune Dental in Metairie. We encourage you to get a second opinion from an experienced cosmetic dentist.

Composite Veneers vs. Porcelain Veneers

The differences between composite veneers and porcelain veneers include their composition, process, longevity, aesthetics, and required skills.

Composition – Dental composite, a mixture of plastic resin and glass, makes composite veneers. Porcelain veneers are dental ceramics.
Process – For composite veneers, a dentist will layer composite bonding directly on your teeth while you sit in a dental chair. A dental lab crafts porcelain veneers, which are custom made to fit the fronts of your teeth.
Longevity – High-quality composite veneers can last five years or longer but are not stain resistant. Porcelain veneers last eight to over 15 years and are stain resistant.
Aesthetics – An artistic cosmetic dentist can select shades of dental composite and layer them on your teeth for natural results. Dental ceramics for porcelain veneers mimic natural teeth more closely than other options.
Skills – Both porcelain veneers and composite veneers require artistic talent. Not all cosmetic dentists offer composite veneers because they need much care and details to look natural.

Your dentist may lack enough training in dental composite to achieve beautiful results. That may be why he insists on porcelain veneers.

If you want composite veneers, schedule a consultation with an advanced cosmetic dentist. Look at the dentist’s website to confirm that they work with composite. You can also look at the dentist’s smile gallery of composite veneers or composite bonding. The dentist will examine your teeth to ensure they are healthy after teeth whitening and explain which options will conceal the imperfections in your teeth.

Metairie cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune sponsors this post. Read details about how Dr. Delaune strives to provide some of the best dental care in Metairie.

Before and after composite veneers photos

Dr. Delaune transformed this patient’s smile with composite bonding.

Is Teeth Whitening Safe If I Take Blood Thinning Medication?

Posted on November 23, 2022 by AllSmiles.

I understand that some dental procedures are risky for people who take blood thinners. I take Xarelto and am considering getting my teeth whitened. Is it safe to get my teeth whitened if I take a blood thinner? Thanks. Lydia

Lydia,

Thank you for your question. Invasive dental procedures have a greater risk of provoking bleeding than noninvasive procedures. Whenever you see a health care provider, ensure you update your records with your prescription medication so the doctor can anticipate any concerns and plan accordingly.

Is Teeth Whitening Safe If You Take Blood Thinning Medication?

Teeth whitening is safe if you take blood thinning medication because the whitening procedure is noninvasive. If your teeth and gums are disease free, the whitening process should not cause bleeding. When gums bleed easily, gum disease is often the cause, and even flossing your teeth can irritate your gums. Your dentist will recommend gum disease treatment before teeth whitening to minimize the risk of bleeding.

What Happens During the Teeth Whitening Procedure?

Before teeth whitening, your dentist will ensure your teeth and gums are healthy. During the in-office whitening session, you can expect the following steps:

Retract your cheeks to get full access to your teeth
Apply a protective barrier on your gums to prevent bleaching gel burns
Apply bleaching gel to each tooth
Rinse your teeth and repeat the process two or three times depending on the brightness you want

Request a Teeth Whitening Consultation

In-office bleaching gel, such as Zoom whitening, being applied to teeth

Tell your dentist which medications you take before dental procedures, including in-office teeth whitening, such as Zoom.

Schedule a consultation with a dentist if you are concerned about whether a dental procedure will conflict with your medication or affect a medical condition. The dentist will explain what the treatment involves and whether precautions are needed before your procedure date.

Ask Your Medical Doctor

Keep your medical doctor or prescribing physician informed about any health care procedures you plan. The doctor can review your medications and collaborate with your dentist or other health care provider to ensure your safety before, during, and after the procedure.

Metairie, Louisiana, dentist Dr. Duane Delaune sponsors this post.

How Much Teeth Whitening Is Too Much?

Posted on September 13, 2022 by AllSmiles.

Can I whiten my teeth too much? My dentist told me to wait six months before repeating zoom whitening. She said I could damage my teeth if I overdid it, but I wanted to see how white my teeth could get. I have been bleaching my teeth every two weeks for four months. I felt some sensitivity in my teeth and went to the dentist. After examining my teeth, my dentist asked me about whitening, and when I told her that I had been whitening every two weeks for four months, she asked me to stop. She also said that she would not complete another in-office whitening session unless it was necessary. I was hoping to get another in-office session in December for the holidays. Is my dentist correct? Do I need to stop whitening my teeth? Thank you. Torri

Torri,

Thank you for your question. Your dentist examined your teeth and asked questions to determine why your teeth are sensitive. Excessive teeth whitening is likely the culprit.

How Much Teeth Whitening Is Too Much?

Teeth whitening is too much when it creates lingering sensitivity and wears away the enamel. Over-bleached teeth can become brittle, thin, and discolored. According to the American Dental Association, factors that affect teeth sensitivity with whitening include:

Concentration of carbamide or hydrogen peroxide
How long the bleaching gel is in contact with your teeth
Intensity and duration of light use
Presence of adhesive restorations

If your dentist recommends that you pause at-home and in-office whitening, it may be time to give your teeth a break to avoid damaging them.

How Can You Prevent Teeth Stains?

Although you cannot prevent teeth stains altogether, you can minimize them. Limit or avoid the things that can increase staining, including:

Coffee
Cola
Dark berries
Smoking
Wine

Rinse your mouth with water immediately after consuming substances that stain teeth. It will dilute the ingredients and limit their staining effectiveness.

If you do not fully understand why your dentist recommends a pause in teeth whitening, contact her to request more information.

Metairie, Louisiana dentist Dr. Duane Delaune sponsors this post.

Will This Toothbrush Scratch My Dental Bonding?

Posted on December 10, 2021 by AllSmiles.

My dentist completed Zoom whitening three months ago. Then I got dental bonding to fill in some small gaps and chips on my teeth. I know that my Zoom touch-ups will not harm the bonding, but what about an ultrasonic toothbrush? I see a few toothbrushes on sale and wonder if they will scratch the bonding and make it turn yellow. Thank you. Clifton from Albany, GA

Clifton,

Thank you for choosing our office for your question. Regular maintenance will keep your teeth bright after whitening your teeth with Zoom or another brand. But what if you have cosmetic dentistry work, such as bonding or porcelain veneers?

Will an Ultrasonic Toothbrush Damage Dental Bonding?

A sonic or ultrasonic toothbrush will not damage dental bonding. The soft bristles of the toothbrush clean and polish teeth. How do they work? The brush releases sonic energy for these benefits:

Removes plaque, tartar, and bacteria
Breaks up particles that the bristles can sweep away
Helps bristles and toothpaste access and clean crevices

Dental Bonding Brushing Tips

Whether you use a manual, sonic, or ultrasonic toothbrush, consider these tips to keep your teeth and bonding healthy:

Use a soft-bristled brush to avoid scratching your dental bonding.
Brush for two minutes to clean your teeth thoroughly.
Use non-abrasive toothpaste. Supersmile® is gentle on cosmetic dental work.
Remember to floss daily to remove debris between teeth.
As the American Dental Association recommends, replace your toothbrush every three to four months. Worn bristles do not clean well. Ultrasonic toothbrushes have replacement heads that you can buy in a pack.

Can Ultrasonic Dental Equipment Damage Dental Bonding?

If ultrasonic dental equipment is misused, it can damage dental bonding. An example is an ultrasonic scaler with a metal tip that can nick dental bonding or porcelain veneers at high speeds. But skilled hygienists understand how and when to use ultrasonic tools to clean and smooth teeth and keep your bonding intact.

Dr. Duane Delaune, an cosmetic dentist in Metairie, LA, sponsors this post.

I Am Still Wearing Temporary Veneers

Posted on October 22, 2021 by AllSmiles.

In August, I got eight porcelain veneers, but I do not like them. My dentist tried the veneers on my teeth without attaching them. I explained to her that the shape and color were not what I wanted. The veneers should match my teeth after Zoom whitening, but they are darker than my natural teeth.

Before all this, my dentist did the wax-up and temporary veneers, but she assured me that I would like the final veneers because they look much better than the mock-up. The final veneers made my teeth look unevenly spaced, which was not a problem before. After I explained that I could not accept the veneers, the dentist told me she would return them to the lab for correction. But when I returned to the office to try on the new veneers, they still were not right. I am still wearing temporary veneers now and am concerned that I will be wearing them longer than I should?

I spoke with my dentist yesterday, and she said that the lab is hinting that this is their final attempt to redo my veneers. I am concerned about what will happen if I do not like the result. Will I have to start the process all over? – Thank you. Lynnae from GA

Lynnae,

We are sorry to hear about your experience. But, fortunately, your dentist did not bond on your veneers without your approval.

If your dentist and the lab she uses cannot achieve the results you agreed to, you should consider stopping the process and finding another dentist. Although you may be hesitant about switching dentists in the middle of treatment, we recommend not asking your dentist to try another time. And if the lab does not seem willing to work with your dentist to ensure your satisfaction, your porcelain veneers case probably will not be resolved.

Get a Second Opinion

a porcelain veneer being placed on a tooth

An accredited cosmetic dentist can give you natural-looking veneers

Look for an advanced cosmetic dentist and schedule a consultation. Cosmetic dentists have post-graduate training and understand the techniques required to achieve the tooth shape you want and match your veneers to your newly whitened natural teeth. Also, advanced cosmetic dentists work with master ceramists who understand how to layer and shape porcelain for beautiful results.

Ask for a refund. If needed, your new cosmetic dentist might be willing to talk with your previous dentist to help you get your money back. Meanwhile, you can speak with your dentist about your disappointment in not getting the results you wanted.

Dr. Duane Delaune, a cosmetic dentist in Metairie, LA, sponsors this post.

Can a dentist improve the color of my dental crowns?

Posted on September 9, 2021 by AllSmiles.

Last December, my dentist whitened my teeth with Zoom. In February 2021, I got four dental crowns on my front teeth. Last month, I noticed discoloration in the crowns. And now, they are turning yellow. I am not a heavy coffee drinker. I drink coffee two or three times a week. I’m disappointed that I went through whitening my teeth and getting crowns to match, but now the crowns are turning yellow. I think I know the answer, but I must ask. Is the color change reversible? What is causing it? – Thanks for your help. Avery from SC

Avery,

We are sorry to hear about your experience with your new crowns turning yellow.

Why Do New Dental Crowns Turn Yellow?

When new dental crowns turn yellow, several factors might be responsible, including damage during a dental cleaning, surface damage when you received the crowns, and the composition of your crowns.

Damage during dental cleaning – Sometimes, a dental hygienist can mistakenly use chemicals that damage porcelain restorations.
Sodium bicarbonate – If a hygienist uses a Prophy Jet or another power cleaning instrument on porcelain crowns or veneers, sodium bicarbonate (a chemical tooth-cleaning substance) can remove the glaze. Glaze damage will leave your crowns at risk for staining.
Acidulated fluoride – This chemical substance etches away glaze on porcelain restorations.
Damaged crown surface – Sometimes, when a dentist must adjust the front surfaces of crowns, they can damage the glaze. Or the laboratory may not have glazed the crowns properly.
Crown composition – At times, yellowing crowns are dental composite instead of porcelain. You can verify with your dentist whether you have porcelain or composite crowns

Can You Lighten Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns are colorfast, and a dentist cannot change the color. An advanced cosmetic dentist can make new crowns and achieved an expert match to your natural teeth after Zoom whitening.

Dental Crowns Second Opinion

Dental crowns

We recommend that you look for an advanced cosmetic dentist and schedule an appointment for an exam. The dentist will examine your crowns and determine why they are yellowing.

Dr. Duane Delaune, a cosmetic dentist in Metairie, LA, sponsors this post.