Zoom Whitening Archives - Dr. Duane Delaune's Blog

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.

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.

Bleaching Teeth with Clorox

Posted on November 14, 2020 by writeradmin.

I have a friend who has pretty white teeth. I asked her which teeth whitening she uses and she told me she just rinses with Clorox Bleach every day. Is that safe?

Penny

Dear Penny,

I am always amazed at the creative questions we sometimes get here. I think this one is a first for me. So there are a couple of things to consider here. First, Clorox (chemically speaking) is a strong base. Think of Lye and that might give you an idea of what I mean. Because of its base strength, it is highly corrosive to organic tissue.

As an example, many dentists use a household bleach curing root canal treatments. It is a method we learned in dental school to help dissolve any organic debris left inside a cleaned out root. It also disinfects the tooth. Notice we’re using it to dissolve something.

A second consideration is when bleach comes into contact with certain other types of chemicals, it will release chlorine gas, which is toxic.

Finally, there is the label on the back of the bottle that says it is a violation of federal law to use it in any way other than what it was manufactured for. If you’ve already pulled the tag off your mattress, that is two strikes and you could end up in “the pen” for a long time.

Healthy Teeth Whitening

The most effective and safest way to whiten your teeth is with a dentist. Generally, they offer two options for you. The first is take-home whitening. This lets you have more control over how white your teeth get. Once you reach the level of whitening you want, you can simply stop using the whitening gel.

A second option is Zoom Whitening. This is done in the dentist’s office and will get your teeth their whitest in just one appointment. This has the advantage of being the fastest, but if you just want a mild whitening, this will whiten beyond that.

Plus, you won’t have to worry about the bleach or mattress police.

This blog is brought to you by New Orleans Dentist Dr. Duane Delaune.

Tanda Pearl Ionic Teeth Whitening System Review

Posted on July 17, 2020 by writeradmin.

I have TMJ Disorder and wearing my teeth whitening trays for an hour tends to aggravate my jaw. I recently read about the Tanda Pearl system which allows you to whiten your teeth in just five minutes a day. That is very appealing to me. Do you know if it actually works? They say their light makes it work that fast.

Kathy

Dear Kathy,

What I’d like to do is go over some of the differences between the Tanda Pearl System and the type of whitening you get with a dentist, which should help you make a decision.

The Trays

The teeth whitening trays you have from your dentist, should have been custom fit to your bite. The fact that it seems to be aggravating your TMJ Disorder makes me wonder though.

They also have separate trays for each arch of your teeth. This allows you to go about your day more easily. You could even wear them while shopping if you wanted to and no one would notice (whether or not you’re wearing a mask). Many people simply sleep in them to get the most teeth whitening for their time.

The Tanda Pearl trays you create at home by biting onto impression material. This is a single tray that you have to clench onto in order to keep it in. In truth, this will do way more to harm your TMJ issues than help them. Clenching is one of the worst things you can do, even for just 5 minutes.

The Light

This system claims to have a patented ionic technology. I’m skeptical about this. There doesn’t seem to be any information given about the light. If it were really such a breakthrough, they would make a ton of money selling it to dental offices. They’ve never even tried, which makes me think the light is more for psychological effect than any real use.

One thing I recommend is you talk to your dentist about the pain you are experiencing in your jaw. In the meantime, you can cut down on the amount of time you are wearing your trays each day. If a shorter time appeals to you, wear them a shorter time, at least until your dentist figures out why they are causing strain on your jaw. Really, in as little as 15 minutes, the gel has time to soak into your teeth adequately enough to make a difference.

One Appointment Whitening

Another option for you is to get Zoom Whitening. Not every dentist has this option so you may have to call around, but it allows you to get your teeth completely whitened in just one appointment.

This blog is brought to you by New Orleans Dentist Dr. Duane Deluane.

when porcelain veneers are an overtreatment

Posted on September 14, 2019 by writeradmin.

I talked to my dentist about getting my teeth whiter. I was thinking of teeth whitening, but he suggested I get porcelain veneers. He said then he could whiten my teeth and close a small gap I have at the same time. While I like the idea of not having my tooth gap any longer, the price he quoted me is pretty high. Could I whiten my teeth and then get the porcelain veneers later when I have the money?

Macey

Dear Macey,

I am not comfortable with your dentist’s recommendation. To me, if you just want your teeth whitened, porcelain veneers are a massive (and expensive) overtreatment.

Porcelain veneers are a procedure for patients looking for a total smile makeover. It is the go-to procedures for celebrities looking for that perfect smile. They can simultaneously change the shape, size, and color of your teeth.

Yes, they can close your tooth gap, and you could get your teeth whitening done and then later get porcelain veneers, but you could close your tooth gap at a much lower cost with dental bonding. In fact, that’s what I’m going to suggest you do.

I want you to get your teeth whitened. Then, after a couple of weeks when the color has had time to settle, see a cosmetic dentist to close the gap in your front teeth.

Because this procedure is done free-hand, it really needs to be done by a skilled cosmetic dentist.

I’m going to suggest you look on mynewsmile.com to see their list of recommended cosmetic dentists in your area. They prescreen each dentist who wishes to be listed for both technical skill as well as artistry. Any one of their listed dentists will provide you will stunning results.

This blog is brought to you by New Orleans Dentist Dr. Duane Delaune.

does teeth whitening cause cavities?

Posted on July 19, 2019 by writeradmin.

I’ve been doing teeth whitening off and on for most of my adult life. I take a lot of pride in my appearance and having a bright smile is important to me. Nobody ever said that it could damage my smile. To be fair, I don’t get a lot of cavities, but my teeth are more sensitive these days and I hear that’s a warning sign. Since I started reading up on it, I’ve stopped using whitening toothpastes and do not plan to use the system I got from my dentist anymore, but I’m worried I’ve caused irreversible damage. If it has caused damage, is there anything I can do to reduce the risk?

Sincerely,

Thad

Dear Thad,

It sounds like you got a mix of inaccurate information and half-truths. Let’s break down what healthy teeth are like, how cavities form, and how teeth whitening products work.

Your Enamel is Strong and Packed with Minerals

Your enamel is the hardest substance in your body and it protects the under layers of your teeth. However, the enamel shouldn’t be thought of as unchangeable or impermeable. For example, people who brush really hard or grind their teeth can wear it down over time. Plus, acid can cause the minerals to seep out of your teeth which leaves them susceptible to decay. And, believe it or not, your teeth are actually porous as well. Your tubuals, which provide a pathway from the outside of your tooth to the inside, are typically closed shut though.

Under Optimal Circumstances, Your Teeth Will Remineralize

Bacteria and the things you put in your mouth, including food and dental products, can change your oral pH, and once you have an acidic mouth, teeth demineralize. The opposite is true as well. If you can restore pH and have healthy minerals in your saliva, your teeth will pick them up. This in mind, if you constantly create an acidic environment and never give your teeth a chance to remineralize, you will have weak spots in the enamel and decay can set in. This is why fluoride is such a huge thing. It can strengthen teeth even if they aren’t given the ideal remineralization environment.

Teeth Whitening Products are NOT Inherently Dangerous

Products designed to whiten your smile are not the enemy, but they do come with some side-effects, depending on what you’re using.

Acidic Products: Generally speaking, teeth whitening products are acidic, but not all are. That’s a worry if you constantly use one that is lower than a 7.0 pH and never get your mouth back to the neutral state or aren’t using fluoride to help remineralize. Chances are, however, you’re using a fluoride toothpaste. Unless you’ve actively looked for one that isn’t, it’s standard practice to include it. You may also struggle with this more if you aren’t a great brusher or delight in acidic or sugary foods, such as coffee, sports drinks, citrus fruits, and sodas. (The bacteria which causes decay noshes on carbohydrates and releases acids as a byproduct, which is why sugars contribute too.)

Abrasive Products: Many toothpastes lift surface stains with their abrasiveness. If you’re using a whitening toothpaste, there is some chance it’s abrasive and wearing down the enamel. As the enamel thins, you’ll have more sensitivity and may be more susceptible to decay. It also tends to sabotage your efforts. Many of them work by their abrasiveness removing the surface stains. Unfortunately, that also means they’re scratching your enamel which makes it easier to pick up more stains.

Professional Products: Professional-grade teeth whitening systems don’t just scrub off surface stains. They open the tubuals and oxidize from within, eliminating stains below the surface. The change is not permanent; the tubuals typically close up within a day or two. That’s why you’re told to avoid highly-staining foods and beverages altogether after treatment for a few days. Once they close back up, it’s business as usual. However, during those couple of days, you may experience some sensitivity. It doesn’t mean you’re more susceptible to decay though.

Fluoride Will Help

You don’t have to give up teeth whitening. However, you should take the sensitivity as a warning sign. Mention it to your dentist, so he can see if you’re already dealing with a cavity or have enamel erosion. If there’s no decay, fluoride, either provided in-office or via an over-the-counter gel or mouthwash, should help with any demineralization and sensitivity as well.

This blog is sponsored by New Orleans Dentist Dr. Duane Delaune.

worried teeth whitening store damaged my teeth

Posted on February 19, 2019 by writeradmin.

I’d been considering teeth whitening for a while. My dentist is pretty pricey so I had been putting it off and slowly saving. I happened to notice a new teeth whitening shop in my mall when I was window shopping. I popped in and asked some questions.

What they offered sounded great. Their workers were trained and certified teeth whitening specialists and the cost was so much less I’d already saved enough. I asked them why it was cheaper and they said it’s because they’re not running an entire dental practice and focus on one treatment which lowers their cost.

I went the next day. I’m in absolute agony. My gums feel like they’re on fire. My teeth are dark where my fillings are so they look splotchy and my dental crown didn’t whiten at all. My smile looks ridiculous and I’m in pain. Did they damage my teeth?

Karyn

Dear Karyn,

It’s likely true they have less overhead, but they should have invested a least a little more in some training for their employees. First, you should know there is no such thing as a “Certified Teeth Whitening Specialist”. My guess is that’s simply an internal term they use for their employee training.

If you had the procedure done in one day in the store than it was likely something like Zoom Whitening, which can be completed in one appointment.

Your gums are in pain because they neglected to protected them from the light which jump starts the whitening agents. A dentist would have placed a special coating on your gums so they’d be unaffected by the light. Without that, you get the equivalent of a severe sunburn on your gums.

To help you alleviate the pain, you can try some over the counter pain meds and salt water rinses. It won’t take it away completely, but it should take the edge off of it.

What Went Wrong

Your teeth aren’t damaged, but you will need some additional work. They should have informed you that teeth whitening only works on natural tooth structure. That’s why your teeth look splotchy and the crown is dark.

The only way to get them to match your teeth is to have them replaced. If your crown is visible, which it sounds like it is, make sure your dentist provides you with an all-porcelain crown. They look completely natural and can match your teeth exactly when done by a good cosmetic dentist.

This blog is brought to you New Orleans Dentist Dr. Duane Delaune.

Dentist Won’t Remove My Mercury Fillings

Posted on December 7, 2018 by writeradmin.

I have a mouthful of silver fillings. I learned a few weeks ago they are mostly made of mercury. This terrifies me because of the neurotoxicity. I went to my dentist and asked him to remove them and replace them with the white fillings. He refused because he said it’s too dangerous for me because I’ll inhale the mercury. If it’s too dangerous to take out, surely it’s too dangerous to keep in. What should I do?

Maya

Dear Maya,

It is understandable that you’re nervous about having a large amount of mercury in your mouth. There is a special procedure known as a sanitary amalgam removal which is designed to protect you from inhaling or swallowing any mercury.

However, it sounds like your dentist doesn’t know that procedure. It wouldn’t be safe for you to have him do the removal. If you are serious about removing them, your best option would be to locate a mercury-free dentist in your area. Almost all of them know how to do this procedure and already has the necessary equipment.

Mercury-free Fillings and Tooth Color

Before you get your white fillings, you want to think about your tooth color. The filling material can be made to match your teeth. However, the color is permanent. If you decide to whiten your teeth later, your natural tooth structure will whiten, but not the composite fillings.

That doesn’t bother some people at all. If you feel that way, then no problem. However, if it will bug you the simple solution is the get your teeth bleached before you switch out your fillings. You can do that two different ways.

Your first option is to have your dentist make you custom fitted trays and provide you with professional strength whitening gel. This will allow you to whiten at home as well as control the level of whitening.

If you want it to work faster, so you can get your fillings removed sooner, you can look at Zoom Whitening. This is an in-office procedure which gets your teeth very white in just one appointment.

This blog is brought to you by New Orleans Dentist Dr. Duane Delaune.

Teeth Whitening Using Lemons and Baking Soda

Posted on October 16, 2018 by writeradmin.

I’ve been considering whitening my teeth. I got a quote from my dentist. It wasn’t as expensive as I thought it would be, but then my friend told me she whitens her teeth with fresh lemon juice and baking soda. She has pretty teeth so I’m thinking it may actually work. Is there anything I need to be concerned about if I try this?

Lacee

Dear Lacee,

Lemons

I’m glad you wrote before you did this. Your friend may have a beautiful smile, but she won’t for long if she continues with this. Lemons contain citric acid which will eat away at her tooth enamel, leaving her vulnerable to decay. She’ll also start to develop sensitive teeth.

If you think about it, lemons and other citrus fruits are often one of the main ingredients in cleaning solutions. Hopefully, you can warn her and she can see her dentist and forestall as much damage as possible.

It’s great that you want to whiten your teeth, but it’s more important to do it safely. The tooth bleaching gel that a dentist uses is perfectly safe for your teeth. There are two different options for professional teeth whitening.

Professional Teeth Whitening Options

Your first option is to get custom made trays to do at-home teeth whitening. Your dentist will provide you with the trays and the gel you need. You choose when you wear it and for how long, with a minimum of twenty minutes.

Your second option is to have in-office whitening done. This is often done using the Zoom Whitening system. You go in for your appointment and when you come out, your teeth will be as white as possible.

One thing to be aware of is if you have any dental work, such as crowns, bridges, or fillings, they’ll have to be re-done if you want them to match the whitened teeth. Of course, that’s only necessary if they’re visible. If any crowns are on your front teeth, make sure your dentist gives you an all-porcelain crown. These look more natural.

This blog is brought to you by New Orleans Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Duane Delaune.