Category Archives: Teeth whitening

Will teeth whitening help my old fillings?

I not floss my teeth so I had to fillings in between my front teeth. They are the composite white ones but I’ve had them for about 8 yrs. They are now yellowing and you can see where the tooth where the dentist took out cleared out the teeth to put in the filling. I want to fix this look. Will teeth whitening lighten up the filling? – Carlise

Carlise – Teeth whitening will whiten your teeth, but it will not change the color of your old composite filling.

See an experienced cosmetic dentist. He or she will whiten your teeth first. After your teeth are the shade of white you want, the cosmetic dentist will mix composite to match the color of your natural teeth. The new fillings will blend in and won’t be noticeable.

This post is sponsored by Plano dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.

Free teeth whitening trials websites?

Hi. Do you know of any websites where I can get free teeth whitening trials with whitening that really works? Thanks. Sierra

Sierra – We are not aware of free teeth whitening websites. If the whitening is free from a website, it may not really be effective.

You can search for a dentist who offers free teeth whitening, though. Many dentists offer complimentary take-home teeth whitening if you keep your appointments with the dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings. Teeth whitening from a dentist has many advantages: you know the whitening treatment will really brighten your smile, your dentist will monitor the progress, and you will have the dentist’s advice on how to get the best results from the whitening.

This post is sponsored by Plano dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.

What can I do to make my teeth really white if my dentist doesn’t do teeth whitening?

I use whitening strips and toothpaste but they are not really helping much. I have noticed a little difference. I was thinking getting them done professionally but my dentist doesn’t do it. Can you recommend anything?  – Jen

Jen – Although your dentist doesn’t offer teeth whitening, if you want your teeth professionally whitened, you can get it done from another dentist.

If you are happy with your current dentist, you can explain the situation to a dentist who does provide teeth whitening. He or she will provide you with an in-office or a take-home whitening treatment. Getting your teeth professionally whitened will give you the best results.

This post is sponsored by Plano dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.

My teeth are sensitive after I got a filling.

Two of my teeth have silver fillings in them. I got the fillings last Tuesday. It’s hard to eat anything hot or cold because of the zinging feeling I get in my teeth when heat or cold comes in contact with them. Is this normal? Liz

Liz – Sensitivity with silver, or amalgam, fillings is normal.  Amalgam fillings contain mercury and other metals. The metals conduct heat and cold more readily than white composite fillings, so your teeth are sensitive to them.

The sensitivity should gradually decrease within two weeks. If it doesn’t decrease, or if it increases, call your dentist.

Some patients prefer mercury-free filings, which many dentists provide. Composite fillings don’t conduct heat and cold. They also strengthen teeth and blend in naturally with them.

This post is sponsored by Plano dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.

Why aren’t teeth whitening strips helping?

I spent $40 on whitestrips for the second time but my teeth are not white like I want them. Which brand of whitestrips do you recommend to get my teeth really white? – Gina

Gina – Your experience is common. Although whitestrips contain peroxide gel, the gel is only a fraction of the strength of the teeth whitening gel you can get from a dentist. If the whitestrips work at all, they will only remove surface stains from your teeth.

The teeth bleaching gel available from a dentist will penetrate your teeth and break down the stains in them, producing a brilliantly white smile. There are other reasons to get your teeth whitened by your dentist.

Depending on the cause of the stains in your teeth, bleaching them may make the stains more noticeable. In some cases, porcelain veneers or porcelain crowns are the best way to conceal the stains. Your dentist will examine your teeth and be able to determine the results you will get by bleaching them.

Your dentist can monitor the progress of your teeth bleaching. He or she will provide you with customized trays that are specifically for your teeth. Customized trays make the bleaching process more effective, and they prevent you from wasting gel.

In-office treatment from your dentist will whiten your teeth in about an hour. If you choose a take-home kit, you will see brilliant results in about two weeks. Your dentist will instruct you on how to do touch-ups after in-office treatment, and how to get the best results with a take-home kit.

This blog post is sponsored by Plano dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy. Read about her free teeth whitening refills.

 

What is fast way to get my teeth whitened?

My sister’s wedding is less than 3 weeks away. I’m busy helping her with the planning, and I don’t have a lot of time for myself. What’s the fastest way to whiten my teeth? Thanks – Bekki

Bekki – In-office teeth whitening treatment is a quick way to a brilliant smile. Zoom!® whitening treatment is completed in about an hour.

Your dentist will retract your lips and protect your gums. The bleaching gel will be applied to your teeth, and the Zoom light will be shined on them to activate the gel. The treatment will be applied in three to four 15-minute sessions. When the treatment is completed, you’ll have the dazzling smile you want.

You will receive a take-home kit for touch-ups to keep your smile its brightest.

This blog post is sponsored by the office of Plano dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.