What is tooth whitening?

It is actually a bleaching process that lightens the discoloration of enamel (the outer surface of your tooth) and dentin (the deeper
regions). The “typical” process uses a mild solution containing carbamide peroxide retained in a custom-fitted tray that is worn over your teeth for home bleaching and a stronger peroxide gel and special light when done in the dental office.

The In-Office bleaching technique, utilizing a special light, is the fastest and most effective way to brighten your teeth. What’s even more important for those always on the go…there are NO trays to wear or mess with at home. No worry about the tooth sensitivity that the “run-of-the-mill” take-home gels routinely create. Instead your teeth are brightened in the comfort of the dental office.

What causes tooth discoloration?

There are many causes for discolored teeth. The most common include aging, consumption of staining substances (coffee, tea, cola drinks and tobacco), trauma to the teeth, staining, nerve degeneration, and old, leaked fillings. During tooth formation, consumption of tetracycline or excessive fluoride may also cause tooth discoloration. It’s the “luck of the draw” . . . . some of us are born with gorgeous “choppers”. The majority of us unfortunately have either grayish or darker, yellow teeth. Uggh!


Who may benefit from teeth whitening?

Almost anyone! However, there are some cases where treatment may not be effective. Most dentists can determine viable candidates for the process through a thorough oral examination and diagnosis of the cause of staining. Home Teeth Bleaching is ideal for patients who have healthy, unrestored teeth and would like to have a whiter, brighter smile.


What types of stains have the best prognosis?

Teeth darkened during aging (brown-orange) respond predictably well. Other types of stains (fluorosis, smoker’s stain, and tetracycline) will also lightened, but results are case dependent. THE BOTTOM LINE . . . Don’t expect miracles if you fall in these categories (ie. Porcelain laminates may be a better choice for you). Routine use of home bleaching prior to placing “white” fillings is be advisable since subsequent bleaching causes mismatch with existing restorations. THE BOTTOM LINE . . . . if your tooth color is more YELLOW in color (versus more GRAY), bleaching IS a good choice for you!


How long does it take before color change is perceptible if “routine” home bleaching treatments are used?

For routine bleaching trays, don’t expect to see major changes before four to six days. As we have already stated, some teeth take longer to whiten. And some bleaching systems take longer to work. But you may see perceptible changes in one or two days!!

Why do the teeth whiten?
The gel is placed in a thin bleaching tray that fits over your teeth. As the active ingredient in the gel, hydrogen peroxide, is broken down, oxygen enters the teeth and bleaches the colored substances. Only the tooth color is made lighter, while the structure of the tooth is unchanged.

New breakthrough technology allows you to whiten your teeth comfortably and effectively, in only two 30 minute applications per day. For example, you can whiten your teeth while driving to work or watching your favorite TV show.

How do patients respond to this treatment?

Are you kidding? Who doesn't love whiter teeth?!!! They ALL love it! Most people desire white teeth.

To bleach faster or as kickoff to home treatment, state-of-the-art in-office "power" teeth bleaching can be used. Speak to your dentist about the advanced BELGAN FORMULA, found only in the " GentleWhite"™ bleaching system.


Are there side effects to the treatment?

With most "ordinary" at-home tooth bleaching, tooth hypersensitivity, gum irritations, mild TM disorder from tray, nausea, and sore throat (from swallowing bleach) have occurred in some patients. However, when utilizing QuickStick™ or advance in-office bleach in GentleWhite™, the majority have had no side effects. NO SENSITIVITY!

Think of the last time you posed for a photograph. Did you flash your "pearly whites" or did you hide your teeth? If the look of your teeth is keeping you from feeling your best, you will be glad to know there are simple solutions, utilizing cosmetic dentistry and dental implants. Today, many people benefit from cosmetic dentistry- a wide range of state-of-the-art techniques that can enhance almost any smile.

Thanks to improved state of the art technology and, materials, cosmetically-enhanced teeth look more natural and last longer than they did in the past. You don't have to settle for teeth that are chipped, stained, crooked or have spaces between them. Cosmetic dentists and implants dentists can skillfully blending science and art, our office can "sculpt" a more attractive, pleasing smile for you!

A smile is a powerful way for you to communicate. But if you feel self-conscience about your teeth, you may lose this power by covering your mouth when you smile or not smiling at all. Even a slight flaw in ONE of your teeth can detract from an otherwise attractive smile.
You can enjoy the many benefits of cosmetic dentistry, the "art form" devoted to the enhancement of smiles.

We will evaluate the health, and appearance of your teeth and gums, and recommend the best treatment for you. If you have a dull smile with stains, crooked teeth, red gums, gaps, rough shaped or chipped teeth and uneven length, Dr. Doundoulakis, a leading cosmetic dentist, can utilize these alternatives will give you something to smile about!

Tooth bleaching (or tooth whitening)- This technique can brighten/ lighten teeth utilizing a combined in-office/ home technique using a peroxide - based product. Depending on the patient's body chemistry and saliva, tooth bleaching can be effective 85% of the time and brighten teeth 2 to 6 shades lighter, depending on whether the patient smokes or drinks considerable coffee/tea/cola/red wine etc. For home tooth whitening, a mild whitening gel is retained in a custom-fitted appliance that slips over your teeth. The teeth whitening effect may wear off over time and " booster" bleaching can be done, as needed, if color starts to revert to the original shade.

A word on " Power" Tooth Whitening

“POWER BLEACHING” or power tooth whitening (similar to Brite Smile teeth whitening) is the latest and most advanced process available. This method uses the highest concentration of hydrogen peroxide available and is used to treat individuals who want immediate results (without the hassles of home bleaching) or those who have severe discolorations. In some cases, resistant tooth discoloration can only be corrected using a combination of In-Office and At-Home bleaching techniques, to effectively whiten teeth.

Patients usually see a dramatic shade improvement in less than 45 minutes and generally without the tooth sensitivity that is sometimes associated with the at-home tooth bleaching. The quick, comfortable and effective method is also the safest, because of new advanced light system that is used. The plasma arc light gives us the best whitening results without the dangers of a laser - and a more effective technique than Brite Smile .

Cosmetic Recontouring - We can level the teeth or reshape slightly- rotate teeth to achieve a more harmonious look. This is the quickest and most affordable service available, often used in conjunction with teeth bleaching.

Bonding - Used for all anterior tooth fillings, but rarely used for full coverage or veneering of teeth today due to material limitations. Bonded areas are prone to chipping, cracking, staining, discoloration, and wear. A bonded restoration may last 4 to 6 years before needing to be touched up or redone. Porcelain Laminates (veneers, facings)- The state of the art cosmetic restoration for anterior teeth that are structurally sound and without any large fillings. Porcelain laminates are a thin, custom-made covering that conceals the front and side surfaces of your tooth. They are made if a very durable ceramic material that actually strengthens your tooth! Porcelain laminates are versatile. They can correct stains, breaks and odd shapes, as well as lengthen individual teeth or close spaces.

In our office, the two step procedure can take 48-72 hours to be completed (versus 1-2 weeks in other dental offices!). Porcelain Laminates may have to be sent back to the laboratory for final alterations in shade, coloring, and characterization to achieve the desired final esthetic results. A major benefit of porcelain veneers is tooth conservation- relatively little enamel is removed in the preparation for the restoration.

Porcelain Inlays- Large, unsightly silver fillings can often be replaced by tooth- colored bonded porcelain, if sufficient tooth structure remains. These restorations also strengthen teeth. Porcelain inlays may be used in most posterior teeth (due to their inherent strength and wear resistance).

Porcelain Crowns- Because porcelain crowns cover your entire tooth, they often provide good solutions for severe problems- a bad fracture, a large filling, a tooth that has had root canal treatment, and in situations where one or several teeth are missing. When teeth can not be saved, dental implants are a great option to replace missing teeth.

As with other techniques, crowns can correct a wide range of problems. They are durable and strong, so replacements are needed less often. The difference between crowns and laminates (or porcelain inlays) is that more tooth structure is removed. This is required to allow adequate space for the restorative material to have appropriate strength, esthetics…and healthy gum contour.

Dental Implants: Are they right for you?

What you should know:



1. Dental Implants: Are they right for you?


If you are missing one or more teeth and would like to restore your ability to smile,
speak and eat with comfort and confidence, then dental implants may be right for you.

Perhaps your dentures don't fit as securely or comfortably as they once did. Perhaps you hide your smile
because of spaces from missing teeth. Or, perhaps you have loose teeth that need to be stabilized after
treatment of advanced gum disease. If any of these situations keep you from feeling good about yourself
and your smile, dental implants may be a solution for you. Technological advancements in dental materials
and techniques have improved the success rate of implants, enabling many patients to enjoy comfort and confidence
in their oral health. Now, you can have implant replacement teeth that look, feel and function just like your natural teeth.
You'll be able to enjoy many of the foods you now have to avoid without fear, discomfort or embarrassment.
And you'll find yourself smiling more naturally and with confidence again.

2. What are dental implants?

Dental implants are artificial substitutes for natural tooth roots. The implants- small anchors shaped like screws
or cylinders- are placed into the jawbone. Replacement teeth are attached to the part of the implant that projects
through the gums. Used for many years, dental implants are effective, natural-looking replacements for missing teeth.
Most specialists in dental implants work as a team- the surgeon surgically prepares your jaw and a prosthodontist,
the restorative specialist, makes your prosthesis (replacement teeth). The implant systems which are used to achieve
"osseointegration" provide you, the patient, with an increased probability of success.


3. What is osseointegration?

Osseointegrotion is the direct contact between the implant surface (predominately titanium oxide) and the surrounding bone.
The union of titanium implant and living jaw bone is the scientific achievement which restores the function of the
"tooth-less" jaw to an almost natural state.

4. What do dental implants do?

Dental implants can provide non-removable tooth replacement in the toothless jaw. Dental implants can provide support
for a full denture, making it more secure and comfortable. Dental implants can also support a fixed bridge, eliminating
the need for a removable partial denture. Of course dental implants can also replace just one missing tooth.
Instead of cutting the adjacent teeth (and risk root canal therapy!) as we did years ago, we can now avoid
connecting the teeth and replace only the one tooth that is missing!

5. Would I benefit from a dental implant?

Although dental implants have brought a comfortable, confident smile to many patients, they are not for everyone.
The ideal candidate has good general health, good oral health and adequate bone in the jaw to support the implant.
Equally important, the ideal candidate is willing to commit to conscientious oral hygiene and regular dental visits.
We can help you decide if a dental implant Is right for you. Essential to the decision is a comprehensive dental examination.
Dr. Doundoulakis will review your medical and dental history,
thoroughly examine your oral tissues and supporting bone in the jaw, and check the way your teeth fit together when you bite.
X-rays and models will be taken and analyzed, perhaps with the help of a computer.
After this careful examination, our office and the surgeon will talk with you about dental implant options.
You should discuss the benefits, risks, and possible alternative treatments.

6. What are the advantages of dental implants?

Dental implants can support replacement teeth in much the some way as tooth roots support natural teeth.
Dental implants provide an alternative to a denture that wobbles, clicks or causes pain.
Dental implants can also prevent embarrassment about spaces from missing teeth. You can enjoy your favorite foods again.
You can smile and speak with confidence.

When reputable dental implant systems are placed by trained dental specialists,
they can hove a probable success rate of over 90 percent. In fact, with effective oral care at home and regular
dental visits, dental implants have lasted as long as 20 years and may last a lifetime.

7. What are the disadvantages?

A dental implant requires a greater financial investment than a removable bridge or conventional denture. On the other hand,
an implant can offer advantages in terms of comfort and appearance benefits that many patients find well worth the cost.
A dental implant also requires an investment in time, perhaps three to nine months from start to finished.
If you consider that implants have lasted as long as 20 years and can last a lifetime,
the investment in time is quite reasonable. As with any surgical procedure, dental implants involve a risk of infection.
Occasionally, an implant may loosen and require replacement. Because each person is unique,
implant success cannot be guaranteed. In some instances the time frame for treatment can be shortened considerably,
with the final teeth delivered in only a few short months from start to finished!

8. What is the treatment like?

The treatment will vary depending upon the type of implant and the health of the patient.
For example, many patients can receive implant treatment in the dental office.
A brief hospital stay may be necessary for other patients.
The first step is placing the implants into the jawbone. After this surgical treatment,
the bone in the jaw attaches to the implants, holding them firmly in place.
The attachment of bone to the implant usually takes three to six months. Second, small metal posts
or cylinders are attached to the implant, projecting through the gums.
After this second surgical treatment, the gums take several weeks to heal.
Third, replacement teeth are created and securely attached to the small metal posts or cylinders.
Several fittings of the new teeth may be needed. After treatment is completed,
brushing, flossing and visiting your dentist regularly are essential to the success of the dental implant.

9. Will I have to keep my dentures out during the 3-6 month healing phase?

You should be able to wear your partial dentures or full dentures after the surgical procedure is done.
The basic appearance that you have with your full dentures or removable partial dentures should be similar
to how things looked before the implants were done.

10. How quick will I get my implant teeth?

With many implant cases, 3-6 months' wait is necessary because of the healing action that occurs
between the bone and the titanium oxide implant surface. There is an interchange on a cellular level
between the titanium oxide and the bone which in turn allows for the attachment. One may find that this time
(3-6 months) may increase towards a longer period of evaluation to allow for further healing.
This is based on the fact that healing and cellular changes will continue to occur even after the 3 month period.
But recently, much has been done on placing implants, loading them almost immediately, and then delivering replacement teeth within a few DAYS! For these cases, patients can go from NO teeth to FIXED (non-removable) teeth immediately!

11. Is it possible that the bone could be surgically exposed and no implants done?

It is possible that in rare instances the surgeon may find that once the bone is uncovered,
there are variations in bone contour or health which would preclude implants from being placed.
In rare instances, surgical implant sites are actually drilled before this can be determined.
However, this is the exception, not the routine. If a CATSCAN is recommended before the surgical procedure,
this possibility is minimized or eliminated.