How do I know if my teeth whitening kit expired?

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image of a man and a woman smiling and leaning on each otherMy dentist was offering free teeth whitening services, so I decided to give it a try. When I went in for the visit, they did the impressions and created the trays in the office. Then, they sent me home with the whitening liquid.

I’m embarrassed to say that I put all of it in my drawer and eventually forgot all about it. Fast forward six months, and I found the trays and the whitening gel still in my bathroom drawer. Is it safe to use now? I just wanted to make sure it doesn’t expire and that it will still be effective.

-Lanna in Missouri

Lanna,

The take home teeth whitening trays should be fine forever. That is, as long as they haven’t been stored in extreme heat, which may cause them to become warped. The only other issue is if you’ve had any major dental work done that may affect your bite or that the whitening may potentially damage. But, if they’ve been stored in your drawer and not exposed to heat, they should be just fine. Try them on and see how they feel. The trays should fit snugly and not be loose.

As for the whitening agents, it is possible that the gel may have an expiration date on the product. However, many manufacturing companies don’t include that information. So, it would be in your best interest to contact the specific manufacturer to find out more information on your individual product.

Most teeth whitening agents are good for approximately a year after it they have been manufactured. It is possible that your dentist gave it to you very shortly after receiving it from the manufacturer. However, it is possible that it may have been at the dentist office for some time. If the dentist stored it in the refrigerator, then the efficacy of the product may be prolonged. Generally speaking, any exposure to light will affect the whitening agent’s level of potency to whiten your teeth. When you open it, pay attention to the consistency of the gel. If it appears foggy or white, it is too old. It likely is still safe to use. But, it may not be as effective and deliver results that are noticeable.

When dealing with any kind of medical product, it is always best to adhere to the manufacturer’s recommendations. There is a strong possibility that they will recommend that you dispose of the gel, but keep the trays.

Try contacting your dentist and let them know what happened. When you take advantage of free teeth whitening offers, many dentists will continue to provide replacement gel to keep your teeth bright and white. They usually will do this as long as you keep up with and are up-to-date on your regular exams and cleanings.

If you do need to purchase the gel again, it isn’t too expensive. The majority of the expense from teeth whitening services is due to the creation of the trays. So, if those are still in good shape, you will be able to use them.

Hamburg Expressions is a cosmetic dentist located in Lexington, KY. Hopefully, this information is helpful as you decide what to do next.

Are my teeth ruined from tooth whitening?

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I have been thinking about getting my teeth whitened for months. So, when I saw this cute little shop in the mall last week, I decided to go for it. I’ve always been a little skeptical about getting this done in a mall. But, after talking with the Teeth Whitening Specialist about how it works and what to expect, she seemed to know what she was talking about. She said she was specially trained in this service and went on to tell me about all the safety parameters they have to follow.

I should have known it was too good too be true! The appointment was terrible! My teeth and gums are so painful that I cannot eat or sleep. And worst of all, I have these ugly-looking dark spots where I’ve had fillings done. My teeth look splotchy too! When I called in to complain, they told me that the color would level out in a couple days and it will look better. They are wrong! It looks so bad. The worst part is I feel like I cheated on my dentist and am embarrassed. Did I ruin my teeth?

-Ben in Oregon

Ben,

Oh no! It sounds like you learned your lesson the hard way. But, the good news is that your teeth aren’t ruined.

For starters, a “Teeth Whitening Specialist” is not a real thing. There is no certification or designation to perform tooth whitening services. The term must be used by the specific company from the mall. It is not endorsed by the American Dental Association in any way. Sadly, the training she might have received could have been as simple as a short online course or something the company does on their own. That’s neither here nor there, since it sounds like the service was not adequate.

Man that looks nervous or embarassedIt’s not uncommon for some sensitivity to occur for a couple days after professional teeth whitening either. However, if the pain continues for longer than that, you may have been exposed to the powerful whitening solution for a longer period of time than recommended. Tooth sensitivity can be eased with salt water rinses, so give that a try if you haven’t already. You should also be able to manage the pain with ibuprofen. But if the pain is unmanageable, you need to see the dentist. That is also why most dentists do an exam prior to teeth whitening to make sure you don’t have any issues that need to be addressed before moving forward with whitening.

The splotches and discoloration where your fillings are is an issue. As you have experienced, the filling material does not whiten. So, they look discolored now since the tooth around them is whiter. As they mentioned, the color may continue to stabilize. However, the only way to have the fillings match your other white teeth at this point will be to have them replaced, since they are unaffected by the whitening agents.

A dentist would have discussed these issues with you before you moved forward with treatment. It sounds like you need to go in to your regular dentist once the sensitivity dies down. But, don’t feel bad. You’re not the first person to take advantage of those mall kiosks that look too good to be true. Your dentist will be able to give you a better idea of how the color will level out and if any other treatment is required at this time.

This post is sponsored by a cosmetic dentist in Lexington, Hamburg Expressions.

My porcelain veneers are sensitive, do I need a crown?

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I love the way my new porcelain veneers look! Since I’ve had them, I feel more confident and younger looking. I have had them for about three months now.

However, ever since I got them done, my teeth are super sensitive. Anything hot or cold makes me cringe. I am starting to get really concerned that I may need a root canal. Does this sound normal? I wish I would have been told this could be a side effect. I honestly don’t know if it would have changed my decision to get them. But, it would have been nice to know.

Hopefully, you have some answers.

-Savannah in Texas

Savannah,

It’s great that you love your new look, but it is unfortunate that you have been having sensitivity. It is pretty uncommon that a patient would require a root canal after getting porcelain veneers. However, anytime there is dental work done, it is possible to irritate the nerve.

The tooth is made of several layers. The very inside of the tooth is where the nerves sit, called the pulp. The dentin surround the inner layer and then the enamel is located on the exterior. The dentin and the tooth enamel protect the nerve center inside the tooth. Since you likely had some of the tooth structure shaved down in preparation of the porcelain veneers, it is possible that the nerves were irritated.

The nerve may respond if the tooth is disturbed. Most of the time, you don’t have any issues unless you bite down too hard on something. But, since the enamel is thin, you may be more susceptible to sensitivity since the nerve is closer to the surface.

Another possibility is that the “pores” in your teeth are larger than average. The “pores” open and close during teeth whitening, which is why many people complain of sensitivity after tooth whitening. They are a direct gateway to the nerve center of the tooth. But typically those “pores” close back up and the sensitivity subsides.

When you have a cavity, the nerve can become irritated too. If the decay or infection reaches the pulp of the tooth, a root canal is the typical treatment.

diagram of a tooth where a root canal has formed
Example of a tooth that requires a root canal.

Also, there is a significant portion of the tooth removed in preparation of a dental crown too. So, it is common for patients to experience sensitivity. But, for porcelain veneers, only a tiny portion of the enamel is removed. So, your teeth should have proper protection in place to combat sensitivity.

Therefore, it is possible there is another issue going on with the teeth. And maybe the placement of the veneers disturbed it further.

Usually post-operative sensitivity only lasts for a few days or weeks after a procedure. So, if you are still experiencing discomfort after several months, you need to go back and have your teeth examined to make sure there isn’t something else going on.

There may be an issue with the way the porcelain veneers are bonded to the teeth, which may allow bacteria and decay to form underneath them. Or it is possible your bite is misaligned. If the teeth aren’t coming together correctly, they could be bothering the nerve when you bite down. If this is the case, the veneers can be adjusted to alleviate the problem.

So, there are many possibilities. It’s time to make a follow-up appointment with the dentist that placed the porcelain veneers so any issues can be addressed sooner than later.

This post is sponsored by a cosmetic dentist in Lexington, Hamburg Expressions.

I have been whitening my teeth but my implant is darker.

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I’ve had a dental implant on my front tooth for several years now. It used to look nice and blend in with my other teeth. But, over the years it is starting to look dingy. So, I decided to do some at home teeth whitening kits to try to spruce it up. Unfortunately, it is turning much darker than the rest of my teeth.

Do I need to get professional teeth whitening by a dentist to fix my dental implant?

-Jenna in Kentucky

Jenna,

Oh no! As you’ve experienced, dental implants cannot be whitened with bleaching products. Even teeth whitening done by your dentist will do nothing to change the color of the implant. Any kind of teeth whitening must be done prior to a dental implant being placed.

woman sitting in an exam chair at dentist looking upThe bleaching agents only work on natural tooth structure, which mean they are ineffective on porcelain. The at home teeth whitening system you used is specifically for surface stains on teeth. So, your teeth are getting whiter and the implant is unchanged, which is why it appears darker now.

When a dentist places the restoration on a dental implant, the color is chosen to match your surrounding teeth. It is sealed, which makes a dental implant pretty stain resistant. If needed, stains can be added to the implant after the fact to darken it. But, it cannot be whitened.

Therefore, the original color that was chosen for your dental implant will remain the same throughout it’s life. Most dentists, especially if they are focused on cosmetic dentistry, will offer you teeth whitening before placing the dental implant. Then, after the color has stabilized, the dental implant treatment will take place.

The bad news is that in order to have a uniform smile, the porcelain crown on your front tooth will need to be redone. If you are content with the color of your other teeth, then the crown can be made to blend in perfectly. This time around, be sure you find a cosmetic dentist. They can give you recommendations about how your current shade looks and see if any other treatment will help enhance your smile after the crown is fixed.

Thank you for your question. Hopefully, it is helpful for someone considering dental implants.

This post is sponsored by a cosmetic dentist in Lexington, Hamburg Expressions.

Is it true I need to wait for porcelain veneers until after bleaching my teeth?

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I am so excited to get a smile makeover! I’ve been researching cosmetic dentists in my area and I think I found the one I’d like to move forward with. I am doing teeth whitening at home and I also want to get four porcelain veneers for my top teeth.

The dentist is telling me to wait on the porcelain veneers until my teeth are whitened to the desired color. I understand his thinking. However, I’m ready to go! I don’t want to wait several more months for the bleaching.

Would it be alright if I get the veneers right away and then continue bleaching later? I would think the cosmetic dentist can estimate the the color of my teeth will be after treatment.

-Pam in Florida

Pam,

man standing behind woman smiling and leaning into himUnfortunately, it is not possible to predict exactly what the shade of your teeth will be once you have completed the teeth whitening treatment. Not even the most experienced cosmetic dentist can accurately match porcelain veneers before the whitening is done. There are too many factors that are unique to each case.

Ultimately, the porcelain veneers are made in an off-site laboratory. The doctor prescribes the exact shade based on the color, translucency, position in the mouth and desired goal of your smile makeover. Also, it takes awhile for them to be manufactured at the lab. So it could be several weeks to a month from the time the order is made, until the time they are ready. During that time alone, your teeth may be whitened several shades.

Even though it’s not what you want to hear, you really should follow the cosmetic dentist’s recommendations on this one. It is such a large investment and will be so worth it once it is all done. Hang in there. The smile of your dreams is getting closer.

This post is sponsored by a cosmetic dentist in Lexington, Hamburg Expressions.

Curious about alternative teeth whitening options.

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I try to be holistic-minded in the foods we eat and products we use. I have been wanting to get my teeth whitened for months now. However, I am hesitant to move forward with teeth whitenings like Zoom or any products used at the dentist because they are not all-natural.

One of the methods I’m researching is lemons and oranges. I have heard that the essential oils for these fruits or peels rubbed on your teeth consistently will whiten teeth. Have you heard of this technique? I am curious if you have heard if patients have seen results.

-Shannon in California

Shannon,

The tooth whitening method you have described is gaining popularity on many holistic, natural-focused websites. However, don’t believe everything you read. It is not a good idea to use oils or peels from acidic fruit. You may end up doing permanent, irreversible damage to your teeth. It’s not worth it.

Let’s take a closer look at this issue.

What Causes Tooth Discoloration?

There are two main types of tooth discoloration – intrinsic and extrinsic. Think of it as internal and external. Either the discoloration is coming from within the tooth or outside on the surface of the tooth.

For example, medications can cause teeth to become discolored. This would come from inside the tooth. Also, if a tooth dies it will become gray and discolored. If the tooth enamel is worn down due to over-brushing, age, exposure to acidity or from taking certain medications, it may reveal the dentin which has some color to it.

Extrinsic factors that may discolor teeth from food or drink include soda, coffee, wine, tea, juice or from eating berries. Smoking can also cause discoloration of teeth.

How to Prevent External Stains

If you are consistent with regular oral hygiene at home, brushing and flossing multiple times daily, external stains are less likely. However, if plaque builds up and adheres on teeth it is a biofilm, which contains bacteria. This phenomenon is responsible for tooth decay and gum disease. So, regular cleanings at your dentist, along with your at-home hygiene routine will help keep your teeth healthy and minimize plaque build up. When your teeth are well cared for and clean, the color from food and drink doesn’t have anything to adhere to. When the biofilm does build up, the stains stick and you will see the discoloration.

Do Citrus Fruits Whiten Teeth Naturally

The fact of the matter is, citrus fruits can brighten teeth. The citric acid fights the bacteria. Another popular holistic teeth whitening regimen is apple cider vinegar. But, there can be consequences.

comparison of stained teeth and whitened teethAcids Weaken Tooth Enamel

Even though citrus fruits may technically whiten teeth, it is bad for your enamel. Highly acidic food and products will break down tooth enamel. When the enamel is compromised, the discoloration will become worse because it can get deeper into the tooth. Also, the teeth will be more susceptible to decay and may become very sensitive. And the bottom line is, once tooth enamel is gone, you can’t repair it. You may have noticed that some of these websites mention diluting citrus oil or rinsing with water after using the fruit juices. This may lessen the effects, but acid is damaging to teeth. That’s all there is to it.

Professional Teeth Whitening

For any type of teeth whitening, it is best to discuss your preferences and concerns with a dentist and to whiten under the supervision of a dentist. This way, any urgent need you have can be addressed prior to whitening and you can avoid damage to your teeth.

Thank you for your question.

This post is sponsored by Lexington cosmetic dentist Hamburg Expressions.

Will Zoom whitening or another cosmetic dentistry treatment fix white spots?

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I am looking for a treatment, like a Zoom whitening, to take care of the white spots on my teeth. I have had them since I was young. The white spots developed on the tips of my teeth when I was a child and then I also had braces, which I think may have contributed to the spots on my front teeth.

The dentist I have been seeing since I was in kindergarten has tried to assure me that my oral health is good overall. He has said not to worry about it. However, the spots bug me. I’m in my early thirties and I can afford to have something done to fix them. Do you think I would be a teeth whitening candidate? Or would something like porcelain veneers or Lumineers be a better fit for white spots?

I came across a couple of articles that talked about how the use of Zoom whitening, in-office treatments or Crest Whitestrips actually made the spots more noticeable. So, what cosmetic dentistry options do I have.

-Deanna in New Jersey

Deanna,

Your family dentist’s opinion sounds very typical to many dentists that aren’t familiar with cosmetic dentistry. Most dentists have a functional mindset versus one of creating aesthetically-pleasing results. This comes from the fundamental philosophies taught in dental school, to fix the problem. However, a true cosmetic dentist has a passion for creating beauty. So, don’t ask your family dentist to do any kind of cosmetic dentistry because it sounds like it is out of his comfort zone. Find a cosmetic dentist in your area that has solid credentials, extensive training beyond dental school and can show you several similar successful cases like yours.

Zoom whitening or other whitening treatments won’t work for your white spots. In fact, tooth whitening may make them look worse. This is because the white spots will remain unchanged and will actually end up looking more noticeable.

Your best course of action is to see an expert cosmetic dentist in your area and listen to their recommendations. It is possible that tooth bonding may work well for you. Or porcelain veneers may also be an option because they are placed over the white spots.

woman smiling and pointing to white smileHowever, it is difficult to give specific recommendations without having seen your case in person. Teeth whitening may not be out of the question for the surrounding teeth. Then, the cosmetic dentistry application would be done to match your new shade. The good news is that you do have options and you can get the beautiful, white smile you’ve always wanted.

Word to the wise, stick with your family dentist for regular check-ups and exams. Then, go see an excellent cosmetic dentist to address the white spots and take your smile to the next level.

Thank you for your question.

This post is sponsored by Lexington cosmetic dentist Hamburg Expressions.

Is Zoom whitening the strongest kind of teeth whitening?

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I’ve heard great thing about Zoom whitening for brilliant, white teeth. I’ve heard it’s done in one office visit, which is very convenient. However, I keep envisioning that once episode from Friends, where Ross’ teeth literally glow in dark. What is the strongest kind of teeth whitening that won’t make me look like a fool?

-Andrew in North Carolina

Andrew,

There are many teeth whitening methods that will brighten your smile. If you are looking for noticeable, long-lasting results, professional teeth whitening is the way to go. You likely will not get the results you are after by using over-the-counter whitening toothpaste or strips.

Any method of teeth bleaching should be done by a trained dental professional. Teeth bleaching can cause gum irritation and increased sensitivity if it is not overseen by a dentist. Also, it is wise to consult with a dentist prior to whitening in case there are any treatments required prior to whitening.

Common professional teeth whitening options include:

  • Take home whitening trays – This method requires an exam to make sure there aren’t any immediate concerns. Then, an impression is taken so the whitening trays fit snugly over your teeth. The dentist will send you home with specific whitening instructions and a powerful bleaching gel. The trays are most commonly worn overnight. This method provides gradual results and you can touch up your smile anytime.
  •  Zoom bleaching at the dentist – closeup of zoom whitening gum protectionThis technique is quick, convenient and delivers results in only one sitting. The hydrogen peroxide gel is activated by a special light and it penetrates deeply so that years of stains are removed. The process is repeated multiple times until the desired whiteness is achieved. Sometimes patients deal with sensitivity when using Zoom.
  • Kor whitening – Kor deep bleaching system is one of the most powerful whitening treatments available on the market today. Be sure you see a dentist that is experienced in using Kor. It even works on severe tetracycline stains. The products aren’t mixed until your appointment so they are highly potent.

That is a quick rundown of your options. You will end up with a beautiful, white smile while avoiding the “Ross” look when you see a dentist to administer and monitor your teeth whitening experience. Good luck!

This post is sponsored by Lexington cosmetic dentist Hamburg Expressions.

Teeth whitening messed up my dental bonding

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I was so excited to get a free teeth whitening offer in the mail. I have been wanting to brighten my smile for a couple years now. However, teeth whitening just hasn’t been in the budget. So, I jumped right in and followed all the steps exactly as directed.

I was devastated when it didn’t work! Now, I’m left with teeth that look worse than before I whitened.

Several years ago, I had some dental bonding done. Now, the bonded teeth stick out like a sore thumb. Is there anything that can be done to fix it? Or is it possible the teeth whitening kit wasn’t any good?

-Pam in Kansas

Pam,

woman smiling with beautiful white smileUnfortunately, the only time it’s good to jump on a free teeth whitening deal is when it is offered by a dentist. There are many things that need to be considered to determine if you are a good teeth whitening candidate. For example, a dentist will do an initial exam to make sure you don’t have any urgent needs that require attention before the bleaching. Also, the dentist would have discovered your dental bonding and would have recommended a better treatment plan.

If you have dental bonding, it is possible to get your teeth whitened. However, as you have discovered, bonding material does not respond to teeth whitening agents. The color of the bonding will remain the same, while the surrounding teeth will be whitened. Also, the bonding has likely picked up stains over the years, so that is why it is standing out now and looking discolored.

The good news is that your smile can be fixed. You will need to see a reputable cosmetic dentist and have the tooth bonding redone. Be sure you are happy with the whiteness of your existing teeth. If you would like to pursue more powerful whitening from the dentist, now is the time. Once the color is sufficient, you can have the dental bonding made to blend in perfectly. Then, when the bonding is fixed, you will end up with an even, stunning smile.

This post is sponsored by Lexington cosmetic dentist Hamburg Expressions.

Will teeth whitening fix my white spots?

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Will teeth whitening help out with my ugly white spots that were left behind after my braces?

Apparently, I didn’t do the best job of keeping up with my regular dental cleanings while I had braces. Now, my teeth seem to be stained white where the braces used to be. My dentist promised me a free teeth whitening appointment after the orthodontist removed my braces. However, when I went in for the consultation he wouldn’t do it. He seems to think the result will be uneven. I am considering getting another opinion. Although, I wanted to check here to see what your thoughts were about bleaching teeth after braces.

-Becky in Florida

Becky,

Unfortunately, white spots after braces are removed isn’t that uncommon. It is correct that oral hygiene and regular dental cleanings are imperative while the braces are on. Otherwise, the white spots are a possibility.

image of professional teeth whitening trays in a caseFurthermore, the white spots can be a sign of tooth decay. So, in order to whiten your teeth after braces, it depends on the cause. It is possible that a deep cleaning will polish the stains away and then you’d be a candidate for teeth bleaching.

Although, if the stains are a sign of tooth decay, you will need to have the stains whitened with a different method. Bonding can be used to cover up the areas of decay and tooth bonding can be done after the initial teeth whitening is performed too. That way the bonding will match the new white shade of your teeth.

Any kind of staining or white spots is best addressed with an excellent cosmetic dentist. So, that should likely be your next step for a second opinion. Frankly, not just any dentist can do beautiful cosmetic dentistry. And for the issues you are talking about, the appearance and bonding techniques and materials is important. So, be sure to find a cosmetic dentist with the right credentials. Also, one that can show you and explain how he or she has worked with cases similar to yours. Good luck!

Thank you for your question.

This post is sponsored by Lexington cosmetic dentist Hamburg Expressions.

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