Episode 30: What You Need To Know About Teeth Whitening

[Eon Engelbrecht E-Radio] (0:04 – 0:44)
It’s time again for Save Your Money, Save Your Teeth, the go-to podcast where curiosity meets dentistry straight from the experts. I’m Eon Engelbrecht from E-Radio, and every week I’m chatting to Dr. Clifford Yudelman from OptiSmile. We take a deep dive into the world of dental care from a consumer’s perspective. So whether you’re looking to brighten that smile or protect your wallet, we’ve got you covered with practical advice and the latest insights.

So stay with us as we uncover the secrets to maintaining both your dental health and finances. Dr. Clifford Yudelman, a big welcome back to you.

[Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile] (0:45 – 2:44)
Thank you, Eon, and thank you for having me back. The sun is shining. We are in Cape Town, and it’s a beautiful day.

And talking of things shining, our next five episodes will be something special for our listeners. We’ll be focusing on teeth whitening and everything related to it. Today, we’ll be providing an overview of teeth whitening, and next week, we’ll delve into in-chair or in-office teeth whitening. Following that, we’ll discuss take-home whitening kits from the dentist.

In episode four, we’ll cover the risks and benefits of non-dental whitening, like those offered by beauty salons or products purchased online. Finally, we’ll wrap it up with tips and advice on teeth whitening.

We’re going to try not to repeat ourselves too much, but we’ve got five comprehensive episodes lined up. I know you’ve got some good questions for me on each of those.

A lot of people seek whiter, brighter teeth at OptiSmile. It makes them feel younger and more confident. We’ve done several episodes on the benefits of cosmetic dentistry in Cape Town, including veneers and teeth straightening, and now we’re finally focusing on whitening. Oral health should always come first before worrying about teeth whitening, but we know many people are eager to start with whitening, so this might be the episode you’ve been waiting for.

[Eon Engelbrecht E-Radio] (2:45 – 2:55)
Exactly. So, Dr. Yudelman, let’s start with that overview. What are the different teeth whitening options available today?

[Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile] (2:56 – 4:28)
To broadly introduce the topic, there are professional options, including in-chair or in-office dental teeth whitening. Many refer to it as laser whitening, although very few dentists use actual lasers for whitening. We’ll discuss that in more detail. Generally, it involves a blue LED light or a very bright light.

Another professional option, which we’ll explore in a future episode, is take-home kits prescribed by dentists and often provided by dental hygienists or the dentists themselves. Then, there are over-the-counter options, such as whitening strips or toothpaste, available online or in stores.

These methods vary in effectiveness. For instance, Colgate whitening strips are popular in the US but not available in South Africa. In our 16 years of practice, we’ve found they work fairly well, but we’ll discuss them in more detail in their own episode. Professional treatments at the dentist are stronger and give more consistent results without damaging your teeth.

[Eon Engelbrecht E-Radio] (4:29 – 4:35)
Right. And how do professional whitening treatments differ from these at-home methods?

[Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile] (4:36 – 6:19)
Professional in-chair whitening delivers immediate, significant results. We use a 35% hydrogen peroxide solution, a natural substance also found in saliva, which is non-toxic. However, at high concentrations, it can burn gums but won’t damage teeth. We’ll discuss this in more detail.

At-home methods are convenient but slower and more gradual. Professional in-chair treatments offer immediate, significant results with higher concentrations of whitening agents. The at-home kits involve 7.5% or 9.5% hydrogen peroxide or 10% carbamide peroxide, the traditional take-home option many dislike because it requires overnight use. It’s not one we usually recommend, except for Invisalign patients who already wear trays at night.

[Eon Engelbrecht E-Radio] (6:20 – 6:29)
Right. Moving on, Dr. Yudelman, what factors should someone consider when choosing a whitening method?

[Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile] (6:30 – 8:35)
Several factors should be considered, including budget, speed of results, and sensitivity. Professional treatments, whether in-chair or take-home, cost more but deliver faster results. At OptiSmile, we customise our whitening process for each patient. For example, a patient might get in-chair whitening followed by overnight treatment with carbamide peroxide, or we might recommend take-home trays with 7.5% hydrogen peroxide if their budget is lower.

Sensitivity is another key factor. For patients with sensitive teeth, we might use a lower concentration product and customise the treatment. We can also provide desensitising gels, which we’ll discuss in detail later. Existing dental work is also important. Crowns, veneers, and old fillings don’t whiten, so they require special consideration. In a nutshell, these are the factors one should consider when choosing a whitening method.

[Eon Engelbrecht E-Radio] (8:36 – 8:47)
Okay, that’s very interesting. How long can one expect the results of teeth whitening to last?

[Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile] (8:47 – 11:26)
There’s some disagreement among dentists. Some say in-chair whitening can last up to a year or more. At OptiSmile, we recommend combining in-chair whitening with take-home trays. Without the take-home trays, results may rebound within a few weeks, but with the trays, the whitening can last over a year. The take-home kits allow for regular touch-ups to maintain the in-chair results, making them long-lasting.

Skipping take-home treatments cheats yourself because in-chair whitening alone may not suffice for maintaining white teeth. It’s also important not to repeat high-concentration treatments too often, which is why we recommend a combined approach to save both your money and your teeth.

[Eon Engelbrecht E-Radio] (11:26 – 11:34)
I’m curious—are there any types of stains that whitening cannot remove?

[Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile] (11:35 – 13:33)
Whitening works best for people who had white teeth when they were younger but now have surface stains from tea, coffee, smoking, or red wine. These stains respond well to in-chair or take-home whitening. For those with trauma or root canals or who’ve taken certain medications, specialised cosmetic dentistry care is required. Simple tray or in-chair whitening may not work on these stains, but there are ways to address them, sometimes requiring alternative cosmetic procedures.

[Eon Engelbrecht E-Radio] (13:33 – 13:45)
Can teeth whitening work on dental restorations like crowns or veneers?

[Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile] (13:45 – 17:13)
That’s a great question. Old fillings, veneers, and crowns do not whiten. They only affect natural teeth. Patients who use whitening without professional advice might end up with blotchy results if they have crowns or fillings. It’s crucial to consult with a dentist before whitening, especially if you have existing restorations. Sometimes, after whitening, replacing old crowns or veneers may be necessary to match the new tooth colour.

[Eon Engelbrecht E-Radio] (17:14 – 17:21)
Any side effects when it comes to teeth whitening?

[Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile] (17:22 – 20:49)
Teeth whitening can cause sensitivity, especially if done improperly. Overuse of strong products can burn gums and cause zingers or sharp, uncontrollable pain. At OptiSmile, we take steps to avoid these issues by using lower concentrations and shorter times during in-chair treatments. We also provide desensitising gels and toothpaste to help with minor sensitivity.

[Eon Engelbrecht E-Radio] (20:50 – 20:59)
What about safety? How safe is teeth whitening for sensitive teeth?

[Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile] (20:59 – 22:04)
Teeth whitening can be customised for sensitivity. We use lower concentrations and shorter times for in-chair treatments. For patients with severe sensitivity, we might recommend only using take-home trays with 7.5% hydrogen peroxide. Desensitising toothpaste before and after treatment can also help.

[Eon Engelbrecht E-Radio] (22:05 – 22:07)
Are there any age restrictions for teeth whitening?

[Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile] (22:08 – 23:09)
Generally, teeth whitening is recommended for adults. It can be effective for older patients with very yellow teeth. At OptiSmile, we sometimes treat patients as young as 14 if it’s really affecting them, but we usually wait until they’re 16 to 18 years old.

[Eon Engelbrecht E-Radio] (23:10 – 23:17)
Finally, Dr. Yudelman, what are the latest advancements in teeth whitening technology?

[Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile] (23:18 – 26:18)
At OptiSmile, we use the latest products and materials. Despite previous research suggesting that the light used in whitening treatments doesn’t significantly enhance the process, we’ve observed different results with the Flash system, particularly when used with the light. The light does seem to make a difference, providing better results than without it.

There are also advancements in the composition of take-home gels, which now include fluoride, built-in desensitisers, and nanohydroxyapatite, all designed to strengthen and whiten teeth while reducing sensitivity. Whitening treatments can now be tailored even more precisely to individual needs, making the process safer and more effective.

At OptiSmile, we always aim to offer our patients the best and most current treatment options. While some older methods still work, using the latest technology can provide superior results with fewer side effects. If you’re considering teeth whitening, especially if you have concerns about sensitivity or specific dental needs, I would recommend getting a professional consultation first. And remember, maintaining the results with a proper aftercare routine is just as important as the treatment itself.

[Eon Engelbrecht E-Radio] (26:19 – 26:33)
Absolutely. A big thank you to you once again, Dr. Clifford Yudelman, for sharing all your expertise with us today, and also to our listeners for tuning in. We’re looking forward to the next episode about in-chair whitening.

[Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile] (26:33 – 26:45)
Brilliant. We’re really going to expand on the details. There might be a little bit of repetition, but there’s a lot more to learn. Tune in next week if you’re considering in-chair whitening.

[Eon Engelbrecht E-Radio] (26:46 – 27:16)
Looking forward to it. That’s it for this week’s edition. Remember, while we strive to provide valuable insights, always consult with your own dental professional for advice tailored to your personal health.

Also, don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast for more enlightening discussions and join us again next time as we continue to explore the fascinating intersection of dental health and financial savvy. Until then, keep smiling and take great care of your teeth.

[OptiSmile Promotion] (27:35 – 28:20)
Discover the world of dental excellence with OptiSmile. Join us for a weekly podcast featuring Dr. Clifford Yudelman, a seasoned expert with 40 years of dental experience across four continents. Gain unique insights and expert dental advice by visiting OptiSmile.co.za for articles that illuminate the path to optimal oral health. If you’re seeking unparalleled dental care in Cape Town, get in touch with OptiSmile or book directly online on OptiSmile.co.za. OptiSmile, where global expertise meets local care.