Tooth Whitening Archives - Old Milton Dental

Is Charcoal Teeth Whitening Safe?

Posted on March 12, 2019April 23, 2019 by Alpharetta Dentist

If you go on the internet at all, you’ve most likely come across several different charcoal teeth whitening kits. Before you get out your credit card and make your next purchase, make sure you do your own research to see if charcoal teeth whitening is actually safe because the answer might surprise you. At Old Milton Dental in Alpharetta, we want what is best for the health of our patient’s teeth which is why we want them to know the truth about charcoal teeth whitening. Learn more about charcoal teeth whitening and your different teeth whitening options in Alpharetta.

What is Activated Charcoal Teeth Whitening?

To start, what is activated charcoal teeth whitening anyways? Activated charcoal is has been around for ages and it has many different uses. It originally gained recognition in the 20^th century and has grown in popularity since, especially with teeth whitening products. Activated charcoal is made from olive pits, coconut shells, coal, sawdust, bone char, and other materials. These materials are processed with high heat to activate it which makes the internal structure more porous than traditional charcoal. Since it’s so porous, it’s effective for capturing harmful substances. Since it cannot be absorbed by the human body, it can excrete toxins from the body. Activated charcoal teeth whitening is basically putting activated charcoal on your teeth to remove the toxins and substances from your teeth.

What is the Medical Use of Activated Charcoal?

Activated charcoal actually has many different medical uses and health benefits. For one, activated charcoal has shown to improve kidney function. Since it can extract toxins, it’s being used to reduce the number of toxins that the kidney has to filter. This is beneficial to those who do not have high functioning kidneys. There have also been studies that show that activated charcoal can lower your cholesterol by binding to cholesterol in the gut, limiting how much is absorbed by the body. It’s also being used in the beauty industry specifically for purifying pores and treating acne. Of course, one of the most popular uses of activated charcoal is for teeth whitening, but is this really safe?

Is Activated Charcoal for Teeth Whitening Safe?

Now that you know everything there is to know about activated charcoal, it’s time to dive into activated charcoal for teeth whitening. In the past few years, activated charcoal teeth whitening has blown up. This is mostly due to beauty bloggers promoting activated charcoal whitening products. However, there have been no studies that prove that activated charcoal actually whitens your teeth. It’s also not FDA approved for most health uses. The American Dental Association (ADA) has also not approved it to be used as a whitening product or safe for use on teeth.

The idea behind activated charcoal whitening, however, is that the activated charcoal absorbs plaque and other different compounds that may stain your teeth. In other words, the activated charcoal removes toxins from your teeth, therefore exposing your natural white smile.

Activated Charcoal Toothpaste is Abrasive

One of the top reasons you should steer clear of activated charcoal whitening products is that activated charcoal is abrasive. On the top layer of your teeth is where your enamel is. Your enamel is what protects your teeth from bacteria, tooth decay, and cavities. When you use an activated charcoal teeth whitening product like toothpaste, you are brushing your teeth with an abrasive product. This means that the activated charcoal may be removing toxins from your teeth, but it is also scraping off your enamel. Once your enamel is damaged, there is nothing you can do to protect your teeth because it doesn’t grow back.

While your teeth might look whiter after using an activated charcoal whitening product, you may have in fact damaged your teeth. Always check with your dentist before you decide to use a new dental product, especially if it is not recommended by the ADA. We suggest that our patients do not use any activated charcoal whitening products in order to protect themselves from permanent damage to their beautiful teeth. Instead, we suggest using a whitening product approved by the ADA as well as your dentist. Discover our different professional whitening products.

Seek Professional Whitening Instead

If you want to do everything in your power to ensure that your teeth are in good hands, visiting your teeth whitening dentist in Alpharetta is a good start. Our dentists are here to help your teeth look great while also being as healthy as possible. We offer a few different professional whitening products to our patients that will give them a guaranteed whiter smile without harming your teeth. In addition, you don’t have to worry that your results won’t look good because a professional cosmetic dentist will be giving them to you.

Whether you prefer to whiten your teeth in our office or at home, we have perfect options for you. If you want to whiten your teeth in our Alpharetta dental office, we use Zoom! in-office whitening. This treatment is completed in just 45 minutes and can leave your teeth 8 shades lighter. You will sit in our dental chair with whitening trays and solution in your mouth with an LED light shining on your teeth to expedite the process. The take-home Zoom! whitening kit also uses custom trays and a bleaching solution to whiten your teeth. However, you must use it 30 to 90 minutes a day for a few weeks to achieve your results.

Visit Your Teeth Whitening Dentist in Alpharetta

If you want to find a teeth whitening treatment that won’t harm your teeth and leave you with beautiful results, visit our teeth whitening dentist in Alpharetta for professional teeth whitening treatment. Give us a call or fill out our online form to schedule an appointment today.

Why OTC Teeth Whitening is a Waste of Money

Posted on May 16, 2017April 29, 2018 by Alpharetta Dentist

Teeth whitening procedures represent one of the most commonly requested cosmetic dentistry procedures across the nation, and it is no different here in Alpharetta. While we are not surprised to learn that the OTC teeth whitening industry is also booming, we are concerned about the myth that over-the-counter tooth whitening is more affordable. It is true that at first glance, the tooth whitening offered by your dentist in Alpharetta appears more expensive. But is it really?

The Science of Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is not a matter of simply adding more product and letting it bleach your teeth. In fact, there is a very specific amount of peroxide needed to whiten teeth, and the amount changes depending on why your teeth are stained, and what other oral health issues you may have. Cosmetic dentistry professionals can help you achieve a perfect smile based on your specific needs, not based on a generic formula designed for anyone but you. This means that when you visit your dentist in Alpharetta, your money is being spent on a process that will work for you, not a gamble.

The Cost of Teeth Whitening

When you realize that not only are you likely buying something that does not contain the right amount of ingredients, but you are also going to have to buy the OTC teeth whitening kit again and again to get the same effect, it becomes clearer just how cost effective teeth whitening is at your dentist’s office. Even professional tooth whitening is not permanent, but you can reduce the number of repeat buys to once every year or 18 months, rather than once a month or more!

Contact Your Dentist in Alpharetta to Learn More

Ready to learn more about the more cost-effective teeth whitening procedure offered by your dentist in Alpharetta at Old Milton Dental? Contact our office online, or call 678-624-0370.

Teeth Whitening Quiz

Posted on May 16, 2016June 14, 2017 by Alpharetta Dentist

What Do You Know About Teeth Whitening Quiz

At Old Milton Dental in Alpharetta, GA, our dentists provide a range of services, including cosmetic dentistry, including teeth whitening. As the ideal finishing touch to a dental restoration or makeover, tooth whitening is a painless and reliable solution to many issues. In this teeth whitening quiz, you can uncover the many benefits of tooth whitening, and decide whether it is the right treatment to discuss with our dentists.

Teeth whitening is done only using lasers? True or false?

False, the dentists in our Alpharetta, GA office perform teeth whitening with the special ZOOM! product that is comfortable, effective and remarkably fast.

My teeth have yellowed with age…that is not treatable with tooth whitening is it? True or false?

False, it may surprise many taking this teeth whitening quiz to learn that tooth whitening products are meant to address staining from years of smoking, coffee drinking or poor oral health. However, they also can help with teeth that have yellowed from age – lightening them by many, many degrees.

Isn’t tooth whitening very painful? True or false?

Once again, the answer is false. When done properly, teeth whitening treatments result in very temporary discomfort for a very low number of patients. Usually, there is little to no discomfort or pain during and after treatment in our Alpharetta, GA office. When there is an issue, dentists offer a variety of solutions that can range from topical remedies to over the counter pain relief.

Teeth whitening treatments that are “take home” are not as effective as treatments in the office. True or false?

This is an interesting question, and those taking this teeth whitening quiz may be surprised to learn that the in-office treatments in our Alpharetta, GA office only work faster because the solution is a bit higher in the percentage of active ingredients. In the monitored and professional setting of a dental office, and in the hands of a professional skilled in cosmetic dentistry, it is safe to use the stronger formulations. The take-home teeth whitening agents are just as effective, but may take several applications over the course of a few days to generate the same results.

Teeth whitening can improve the color of all of my teeth. True or false?

One thing to learn from this teeth whitening quiz is that not all teeth can be whitened. Dental crowns or veneers are made to match the teeth “as is” but will not whiten when exposed to teeth whitening formulas.

Contact Us

Did this teeth whitening quiz help you learn more? If you have questions about a teeth whitening treatment give us a call at our Alpharetta, GA office at (678) 624-0370. You can also use our online contact form and one of our staff will get back to you promptly.

How to Care for Your Teeth Whitening Treatment

Posted on April 18, 2016June 14, 2017 by Alpharetta Dentist

Care For Your Teeth Whitening Treatment

One of the most popular ways to complete any sort of cosmetic or restorative dental care is to improve the look of the smile through a teeth whitening treatment. However, not all such treatments are alike. Even more importantly, it is just as much about the after care as the tooth whitening treatment itself. Fortunately, at Old Milton Dental in Alpharetta, GA, our dentists provide premium tooth whitening along with all of the help and support needed for optimal after care success.

So, how do you care for your smile after a tooth whitening treatment in our Alpharetta, GA office? When you have our premium teeth whitening treatment, you need to be particularly attentive during the 48 hours that follow it. Our dental team will go over all of the details with you, but the main points to consider include:

Do not consume dark, staining, or yellowing foods or beverages for at least 48 hours afterward. That means avoiding coffee, tea, colas, red wine, soy sauce, most condiments, berries, red sauces, tomato foods, and colored toothpastes or mouthwashes
Do not use colored lipstick
Do not smoke

You will also have to refrain from the use of certain desensitizing agents (such as Perio RX or Chlorahexidine) during those 48 hours after the teeth whitening treatment in Alpharetta, GA as well. If you have extreme sensitivity, chewing colorless and sugar free gum will help reduce peroxide levels. Over the counter pain medications are helpful after teeth whitening treatment too. You will also want to brush and floss after you consume anything, just to be safe.

We also send our patients home with post teeth whitening treatment solutions. This will typically include further applications of the teeth whitening compounds. If you are using a specialized dental tray to apply the teeth whitening treatment, you will need to use a dollop of the compound equivalent to the size of a lentil for each tooth. Our dentists ensure you understand the after care and touch up treatments that will ensure your teeth whitening treatment is a huge success.

If you have questions about how to care for your teeth whitening treatment, or need to discuss your cosmetic dentistry options with our dentists, give us a call at our Alpharetta, GA office at (678) 624-0370. You can also use our online contact form and one of our staff will get back to you promptly.

5 Misconceptions About Teeth Whitening

Posted on March 24, 2016June 14, 2017 by Alpharetta Dentist

Perhaps you have been considering the use of teeth whitening to give you healthy smile the radiant glow it deserves. There are many people who rely on teeth whitening treatments to put the finishing touch on their smile makeover, straightening or as part of their regular general dentistry. At Old Milton Dental in Alpharetta, GA, we provide our patients with different options for teeth whitening and also help them overcome the biggest misconceptions and myths about this fast, safe, and effective treatment.

It is painful. This is one of the worst misconceptions about teeth whitening. While it may sound like it word hurt to put chemicals on the teeth or near the gums, the truth is that the process is not in the least bit painful. For patients who have sensitive teeth, or who worry about developing sensitivity after having the treatment, there are desensitizing agents that can be part of the process.
It is permanent. Another of the myths associated with teeth whitening is that it is a permanent treatment. The simple fact of the matter is that dietary habits like drinking tea, coffee or wine can cause your whitening to fade. Smoking will always yellow the teeth and simple aging makes our teeth yellow as well. Teeth whitening can be very long lasting, but it is not permanent.
It harms the teeth. One of the worst misconceptions about whitening is that it will damage the enamel and harm the teeth. This is not the case at all, and in some instances, the contents of the whitening product may help to reinforce the health of the teeth. Fluoride ingredients, as an example are helpful, not harmful.
It is instant. While this is arguable, the reality is that teeth whitening is done in many ways. It can be done in-office and work in a single visit or it can take a few weeks. It is never just brushed on and you are done, and even an in-office treatment can take 30 minutes or more.
It is a good treatment for all teeth. Unfortunately, there are some patients with deeply stained or discolored teeth who cannot benefit from whitening. There are options available though, such as veneers and bonding or crowns and inlays or onlays.

If you have questions about the myths and misconceptions about teeth whitening, or need to discuss your options, give us a call at (678) 624-0370. You can also use our online contact form and one of our staff will get back to you promptly.

5 Reasons You Should Consider Teeth Whitening

Posted on February 25, 2016June 14, 2017 by Alpharetta Dentist

You can have a remarkably healthy set of teeth and gums and yet it may not appear that way. There is a long list of reasons that your well-tended teeth may be yellow, stained or otherwise discolored. Fortunately, patients of Old Milton Dental in Alpharetta, GA can enjoy teeth whitening that will put the perfect, finishing touch to their smile.

Of course, many people think of teeth whitening as nothing more than a way to change the color of the teeth, but there are other reasons to consider teeth whitening an important part of your dental care.

Consider teeth whitening as an anti-aging solution. You can have good skin and a radiant complexion, but if you smile and your teeth are very yellow or stained, it just ages you. Whitening eliminates this issue and can often do so in a single treatment.
It is fast! As just said above, patients who use our teeth whitening can often see immense changes in a single office visit. Even those with deep-set stains will see improvements in a short time.
It can be touched up. While many cosmetic treatments have to be repeated often, whitening needs to be done infrequently and benefits from an at home or once annual touch up.
Teeth whitening lets you maintain your habits. Few coffee drinkers will quit drinking this beverage to spare their teeth and the same goes of tea or even wine drinkers. Smokers too end up with stained teeth, and whitening can remedy this situation. While smoking is not something to be encouraged, if you are finding it very hard to quit this habit, high quality teeth whitening can help to reduce some of the cosmetic effects of these habits.
Boosts confidence. A yellow or discolored smile is one that you might be hiding from others. It is a major reason to consider teeth whitening. It will let you smile, laugh, speak and grin with much more confidence. If you find your hand going to your mouth to hide your teeth, or if you hold your lips closed when smiling, it is time to explore teeth whitening.

If you have questions about teeth whitening treatments, or wish need to discuss your options, give us a call at (678) 624-0370. You can also use our online contact form and one of our staff will get back to you promptly.

Cosmetic Dentistry FAQs

Posted on February 18, 2016June 14, 2017 by Alpharetta Dentist

Cosmetic dentistry covers a rather wide range of procedures and services including Invisalign, teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, dental crowns and tooth- colored fillings. If you are unhappy about more than one aspect of your smile, at Old Milton Dental in Alpharetta, we may recommend a smile makeover, in which we develop a full plan to improve your smile. These Cosmetic Dentistry FAQs should help you better understand how a cosmetic dentist can help you.

Why Are My Teeth Discolored or Stained?

Some “lifestyle staining” is caused by habits like drinking black coffee or red wine, smoking or neglecting to brush your teeth often enough. In general, as we age our teeth start to look more yellow and dull as their enamel starts to become thin and the yellow dentin on the inside begins to show through. Sometimes medications can cause teeth to appear yellow or stained as well.

Fortunately, teeth whitening addresses all of these issues, and if your teeth are too badly stained for whitening to have an effect, you can always choose to have porcelain veneers placed over your teeth for a whiter, more even smile.

Why Should I Consider a Smile Makeover?

If your teeth are otherwise perfect except for one or two things, you may not need to develop a plan to improve your smile. However, if you have more imperfections that you want to take care of, it is a good idea to consult with one of the cosmetic dentists at Old Milton Dental to create the most effective, affordable and fastest plan to get your smile in great shape.

Can Cosmetic Dentistry Help My Dental Health?

Absolutely. Crooked and uneven teeth can be difficult to brush and floss and sometimes it can be hard to motivate yourself to take care of your teeth and gums if they already look unattractive. Cosmetic dentistry can also repair damaged or chipped teeth and keep them from becoming decayed as well.

For more answers to your questions about cosmetic dentistry, please don’t hesitate to call us at Old Milton Dental in Alpharetta, GA at 678-624-0370 today, or you can book an appointment online with our contact form.

Is Cosmetic Dentistry Right For You?

Posted on February 8, 2016June 14, 2017 by Alpharetta Dentist

The main purpose of the field of cosmetic dentistry is to correct aesthetic issues with the patient’s smile. You might ask yourself, is cosmetic dentistry right for me? People opt for cosmetic dental procedures – including teeth whitening, Invisalign, porcelain veneers and other services – to give themselves more confidence in their smiles. They also choose to see a cosmetic dentist like Dr. Mazer here at Old Milton Dental in Alpharetta, GA to help improve their dental and oral health and hygiene as well. Often, it is much easier to keep teeth and gums clean and healthy once they have been aligned, professionally cleaned and/or whitened.

So, if you have otherwise healthy teeth and gums, but you are unhappy with some aspect of your smile, you may be an excellent candidate for cosmetic dentistry. Most patients who are not in need of major restorative dental work are great candidates for cosmetic dentistry, but each patient is different and there are a number of options and services available to attain your goals for your smile.

Pros and Cons of Cosmetic Dentistry

The pros of cosmetic dentistry go on and on. Patients who get cosmetic dental procedures performed experience greater success in their careers thanks to their boosted confidence levels. They also enjoy an easier time cleaning their teeth and keeping their gums healthy and they like what they see in the mirror much more too.

The only cons of cosmetic dentistry really are that some insurance companies don’t cover all of the procedures and services that your cosmetic dentist offers. If you have a lower-end insurance policy, you might find yourself paying out of pocket for some services. However, when you think of the amazing value you will get from a dazzling smile, the cost really does not seem all that high in comparison with years of enjoying your smile and all of the benefits of cosmetic dentistry.

Want to learn more about what a cosmetic dentist can do for your smile? Call us at Old Milton Dental in Alpharetta, GA today at 678-624-0370, or you can fill out our online contact form and someone will respond to your message promptly. We are looking forward to helping you get the smile you have been dreaming of!

Teeth Whitening FAQs

Posted on January 4, 2016June 14, 2017 by Alpharetta Dentist

Teeth whitening is one of our most popular cosmetic dental services, as it gives our patients in Alpharetta a significant improvement in their smiles without taking up a lot of time or money. With Zoom! whitening products, we are able to offer in-office and at-home treatments that give you the brilliant results you have been hoping for. Of course, you probably have a few questions about teeth whitening, which is why we have compiled Old Milton Dental’s most frequently asked questions for your convenience:

How Effective Is Teeth Whitening?

If you go with over-the-counter strips or whitening toothpastes, you may notice an improvement of a shade or two. With professional whitening products and treatments, you will notice your teeth get several shades whiter.

Will My Teeth Get Stained Again if I Keep Drinking Coffee or Red Wine?

Yes and no. Some of your favorite foods and beverages can be some of the worst culprits of staining. After you whiten your teeth, if you follow our after-care instructions, brush and floss regularly and visit us at Old Milton Dental for professional cleanings, you may be surprised at how long your teeth stay brilliantly white between treatments.

Does Teeth Whitening Hurt?

No. If used properly, professional whitening products should not hurt your teeth at all, nor should they increase sensitivity. Whitening gel can irritate your gums, which is why it is important to get customized trays made for your whitening gel, especially if you are going to do at-home treatments.

Is Teeth Whitening for Everyone?

No, whitening does not affect porcelain, so you will not see changes in veneers or crowns if you have them. Fortunately, porcelain does not stain the same way that tooth enamel does, so you should not feel the need to whiten your crowns or veneers if you chose the correct shade for them.

If you have more questions about teeth whitening and your options for a more beautiful smile, call us at Old Milton Dental in Alpharetta, GA today at 678-624-0370, or you can book an appointment online with our contact form.

Is Teeth Whitening Right for You?

Posted on December 21, 2015June 14, 2017 by Alpharetta Dentist

A lot of our patients at Old Milton Dental in Alpharetta have been opting for our teeth whitening services lately and many more have had questions about whether or not teeth whitening was right for them. For the most part, people get teeth whitening because over the years, their teeth have become stained or dull. This happens for a number of reasons including eating and drinking dark beverages and foods, smoking and even taking some medications.

If you have yellowed, dull or stained teeth, you may want to consider teeth whitening to give you a younger, more attractive smile. Many people do it to counter the effects of their favorite foods and beverages and some do it to give themselves a confidence boost every time they look in the mirror.

Now you are probably wondering if you are a candidate for teeth whitening, right? If your oral and dental health are otherwise pretty good, you are most likely a great candidate for whitening. To ensure that whitening is right for you and to help you choose your best option, our dentists will want to see you for an examination and consultation.

Pros and Cons of Teeth Whitening

Before you make your decision, you will want to know about the advantages and disadvantages of whitening. Honestly, the only real con for whitening is that it may not get your teeth as white as you want if you were dreaming of ultra-white teeth and you have visible yellow dentin showing through your enamel.

Fortunately, though, most patients are very happy with their level of whitening, and if you are not, we may recommend porcelain veneers to give you an even more dazzling effect.

We have had great success with Zoom! in-office whitening, and most of our patients in Alpharetta absolutely love their results. Plus, if you keep up with regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleaning visits, you can enjoy bright, white teeth for a year or more before you need another treatment.

Want to learn more about teeth whitening and how it can help you? Contact us at Old Milton Dental in Alpharetta, GA today at 678-624-0370, or fill out our online contact form at your convenience and one of our friendly and knowledgeable staff members will be with you shortly.

Category: Tooth Whitening