How much whitening is too much?

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Rightplace@thefreesite.com - 12 Oct 2006 04:43 GMT

Several months ago my dentist gave me two syringes of 16% peroxide
whitener. I used both, and at first my teeth got much whiter. After a
while I saw no further improvement. Last week he gave me another one
and said it should work better because I just had my teeth cleaned. I'd
like my teeth whiter to match crowns, but I'm afraid the whitener will
damage my teeth.

I read that in Europe only 3% peroxide is considered safe. The dentist
said that's because the use it differently. How can I find out before I
use more if it will have a harmful effect? Are there published studies?

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Mark & Steven Bornfeld - 12 Oct 2006 15:21 GMT

> Several months ago my dentist gave me two syringes of 16% peroxide
> whitener. I used both, and at first my teeth got much whiter. After a
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
> said that's because the use it differently. How can I find out before I
> use more if it will have a harmful effect? Are there published studies?

The main risks of excessive bleaching are hypersensitive teeth and
burning of the gums. If you are using well-fitted trays and don't
overload them with bleach, it won't get all over your mouth. If you
feel your teeth getting sensitive or your gums getting sore, discontinue
use of the bleach until the sensitivity and soreness resolve.
OTOH, after two weeks of bleaching you are going to get little or no
additional whitening, so it's just a waste of time. What your dentist
is saying is true--your teeth should have been cleaned before you bleached.

Steve

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Mark & Steven Bornfeld DDS
http://www.dentaltwins.com
Brooklyn, NY
718-258-5001

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