St. Paul And Minneapolis Dentist Shares Teeth Whitening Information

Friday, May 8, 2009 – MINNEAPOLIS AND ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA – Spring is the time of year when people begin inquiring about teeth whitening solutions.

St. Paul and Minneapolis dentist Dr. Walter L. Hunt chalks it up to all of the proms, weddings and other events people attend this time of year that require them to have their photos taken.

In light of the season, Hunt compiled some helpful information for those considering whiter teeth:

OTC vs. Dentist’s Office
Over-the-counter systems purchased from drug stores typically are not as effective as the systems offered through dental offices, said Hunt, a St. Paul tooth whitening expert.

“The formulas aren’t as strong as what you can get in dental offices,” Hunt said. “You may see some improvement with over-the-counter systems, but the best results would come from going to a dentist.”

Hunt uses the Premier brand teeth whitening system. Impressions are taken of the patient’s teeth and custom trays are made. Then patients administer the treatment themselves at home. They typically use the bleaching gel in the trays every day for a week to 10 days, and for half an hour to an hour at a time until the teeth reach the patient’s desired whiteness.

A Little Dab Will Do You
The bleaching gel is squirted into the custom trays and the trays are inserted into the mouth, similar to wearing a retainer. Sometimes patients feel as though the more gel they squirt into the trays, the faster the process works, but that isn’t the case, Hunt said.

“You don’t want to overfill the trays to the point that when you insert them, some of the gel squirts out of them,” he said.

Generally speaking, the less gel the patient puts in the tray, the better the results.

Short-Lived Sensitivity
Sometimes patients experience increased sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks when using a teeth whitening system, but this is temporary, Hunt said.

“If it gets too bothersome, you can quit using it for a day or two and then pick it back up again,” he said.

Maintaining A Megawatt Smile
Once the teeth have reached the desired whiteness, patients can maintain their good results by avoiding foods and drinks that can stain the teeth, such as coffees, teas, red wines and blueberries.

“If you do consume any of these items, it’s a good idea to brush afterward,” Hunt said.

Patients should expect a bit of regression after they have completed their teeth whitening treatment series, but they can touch it up by wearing the bleach-filled trays periodically for maintenance.

Too Much of a Good Thing
There is such a thing as having too much of a good thing when it comes to teeth whitening, Hunt said. Chronic overuse of teeth whitening systems can cause increased sensitivity to the teeth.

Another sign of teeth whitening overuse is when the teeth are so white, they take on an unnatural look, he said.

“The goal of teeth whitening is to achieve a healthy, natural look,” Hunt said. “You don’t want your teeth looking as though they might glow in the dark.”

Learn More
Because teeth whitening is so popular, Hunt runs a special on the procedure for new patients. New patients who pay for an exam, X-rays and dental cleaning can get a teeth whitening system free.

If you would like to learn more about St. Paul, MN Dentist Dr. Walter L. Hunt or would like to schedule a free consultation please call (651) 636-0655 or visit www.personalcaredentistry.com. Dr. Hunt’s office is located at 2233 N. Hamline Ave., Ste. 320 in Roseville, MN, 55113.

About Dr. Walter L. Hunt Jr.
Dr. Walter Hunt has provided dental services to more than 9,000 patients in the Roseville community since 1977. Dr. Hunt Dentistry treatments include Tooth Whitening, Dental Implant, Porcelain veneers and other general and cosmetic dentistry procedures.

Dr. Hunt is a graduate of the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry. He keeps his finger on the pulse of dental technology by exceeding the state's required number of dental continuing education courses. He passes this training on to his patients by treating problems with advanced techniques and by performing procedures using only the most modern and high-tech equipment available.

An active member of professional dental community, he founded the Minnesota Alliance of Concerned Dentists and is a member of numerous dental organizations including the Academy of General Dentistry, American Dental Association, Minnesota Dental Association, St. Paul District Dental Society, American Academy of Implant Dentistry, the Dental Organization of Conscious Sedation and the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology.

Comfort and satisfaction are priorities for Personal Care Dentistry. The practice’s experienced staff will provide caring support and individualized treatments that make the dental experience comfortable and anxiety-free.

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