Dentists Who Bleach and Whiten Teeth

Of the myriad procedures offered today to enhance your smile, bleaching or whitening has become the most sought after. But it doesn’t stop there. Procedures ranging from bonding to porcelain laminates to implants have all but done away with traditional dentures.

But how do you decide what to do, and who to have it done by? After all, most procedures cost a lot of money not reimbursable by insurance. Below is a compilation of questions straight from the horses mouth, so to speak, from the dentists we interviewed:
Go over the basics first. For instance, ask about whether or not the water is filtered; if the instruments are sterilized by autoclave or cold sterilization (autoclave is preferred); do the hygienists wear masks and gloves; and do they properly break down a room.

Dr. Richard Price, ADA consumer adviser, suggests you check out the office and note whether or not it is neat; if the staff is responsive; and if you are treated like a whole person, or “just a walking tooth.”

What kind of equipment does the practice have? Do they give regular injections with a hand-applied needle, or do they have the “wand,” a computerized injection technique that results in less discomfort? Do they offer air abrasion or lasers to cut teeth, or just high-speed drills? Do they offer several options for tooth restorations, such as fillings and crown systems? For example, author Goldstein warns against “the dentist who only does silver (amalgam) fillings.” Note: Even if they don’t offer choices, if the dentist gets defensive or condescending, Price suggests walking out. “You should be treated the way you want to be treated.”

Ask about the use of X-rays. “You can use old X-rays from your former dentist some of the time; they don’t have to be continually taken,” said Price. Some dentists offer computer radiology that develops on the computer screen and involves much less radiation.

Find out if the practice has a type of oral maintenance program that it recommends. “If he or she says, brush and floss daily, that’s not what we mean,” said Goldstein. There are soft tissue management programs that go far beyond bleaching teeth, he says.

Finally, never be afraid to get a second or third opinion. A good dentist will often recommend such, says Price, adding that experience often speaks louder than words. If the dentist has done many of the procedures and can pass along names of former patients, it’s a good sign. Let cost be one factor, but not the deciding one.