Teeth Whitening

By Claudia Cotca, DDS, MPH

As an aesthetic dentist with vast experience in removing all types of enamel and dentin stains, I am always surprised to hear patients reaching out to me about their dire wish to uplift their smile and whiten their teeth and their disappointments with efforts, which have failed. When I examine these smiles I see what they mean and notice either unevenness or banding, for example, or simply clearly visible stain and/or debris and which ranges from yellow to gray.

As a brilliant whitened smile aficionado myself, who has a love for espresso, tea, and other delectables that stain the enamel and dentin with time, I would understand their disappointment. Friends, family, strangers and even patients always comment on my brilliant smile which is the sole result of regular dental cleanings, orthodontics and more appropriate for this topic, whitening.

I believe there is a solution for every problem, and it is my responsibility and my challenge to customize the treatment plan for that case and that is how I have practiced since the first day my hand picked up a surgical instrument. Sometimes, however, clearly there are limitations, which are beyond my control as a clinician, such as complex treatment needs, which require acceptance, time, compliance and financial commitment.

Today there are so many options to whiten teeth and de-stain enamel, given industry, technology and science advancements. Today dentists have access to multiple systems, which allow us to customize treatment options.

My toxicology background provides me knowledge on how to minimize toxicity during treatment and to treat the dentition in a safe and efficient way, while still obtaining optimal results.

Minimizing negative impact is as important as obtaining clinical results which last and are maintained, rather than continued cyclical whitening with systems which are more appropriate for more stubborn stains. Having a great deal of respect for the body and cellular tissues during treatment plays a strong backdrop to optimal results.

In my clinical whitening experience not only on my patients but on myself, I would much rather prefer the approach of comprehensive whitening treatment and lifetime maintenance compared to yearly laser or light facilitated in office whitening.