Q: I am interested in bleaching my teeth. Are there any ill effects that permanently alter my enamel?

A: Don’t get upset if you try to call your favorite doctor only to be told that he or she is “on vacation”. This is when many of us catch up on journal reading. You can imagine how much down time there is in airports to break out the reading material. Mucho delays during the Easter break!

The April Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA) contained a study done at a very well respected Italian University’s biomaterial and biomedicine department. They tested real teeth exposed to high-concentration of 38% hydrogen peroxide, commonly used for in-office whitening treatment. Opalescence Boost PF.

The results showed no roughness alterations of the enamel surface under the scanning electron microscope, even with prolonged and repeated applications.

Several light activated methods are commonly used: Zoom, Sapphire Whitening and Brite Smile. Avoid flea market and trade show booth whitening “tents”.

For a free consumer booklet on in-office whitening, contact us.

Dr. Mitchell Josephs practices Cosmetic, Implant and General Dentistry in Palm Beach and can be reached at drjosephs@palmbeachdentist.com ,888-378-6684 or visit www.palmbeachdentist.com