Latest News About Cosmetic and General Dentistry

We find that the professional teeth whitening system with customized trays are very popular with our patients – especially when we are offering a special on the procedure as we are this summer. But a recent study by the Medical College of Georgia School of Dentistry indicated that applying tooth whitener through a custom-fit mouth tray might help patients with mental challenges or special needs maintain a higher level of dental hygiene than might be otherwise possible. These patients may find it difficult to brush and floss daily and additionally, when health problems or medications cause dry mouth, the lack of saliva reduces the mouth's natural protective mechanisms. These problems can lead to plaque accumulation, cavities and periodontal disease, and can negatively impact the patient's health.

Study Finds Addiitonal Benefits of Teeth Whitening for Special Needs Patients

This study was published in the Journal of the American Dental Association and was based on a literature review and the authors' clinical experiences with special-needs patients and tooth bleaching. It stated that although the whitening agent has been used for decades to whiten teeth, its initial use was as an oral antiseptic. It removes plaque, kills bacteria and elevates the mouth's pH above the point at which enamel and dentin begin to dissolve, which results in fewer cavities.

Customized Tray Key to Effectiveness

The report stated that all these benefits lead us to believe that tray bleaching can be a very effective supplemental method of oral hygiene for patients facing greater challenges keeping their mouths clean.  The customized tray, made by the dentist for the patient to wear comfortably at night or for several hours during the day, is the key to the success of this therapy for specially challenged patients. The study concluded that further research is needed to determine a specific protocol for using tray-applied carbamide peroxide specifically to improve oral health.