Is whitening frightening? “Tooth Boss” Dr. Richard Wolfert demystifies teeth whitening.

Smiling shouldn’t be painful, right? Yet for some people whose teeth are not quite as bright as they’d like, picture time at family functions or during the holidays can be a source of high anxiety. While over-the-counter whiteners can offer modest results, most people are looking for a brighter smile but are fearful of the process and the price tag. With the new technology of teeth whitening out today, dentists can safely whiten teeth without any change or damage to the tooth structure.”

The two main methods of professional whitening are tray whitening and in office whitening. Tray whitening is when a custom tray is made for the patient after an impression is taken, then a supply of whitening gel is given to the patient and he/she will wear the tray for a few hours a day (techniques differ) for a period of time until an acceptable result is achieved. Sensitivity of the teeth is a normal complication of this method of whitening and is transitional.

In office whitening on the other hand is the most effective method of whitening. There are a few different ways that are available for example, Crest White Strips, Britesmile, Zoom, or Laser whitening. The process is similar with all these methods and you can have your teeth whitened in one session with great results.

How much teeth whitening costs depends on the treatment and the dentist. At Smiles By The Toothboss, that can range from $250 to $500 and interest-free payment options are available through CareCredit. But price should be a secondary consideration when whitening your teeth. By having a qualified dentist whiten your teeth, you’re ensuring that you’re using the procedure that works best for your mouth and that you’re getting the best result.  

For more information on teeth whitening, you can visit our website or call 781-335-0604 to schedule a consultation.

"I wanna be sedated." The Toothboss offers sedation dentistry.

When you visit our home page, you'll hear a familiar song by another "boss" Bruce Springsteen. With our newest offering, sedation dentistry, we may have to replace Born to Run with The Ramones' I Wanna Be Sedated.

While dentists have used sedatives like nitric oxide or "laughing gas" for decades, current sedation dentistry involves giving the patient an oral sedative or pill either the night before their appointment or just before the appointment. The new oral sedatives leave anxious patients or patients with a severe fear of the dentists feeling relaxed and calm-and conscious-throughout the appointment.

Are you a candidate for sedation dentistry? Maybe. Patients who are candidates for sedation dentistry include those who:

• Have high levels of fear
• Have had traumatic dental experiences
• Have difficulty with Novocain
• Have a bad gag reflex
• Have sensitive teeth
• Have a fear of needles and shots.
• Have an intense aversion to the noises, smells and tastes associated with dental care
• Are too afraid or embarrassed about their teeth to go visit a dentist

If you have one or more of those symptoms, you may want to schedule a consultation prior to your appointment to determine if that's the appropriate course of action and what type of medication would work best. And while some practitioners may consider that consultation a separate charge, Smiles by the Toothboss does not charge for the pre-appointment consult.

For more information on sedation dentistry, you can find an informational video on our website, www.toothboss.com on the Services page or give us a call at 781-335-0604.