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Expert: - 8/1/2004


Question
So that means that the tray systems dont work THAT good?

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Followup To
Question -
I am a 16 year old male. When I was 4 years old I fell and my front teeth were knocked out. When they grew in, they grew in with a yellowish tint. I had braces on/off and retainers for 6 years because I moved from NY to Florida and the Florida orthodontist wanted to put on his own. Now I have like white scrape lines from the braces and my teeth are still yellow. Will those home remedys work? Which are better... the instant bleeching, or ones like Crest night strips? Keep in mind that my teeth arent just straight yellow, almost like they are yellow with some white writing... Looks funny. Thanks for your help in advance!

Harrison
Answer -
Dear Harrison:  Start with Crest Whitestrips.  Use them as directed for 2 weeks.  Then evaluate.  If you're happy, you're done.  You can continue to use the Whitestrips from time to time to touch up.  Crest Whitestrips are probably the best tooth whiteners you can get without a dentist.  Two weeks of use is probably the best they can do.  Don't worry about the different colors in your teeth.  The yellow will bleach more than the white.
       If you're not happy, visit your dentist and ask what they can do.  They will have stronger bleaching alternatives available.  As a last resort, there are porcelain veneers or crowns, which are much more expensive, and which involve removing some of the tooth surface.
       Let me know how your journey turns out.  Good Luck.  dd

Answer
Tray systems do work well.  That would be one system your dentist might offer.  If you are trying to avoid the dentist, I can't give you any information about the tray systems available over the counter, as I know of no testing that has been done, nor do I know anyone who has used them.  If you want, give them a try.  All you've got to lose is your money.   Good Luck.   dd

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Howard Finnk, D.D.S., P.A., CEO

Expertise

I am a Family, Implant and Cosmetic dentist. I will answer questions on any aspect of dentistry and matters relating to the smile, gums, jaws and lower face. Member American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, Broward County Dental Association, and Atlantic Coast District Dental Association. I have served as District Council Member of Alpha Omega, as well as serving for one term as its President. I am also a member of The Vedder Honors Society, Broward Dental Research Clinic, and Mount Sinai Hospital Guild. I have served as a Volunteer for Project Dental Health and The Tri-County Dental Health Council.

Experience

Having attained over 30 years of clinical experience in private practice in Michigan, in 2001 I was re-certified by taking and passing the Florida State Dental Board Examination. After moving to Florida, I spent nearly 10 years re-honing my skills while working as an Associate Dentist for several large dental groups. In September, 2004, I was appointed Adjunct Clinical Professor at Nova University's College of Dental Medicine. I am certified in placement of Mini Dental Implants, and I am Director of The Florida Implant Center (floridaimplantcenter.com). On March 1, 2010, at the age of 62, I began all over again by buying a dental practice near my home in the Fort Lauderdale area. As sole owner and Chief Dental Officer of the new Nob Hill Dental Center (nobhilldentalcenter.com), I can now carefully provide dental care to patients who care, all within a caring, joyful environment. Over my career lifetime, I have provided thousands of diagnoses, fillings, crowns, bridges, root canals, periodontal treatments, TMJ therapies, partials, dentures and extractions, and dozens of implants for my patients. The only aspect of dentistry with which I have very little experience is orthodontics.

Organizations
American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, Broward County Dental Association, Atlantic Coast District Dental Society, Vedder Honors Society, Broward Dental Research Clinic, Alpha Omega Alumni Association, and American Association of Dental Implantologists. Formerly, American Academy of General Dentistry, Michigan Dental Association, Macomb Dental Society, Detroit District Dental Society, Tri-County Dental Health Council (a charitable dental care organization)

Publications
"How To Save Money At The Dentist" Going to press soon.

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in Psychology from Wayne State University Doctor of Dental Surgery from University of Detroit College of Dentistry Adjunct Clinical Professor, Special Needs Department, Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine, Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Awards and Honors
Membership in The Vedder Honors Society

Past/Present Clients
HIPAA rules do not allow me to post this information.

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