Syracuse, NY - Not mentioned by most insurance companies, tooth whitening is considered a health benefit just like going to the gym and will be covered. One of the dentists that takes Health Insurance for teeth whitening, is Randal P Swartwood at [Swartwood Dental](http://www.swartwooddental.com/).
Teeth appear darker for various reasons. First, nerve canals in teeth calcify and make teeth darker. Second, people genetically have darker teeth. Third, people get intrinsic stains inside of the teeth sometimes caused by drugs, such as tetracycline. Fourth, stains in the tooth enamel caused by food, tobacco, and drinks are called extrinsic stains. Tooth bleaching removes extrinsic stains in enamel." says Dr. Swartwood
Before going to see the dentist for teeth whitening Dr Swartwood recommends looking at the 2 options available. There are two ways to professionally whiten teeth that can be covered by health insurance. The first is to bleach teeth in the dental office. In-office tooth bleaching is quick, easy and effective.
The second method is to take impressions and fabricate custom trays to bleach teeth at home over a 2-4 week period. Tooth bleaching with trays at home has several advantages, including lower cost (not paying for chair time) and achieving the desired level of whiteness. Teeth that are dark due to genetic reasons, or intrinsic stain, can take months to reach a desired level of whiteness. Many of these teeth will need bonding, veneering or even crowning to reach the desired whiteness. People also experience less sensitivity while bleaching at home because of the addition of fluoride and potassium nitrate to the whitener. Since most people keep their trays they are able to touch up their whitening a few times a year to keep their teeth looking their best. A final advantage of professional home bleaching is to decrease the amount of gum disease and the number of cavities. Peroxide is an antiseptic that has been clinically proven in studies to decrease gum disease and to kill the germs that cause cavities. However, tooth beaching will not significantly whiten dental restorations such as composite fillings, veneers and crowns.
Therefore some people do not want to whiten their teeth too much because their existing dental work may appear dark. To sum everything up tooth bleaching can not only brighten a smile, but can make a mouth healthier, too." says Dr. Swartwood.
About Swartwood Dental & Founder, Randal P Swartwood DDS
Dr. Swartwood graduated from the University of Buffalo in 1987 and completed his dental residency at Erie County Medical Center in 1988. He has lived in Syracuse for over 20 years. Laser and computer assisted dentistry are among Dr. Swartwood's favorite continuing education courses. Dr. Swartwood proudly belongs to the Onondaga, Fifth District, New York State and the American Dental Associations.
Address: 4834 W Seneca Turnpike Syracuse, NY 13215
Phone Number: (315) 469-7722
Website: http://swartwooddental.com
