What Is the Safest, Most Effective Way to Whiten My Teeth as an Attorney?

Q: I'm planning to be a litigator, so my personal appearance is key. The problem is, my teeth are badly discolored. What is the safest, most effective way to whiten them?
 

A: We wish we could offer some comforting palliative like "Don't worry: Grossly discolored teeth make you look distinguished." Unfortunately, there's no way to put a positive spin on your Austin Powers choppers.

Tooth staining occurs in many ways. Extrinsic stains result when substances like red wine, coffee, tea, or tobacco leave a colored residue on the surface of your teeth. For the most part, regular brushing can remove the discolorations. But if you're a heavy smoker or a coffee or tea drinker, goo can lodge itself in the micro-crannies of your tooth enamel to the point where stains become resistant to scrubbing.


Intrinsic stains, on the other hand, originate inside the living portion of your teeth and can't be eliminated by any form of scouring. Taking the antibiotic tetracycline or consuming too much fluoride at an age when your teeth are still developing, for example, can interfere with normal growth and convert once snow-white teeth into little Jackson Pollock paintings, streaked with yellow, brown, blue, and even black.

Similarly, most of us experience some yellowing of the teeth with age, and untreated cavities, silver amalgam fillings, and dead spots inside a tooth's soft living pulp can give teeth a gray appearance.

Scrub 'Em Yourself

Happily, you can fix all of this. Start with one of the half-dozen whitening toothpastes that carry the American Dental Association's Seal of Acceptance. The products use mild abrasives to make your whites whiter. Another self-help option is do-it-yourself bleaching kits. They're available over the counter for $10 to $40 per kit, but none has yet received the ADA's blessing.

Go Dental

If those options don't work, see a dentist experienced in bleaching – the fastest-growing dental procedure in the United States. If your dentist determines that bleaching makes sense, you'll have two basic options: at-home or in-office bleaching. With the at-home option, the dentist custom-fits your mouth with a plastic "tray" (similar to an athlete's mouth guard), then sends you home with a supply of a bleaching agent – either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide gel. Depending on the kit, you'll have to wear the tray for a couple of hours per day or overnight, for up to several weeks. Total cost: from $200 to $400.

The in-office procedure employs a stronger bleach solution and an activating agent—a heat lamp or lasers (lasers are not yet accepted by the ADA)—to accomplish the same job in a matter of hours for $350 to $700 typically. Generally speaking, an hour of office bleaching equals four to seven days of home bleaching. Which way you go, dentists say, is purely a lifestyle choice. With either approach, expect some short-lived tooth sensitivity and some possible gum irritation. The whitening effects should last anywhere from a year to four years, then you'll need a touch-up.

Bleaching, mind you, is hardly the court of last resort. If your teeth are Stephen King-scary, more radical options include bonding and porcelain veneers. With bonding, a dentist molds a composite resin to the surface of the teeth to change their color. Veneers are just that—little synthetic covers for the teeth. Both bonding and veneers, though more permanent solutions, can cost thousands of dollars. Of course, if your shiny new choppers win you a shiny $1 million settlement, the cost will be well worth it.
 

About Harrison Barnes

Harrison Barnes is a prominent figure in the legal placement industry, known for his expertise in attorney placements and his extensive knowledge of the legal profession.

With over 25 years of experience, he has established himself as a leading voice in the field and has helped thousands of lawyers and law students find their ideal career paths.

Barnes is a former federal law clerk and associate at Quinn Emanuel and a graduate of the University of Chicago College and the University of Virginia Law School. He was a Rhodes Scholar Finalist at the University of Chicago and a member of the University of Virginia Law Review. Early in his legal career, he enrolled in Stanford Business School but dropped out because he missed legal recruiting too much.

Barnes' approach to the legal industry is rooted in his commitment to helping lawyers achieve their full potential. He believes that the key to success in the legal profession is to be proactive, persistent, and disciplined in one's approach to work and life. He encourages lawyers to take ownership of their careers and to focus on developing their skills and expertise in a way that aligns with their passions and interests.

One of how Barnes provides support to lawyers is through his writing. On his blog, HarrisonBarnes.com, and BCGSearch.com, he regularly shares his insights and advice on a range of topics related to the legal profession. Through his writing, he aims to empower lawyers to control their careers and make informed decisions about their professional development.

One of Barnes's fundamental philosophies in his writing is the importance of networking. He believes that networking is a critical component of career success and that it is essential for lawyers to establish relationships with others in their field. He encourages lawyers to attend events, join organizations, and connect with others in the legal community to build their professional networks.

Another central theme in Barnes' writing is the importance of personal and professional development. He believes that lawyers should continuously strive to improve themselves and develop their skills to succeed in their careers. He encourages lawyers to pursue ongoing education and training actively, read widely, and seek new opportunities for growth and development.

In addition to his work in the legal industry, Barnes is also a fitness and lifestyle enthusiast. He sees fitness and wellness as integral to his personal and professional development and encourages others to adopt a similar mindset. He starts his day at 4:00 am and dedicates several daily hours to running, weightlifting, and pursuing spiritual disciplines.

Finally, Barnes is a strong advocate for community service and giving back. He volunteers for the University of Chicago, where he is the former area chair of Los Angeles for the University of Chicago Admissions Office. He also serves as the President of the Young Presidents Organization's Century City Los Angeles Chapter, where he works to support and connect young business leaders.

In conclusion, Harrison Barnes is a visionary legal industry leader committed to helping lawyers achieve their full potential. Through his work at BCG Attorney Search, writing, and community involvement, he empowers lawyers to take control of their careers, develop their skills continuously, and lead fulfilling and successful lives. His philosophy of being proactive, persistent, and disciplined, combined with his focus on personal and professional development, makes him a valuable resource for anyone looking to succeed in the legal profession.

About BCG Attorney Search

BCG Attorney Search matches attorneys and law firms with unparalleled expertise and drive, while achieving results. Known globally for its success in locating and placing attorneys in law firms of all sizes, BCG Attorney Search has placed thousands of attorneys in law firms in thousands of different law firms around the country. Unlike other legal placement firms, BCG Attorney Search brings massive resources of over 150 employees to its placement efforts locating positions and opportunities its competitors simply cannot. Every legal recruiter at BCG Attorney Search is a former successful attorney who attended a top law school, worked in top law firms and brought massive drive and commitment to their work. BCG Attorney Search legal recruiters take your legal career seriously and understand attorneys. For more information, please visit www.BCGSearch.com.