We commonly hear the question, “How can I get whiter teeth?” Because course, what better way to build self-confidence than having healthy, pearly whites?
Dental whitening products are just about everywhere, from toothpaste to whitening pens, strips, trays, and more. How do you choose the best product? What results should you expect? Are they safe? Will there be side effects? Read on to have all your questions answered!
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), whitening involves any process that can make your teeth look whiter. It can be safely done at home or in a dental clinic. It is best to consult a dentist before whitening your teeth.
There could be several reasons why people want to get their teeth whitened. We are all unique, and so are our teeth. Very few people have brilliant white smiles, and some tend to have more discolored teeth as they age.
Did you know that food and drinks like blackcurrant, coffee, tea, wine, and smoking can stain your teeth?
Tartar likewise affects the color of your teeth. Others may have staining under the surface because of antibiotics. A tiny crack in your teeth may also take up stains.
Teeth whitening options range from mild surface whiteners to strong solutions that can remove darker and deeper stains. There are three main types of teeth whitening products: Whitening Toothpaste, Home-Use Whiteners, In-Office Whitening.
Whitening toothpaste is effective in removing stains on the surface of your teeth. They are the mildest of all products and procedures. They work using a polishing action instead of chemicals and do not cause many side effects. However, they cannot get your teeth as white as chemical products. Whitening toothpaste is not as effective against deeper stains. The results may take time, over days or weeks.
When buying whitening toothpaste, always look for the ADA’s seal.
Home-use whiteners are available over the counter or can be provided by a dentist. They can be applied to your teeth as a rinse or using trays or strips. Their active ingredient is peroxide, which gets underneath the surface of your teeth and whitens the enamel. This type of whitener is usually used for days or weeks.
As mentioned earlier, your dentist may provide you this product. Customized whitening trays for your upper and lower teeth are highly recommended. Add some whitening gel to your trays and put them on in the morning or overnight. Your dentist will instruct you as to the duration. Wearing them too long may cause irritation.
In-office whitening is done in the clinic by a professional. The whiteners used in this method are stronger than the rest because they contain more peroxide. They produce fast results and can be done within an hour. Cover your gums with a gel or a thin sheet of rubber to help prevent irritation. A laser may also be utilized, in addition to peroxide.
In some patients, teeth whitening causes their teeth to be sensitive to very cold or hot temperatures. It may also irritate the gums for a short time. If symptoms persist, you need to see your dentist.
To avoid these side effects, always follow your dentist’s instructions. If you are using over-the-counter products, check the product labels carefully. Never use the products for longer than instructed. Excessive whitening can hurt your teeth and gums. Worse, it can damage your tooth enamel.
Post-treatment care is also important. After whitening, expect your teeth to be more prone to staining. To help keep your pearly whites longer, you need to avoid tobacco products and stain-causing food and drinks.
Teeth whitening treatments are not the best choice for all people; hence it is best to consult a dentist before trying one. Cavities and gum diseases should be treated first. Patients are encouraged to have a professional cleaning before whitening.
During an examination, your dentist will also check the health of your gums and bone tissues. The results will help determine whether teeth whitening is good for you.
Fillings, dental crowns, and implants will not change color by whitening.
Disclaimer: This commercial website is not operated by dentists or by a dentist association and does not include each and every dentist in your geographical area but only those electing to participate.
Work only with the best to ensure good results and your safety. Advanced Dental Group can help you schedule an appointment with the most qualified dentist in your area. Call us today!
While nutrition and diet are closely related, they
While nutrition and diet are closely related, they