Who Is It For?
People with healthy gums and teeth are ideal candidates for teeth whitening. People with yellow teeth will respond the best. But let’s keep in mind this cosmetic procedure is not recommended for everyone.
The American Dental Association recommends that you consult your dentist before you attempt home whitening.
What Teeth Whitening Product Is the Right for Me?
Select a product that has a peroxide concentration in the middle range. You can opt for a higher level if the product isn’t irritating your mouth or doesn’t have the lightning effect that you desire. Your dentist can answer any questions you may have about the best whitener for you.
Whitening toothpaste does not remove surface stains and does not contain bleach. Professional whitening products, which contain hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide, lighten the color deeper within the tooth. Whitening toothpaste can lighten the color of your tooth in one shade. In contrast, prescription-strength whitening conducted in your dentist’s office can make your teeth three to eight shades lighter.
A tray-based system for tooth whitening, which can be purchased over-the-counter, or from a dentist. It involves filling a mouth guard-like device with a gel-whitening solution that contains a peroxide bleaching agent. The tray is worn for a time. It can be used for as little as a few hours each day or as long as you need it to last. For as low as $30, you can either buy a tray-based system for tooth whitening from your local pharmacy or have a tray made by your dentist professional for between $150 and $600.
In-office bleaching is the fastest way to whiten your teeth. In-office bleaching is where the product is applied directly to the teeth. These products can also be combined with heat, special light, or laser. The results can be seen within a 30- to 60-minute treatment. However, multiple appointments are necessary to get dramatic results. In-office bleaching can produce dramatic results even after just one treatment. This method of whitening is the most costly.
What to Expect
Protect sensitive teeth. Although your teeth might feel a bit sensitive after you have whitened them, it is usually temporary. If your gums and teeth are healthy, they might not be as severe. Stop the treatment if it bothers your gums and consult your dentist. Gel-filled trays that you wear over your teeth as a mouthguard can cause irritation to your gums. If you experience this, it’s best to discontinue using the product.
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Things to Consider
Even if you are planning to whiten your teeth yourself, it is best to have your mouth examined and cleaned by a professional. Sometimes, all you need to bring back the sparkle in your smile is a thorough cleaning.
There are many factors that can affect the degree of whiteness. These include the state of your teeth, how stained they are, and what type of bleaching you used.
Teeth whitening does not last forever. Teeth whitening is not permanent. People who have their teeth exposed to staining foods or beverages may notice a decrease in whiteness within a month.
Professional Procedure
During the exam, your dentist will check for any cavities and examine your gum health. It is safer for your teeth to treat any issues before you whiten.
Mouthpiece trays. Your dentist will take impressions of your teeth to create a custom-made mouthpiece tray. This customization ensures maximum contact between the whitening gel and your teeth. The gel’s contact with the gum tissue is also reduced by a custom-made tray.
Your dentist will perform an oral exam. This can help determine if bleaching is the right course of action based on the severity and location of the stains. The dentist will then be able to match the stain type with the most effective treatment.
Your dentist will likely need to visit you several times before they can complete the procedure. This is to clarify any questions, to ensure that the tray fits correctly, to examine your gums for irritation and general health. You can do it yourself with over-the-counter bleaching agents.
As an additional protection measure, your dentist may apply a gel to your gum tissue, or a rubber shield (which slips over your teeth), before you begin treatment. This will protect your gums from the bleaching effects. These extra protection measures are not available in over-the-counter products.
Over The Counter Vs Professional Whitening
Although over-the-counter products may include a mouthpiece tray as well, the “one-size fits all” approach to whitening means that it will not fit perfectly. Improperly fitting trays can cause irritation to the gums and soft tissues by allowing more bleaching agents to seep into these tissues. In-office procedures allow you to have the bleaching agent directly applied to your teeth.
Do-it-yourself methods don’t offer the same results as professional teeth whitening. There are some important differences.
Costs Associated With Teeth Whitening
The most affordable option is to use over-the-counter bleaching products, while in-office whitening is the most expensive.
Pregnancy and Age Issues
Children under 16 years old should not bleach. The reason is that the pulp chamber or nerve of the teeth is enlarged up to this age. This condition can cause sensitive teeth or irritation to the pulp. Pregnant or nursing women should not use teeth whitening.
Allergies and Sensitive Teeth
Before using a tooth-whitening device, anyone with sensitive teeth or gums, receding gums or damaged restorations should consult their dentist. A bleaching product should not be used if you are allergic to peroxide (the bleaching agent).
Gum Disease, Worn Enamel, and Cavities, As Well As Exposed Roots
People with gum disease and teeth with worn enamel should be discouraged from having a tooth-whitening procedure. Before any tooth-whitening procedure can be performed, it is important to treat your cavities. Because the whitening products penetrate into the inner parts of the tooth and any decay, this can lead to sensitivity. Exposed tooth roots cannot be whitened because they lack an enamel layer.
Dental restorations include fillings, crowns, and other types of restorations. Tooth-colored fillings or resin composite materials used for dental restorations (crowns veneers bonding bridges, crowns, and veneers) don’t whiten. The uneven whitening of teeth with restorations can cause teeth to appear lighter. Before placing restorations, any whitening process should be completed.
Bonding, veneers, or crowns may be a better option for people with multiple restorations that could lead to uneven whitening. Ask your dentist which strategy is best.
Unrealistic Expectations
People who expect their teeth will be “blinding white”, may be disappointed. If they smoke, their bleaching results may be compromised. The best guideline is to aim for a shade that is slightly lighter than your eyes.
If you have teeth with dark stains, it may be a good idea to consider other lightening options such as bonding, veneers, crowns, and crowns. Talk to your dentist about the best options for you.
Are There Any Side Effects to The Procedure?
Two side effects of teeth whitening include a temporary increase of tooth sensitivity and mild irritation to the soft tissues, especially the gums. Tooth sensitivity is common in the initial stages of bleaching. Teeth irritation is usually caused by an ineffective mouthpiece tray. These conditions are usually temporary and resolved within a few days.
If you are ready for a brighter smile, give us a call at (972) 238-7233 or send us a message here
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