A Simple Guide to Teeth Whitening Treatments
Not all people are naturally blessed with pearly white teeth. Most of the time, a sparkling white smile is the product of good oral hygiene and a little science. Teeth whitening is the most popular treatment in cosmetic dentistry. These days, many people want to transform their smiles to become brighter. Fortunately for them, there are many options available from whitening toothpaste and bleaching kits to in-chair procedures. In this post, we discuss a few popular methods, why you must see a dentist in case of chipped tooth pain, their risks, and their effects to help you choose the best treatment for you.
Teeth Whitening Options
Whitening toothpastes are widely available in drugstores and groceries. Often, these contain chemical whitening agents such as hydrogen peroxide and calcium carbonate. They may differ in packaging, but every brand makes the same promise—to give you a bright smile with continued use. However, they don’t often provide the best results. Even if they do, you will have to use it on a continual basis for months before you see the effects.
As such, many people turn to at-home whitening strips or bleaching kits. Whitening strips are often applied twice a day—in the morning and before you sleep. These can effectively lighten stains on your teeth, but not if you have darker colored staining. Bleaching kits can be more potent. They come with a mouthguard and stronger whitening agent that you wear for at least 30 minutes each day. While these are convenient and affordable options, dentists warn their patients to check if the products they’re using are safe and legitimate, especially if they have dental implants.
For the best results, pay a visit to your trusted dental practitioner or orthodontics to see if you’re a candidate for professional whitening treatment. In-chair whitening involves stronger formulas and specialized tools. The procedure takes about one to two hours, and although it will certainly cost more, you’ll instantly see a difference in the color of your teeth.
How visibly white can your teeth get?
The results of the treatment depend on the initial condition of your teeth. The darker they are, the more sessions you will require to achieve the look you want. It is also worth noting that teeth whitening may not work for all people. No product or formula can change the color of crowns, fillings, or restorations.
How long will the effects last?
While most products may promise you long-lasting results, keep in mind that teeth whitening is not a permanent solution to a stained smile. Successful methods can last up to three years, but the exact time will vary from person-to-person.
Many factors affect the color of your teeth, one of which is your lifestyle. Smokers often have yellow teeth because tobacco is a staining agent. The dark colors of coffee and tea can also leave their mark on caffeine lovers. Other foods also cause discoloration, such as beets and berries. If you want to lessen the stains on your teeth, reduce your consumption of these foods, quit smoking, and use straws when drinking caffeinated drinks.
Another crucial aspect of maintaining a bright white smile is having good oral hygiene. On top of brushing and flossing, make sure to have your teeth professionally cleaned at least twice a year. Doing this will not only give you a more radiant smile but also prevent serious dental problems such as tooth decay and gum diseases.
If you are looking for a teeth whitening treatment in Allen TX, get in touch with us to see how we can help!