What Exactly Does it Mean to Whiten Teeth?
Are you looking for a more radiant smile? Because a smile is one of the first things that people notice when they see you, it is essential to take care of your oral health and ensure that it is in pristine condition so that you may amaze everyone you meet. Teeth naturally tend to become stained or seem more yellow as we age, particularly if we routinely consume beverages such as tea, coffee, or red wine. The good news is that several teeth whitening methods are safe and effective. Whitening kits, whitening solutions that can be purchased over-the-counter, whitening products that your dentist may administer for you to use at home, and even in-office treatments performed by your dentist are all available.
How Does One Go About Whitening their Teeth?
If you are considering getting your teeth whitened, you first need to talk to a dental specialist. Before the whitening process, they can assist you in determining whether or not you are a good candidate for teeth whitening and treat any existing dental requirements, such as tooth decay or gum disease. They can also answer any queries you may have and evaluate which kind of teeth whitening would be most effective for you.
Hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide are the two bleaching chemicals most frequently found in various whitening treatments. The bleaching chemicals used in in-office whitening procedures done by your dental expert often have greater concentrations than those found in store-bought whitening solutions.
In-office teeth whitening typically involves your dentist applying a whitening gel to the exposed surfaces of your teeth and then using a light-emitting diode (LED) to activate the gel. In addition, your dentist may be able to provide you with whitening solutions that you may use at home as well as a tray that is tailored to the precise dimensions of your mouth. They will offer you the appropriate directions for use and the duration that the trays should be worn.
To assist in removing surface stains on teeth, there are also a variety of whitening solutions that may be purchased without a prescription. In most cases, these treatments do not contain whitening chemicals; they contain substances that remove just the surface stains and debris from the teeth. It is suggested to search for the Seal of Approval for over-the-counter products offered by the American Dental Association (ADA) since this will ensure that the goods are safe and effective. While using any product, you should always follow the directions provided by the manufacturer.
What is the Distinction Between having your Teeth Whitened and having them Bleached?
Whitening the teeth and bleaching the teeth are two technically distinct methods. Whitening products often only contain substances that assist in eliminating surface stains from the teeth, giving the appearance that the teeth have returned to their original color. This is often the case with most toothpaste and mouth rinses on the market today. On the other hand, bleaching treatments contain substances like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which “bleach” the teeth to a lighter shade than their natural color would be on their own.
How much Time is Required for the Teeth Whitening Procedure?
Whitening teeth in a dental office may be a relatively fast process, typically requiring just one to several appointments. In-office whitening procedures may be completed in as little as an hour in certain cases. In-home whitening trays should be worn according to the recommendations provided by either your dental practitioner or the manufacturer. These instructions should be followed for roughly thirty minutes over a few weeks.
What are the Potential Risks Associated with having your Teeth Whitened?
Whitening one’s teeth can cause irritation to the gums and increased sensitivity in one’s teeth, which are potential adverse effects. These adverse effects are often just transient and are highly likely to go away on their own. In addition, protective gels and trays are frequently applied to the gums to prevent gum damage from occurring due to the bleaching substances. If you notice that you are suffering any discomfort after having your teeth whitened, you should contact your dentist as soon as possible. Whitening goods will not function in many situations, such as on teeth damaged by trauma or dental restorations such as crowns or fillings. Whitening products also cannot be used on teeth with root canal treatment.
What Exactly are Teeth Whitening Kits, and Can you Rely on them to do the Job?
There has been a rise in demand for teeth-whitening kits that may be completed in the comfort of one’s home. Whitening kits often include trays, whitening gels that include carbamide and hydrogen peroxide, printed instructions, and sometimes LED lights. Whitening kits are also frequently sold with LED lights. Nevertheless, some whitening kits do not include gels that contain active bleaching agents, and as a result, they will only be able to remove stains on the teeth’s surface.
There have been reports that whitening products offer satisfactory results. On the other hand, the effectiveness of these kits is often not on par with that of in-office whitening procedures.
Care for Whitened Teeth after the Procedure
After whitening your teeth, it is essential to keep up with your regular dental hygiene routine. Even after having your teeth whitened, you should be aware that some foods and beverages will still be able to stain your teeth, despite your efforts to remove these stains. It is possible to reduce the likelihood of stain-producing substances adhering to your teeth for extended periods and causing further discoloration by immediately washing and brushing your teeth after consuming staining foods and beverages.
With our more than 40 multi-specialty dental locations throughout Massachusetts and New Hampshire, our dentists and dental specialists provide patients with a comprehensive selection of dental care options. Our dental staff is kind, and we make it our number one priority to make your visit to the dentist as pleasant and stress-free as possible. Make an appointment at your neighborhood Gentle Dental office as soon as possible.
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