Few people are blessed with radiant white teeth, so many people turn to teeth bleaching products and procedures in an attempt to brighten their smiles. According to the Oral Health Foundation, teeth may become stained due to smoking, consuming everyday beverages (such as coffee or tea) or from a buildup of tartar.
As people get older, tooth discoloration can slowly become more noticeable. Some might even develop stains beneath the surface of their teeth due to taking specific medications or from minuscule cracks in the teeth. Although there are several whitening products sold in stores, there are certain risks that come with using these. The safest and most effective way to enhance dull teeth is to visit a dentist, who can provide professional in-office teeth bleaching or professional take-home whitening kits.
During an in-office whitening procedure, the dentist will record the current shade of a patient’s teeth and thoroughly clean the teeth of any plaque. Barriers and gauze will likely be used to keep the teeth dry, protect the gums and keep the lips away from the whitening product.
Once the sensitive areas surrounding the teeth are protected, the whitening solution is applied to the teeth. Whitening solutions typically consist of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide for the bleaching effect, and many of them require a laser or light to work properly. The solution is left on the teeth for 30 to 60 minutes, after which the dentist will rinse the teeth and apply fluoride to ease any tooth sensitivity.
In-office whitening can be rather expensive, especially if a patient requires more than one visit to reach their optimal shade. Some people choose to purchase customized whitening kits from their dentists, which they can apply themselves at home.
To obtain an at-home whitening kit, the patient must have an impression taken of their teeth so the whitening trays will fit properly. Once the trays are completed, the patient can pick up their trays and whitening solution and simply follow the dentist’s instructions. This method tends to be far more effective than store-bought whitening trays since the solution is stronger and the trays are guaranteed to fit properly.
Certain whitening products that promise to brighten teeth can be too weak to have a noticeable effect. Professional bleaching solutions often contain a much higher percentage of whitening agents than store-bought products. However, buyers should still be cautious of applying these whitening agents; if the product comes in contact with the gums, it can cause damage or burns. Leaving on the solution for too long might also cause uncomfortable tooth sensitivity or unsightly results.
Before proceeding with any teeth-whitening methods, it is recommended to talk with a dentist to see if your teeth are healthy enough for bleaching. Severely discolored teeth and dental crowns might not be affected by the whitening agents at all, and sensitive teeth may become even more uncomfortable after a whitening procedure.
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