Teeth Whitening
Everybody
loves a bright white smile, and there are a variety of products and procedures
available to help you improve the look of yours.Many people are satisfied with the sparkle they get from brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, flossing once a day, and regular cleanings at the dentist's office. However, if you decide you would like to go beyond regular care to make your smile look brighter, you should investigate all of your options.
Finding the Best Treatment for You
Schedule a visit with your dentist to learn whether whitening procedures would be effective for you. Whiteners do not correct all types of discoloration. For example, yellowish teeth will probably bleach well, brownish teeth may bleach less well, and grayish teeth may not bleach well at all. Likewise, whitening may not enhance your smile if you have had tooth-colored fillings or crowns. The whitener will not affect the color of these materials and they will stand out in your newly whitened smile. In these cases, you do have other options such as porcelain veneers.Tooth Whitening Treatments
- Professional teeth whitening with your doctor
- At-home whitening system
- Whitening toothpaste
Professional Teeth Whitening
Your doctors prepare individualized forms that fit comfortably over your teeth. These trays carry the whitening gel to your teeth and allow the whitening process to take place. Our custom-made home bleaching trays are the most effective way to whiten your teeth and maintain a long-lasting result.At-Home Whitening System
There are several types of products available for use at home, which can either be dispensed by your doctor or purchased over the counter. They are generally teeth whitening trays (mouthguards), strips, or paint-on products.
Teeth Whitening Trays
These products contain peroxide(s), which actually bleach the tooth enamel.
Carbamide peroxide is the bleaching agent and comes in several different
concentrations (10%, 16%, and 22%). Peroxide-containing whiteners typically
come in a gel
and
are placed in a mouthguard. Usage regimens vary. Some products are used twice
a day for 2 weeks, and others are intended for overnight use for 1-2 weeks.
If you obtain the bleaching solution from your doctor's office, they
can make a custom-fitted mouthguard for you that will fit your teeth precisely.
Currently,
only dentist-dispensed, home-use, 10% carbamide peroxide tray-applied gels
carry the ADA Seal.
Teeth Whitening Strips
Teeth whitening strips are thin, flexible plastic (polyethylene) strips with a thin film of hydrogen peroxide bleaching on one side. Whitening strip kits come with two types of strips: strips for the upper teeth and strips for the lower teeth. The bleaching agent is applied by placing the strips across your teeth and gently pressing the strips into place to insure contact with all your teeth. Teeth whitening strips are typically worn for 30 minutes a day, twice a day. The duration of treatment will vary.Teeth whitening can have minor side-effects and you should speak with your doctor if these become bothersome. For example, teeth can become sensitive during the period when you are using the bleaching solution. In most cases, this sensitivity is temporary and should lessen once the treatment is finished. Some people also experience soft tissue irritation, either from a tray that doesn't fit properly or from solution that may come in contact with the tissues. If you have concerns about such side effects, you should discuss them with the doctor.
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