You’re interested in teeth whitening but don’t know where to start? Did your dentist give you a couple of options and you’re not sure which one is best for you?
Teeth whitening is an easy, minimally invasive and relatively low-cost procedure. Teeth whitening also happens to be one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry treatments. Whitening of teeth does not offer a permanent solution for tooth discoloration, results are essentially immediate and the effects can last for several months if appropriately cared for.
Bradburn Village Dentistry offers both in-office and at home teeth whitening.
How They Work
In-office teeth whitening is performed by the trained Bradburn Village Dentistry clinical staff members and offers safe and reliable whitening results. The results of professionally administered in-office whitening tend to be better because dentists are able to use higher-concentrated bleaching gels. Your dentist will complete a dental examination to check teeth and gum tissue health and determine which concentration of whitening will be best for you. Then your dentist will “prep” your teeth to clear away any plaque prior to treatment.
To begin treatment, a cheek retractor is used to expose the teeth. A liquid rubber dam or hardening resin is applied to the gum tissue for protection. A hydrogen peroxide bleaching gel is then applied to the teeth where it remains for 20 minutes. The gel is then cleaned off and reapplied for one or more additional periods of 15 to 30 minutes. Results will be visible immediately, though the full effect of treatment will not be seen for a couple days.
Your dentist will discuss ways to maximize the whitening effect by suggesting you avoid certain foods that can cause discoloration. Foods to stay away from include deep colored foods and drinks such as; red wine, curry, soy sauce, tea, coffee for at least 48 hours.
AND THEN there’s at home teeth whitening.
At-home teeth whitening is a do-it-yourself alternative to professional teeth whitening. At-home whitening typically costs less than professional solutions and also offers the convenience of doing it yourself rather than scheduling an appointment with a dentist. That said, at-home whitening products have lower concentrations of hydrogen peroxide, meaning they may not offer the same degree of shade changes that you get from professional whiteners. At-home whitening kits can be purchased from your dental professional with instructions for use. At home whitening kits will take longer to achieve the desired shade, however, ongoing use helps intensify the bleaching effect, meaning that multiple applications over time can result in greater shade change.
The mode of application is simple! It is recommended that the best time to begin an at-home whitening regimen is after a professional dental cleaning. This can help you achieve the best results. It is possible to overdo it when it comes to tooth bleaching, even with lower concentration at-home products. Follow the instructions carefully to ensure you don’t cause yourself more harm than good.
In addition to the standard trays, strips and brush-on applicators, there are other products that include things like whitening toothpaste, mouthwash, floss and even chewing gum. Take these products with a grain of salt. While they may offer minor, short-lived whitening, the results pale in comparison to the effects achieved with more traditional whitening methods.
Are you a Candidate?
In-office whitening candidacy is fairly wide open for people with healthy teeth and gums. During your consultation, your dentist will conduct a thorough oral health examination. If you have any underlying conditions such as tooth decay or gum disease, the concentrated bleaching gel could cause you significant pain. Any such oral health conditions must first be addressed before your dentist will perform in-office whitening.
Additionally, it should be noted that not all discoloration can be treated with in-office teeth whitening. Deep, “intrinsic” stains may not be as effectively treated with whitening. Depending on the desired results, a more significant cosmetic treatment such as dental veneers may need to be considered in such cases.
Blog By: Ashley Grammer
