Teeth Whitening
Whitening teeth goes hand-in-hand with cosmetic dentistry to improve the appearance of a smile. There are a variety of reasons why your teeth may have changed color from their usual luster to a yellower color, and some of these reasons include: food and drink, tobacco use, age, trauma, and medications. But just because your teeth may have changed color doesn’t mean you can get them back that original white sheen.
Process
There are many ways you can whiten your teeth, so it’s important to find out which is the right way for you, but how does it work? Whitening teeth is a simple process and uses either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. These bleaches break down stains into smaller pieces which helps make the color less concentrated and your teeth brighter.
Options
- Whitening toothpastes: Whitening toothpastes don’t always work for all people, but they can help remove surface stains on the teeth. When using whitening toothpastes, look for ones that provide additional stain removal effectiveness.
- In-office bleaching: This type of procedure usually only requires a one-time visit in which the dentist will apply a protective gel or a rubber shield to protect the gums. Afterwards, bleach will be applied to the teeth and a laser is used to enhance the whitening agent.
- At-home bleaching: The concentration for this type of whitening agent is usually less than you’ll find at a dentist’s office, so it might be necessary to have multiple treatments. With at-home bleaching, you’ll be given a plastic tray specifically designed to the shape of your teeth and then you’ll apply whitening gel inside the tray, keeping it in for a specific amount of time.
Not everyone’s teeth are the same, so that’s why it’s important to consult a professional to make sure you are whitening your teeth in the safest way possible for your specific set of teeth.