Read this before whitening your teeth.

Bleaching

Teeth bleaching is a common and relatively simple procedure whereby your teeth are whitened using a chemical solution. This procedure can be performed in the dentist’s office, or at home. For home bleaching, a custom mouthpiece is created to ensure the best results. If you want a faster solution, schedule an appointment with a dentist that offers in-office bleaching. This may require one or more sessions, which is faster than home bleaching, a process that may take weeks to accomplish similar results. While in-office bleaching costs a little more than home bleaching, there’s less margin for error, and the results are instantly noticeable. Over-the-counter bleaching kits are available in a range of options, but the results aren’t as noticeable as with professional treatments. 

Whitening toothpastes

You’ve likely seen “whitening” listed on many products in the toothpaste aisle of your local market. While a whitening toothpaste may provide a deeper clan than you get with a regular toothpaste, the effects of this method, which is meant to remove surface stains, is not likely to change the color of your teeth like bleaching or laser whitening can. 

Laser teeth whitening

Laser teeth whitening is a new form of teeth whitening that is gaining popularity. This rapid whitening process involves having your dentist apply a bleaching agent to your teeth and then shining a laser on them to enhance the whitening effect. This procedure, which takes about an hour, has been approved by the FDA but has yet to receive the Seal of Acceptance by the American Dental Association for safety and efficacy. 

Natural options 

Some people opt for more natural methods to brighten their smile. If you’re concerned about potential side effects with conventional methods, you may consider exploring alternatives such as oil pulling, activated charcoal, apple cider vinegar, and baking soda. While you’re not likely to see a drastic difference with these methods, you may want to read more about them online to see if they’re worth trying. 

Veneers

You’ve probably heard about veneers. They’re the thin pieces of porcelain or plastic that your dentist places over the front of your teeth to change the color and shape of your smile. Veneers can literally cover a multitude of imperfections, from crooked alignment, to gaps, odd shapes and uneven spaces, dark colors and beyond. With veneers, you and your dentist choose the color, so you’re able to instantly achieve the shade of white you’re after. Veneers last longer and are more stable than bonding, and they have the ability to really transform the aesthetic of your smile.  

Is teeth whitening dangerous?

As with any procedure, it’s always wise to consider the potential side effects. Concerns with teeth whitening include tooth sensitivity, gum irritation, and erosion of tooth enamel. That’s why it’s important to talk to your dentist before starting any tooth whitening procedure. To avoid potential risk, you may find that you’re more comfortable with an in-office procedure where a professional is administering the treatment.  

Ready for your smile makeover consultation?

There’s no denying the appeal of a bright smile. And with modern advances in dentistry making cosmetic procedures more commonplace, more and more people are turning to their dentists for cosmetic dental work ranging from basic correction to whitening, replacing missed teeth, or completely recreating your smile. 

If the color of your teeth is holding back your smile, contact us to discuss the best whitening option for you. We’re happy to discuss your smile concerns, and talk about the best options available to you—not only regarding the way your smile looks, but also factoring in what’s best for the overall health of your smile. You may end up wishing you did this years ago.

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