If you want your teeth whiter than the shade they’re naturally, you can use a professional bleaching treatment or a variety of at-home products. But before you invest in a bleaching solution, check with your dentist to make sure it’s a good idea for you.
Many people choose to have their teeth professionally whitened because they want a brighter smile. In fact, research shows that younger-looking and brighter teeth have a positive impact on how others perceive you, especially if you work in customer service or tourism-related professions.
Professional whitening, also known as tooth bleaching, involves a high concentration of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide that breaks down the pigments in the spaces between the enamel. It can be performed in a dental office or, if you are comfortable doing so at home, with a take-home kit that your dentist will provide.
The procedure typically takes about https://teethwhiteningomaha.com an hour, and the average in-office treatment lightens your teeth by several shades. With proper oral hygiene and a commitment to avoiding staining foods, drinks and smoking, your teeth should remain white for up to a year.
Over-the-counter whitening products are typically available in the form of toothpaste with a whitening agent or strips that you place on your teeth. These products contain a lower concentration of bleaching agents than what you’d receive in a dental office, and they generally don’t produce as dramatic results.
If you choose to use over-the-counter bleaching treatments, you should be aware that they can have side effects. Bleaching can cause gum irritation, sensitivity and can weaken tooth enamel. You should also be aware that not all stains can be removed by whitening agents.
Aside from the potential risks associated with these types of whitening products, over-the-counter options can cost significantly less than professional treatment. However, the American Dental Association and other experts recommend a professional whitening option as it can be safer and more effective than any over-the-counter product.
Professional whitening is ideal for patients who are looking to go at least two or three shades lighter and don’t want to experiment with over-the-counter treatments. Before a patient undergoes professional whitening, they should schedule an exam and cleaning to ensure they don’t have any dental issues that may interfere with the outcome of the whitening treatment.
During the examination, a dentist will clean and polish the teeth to remove any plaque or tartar buildup that can interfere with the effectiveness of the whitening treatment. A fluoride application is then applied to help remineralize the teeth and ease any discomfort or sensitivity. A photo of the teeth is taken, and if necessary, additional sessions can be scheduled to achieve your desired level of whiteness.