Because having white teeth is now part of the equation in searching for the criteria of a beautiful face, more and more people are getting interested in tooth whitening treatments. This fact makes dental manufacturers create different tooth whitening treatments and procedures that would cater to different needs and preferences of the public. Here are some of the available methods that we can choose from to make sure that we achieve that radiantly white smile.
Tooth whitening treatments and systems
Can anyone avail of the tooth whitening treatments?
Unfortunately, no. There is a big misconception that anyone who has yellowish and stained sent of teeth can be very good candidates for teeth whitening. However, there are circumstances under which teeth whitening is not recommended or will be less successful than expected. Here are some of the exceptions when considering if you are a good candidate for the procedure:
Restored teeth
Patients who have dental fillings and bonding present on their teeth may find that tooth whitening treatments can only take effect on their natural teeth. The difference between the shades of the resin or filling material from the natural tooth will be too noticeable and would make your restoration look like stains.
Age
Children are not recommended to undergo any tooth whitening treatment. The internal part of their teeth (pulp) that contains the nerves and blood vessels are still enlarged at this point. Using tooth whitening treatments would cause sensitivity to their teeth at an early age and could make their pearly whites look whiter but weak.
Pregnancy
Pregnant women should be very careful with the chemicals that they expose themselves to during their childbearing months. The chemical and whitening ingredients are considered unsafe for the unborn baby and may cause congenital problems. Lactating mothers also need to stay away from tooth whitening treatments for the meantime.
Damage (gum disease, tooth decay, gum recession, cavities)
Any damage to the teeth and gums are a big no-no for teeth whitening procedures. The bleaching or whitening ingredients inside each treatment option can seep through these cracks and cavities that may cause pain and sensitivity to the patient.
Unrealistic expectation
Your perception of the results would deeply influence your outlook on the success of the procedure. Patients who think that a single treatment session will make their teeth perfectly white are bound to be disappointed. Talk to your dentist about the procedure and what to expect so that your stance in relation to its results will be on point.
Badly-stained teeth
If you still don’t know, there are several stains that your teeth can have. Teeth whitening treatments work best with yellowish-colored stains. However, if your tooth discoloration is on the grayish, purplish, or bluish tone, the whitening procedure that may work best for you may be cosmetic dentistry procedures like veneers, dental bonding, and crowns.
Tooth whitening treatments
Toothpastes
The most economical and widely-used bleaching product is whitening toothpastes. Regular toothpastes may contain ingredients that scrape off stains on the surface of the teeth. However, what makes whitening toothpastes more special is that they contain bleaching or whitening chemicals, either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which can lighten the shade of your teeth with continued use.
Whitening strips or gels
These varieties are over-the-counter products you see in drugstores or convenience stores that you can use at home. They contain an adequate amount of bleaching products enough to be used even without professional supervision. The results may depend on the amount of peroxide present on the chosen preparation, and the results can last for months.
Whitening mouthwash
Probably as accessible and convenient as whitening toothpastes, these whitening rinses perform three things for the user. They freshen your breath, help clean and reduce plaque ad tartar build-up to prevent cavities, and they help whiten your teeth. Though they contain some hydrogen peroxide, most experts believe that it is too little to be able to make any difference in the shade of your teeth. These dental professionals then recommend using these mouth rinses in combination with other tooth whitening treatments for maintenance and to get their full effect.
Take-home tooth whitening treatments
Maybe you have no time to stay longer in your dentist’s clinic but would want to do the teeth whitening procedure as safe as possible. Your dental expert may recommend using a customized tray-based tooth whitening system that they prepared for you. Depending on your teeth’s whitening needs, your dentist concocts a bleaching preparation and load it to custom-fitted mouth trays that would snugly fit into the edges and crevices of your teeth. This process would ensure that the bleaching gel or solution stays on your teeth along, making your gums free from any irritating whitening chemicals. Strict instructions would be given, including the length of time the trays should be used, the frequency of use, and the pre and post-procedure care.
In-office tooth whitening treatments
This type of whitening procedure is the most potent and effective choice because a dentist performs the treatment and supervises the whole process, from start to finish. He uses several tools to help get that instant glow that you are expecting in a professional whitening session. He may use heat, laser light, and more potent amounts of bleaching or whitening chemicals that are still considered safe to use. One session can give dramatic results, but just the same as other treatment options, several appointments and usage may be needed to achieve your dream teeth whitening glow. And because this procedure is supervised by a dental expert, it is also considered the safest but most expensive option.
Tooth whitening treatments: How long do their effects last?
The answer would depend on the type of procedure or product you chose as well as the ways that you follow in maintaining them. It can be considered that in-office teeth whitening may have the potential to last the longest. However, if your lifestyle will affect your procedure, you can expect that the effect will fade in as little as a month. Certain beverages and foods easily stain our teeth, so be sure to discuss these concerns with your dentist so he can guide you on how to properly maintain your newly-whitened chompers.
