Teeth whitening is a common bleaching process used to brighten the enamel and dentin of the tooth. Dietary choices and aging can stain and discolor teeth. Enjoying a coffee, tea, cigarette, soda or wine can leave dark stains on the teeth. To correct these spots, many people turn to teeth whitening. While you can try at-home methods, seeing a dentist to whiten your teeth can give you better results in less time.
With so many teeth whitening methods on the market, you can become confused when it comes to deciding on a treatment. Here are some questions to ask before you begin whitening.
Prior to teeth whitening, the dentist will examine the teeth and gums. The condition of the teeth and health of the gums will determine whether you are a good candidate for this procedure. For some people, whitening is not always the best option.
Certain types of dental work cannot improve with bleaching. The process can make crowns, veneers or dentures stand out from natural teeth. If so, then you will not benefit from whitening. However, whitening can help discolored teeth match crowns, veneers or partial dentures that are noticeably whiter than natural teeth. An in-office consultation and examination will help determine the right course of action.
A teeth cleaning will need to occur before the teeth whitening procedure. The bleaching portion takes under an hour. A special hydrogen peroxide whitening gel is applied that reacts with UV light. The gel stays on the teeth while the light shines on them to break up stains and discoloration. This lasts about 15 minutes. This process is repeated three times for a total of 45 minutes. Following the procedure, a fluoride paste is applied to the teeth to help reduce sensitivity.
Some patients have reported tooth sensitivity after the procedure. This sensitivity can last for about half a day, but it rarely goes beyond 24 hours. During this time, patients are encouraged to avoid hot and cold food or drinks. If the gums are not covered well, the peroxide gel can leak onto the gums and cause minor burns. These burns appear as white areas on the gum and typically heal within 48 hours. For this reason, seeing a professional is always best when whitening your teeth.
The dentist may provide a home touch up kit with whitening trays along with instructions on how to use them. To maintain the whitening effects, it is important to avoid the foods and beverages that caused the original stains. Limit the consumption of tea, coffee, wine and drinks with high sugar content. Stop using tobacco products completely as these will stain the teeth and can cause cancer.
Ask the dentist for recommendations on tooth whitening toothpaste and continue to maintain good oral care habits. Brush and floss regularly and see the dentist twice a year for cleanings and checkups.
It only takes one visit to have a white smile. The teeth whitening process does not take long but produces great results. If you are ready to whiten your teeth, call our office to start the process.
Are you considering teeth whitening in the San Jose area? Get more information at https://www.ddsbaik.com.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Teeth Whitening.
Teeth whitening is one of the most popular procedures patients ask their dentists about. We all want a smile that is healthy and white. Our smile can sometimes make or break our first impression. Throughout our lifetime, we put our teeth through a lot. We eat hard candy, chewing gum, and munch on all types of…
Making a teeth whitening choice requires one to be very strategic, as there are many different types of options to decide between. The fact that some over the counter whitening products are not as safe as one may think, makes it essential for anyone who wants whiter teeth to make an educated decision. Ready to…
As unfortunate as it is, everyone’s teeth begin to yellow over time, but with the help of teeth whitening agents, your smile can be sparkly again! Yellowing teeth is definitely a sign of aging and it tends to occur gradually over time. This occurs due to heavily dyed beverages that stain the teeth, a lack…
Who is your style icon? Most people can clatter off the names of several celebrities whose look they adore and try to emulate. From makeup to clothes, people use celebrities as a model for what is good-looking. That said, some people hardly ever notice that the one thing most fashion stars and celebrities have alike…
Find out if your child should be wearing a mouth guard while playing sports.
Patients will take medications that will push them into a near unconscious or fully unconscious…
Consulting with a dentist about replacing a missing tooth is not much different than a…
Deep cleanings are usually performed three to four times a year at the dental office.
Dental veneers are coverings that sit on the front, visible surfaces of the teeth.
You may not think much about TMJ disorder unless a dentist diagnoses you with it.…