How Do I Go About Whitening My Teeth?
Teeth whitening, a form of cosmetic dental services is one way to get the smile game on. When you go about teeth whitening treatment the proper way, it shines brighter and lasts longer. In this article, we will discuss the many options available to you if you want to whiten your teeth.
Teeth whitening systems include toothpaste, gels, rinses, strips, trays, and in-office whitening by a dentist. The system you choose to use will affect the quality and durability of whitening. This is why getting the job done at Millenium Smiles is a great idea. To start with, we should understand that teeth whitening is not for everyone. There are certain situations in which teeth whitening is not recommended. We will discuss these alongside the many systems in the coming paragraphs.
Who Can Undergo Teeth Whitening?
For people who have healthy teeth and gums with no fillings, teeth whitening is a straightforward affair. Teeth color also matters. Yellowish teeth respond best to whitening. Brownish, grayish, and purplish teeth will respond poorly to bleaching. Chances are that they will not respond at all. The kind of staining caused by the antibiotic tetracycline is blue-gray. Whitening this kind of teeth takes months and months of appointments. Darkly stained teeth have better options in veneers, bondings, and crowns.
Teeth whitening is not done for children less than age 16 and pregnant or lactating women. In children, the nerve of the tooth(pulp chamber) is still enlarged. Attempts to whiten the teeth can irritate them and cause them to be sensitive. People with sensitive teeth and gums are not advised to undergo the procedure too. People with dental conditions such as gum disease, worn enamel, cavities, and exposed roots have to be treated before whitening. Whitening products can perpetuate existing damage and cause complications.
Methods Of Teeth Whitening
Whitening toothpaste is readily available over-the-counter. Generally, all toothpaste can remove surface stains as they contain mild abrasives. Whitening toothpaste has additional chemical and polishing agents that make them more effective in removing stains. However, their whitening ability is still limited to surface stains. Most toothpaste will lighten your teeth only one shade lighter. A dentist in Frisco, TX can help you lighten your teeth up to five or more shades lighter.
Whitening gels and strips are other options for teeth whitening. They are also available over-the-counter. Gels are clear gels containing peroxide that you apply directly to your teeth with a small brush. Strips are very thin and coated with a peroxide-based gel. You can apply them directly to your teeth according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Rinses for whitening are just like mouthwash. They also freshen breath and can reduce dental plaques and gum disease. The hydrogen peroxide content in them helps them whiten teeth. However, contact with the teeth is usually limited and the whitening effect is not well pronounced. All you do is swish the rinse around your mouth for a minute or two just like mouthwash.
Tray-based whitening systems involve filling a mouth guard-like tray with a gel whitening solution. The whitening solution contains peroxide and this does the whitening. You will wear the tray for some time, usually some hours during the night. The method is more effective than all others previously discussed.
In-office whitening is the fastest and most effective way to lighten your teeth. A dentist in Frisco, TX can help you do this. The whitening product is applied directly to the teeth and combined with heat, a special light, or laser. You may require more than one appointment at Millenium Smiles to get your desired shade depending on the level of discoloration.
How Long Does Whitening Last?
Teeth whitening can last as long as a year or more. This depends on how you maintain it. If you practice good oral hygiene and avoid staining foods and beverages, whitening should last longer. Poor maintenance can see whitening effects fade in as little as one month. This also varies from individual to individual depending on the method used and condition of teeth.