Teeth WhiteningAccording to a survey conducted by the American Dental Association1 (ADA) partnered with Oral B and Crest, a person’s smile outranks their hair and eyes as the most physically attractive feature.

As your schedule starts to fill up with graduation dates, family photos, and weddings to attend, the need to look our absolute best becomes of even greater importance. One of the most popular and common ways to make a noticeable difference in your appearance is improving the way that your teeth look with professional teeth-whitening treatment. Whitening your teeth not only make you appear years younger but also more confident and attractive, giving you the beautiful smile that you deserve.

Maybe you have always dreamt of a beautiful white smile. Or maybe your teeth have become more yellowed over time. Some people are not happy with the staining results from drinking cola, tea, or coffee. Whatever the reason you have for wanting a brighter, whiter smile, you are not alone.

Why do people get their teeth whitened?

It’s simple, white teeth look better than yellow teeth. White teeth are not only more attractive, they give you the confidence to smile and laugh more in public, but also a brighter and whiter smile. Looking great and gaining a greater sense of confidence can help you in both professional and personal pursuits.

Over the past decade, the process of teeth whitening has become increasingly more common. This is largely due to the inherent desire to have beautiful teeth that appear to be untouched by drinks, food, and other substances that stain teeth over time.

The most common reason that teeth start to become stained or yellow is the natural process of aging. Aging dulls teeth brightness as the enamel gets too thin. This can happen with years of drinking dark colored liquids such as red wine, tea, cola, and coffee, the use of tobacco, poor dental hygiene, old fillings, excessive fluoride, and certain medications such as antibiotic staining.

How is teeth whitening done?

Teeth whitening treatments essentially lighten the color of your teeth in order to improve their overall appearance by giving you a brighter smile and reducing tooth discoloration.

While most people strive for bright white teeth, it is important to keep in mind that not all teeth are the same. Just like we have different skin and hair color, people also have different tooth color. Some people have teeth that are naturally darker than others, others are darker from natural processes.

The actual whiteness degree appropriate will vary from individual to individual, although all results will be a beautiful improvement. Our dentists can talk to you more about what shade of white will work best for you while appearing the most natural.

When you come to our office we will set you up to whitening your teeth at home2. Here is a summary of the different types of teeth whitening that are available:

  • Professional Whitening Gel (At-home Application) – This is the perfect whitening option for patients wanting a ready-to-go convenient whitening treatment. This professional whitening gel can be delivered by your dentist, arriving in a disposable tray that is prefilled for patient convenience. Dramatic results can also be achieved in as little as 15 minutes daily. For this at home application, your dentist may design trays that have already been molded to your teeth or provide you with a unique type of material that warms with your body’s temperature creating a custom fit. The percentage of hydrogen peroxide in your gel will determine how long you will wear your application.
  • Non-Professional At-Home Whitening Gel – Whitening gel that you can purchase on the Internet, or at your local convenience store, are non-professional whitening treatments. These applications contain a lower level of hydrogen peroxide, making them safe for use by a non-professional dentist at home. Because of this, the whitening gel available in these kits is not going to provide you with the same long-lasting results. Over-use of these kits should be avoided because they don’t often provide protection of your gums, which could become damaged from frequent exposure to hydrogen peroxide whitening gels.

Am I a good candidate for teeth whitening?

Whitening is a great way for adults to gain a brighter, more beautiful smile. However, whitening is not recommended for use on children that are under 16 years of age. This is because the nerve of the tooth, also known as the pulp chamber, is still enlarged up to this age. Under this condition, teeth whitening can cause damage and sensitivity.

Certain dental complication can also affect the over the success of your tooth whitening treatment, including cavities. Any conditions that could affect your cosmetic treatment will need to be successfully treated before you schedule a teeth-whitening session.

The American Dental Association recommends that you talk with your dentist before you undergo any type of teeth whitening procedure. Prior to scheduling your teeth whitening appointment, our dentist will examine the current condition of your teeth, reviewing any possible sensitivity of the gums and teeth. The end result is achieving the brighter, whiter smile you have always dreamed of!

Resources

  1. https://www.ada.org/
  2. https://www.drogata.com/Cosmetic-Dentistry