Dental Whitening and Everything There Is to Know

Dental hygiene and care are just as important as any other body care. There is an increasing demand for teeth whitening methods as more people and striving to get a whiter and brighter smile. Teeth whitening can simply be defined as a process or procedure that makes teeth whiter.

The teeth are one of the first things people tend to notice, so taking care of them is very important. With the improvement in dental procedures, teeth whitening is one of the most popular procedures to do in a dentist’s office. Getting bright, white teeth is easier now, thanks to teeth whitening. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding and children younger than the age of sixteen are not encouraged to undergo teeth whitening procedures.

There are two options to consider when it comes to teeth whitening. They are in-office bleaching and at-home bleaching.

In-Office Bleaching

In-office teeth whitening can be done in an office by a professional dentist near you. This is the most recommended and safest method to bleach your teeth, and it provides predicted results. Before the treatment, the dentist takes an overall test of the patient’s dental history and general dental health before proceeding with the whitening. In-office systems contain 15% – 43% of peroxide (carbamide or hydrogen peroxide). A dentist will most likely discuss what treatment is best for you and a treatment plan that will yield the best result.

The consultation is very vital when it comes to whitening so as to know whether you have any preexisting dental conditions. Treatment isn’t immediate and sometimes might take a month or more depending on the treatment plan that is proposed by the dentist. To get more information or professional advice about teeth whitening, Campbell & Williams Family Dental is sure to answer all your questions or inquiries. This dental practice located in Highland Village, TX, helps patients consider their options and ensure they get the best results.

At-Home Bleaching

This involves buying special teeth whitening kits and using them at home. Most home kits contain about 3% – 20% of peroxide. This method is cheapest, although not entirely recommendable for everyone. Some options for this method include:

• Tooth Whitening Strips – This bleaching kit can be bought in most supermarkets or health stores. The kit usually has a foil that can be wrapped on the teeth, and it contains whitening gel. The foil should be used on the teeth days in a row to fully achieve a brighter look.
• Tooth Whitening Toothpaste – Most, if not all, toothpaste contains tooth whitening agents, but tooth whitening toothpaste contains bleaching agents that help the teeth look whiter. This is the cheapest form of teeth whitening and also very ineffective.
• Tray-based tooth whitening – This system involves a tray filled with peroxide gel that can be placed over the teeth for several hours a day. The tray-based tooth whitening can be bought over the counter or prescribed by a dentist near you. Just like toothpaste and gel strips, this method is very easy to purchase.

Laser Teeth Whitening

Laser whitening is another common but less talked about teeth whitening procedure. Thanks to technology, teeth whitening techniques have been improved upon. It is also the most expensive of all whitening procedures, and this method improves teeth whitening to almost ten shades. Laser Teeth Whitening is the most effective method of all whitening processes. Zoom teeth whitening operation is a process whereby a light-activated 25% hydrogen peroxide paste is applied to the teeth underneath a blue plasma light, which activates the solution.

After most of these procedures are listed above, maintaining your sparkly whites is essential. Brushing and maintaining a consistent flossing routine is crucial. Avoiding black teas, coffees, red wine, berries, and other food or drinks that can stain the teeth is advised. Other things like smoking cigarettes can stain teeth. There are some things we can’t control, though, such as aging.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, teeth whitening is different for everyone, and there are different results achieved at the end of each procedure. There is minor discomfort associated with the procedures listed above, like tooth sensitivity or minor gum pain, and this is likely to wear off after some time. If it persists, it is best to visit a dentist’s office near you. Although it is a very popular and well-known method, it is advised to always consult with a dentist before whitening your teeth.