Pastes, Gels, Strips, Trays, And Lasers: Teeth Whitening 101

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A beautiful smile is often the first thing people notice when they meet someone new. To protect their bright smiles, millions of people turn to tooth whitening systems. If youve ever considered whitening your teeth, read these frequently asked questions to find valuable information about the procedure.

Is tooth whitening a good choice for me?
That depends on your situation and your expectations. If your teeth are basically healthy and stained a light to moderate yellowish color, tooth whitening can help. Darkly stained teeth do not respond as well to tooth whitening. Fillings, veneers, and crowns will not whiten at all. Also, if youre pregnant, have allergies, suffer from advanced gum disease or tooth decay, or are younger than 16, your dentist will recommend other options and treatments.

What kinds of whitening systems are available?
You can choose from over-the-counter products such as whitening toothpastes, gels, and strips. These have a lower concentration of bleaching agents than the products available through your dentists office, and can lighten your teeth from one to three shades. In-office tooth whitening includes laser-assisted procedures that produce fast results and can lighten your teeth by as many as ten shades.

How long will the results last?
It varies based on the type of treatment. Results from at-home treatments may only last a few months, while professional treatments can provide results that last for a few years. If you smoke or drink tooth-staining beverages like coffee, soda, or tea, your results will fade faster. If you take special care to avoid these behaviors, your results can last for considerably longer.

Are there risks associated with tooth whitening?
People who bleach their teeth occasionally experience tooth sensitivity or gum irritation. If this happens, try skipping a couple of days in between your applications of the bleaching agent, or brushing with toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth. If you use a tray system, try keeping the tray in place for a shorter time. Always speak with a dentist if you have concerns about this procedure.


About the Author:
If you don't have the perfect smile, cosmetic dentistry treatments can help. Using teeth whitening, porcelain dental veneers, dental implants, and other dental procedures, a skilled cosmetic dentist can transform your smile.



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