We all want to share our best smile with the world. White teeth are synonymous with that, and teeth whitening is one of the options people think of first about cosmetic dentistry. It can surely help you achieve a picture-perfect smile.
As with any method that can permanently alter your teeth, it’s normal and okay to feel curious about its safety and effectiveness. Apart from appearance, health is one of the main things that should be on the radar for your teeth. It would be best if you considered every factor before getting it.
To help you with that, as experienced dentists in cosmetic dentistry, we show you everything to know if you are considering teeth whitening in Belmont or anywhere else:
Teeth Whitening Explained
It is no surprise that teeth get stained over time, mainly from certain food and drinks whose particles are very pigmented. The teeth have various layers so that teeth can get stained superficially or deeply, known formally as intrinsic and extrinsic staining:Intrinsic staining
When enamel, the outer and see-through layer of the teeth, gets stained.
Extrinsic staining
If dentin, the inner layer that gives the teeth their color, gets stained.
Due to the different levels of teeth staining, there are various methods for teeth whitening in Belmont and everywhere else. The first thing you should consider is the method you will use.
Teeth whitening essentially consists of bleaching teeth, and most products or techniques use peroxide bleaching agents.
Options available for at-home use have lower concentrations of peroxide agents for safety, and dentist administered options have much higher. Here, we break down the most common methods:
Over-the-counter Treatments
Whitening toothpaste: These generally don’t or slightly include peroxide agents. It helps remove extrinsic stains through abrasives.
Whitening strips: They consist of strips that contain a small peroxide agent concentration, which you attach to the teeth.
Dentist Provided Products
Your dentist may administer some products either for at-home or in-office use. These are considered professional-grade products.Custom trays
This method is for at-home use, consisting of a set of custom trays with gel that administers the product with minimized contact with the Gingiva.
Peroxide gel
The peroxide concentration is contained in a gel applied by your dentist. In some cases, light can be used to speed and boost the bleaching process.
Power bleaching
In this case, the peroxide concentration is contained in water applied for a certain amount of time. It can also use light activation.
What Can You Expect From The Treatment?
All teeth have different shades, reflected in the whitening shade guide. The number of shades lighter the teeth can get vary with each patient and the severity of the stains. On average, they can lighten from 6 to 8 shades. Another thing you should consider is how much the results last. It is different for everyone as well, but it can be improved by taking good care of your teeth, avoiding staining food and drinks, and smoking. If you are disciplined, it can last a year or more. However, if you are not careful, it can last six months or less.Can Teeth Whitening Damage Teeth?
Now that you know more about the methods available for teeth whitening in Belmont and anywhere else, you may be wondering if they’re safe. Over-the-counter products have to have the American Dental Association’s (ADA) approval, so you don’t have to worry about them being harmful. The products administered by your dentist don’t require the seal as they are professional-grade, as we mentioned. Even though teeth whitening may not be harmful, it can have adverse effects. According to the ADA, these can be sensitivity and gingival irritation. These are mainly caused by mistakes during the application, such as too much exposure to the light or high concentrations of peroxide agents. While these may last a short while, they can also become a permanent issue for some people. It would be better to consult with your dentist to see if they would recommend it or not.Is It Worth Getting Teeth Whitening At The Dentist?
For whitening your teeth, you can use over-the-counter products or visit your local dentist. If you debate whether you should get teeth whitening in Belmont or do it yourself, we also compare these options here. The main difference between over-the-counter products vs. going to the dentist is that the products used at the clinic have a higher concentration of hydrogen peroxide but are used for a shorter time. People often wonder, “How can I whiten my teeth quickly?” The best choice is to go to the dentist. Another key aspect to remember is that using the wrong amount and other factors as well could damage. Going to an expert ensures the best results.General Points To Remember
- Teeth whitening is most recommended for patients with healthy gums and teeth.
- Because it whitens the enamel, teeth whitening won’t lighten existing restorations, but it won’t affect current dental work.
- Teeth whitening may cause temporary or prolonged teeth sensitivity and gingival irritation. If you are prone to these, it may not be for you.
- It is best to get professional-grade treatments from a reliable dentist to avoid adverse effects.
- You should consult with your dentist always to find a suitable option for you.
That sums up our fundamental advice on whitening your teeth, but you can consult directly with us for any doubts. If you are also looking for superior teeth whitening in Belmont, at Seraderian Dental Group, we are renowned specialists in cosmetic dentistry. We will determine and provide the right solution for you. Contact us today!