Our teeth tend to yellow with time and age. This can be made worse if you smoke or if you drink a lot of coffee or dark colored soda. Teeth whitening solutions are designed to restore teeth as close as possible to their original, natural white. This can, in turn, increase confidence and self-esteem.
Over the counter whitening products have varying issues. Whitening toothpaste is so normal now that it can almost be hard to get toothpaste without "whitening" ingredients. However, these toothpastes only remove very light surface stains. They can only lighten your teeth by about one shade - although they may also help slow yellowing over time by removing stains before they get deep into the tooth.
A less effective option is whitening mouthwashes. They are in contact with the teeth for such a limited amount of time that expects do not think they are very effective.
Over the counter whitening strips and gels contain one of two bleaches - carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide. Gels are brushed on with a small brush, while strips are applied to your teeth, usually twice daily. Tray-based whitening systems work the same way and can be bought over the counter or from a dentist.
Over the counter systems also have downsides such as the one size fits all approach and the heavy reliance on the person correctly using them, which can cause them to be less effective if they are not. Some permanent damage and irritation can also occur. Which can end up costing far more than the savings of using an over the counter whitening system.
Uneven whitening can happen if you have crowns or fillings making your teeth look worse instead of better. Also, if you are pregnant or lactating, waiting until after the baby is weaned is important. Children under 16 should not use whitening products. If you have sensitive teeth, speak with your dentist first. Cavities and gum problems should be addressed prior to whitening as additional damage can occur.
While in-office whitening solutions may be more expensive there are a lot of benefits. They are properly supervised and steps are taken to ensure you will not have any problems from the chosen procedure.
A slightly cheaper alternative is to buy a whitening tray from your dentist. These trays or "stents" are made from impressions of your teeth, all but eliminating any risk of tooth damage and significantly lowering the risk to your gums. You wear them for a few hours a day for a week or two. If stains are very severe, your dentist may recommend a crown or a porcelain veneer instead.
Over the counter whitening products have varying issues. Whitening toothpaste is so normal now that it can almost be hard to get toothpaste without "whitening" ingredients. However, these toothpastes only remove very light surface stains. They can only lighten your teeth by about one shade - although they may also help slow yellowing over time by removing stains before they get deep into the tooth.
A less effective option is whitening mouthwashes. They are in contact with the teeth for such a limited amount of time that expects do not think they are very effective.
Over the counter whitening strips and gels contain one of two bleaches - carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide. Gels are brushed on with a small brush, while strips are applied to your teeth, usually twice daily. Tray-based whitening systems work the same way and can be bought over the counter or from a dentist.
Over the counter systems also have downsides such as the one size fits all approach and the heavy reliance on the person correctly using them, which can cause them to be less effective if they are not. Some permanent damage and irritation can also occur. Which can end up costing far more than the savings of using an over the counter whitening system.
Uneven whitening can happen if you have crowns or fillings making your teeth look worse instead of better. Also, if you are pregnant or lactating, waiting until after the baby is weaned is important. Children under 16 should not use whitening products. If you have sensitive teeth, speak with your dentist first. Cavities and gum problems should be addressed prior to whitening as additional damage can occur.
While in-office whitening solutions may be more expensive there are a lot of benefits. They are properly supervised and steps are taken to ensure you will not have any problems from the chosen procedure.
A slightly cheaper alternative is to buy a whitening tray from your dentist. These trays or "stents" are made from impressions of your teeth, all but eliminating any risk of tooth damage and significantly lowering the risk to your gums. You wear them for a few hours a day for a week or two. If stains are very severe, your dentist may recommend a crown or a porcelain veneer instead.
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Learn more about Potomac Dental Clinic. Stop Potomac Dental Clinic site where you can find out all about Rockville, MD Family Cosmetic Dentistry and what it can do for you.
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