Source: Dr. Marketing

A brighter, whiter smile for the upcoming holiday season - What more could you wish for? The demand for tooth whitening solutions has risen dramatically over the years and, with that, a wealth of innovative products has been introduced, giving patients a convenient alternative to the customary dental office visit. 

Why Would Someone Whiten Their Teeth?

The motivation behind a patient's decision for tooth whitening might seem rather self-explanatory, like everyone, to some degree, has aspirations of pursuing and attaining pearly whites. All patients, and their circumstances, vary though, which stresses that they can be whitening their teeth for any of the following reasons: 

• Discolouration: teeth whitening can nullify tooth discolouration that has become noticeable due to tartar, plaque, or other oral health factors. Also, a diet that features products capable of staining teeth extensively, such as coffee, tea, or wine, can be similarly counteracted with a whitening option. 
• Significant Events: from anniversaries, birthdays, and weddings to job interviews, teeth whitening is certain to broaden your smile and create a memorable first impression with those whom you encounter. 
• Offset The Aging Process: tooth enamel tends to wear down as you get older, almost inviting tooth discolouration and other oral concerns to occur. A trusted teeth whitening product can help preserve a healthy, lovely smile. 
• Improve Self-Confidence: discolouration can easily put a damper on your confidence, but you can take it back through the assistance of a whitening solution. 

Treatment Overview of Whitening Teeth at Home

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At-home tooth whitening selections contain a range of 3 to 20 percent peroxide, either in the form of carbamide or hydrogen peroxides. Timing is important in the application of these solutions. Keeping the product on for a longer duration, allow your teeth to become whiter. Conversely, whitening solutions with a higher percentage of peroxide ought to be applied for a shorter period because, after too much time at work, the gel will likely dehydrate the teeth and heighten sensitivity. Before trying your luck with any teeth whitening solution, consult your dentist and determine the best course of action. 

Types Of At-Home Products

There are several options to consider when whitening your teeth from home: 

• Strips & Gels: these peroxide-based tooth bleaching products are generally applied directly to the teeth once or twice per day for up to two weeks. Following that schedule, the remarkable results will be enjoyed for four months or so. Crest 3D Whitestrips, approved by dentists and affordable, is one of the more popular choices. 
• Tooth Bleaching Systems: for this method, a tray that resembles a mouthguard is filled with peroxide-based bleaching gel or paste before being secured over the teeth. A process that stretches from one to multiple hours daily for possibly four weeks, this whitening system can be purchased over-the-counter or personally fitted by your dentist. 
• Whitening Toothpaste: toothpaste products, that specifically advertise a whitening effect, are made with chemicals or polishing agents that serve to adequately remove stains from teeth without the usage of a bleaching agent. A tooth-whitening toothpaste is fairly inexpensive and capable of brightening teeth by one shade without wearing them down unnecessarily. Because it is limited to surface stains, whitening toothpaste should not be perceived as a replacement for professional, in-office cleaning or whitening. 

Treatment Overview of Teeth Whitening

in our Dental Office 

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Your dentist will rely on a tooth-whitening resolution that contains anywhere from 15 to 43 percent peroxide, a significantly stronger mix than the kits offered to buy. They might utilize heat, light, or a combination of the two to accelerate and amplify the whitening process. To achieve the finest and brightest results, in which the appearance of teeth can improve by a multitude of shades, often requires dental appointments that are 30 to 60 minutes. Certain dentists, thanks to their trusted techniques, can complete the procedure in a single 2-hour session. 

Noteworthy Side Effects of Whitening Your Teeth

Although teeth whitening is sound and risk-free, there are a couple of minor side effects that you should be apprised of: 

• Tooth Sensitivity: after the first or second treatment, your teeth might become extra sensitive. If the feeling does not subside with time, then your dentist can prescribe products that contain potassium nitrate and sodium fluoride gel to relieve any discomfort. 
• Irritated Gums: gingival irritation is another potential byproduct of teeth whitening, resulting from its contact with your gums. Do not be alarmed; this side effect usually fades after the treatments. 

Who Cannot Whiten Their Teeth? 

Some patients are simply not suitable candidates for teeth whitening for several reasons. Children under the age of 16, because the pulp chamber in their teeth is larger than what an adult has, could experience irritation from a whitening solution. Patients with allergies are advised to speak with their dentist, as are those individuals with sensitivities. For example, allergies toward peroxide immediately eliminate a patient from consideration because that is the active ingredient in whitening solutions. Those with multiple restorations, like fillings, crowns, or dental bonding, are unlikely to be acceptable candidates. Restorations will not respond to whitening, so the treatment itself could leave a patient with an asymmetrical appearance. Preferably, a patient will have completed the whitening treatment before undergoing restoration. Pregnant and lactating women are also not encouraged to receive teeth whitening. 

Patients with root canal treatments, fillings, crowns, or visibly dark stains on the anterior teeth are a particular group that would be advised to take a cautious approach. Regardless of your choice, bear in mind that you cannot whiten your teeth permanently. Moderation is crucial and you will only need to occasionally find whitening treatments to help reduce discolouration.

Which Option Is Ideal For You?

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As evidenced, the tooth whitening treatment that you ultimately pick is a matter of preference and perhaps the price tag. There will be patients who have fewer options than others. In the case of tooth bleaching, not all tooth discolourations will sufficiently respond to the process. With the guidance of one of our dentists, we can determine the root cause of the discolouration and make an informed decision as to whether the bleaching solution will be practical. 

Ready for a brighter whiter smile?

Give us a call to schedule a consultation or to learn more

about whitening treatments at Elements Dental