Everyone loves a bright smile, and when you're proud of your smile, it can light up a room. But if you're someone who is dissatisfied with the color of your teeth, don't let that prevent you from showing off your smile.
Not for everyone: Before you attempt to whiten your teeth, the first step is to talk with your dentist about whether whitening will work for you. Not all types of discolored teeth can be whitened. Teeth that are yellow may respond nicely to whitening treatments, but a more brownish-colored smile may not whiten as easily. Teeth that are naturally gray in hue may not whiten at all. The time and frequency of the whitening treatment, concentration of the active agent, the age of the patient, and the type of stain all factor in to the results of whitening attempts. A dental consultation will give you more insight into your best course of action.
Typically, there are three methods for whitening, if you and your dentist determine it is a good procedure for you to do. While most at-home, in-office, and dentist-prescribed whitening methods do seem effective, the American Dental Association does have concerns about their long-term health influences. The ADA reports that the best choice is to seek advice from your dentist first. This consultation with a professional will, ideally, bring to light any potential problems, such as previously undiagnosed oral health issues. Again, following a meeting with your dentist, if you decide to whiten your teeth, these are the common options you'll be presented with.
Whitening toothpaste: Here's what you need to know about whitening toothpastes. All toothpastes help wipe away stains on the surface of your teeth when you brush.
Whitening toothpaste: All toothpastes help wipe away stains on the surface of your teeth when you brush. Whitening toothpastes that are approved by the ADA contain special ingredients that may enhance the stain removing power of your toothpaste. However, these products don't change the ultimate color of your teeth (like bleach can) because they only remove stains on the surface.
At-home bleaching: Bleaching the enamel of your teeth at home may offer good results, but it also comes with some risks. This method may lead to gum irritation or sensitive teeth, but it also effectively bleaches the enamel of your teeth-usually through gels applied in a mouth guard. Weigh the costs and benefits before you attempt this procedure.
In-office bleaching: If you feel more confident having professional whitening help, in-office bleaching might be the smart choice for you. Usually, bleaching procedures at a dental office can be completed in one visit. Initially, the dentist will take precautions to keep your gums safe using a rubber shield or protective gel. After that, the dentist will use a bleaching agent and possibly a light or laser to enhance the agent's whitening power.
Hygiene habits: Nothing can guarantee the health of your teeth, but brushing and flossing are necessary steps to keep your mouth in great condition. While whitening may enhance the appearance of your smile, and whitening methods should not be used in place of a daily oral care routine. After you've improved the aesthetic appeal of your teeth, make sure you maintain the healthy appeal too.
Not for everyone: Before you attempt to whiten your teeth, the first step is to talk with your dentist about whether whitening will work for you. Not all types of discolored teeth can be whitened. Teeth that are yellow may respond nicely to whitening treatments, but a more brownish-colored smile may not whiten as easily. Teeth that are naturally gray in hue may not whiten at all. The time and frequency of the whitening treatment, concentration of the active agent, the age of the patient, and the type of stain all factor in to the results of whitening attempts. A dental consultation will give you more insight into your best course of action.
Typically, there are three methods for whitening, if you and your dentist determine it is a good procedure for you to do. While most at-home, in-office, and dentist-prescribed whitening methods do seem effective, the American Dental Association does have concerns about their long-term health influences. The ADA reports that the best choice is to seek advice from your dentist first. This consultation with a professional will, ideally, bring to light any potential problems, such as previously undiagnosed oral health issues. Again, following a meeting with your dentist, if you decide to whiten your teeth, these are the common options you'll be presented with.
Whitening toothpaste: Here's what you need to know about whitening toothpastes. All toothpastes help wipe away stains on the surface of your teeth when you brush.
Whitening toothpaste: All toothpastes help wipe away stains on the surface of your teeth when you brush. Whitening toothpastes that are approved by the ADA contain special ingredients that may enhance the stain removing power of your toothpaste. However, these products don't change the ultimate color of your teeth (like bleach can) because they only remove stains on the surface.
At-home bleaching: Bleaching the enamel of your teeth at home may offer good results, but it also comes with some risks. This method may lead to gum irritation or sensitive teeth, but it also effectively bleaches the enamel of your teeth-usually through gels applied in a mouth guard. Weigh the costs and benefits before you attempt this procedure.
In-office bleaching: If you feel more confident having professional whitening help, in-office bleaching might be the smart choice for you. Usually, bleaching procedures at a dental office can be completed in one visit. Initially, the dentist will take precautions to keep your gums safe using a rubber shield or protective gel. After that, the dentist will use a bleaching agent and possibly a light or laser to enhance the agent's whitening power.
Hygiene habits: Nothing can guarantee the health of your teeth, but brushing and flossing are necessary steps to keep your mouth in great condition. While whitening may enhance the appearance of your smile, and whitening methods should not be used in place of a daily oral care routine. After you've improved the aesthetic appeal of your teeth, make sure you maintain the healthy appeal too.
About the Author:
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