Does Teeth Whitening Work?
Teeth change color. There might be natural causes for the tooth to change its tone. However, in many cases, the outermost layer of your teeth, called enamel, stains due to habits such as smoking and chewing tobacco products. Some dark-colored processed food and drinks might also contribute to staining your teeth.
Lately, having stained teeth has become even more problematic than before, especially for people who interact with other people daily. It is also true that today, having a beautiful and bright smile has become a need. Whitening is one of the most significant cosmetic dentistry procedures in the U.S. In 2015 Americans spent over $1.4 billion on at-home whitening systems.
Also, there’s no wonder why there is a great variety of over-the-counter teeth-whitening systems. Some of the most popular whiteners include toothpaste, rinses, gels, strips, and trays. However, buying and using whitening kits and products can be frustrating, especially if no results are apparent in the short term. Unfortunately, whitening systems simply do not achieve their purpose of whitening your teeth most of the time.
Different aspects affect teeth whitening. One of the reasons is dentin exposure due to eroded enamel. Dentin is a bony tissue with natural yellow color. Another cause is that the main recommendation is to have healthy teeth and gums before whitening. It is also important to note that teeth with yellow tones are prone to whiten better than gray tones. Consequently, for all cases, getting whiter tones is possible with the help of a professional.
In short, a cosmetic dentist is a specialist that will be able to guide you in choosing
the best option for whitening your teeth.
A comprehensive whitening procedure includes dental hygiene work. First, a dentist removes plaque and debris; then tartar receives all the attention. Your teeth might still look yellowish but will be closer to their natural appearance. Once cleared and during your first appointment, Dr. Bahar Nia obtains an impression of your teeth and jaws. After that, she forwards the results to a dental laboratory.
You will receive a set of customized trays that fit the shape of your mouth. Before the trays come back, you are scheduled for a second appointment to ensure that your specialized whitening trays fit securely in your mouth. Your dentist then fills the whitening trays with bleaching gel, and you wait with them in your mouth. After approximately one hour, a lighter shade of your original teeth color appears.
Is Teeth Whitening Expensive?
Teeth whitening is one of the least expensive cosmetic dentistry procedures. It is also one that has a high impact on your smile. Your teeth can be whitened in-office at Buckhead cosmetic dentist, and depending on the case, we can design a mold and provide a gel with peroxide-based bleaching agents you can take and wear at home.
What Are the Cons of Tooth Whitening?
There are no significant contraindications with regards to whitening your teeth. However, higher peroxide concentrations and extended application periods might increase tooth sensitivity. Here is a chart with information about the difference in peroxide concentrations according to the types of whitening options.
Buckhead In-office whitening systems contain from 15% to 43% peroxides. On the other hand, home whitening systems include peroxides from 3% to 20%. Therefore, the longer and stronger the solution you keep in your teeth, the whiter they will be. However, if not dully supervised, high peroxide concentrations kept for extended periods might cause tooth sensitivity.
Our recommendation is to consult Buckhead Cosmetic and Family Dentist to see if a take-home solution is best for you. You might also note that bleaching agents will not act on porcelains, bondings, or crowns.
Teeth Whitening Options
As previously mentioned, there are several different options for bleaching your teeth at home. However, the most effective way to achieve better results is with the guide of your Buckhead Cosmetic and Family Dentist.
In-Office Tooth Whitening
Teeth whitening at-office will provide you with better and faster results. First, we evaluate the causes for your teeth to be discolored. Also, depending on the severity of the case, a concentrated bleaching solution is applied. Finally, we use heat and light to accelerate the whitening process.
The most dramatic results occur when patients attend several visits. Each visit can take up to 60 minutes. However, state-of-the-art techniques can visibly achieve from 3 to 8 shades in a single visit using a Zoom system.
At-Home Tooth Whitening
A custom-fitted mouth guard-like tray and a solution are given to you to take home at the convenience of your place. Dr. Bahar Nia will provide instructions for you to apply the peroxide-based bleaching solution on the trays. After that, you will place the filled trays over your teeth for one or several hours a day. You have to repeat this procedure for up to four weeks constantly.
Recommendations to Keep Your Teeth White
Along with the recommendations we have set for you, you can take some other actions that will help you maintain whiter and brighter teeth. The most important and recommended is to brush, floss, and rinse your teeth daily after meals. There is also a list of foods and beverages to avoid due to its acidic and tannin-rich components, such as:
- Dark-colored teas;
- Coffee;
- Wine (red and white);
- Hydrating sports drinks;
- All kinds of carbonated beverages (dark, light, and clear);
- Strongly-colored natural foods such as berries and;
- Artificially colored foods and sauces.
Consult Your Dentist for Effective Results
There might be different reasons for your teeth to be discolored. At-home over-the-counter products will hardly have a favorable effect if the causes for teeth discoloring aren´t well-defined. For example, corroded enamel, plaque, tartar, and debris might not help get the best results. Likewise, ceramics or other appliances will have no whitening effect whatsoever. Also, there are discolorations like grey, brown or purple tones that will not have a visible impact after whitening.
It is essential to know that over-the-counter whitening kits can make teeth temporarily sensitive and leave an unpleasant sensation. Gums can also be burned and have a temporary discoloration. Over-the-counter whitening systems are definitely, not for all. At Buckhead Cosmetic and Family Dentist, we will make sure your time and money are worth it. You can achieve a beautiful smile with white and bright teeth. Make an appointment or visit us at our facilities; our kind staff will gladly assist you in getting the smile you deserve.