What Is Teeth Whitening?
People always want a radiant smile. A beautiful smile gives you self-confidence and gives others a great first impression of you. As we age our teeth become stained and change color. Everything we eat or drink can stain our teeth. Trauma and exposure to certain minerals, especially exposure to large amounts of fluoride, can also change the color of your teeth. To restore the natural color of their teeth, people use different types of whitening treatments.
What Types Of Teeth Whiteners Are Popular?
Whitening treatments have become a cosmetic necessity for many people. The two main chemicals used in teeth whitening treatments are hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide. There are several different types of whitening treatments available including whitening toothpaste, over-the-counter strips and gels, whitening mouthwashes, and in-office whitening treatments. These treatments have different time frames on how quickly they can effectively whiten your teeth.
Why Are Over-The-Counter Whitening Treatments Popular?
A doctor does not need to prescribe over-the-counter whitening treatments. You can find them in different markets, pharmacies, and even online. There are different types of OTC whitening treatments which include strips, rinses, gels, and tray-based whiteners. OTC whitening products have become more in demand today because of their availability and comfort. You can quickly buy an OTC whitening treatment on your way home from work without visiting a dental office. Although this may seem convenient at first you should think twice before only committing to just OTC whitening products.
Why Are Professional Whitening Treatments The Better Choice?
Although, at-home kits might be more affordable and can be found nearly everywhere, consider that professional teeth whitening is a safer and better investment. OTC whitening treatments reduce superficial stains and can be done in the comfort of your home, but lack of familiarity with the product, complicated instructions, and inaccurate solution concentration can give varied results. Patients who have used OTC whitening methods in the past have experienced:
- White spots
- Uneven whitening
- Prolonged sensitivity
- Gum irritation
- Technicolor teeth: Dental restorations, such as fillings or crowns, do not respond to teeth whitening treatments and will stay their same color while the teeth around them change color.
Tooth bleaching accomplished through professional whitening treatments are more effective and time-saving because the professional-grade treatments deliver higher concentrations of peroxide than OTC options. Professional treatment also means skilled and safe positioning and application.
What Can I Expect From A Professional Tooth Whitening Treatment?
During your appointment, the dentist will start the process by giving you professional teeth cleaning. They will detach any plaque, tartar, or debris from your teeth. Then your whitening goals will be discussed and a shade guide will be provided to help you select a color. Many people wrongly believe that radiant white is the best color for teeth. However, this may not always be the best or most realistic choice for the patient because your teeth have an inborn color. It’s best to work with this color when whitening your teeth.
Once your whitening goals have been discussed, the dentist will apply a protective shield over your gums to protect them from the bleaching agent. Then, they will apply the whitening product to your teeth. In most cases, the whiting product will remain on your teeth for approximately an hour. Finally, the whitening product will be suctioned off and your mouth will be rinsed with warm water.
After your teeth whitening treatment, you may experience minor tooth sensitivity for a few days. It is also important to know that your teeth will continue the whitening process up to a day after your whitening treatment appointment. For this reason, you are recommended to avoid food and beverages with strong coloring on the first day following your whitening procedure.
Efficient professional whitening treatments are available with Fedorciw, Massoumi & Kolbig in Cromwell, CT. Together, their staff has over 30 years of experience delivering quality care to their patients. Call 860-635-4666 for an appointment or consultation today.
