Decrease Stains on Teeth with Tooth Whitening

When you look in the mirror, you see a perfect smile. Well, almost perfect. Your teeth can be healthy, straight and in great shape, but stains and discoloration can take away from the beauty of an otherwise dazzling smile. Whether you've always wanted whiter teeth, or they've become discolored over time, tooth whitening is a great option for making sure your smile really pops.

Stains and Other Issues

Not everyone is born with perfect white teeth. People have different hair colors and eye colors, and people also have varying tooth colors. Some people naturally have a yellower tooth color, or their teeth change colors during the natural aging process.

Outside influences including drinking coffee, tea, or wine. Too much fluoride while teeth are forming, treatment with certain antibiotics, and tooth injury cause teeth to turn dark. The accumulation of plaque and tartar can all cause your teeth to become stained or mottled.

Make a Dazzling Impression

People choose to have their teeth whitened for a variety of reasons. Your smile is one of the first impressions you make when you meet people. Everyone wants to make a positive first impression.

A great smile can boost your confidence and self esteem, and even make you look younger. Some people choose to whiten their teeth to restore them to their natural color, which has been affected by everyday staining and yellowing. Others want to further improve their smile by going even brighter than natural.

No matter your reason for getting your teeth whitened, the first step is to talk to your dentist. They can evaluate the type of whitening that will work best for you. If they don't perform whitening, they can refer you to another dentist who does.

How White Can You Go?

How much whiter your teeth will look depends on several factors. Some people's teeth respond better to teeth whitening procedures, while others may not notice a dramatic difference.

It is important to talk to your dentist before deciding on a whitening procedure, because they will be able to advise you about the likely results for your teeth. Whitening can lighten color by nine or more shades, but typical results are between two and seven shades.

Types of Tooth Whiteners

Many dentists offer a combination of chairside and take-home tooth whitening services. Take home whitening kits provide more permanent results over a longer period of time. Kits require a moderate amount of understanding and work from the patient.

Laser whitening offers immediate results. Chairside bleaching is also the most expensive method, with take home kits from your dentist following behind. The cheapest option for tooth whitening is over-the-counter options, but most dentists consider these less effective.

For long term whitening, a combination of the two methods is one of the best ways to keep your teeth looking great. No tooth whitening method is permanent, and touch ups are needed every 4-6 months to maintain your brightest smile.

Side Effects and Risks of Tooth Whitening

The majority of patients experience some sensitivity either during or after the initial whitening treatment. Sensitivity may last up to 48 hours. Your dentist may be able to provide you with medication to be applied to your teeth during that time to ease any pain. They will also most likely advise you to stay away from very hot or cold food and drinks within the first couple of days after treatment.

Though whitening is becoming a fairly standard procedure, some risks do exist. For some individuals, such as those with gum recession or significant cracks in their teeth sensitivity can be more extreme.

Extreme sensitivity doesn't usually last longer than 48 hours, but in some cases it can last up to a month. Your dentist can recommend special toothpaste for sensitive teeth. Over half of people who use peroxide whiteners experience irritation to their gums. It can last several days after bleaching has stopped.

Another thing to know about teeth whitening is that any restorations such as bonding, crowns, or veneers in your mouth will not be affected by the whitening procedure. Make sure to inform your dentist of any work you've had done so that can be taken into consideration when determining a shade.

As with any cosmetic procedure, it is important to do your research and speak with an expert before proceeding. Take the time to talk to your dentist about whether tooth whitening is an option for making your smile sparkle.