Our teeth tend to yellow with time and age. This can be made worse if you smoke or if you drink a lot of coffee or dark colored soda. Teeth whitening solutions are designed to restore teeth as close as possible to their original, natural white. This can, in turn, increase confidence and self-esteem.
There are a lot of over the counter whitening products, each with their own issues. For instance, it's almost impossible to find toothpaste without "whitening" ingredients, but these toothpastes are only able to remove light surface stains. They are effective in helping slow down the yellowing, but are only good for lightening your teeth by one shade or so.
Whitening mouthwashes are also now available, but experts think they may not be very effective simply because they are in contact with the teeth for too short a time.
Some additional over the counter whitening options include strips and gels. These usually contain either carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide. Strips are applied directly to the teeth while gels are applied using a small brush. There are also tray-based whitening systems that can be purchased over the counter or even from your local dentist.
The downside to over the counter whitening "systems" is the one size fits all approach and the reliance on the patient using them correctly. If they are used irregularly, they will be less effective. Also, there is a very real risk of damage to the gums from exposure to the bleach, causing irritation. As the over the counter whitening trays are not fitted to your teeth, they can, in rare cases, cause permanent tooth damage - which may cost more to fix than any savings from using an over the counter product.
Whitening of teeth shouldn't be done by everyone. For instance children under 16 shouldn't use whitening products. Pregnant and lactating moms should wait until you are no longer nursing or pregnant. If you have sensitive teeth it is recommended that you speak with your dentist prior as additional irritation can occur. If you have cavities or gum issues these should be treated first, as they can cause cavities to get worse. Whitening systems do not affect fillings or crowns which can cause uneven whitening.
If all of this is intimidating - then the answer is to talk to your dentist. Although more expensive, you should consider an in-office whitening procedure, properly supervised by your dentist. They can make sure that you will not have any problems from the procedure chosen.
Some dentists offer whitening trays that can be purchased for slightly less. These professional trays are made from your teeth impressions and can help reduce the risk of tooth damage and gum damage. These are worn for a few hours a day for a week or so. Some dentists may recommend crowns or porcelain veneers if your stains are severe.
There are a lot of over the counter whitening products, each with their own issues. For instance, it's almost impossible to find toothpaste without "whitening" ingredients, but these toothpastes are only able to remove light surface stains. They are effective in helping slow down the yellowing, but are only good for lightening your teeth by one shade or so.
Whitening mouthwashes are also now available, but experts think they may not be very effective simply because they are in contact with the teeth for too short a time.
Some additional over the counter whitening options include strips and gels. These usually contain either carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide. Strips are applied directly to the teeth while gels are applied using a small brush. There are also tray-based whitening systems that can be purchased over the counter or even from your local dentist.
The downside to over the counter whitening "systems" is the one size fits all approach and the reliance on the patient using them correctly. If they are used irregularly, they will be less effective. Also, there is a very real risk of damage to the gums from exposure to the bleach, causing irritation. As the over the counter whitening trays are not fitted to your teeth, they can, in rare cases, cause permanent tooth damage - which may cost more to fix than any savings from using an over the counter product.
Whitening of teeth shouldn't be done by everyone. For instance children under 16 shouldn't use whitening products. Pregnant and lactating moms should wait until you are no longer nursing or pregnant. If you have sensitive teeth it is recommended that you speak with your dentist prior as additional irritation can occur. If you have cavities or gum issues these should be treated first, as they can cause cavities to get worse. Whitening systems do not affect fillings or crowns which can cause uneven whitening.
If all of this is intimidating - then the answer is to talk to your dentist. Although more expensive, you should consider an in-office whitening procedure, properly supervised by your dentist. They can make sure that you will not have any problems from the procedure chosen.
Some dentists offer whitening trays that can be purchased for slightly less. These professional trays are made from your teeth impressions and can help reduce the risk of tooth damage and gum damage. These are worn for a few hours a day for a week or so. Some dentists may recommend crowns or porcelain veneers if your stains are severe.
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Want to find out more about Rockville, MD Family Cosmetic Dentistry, then visit Potomac Dental Clinic site on how to choose the best teeth whitening solution for your needs.
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