Teeth whitening is a cosmetic treatment which comes in many forms with varying results. Your dental provider is going to be able to provide products that will likely produce the best outcome for you.
There are pastes, gels, and rinses along with strips, trays, and lights. You can buy teeth whitening products online, at the drug store, or even the grocery store. But when you invest in these products you are missing out on a very important ingredient in successful whitening, and that is the guidance and advice available from your cosmetic dentist.
While the whitening product itself is critical to the success of the procedure, following the advice as well as acquiring the product that will work best for your individual needs is what you can expect when undergoing teeth whitening at the hand of your dental professional.
Identifying if you are a qualified candidate for teeth whitening is a critical step. Patients with active dental decay or receding gum tissue may require something different from individuals without these conditions.
Your cosmetic dentist will be able to provide you with custom-designed trays and a bleaching gel that you will wear overnight. Since the trays are customized for you specifically, they will fit precisely to provide thorough coverage and noticeably whiter teeth in a matter of weeks.
Teeth whitening will last longer if the foods, beverages, and lifestyle habits that cause teeth to become discolored or drab initially is discontinued or limited. This includes beverages such as tea, coffee, red wine and colas; foods such as berries, tomato sauce, or beets; lifestyle habits like smoking or tobacco use. All of these things, and more, contribute to yellow or stained teeth.
There are some medications that can contribute to teeth discoloration; your dentist may be able to suggest alternatives or ask your doctor if there are other options for you.
It is difficult to put a time limit on teeth whitening results. But one thing is certain – teeth will stay whiter if daily brushing and flossing are observed. Twice yearly visits to the dentist for a cleaning and dental exam will also help to keep teeth healthy and bright.
Teeth whitening is not a permanent solution, so teeth may require touch-ups or additional whitening. However, over-whitening can result in sensitivity and damage to dental enamel so always follow the advice of your dentist.
Schedule an appointment with our cosmetic dentistry team at Richardson Dentistry for more information about teeth whitening.
