Read on to learn all about tooth whitening from Ideal Smiles Dental of Staten Island NY. It is no surprise that everyone wants a bright and healthy smile. But did you know that there are many reasons that can lead to discoloration of your teeth? For this reason, tooth whitening is among the most popular cosmetic dental procedures that people go for when they want to restore their beautiful smiles.
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However, tooth whitening is not a one-step procedure; it involves multiple methods, preparations, as well as maintenance to maintain the results. Here, we will cover all about tooth whitening that you should know.
About Teeth Whitening
Do you know that in 2020, Americans used a total of over 37 million teeth whiteners? Tooth whitening is an easy-to-understand process. It involves the use of bleaches that may either be carbamide or hydrogen peroxide. These bleaches are capable of dissolving and breaking down the stains chemically for easy removal.
Once the stain is chemically weak and lowered in concentration, it becomes easy to wash off and remove the stains from all or one tooth. Bear in mind that it will involve several steps, including breaks, to ensure that excessive bleaching does not occur.
Data suggests that in-office whitening treatments at your general dentist’s are better due to higher concentrations of whitening agents rather than DIY home-whitening kits.
Tooth Whitening Options
In-Office Whitening
In-office tooth whitening procedures with a professional dentist require just a single visit. The in-office whitening gels and professional material are better as they have high concentration whitening agents and ensure effective stain removal. Also, before applying such chemicals to your teeth, your dentist will cover your gums with rubber shields or protective gels.
Toothpaste for Discoloration
Toothpaste usually contains mild to low abrasives that are capable of eliminating stains when you scrub them against your teeth. Importantly, if you want to go for such toothpaste, keep an eye out for the approval and acceptance seal from the American Dental Association. Hence, you will get peace of mind that you are using tested and approved stain removal toothpaste, which carries low to insignificant side effects.
However, you should know that these products contain polishing agents to ensure effective stain removal but do not help in changing tooth color.
OTC Whitening and Bleaching Products
The American Dental Association has approved several other bleaching products for your teeth. They include gels, strips, flosses, mouthwashes, home tooth-whitening DIY kits, etc. In addition, know that they may not carry the same whitening agents’ concentration or effectiveness as the in-office treatment gels and bleaches.
Laser Whitening Treatment
Laser treatment includes special lights like UV in order to effectively activate the whitening agents inside the bleaching gels and pastes that your dentist uses. Once they open your mouth with the help of comfortable guards, your dentist will protect your gums before applying the bleaching gels.
After applying the gel, your dentist will use a light projector to form the gel, removing the stains gradually. These steps will take place multiple times to remove the stains and brighten up your smile up to several shades high.
Assessing the Longevity of Teeth Whitening Results
You should know is that tooth whitening does not leave permanent effects (excluding side effects for sensitive teeth people). These results might stay for a couple of months, but commonly, they fade progressively during the period of 2-3 years.
It can last from a few months to three years – it varies from person to person. Here are some risk factors that can contribute to quick teeth color loss even after teeth whitening. Hence, knowing them will allow you to prevent damage to your teeth.
- Excessive consumption of coffee, wine, tea, colas, carbonated drinks, and starchy foods
- Smoking
- Alcohol consumption
- Inadequate hygiene habits
- Environmental factors such as polluted water, etc.
- Injuries to the face (i.e., to the jaw or tooth)
Consult a Dentist
Tooth whitening involves bleaching, and it might not be suitable or tolerable for people with tooth sensitivities. In worst-case scenarios, there might be damage to any underlying oral conditions due to the use of strong and concentrated whitening agents.
In addition, with DIY tooth-whitening kits and improper application of gels and bleaches, there are chances of damage to the gums and even cause burning. Therefore, it is highly advisable to consult a dentist before going for such treatments.
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Apart from the health issues and pain, it might also save you time and energy to better learn from a professionally knowledgeable dentist.
Conclusion: Call Ideal Smiles Dental in Staten Island for the Best Teeth Whitening
Do you want to have a bright and beautiful smile? Ideal Smiles Dental has the best dentists in Staten Island, NY. Ring us at 718-227-7400 to schedule an appointment today. Visit our main dentistry practice website and learn more about our services, including excellent tooth-whitening procedures by experienced and expert dentists.
References:
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/tooth-discoloration
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10958-tooth-discoloration
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/teeth-whitening/