Brushing and flossing regularly (twice a day) are a part of oral hygiene. Going for dental checkups ensures that your teeth are healthy and strong. Whitening is another aspect of dental care. You can do it at home or professionally by dentists. Whitening removes discoloration and makes your teeth whiter and brighter. It increases the confidence in your smile. However, you ought to know a few things before going for teeth whitening.
● Whitening Removes Surface Stains
Teeth whitening is a simple process. It reduces discoloration and makes your teeth whiter than before. Whitening aims to get rid of the surface stains on the teeth. When performed by a dentist, the process involves the use of peroxide solution. The solution is activated using a laser or light to clean the stains.
Whitening is not suitable for everyone, though. It doesn’t work well for:
● People with grayish teeth
● Teeth with tetracycline staining
● People with fluorosis teeth
● People suffering from dental ailments
Home remedies for whitening involve using alternative products like baking soda or whitening toothpaste and taking more time to deliver the results.
● Whitening Procedures Work Only on Real Teeth
Do you have fillings, crowns, veneers, or dentures? If yes, you’ll have to rethink teeth whitening. That’s because the treatment is effective only on natural teeth. Yep. The crowns and dentures will not change color the way your natural teeth do. That would be awkward if you have fillings in the front teeth. You’ll need to get them replaced to have evenly colored teeth. It will also add to the cost!
● Want whiter and cleaner dental implants?
● Is the crown discolored more than the teeth?
● Want to use whitening toothpaste on dentures?
Teeth whitening is not the solution for the above conditions. Another point to remember is that whitening results will not be the same for everyone. Some people get whiter teeth, while a few others might see only a marginal difference. It depends on the extent of discoloration.
● Teeth and Gum Sensitivity Can Be a Side Effect
Teeth whitening requires a bit of chemical treatment. It’s pretty normal to feel teeth and gum sensitivity after the whitening procedure. It will last for a day or two at the most. However, if you already have sensitive teeth, you may experience the sensitivity for a longer period.
Dentists in Palo Alto recommend using toothpaste for sensitive teeth to get relief from pain. Try not to consume hard or chewy food items after the whitening procedure.
● Don’t eat colored fruits or vegetables.
● Use a straw for drinking hot/cold beverages
● Don’t smoke or consume alcohol
● Food with red sauces must be avoided
Follow the above tips for up to 24 hours after teeth whitening to reduce sensitivity and prevent immediate staining.
● Whitening Should Be Done on Clean Teeth
Do you plan to book an appointment for professional whitening services? If yes, you should get your teeth cleaned before whitening. If your teeth have tartar or if you suffer from gum infection, you need to get it sorted. Go for cleaning/scaling treatment and get medication for gum problems. Then, go for teeth whitening to get the best results.
Here’s what to do before the whitening treatment:
● Use fluoridated toothpaste to reduce the risk of post-whitening sensitivity.
● Don’t go for whitening when suffering from active periodontal disease.
● Wait until the dental implants are in place and heal from gum surgeries.
● The Results Are Not Permanent
Teeth whitening is not a permanent process. Your teeth won’t have the same pearly shine and brightness forever. Your teeth will start to stain and get discolored over the months. Though the actual duration might vary, the whitening effect can last for up to a year. Many people usually go for yearly whitening treatments. However, there are some things to keep in mind.
● Teeth whitening should not be done more than twice a year.
● Excessive whitening procedures will harm the enamel and weaken the teeth.
● Consuming acidic foods and drinks, alcohol, nicotine, etc., will discolor the teeth faster.
● Follow the instructions of the dentist to retain the whiteness for a longer time.
● Teeth Whitening Must Be Performed by a Dentist
An experienced dentist must perform teeth whitening to get the best results. Check out the dentists in Palo Alto and book an appointment for professional teeth whitening. A certified and registered clinic follows safety procedures and uses quality chemicals in the required proportion. Even though you can buy a teeth whitening kit on the internet, there is no guarantee that the items are 100% safe to use. Excessive bleach or strong chemicals can permanently damage your teeth.
● Consult the nearby dental clinics and ask about the procedure.
● Compare the dentists' experience and online reviews.
● Compare the rates and choose the best dental clinic.
Final Words
White teeth make you feel more confident and allow you to smile often. Whether you get your teeth whitened at the dental clinic or try OTC products at home, you must be careful about what you consume, food and drink that stains your teeth. After eating or drinking, make sure you rinse your mouth to prevent staining and discoloration. Consult a dentist to get your teeth examined if you feel sensitivity or pain.
Blog | Bryant St Dental
