Teeth Whitening

Saying Yes to Teeth Whitening!

Are you noticing that your teeth are looking less than their best? Maybe they’re a little dingy, and not the bright, white teeth you used to love in the mirror and in photographs?

If you are not enjoying what you see when you view your smile, maybe it’s time for a little pick-me-up. Maybe it’s time to say yes to whitening your teeth.

Teeth whitening is one of the most popular, safe and effective cosmetic dentistry treatments. It can be accomplished in as little as one dental appointment and can lighten your natural tooth color by several shades with professional and repeated use.

Over time, our teeth collect stains that build up, one on top of another. These stains can be the result of the foods we eat and the liquids we drink. Foods such as blackberries, blueberries and beets can be among the worst culprits. Liquids such as coffee, tea, red wine and even soda can darken teeth. Food ingredients like soy sauce, balsamic vinegar and tomato sauce can also leave their mark.

You can remove some of these types of stains at home with whitening toothpastes or other at-home products. These whitening products attempt to remove stains through gentle abrasion or low levels of hydrogen peroxide. They can be effective over long periods of time, but for the biggest change in the least amount of time, an appointment with a dental professional is the best bet.

Your dentist will custom fit you with trays that contain a bleaching agent. Often activated by a special light, these bleaching trays can completely remove stains and can brighten your smile noticeably. Your friends and family may wonder if you’ve had “work” done, but you’ll know it’s just your new, rejuvenated smile.

Don’t wait to start enjoying the benefits of a brighter, whiter smile. Call Sarasota dentist, Dr. Back today. You’ll love what you see in the mirror!

Before whitening, you’ll want to address any lingering dental issues you possess. Fillings, decay, gum disease or other issues will need to be taken care of before your whitening treatment. Because dental crowns, bridges or any dental veneer work won’t whiten with the treatment, you and your dentist will need to ensure that the treatment you choose won’t make your restoration work noticeable against the background of whiter teeth. If necessary, you may want to have your restorations updated with brighter, whiter materials.

Before beginning whitening, you’ll need to choose a shade of white. Your dentist will work with you and a “shade guide” that illustrates the different levels of whitening available to you. Your dentist will help you choose a shade that best complements your lip, hair and skin color. Going too white isn’t always the best choice, as it can look unnatural and offputting. Choose a shade that works for you.

Once your teeth are healthy enough for whitening, you’ll want to have them thoroughly cleaned by a dental professional. Any build up of plaque, bacteria or debris present on the surface of your teeth will prevent the natural surface from whitening evenly. Whitening over such debris will result in blotchy or spotty whitening effects. To achieve a smooth, even brightening, ensure that your teeth are completely clean prior to whitening.

Treating Tough Dental Stains With Professional Teeth Whitening

Virtually anything you consume that is colorful has the potential to stain your teeth. Drink a blue sports drink, and see what color it turns your teeth and tongue.

Acidic foods also weaken your tooth enamel and make them more susceptible to discoloration.

Topical stains from pigment rich foods and beverages are difficult to remove, but many can be eliminated with professional teeth whitening treatments.

Your dental professional can offer several options for teeth whitening, from take-home trays to in-office laser whitening, to produce a dazzling new smile.

These whitening treatments can eliminate stains from coffee, tea, wine and colas as well as foods like berries and tomatoes. Yellowing may also occur from smoking or chewing tobacco. Some medications may also cause tough stains that can be lightened with professional whitening treatments.

Once you have undergone professional teeth whitening, there are a few tips to follow to help keep them bright and white. Drinking colored beverages with a straw will allow the liquid to bypass your teeth. You should also refrain from holding foods and beverages in your mouth longer than necessary. Swishing red wine around your mouth may taste good, but will also encourage staining. Brush your teeth or at least rinse your mouth with water as soon as possible after consuming staining foods or beverages. Stopping smoking or chewing tobacco will eliminate the continued yellowing these habits cause.

Following these recommendations along with regular visits to your dentists for thorough cleaning will help extend the life of your whitening treatment and keep you smile white and bright.

It is likely that you have heard two terms related to brightening your smile: teeth bleaching and teeth whitening. Are these the same thing? Although their goals are similar, these terms refer to different processes for whitening your teeth.

Bleaching

The FDA requires that the word “bleaching” be used only in cases where the teeth are able to be whitened more than their natural color. This occurs only with products containing bleach, usually hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide.

Teeth Whitening

“Whitening” is the term used when the surface color of a tooth is restored by removing debris and dirt. For example, a cleaning product such as toothpaste is considered a whitening product instead of bleaching.

Which one is better?

Teeth whitening is a subjective procedure, meaning that it varies with each person. Before deciding how to brighten your smile, consult with your dentist to get a realistic idea of potential results for your teeth. That way you can choose the best process for you personally, and set your expectations about how long it might take and how your teeth may appear when complete. Whether you choose to bleach them or whiten them, it is likely that you will be dazzling your friends with your new, improved smile!