How A Rockville MD Family Cosmetic Dentist Whitens Teeth
If you smoke or drink lots of coffee or dark colored drinks, the yellowing of your teeth will be worse. Our teeth have a tendency to yellow with time and age as it is. To help increase confidence and self-esteem, there are several teeth whitening solutions available to help restore the color of your teeth to their natural white.
Some over the counter whitening products are so normal now that it's almost impossible to find them without whitening ingredients. For instance whitening toothpaste, which is effective in reducing yellowing over time by removing light surface stains. You can usually get about about 1 shade lighter with this product.
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.
A few other whitening options are strips and gels, which usually contain either carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide. A small brush is used to apply the gels, while strips go directly on your teeth up to twice daily. There are also tray based whitening solutions that work in the same way and can be bought over the counter or from your 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.
Uneven whitening can happen if you have crowns or fillings making your teeth look worse instead of better. Also, if you are pregnant or lactating, waiting until after the baby is weaned is important. Children under 16 should not use whitening products. If you have sensitive teeth, speak with your dentist first. Cavities and gum problems should be addressed prior to whitening as additional damage can occur.
Over the counter whitening solutions can be intimidating and talking to your dentist can help. While in-office solutions may cost more, you are less likely to encounter issues since they are properly supervised.
A slightly cheaper alternative is to buy a whitening tray from your dentist. These trays or "stents" are made from impressions of your teeth, all but eliminating any risk of tooth damage and significantly lowering the risk to your gums. You wear them for a few hours a day for a week or two. If stains are very severe, your dentist may recommend a crown or a porcelain veneer instead.
Some over the counter whitening products are so normal now that it's almost impossible to find them without whitening ingredients. For instance whitening toothpaste, which is effective in reducing yellowing over time by removing light surface stains. You can usually get about about 1 shade lighter with this product.
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.
A few other whitening options are strips and gels, which usually contain either carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide. A small brush is used to apply the gels, while strips go directly on your teeth up to twice daily. There are also tray based whitening solutions that work in the same way and can be bought over the counter or from your 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.
Uneven whitening can happen if you have crowns or fillings making your teeth look worse instead of better. Also, if you are pregnant or lactating, waiting until after the baby is weaned is important. Children under 16 should not use whitening products. If you have sensitive teeth, speak with your dentist first. Cavities and gum problems should be addressed prior to whitening as additional damage can occur.
Over the counter whitening solutions can be intimidating and talking to your dentist can help. While in-office solutions may cost more, you are less likely to encounter issues since they are properly supervised.
A slightly cheaper alternative is to buy a whitening tray from your dentist. These trays or "stents" are made from impressions of your teeth, all but eliminating any risk of tooth damage and significantly lowering the risk to your gums. You wear them for a few hours a day for a week or two. If stains are very severe, your dentist may recommend a crown or a porcelain veneer instead.
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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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