Understanding Teeth Whitening: What You Need to Know Before Getting Your Teeth Whitened
Your smile can significantly affect how others perceive you. It's no longer surprising that many are interested in achieving whiter teeth. A bright smile can help you earn a positive impression.
Here's a rundown of the teeth whitening options available today.
Whitening toothpaste
It's easy to find toothpaste variants that claim to help whiten teeth. While they’re safe for use, these products can't offer dramatic results. They can help you maintain a radiant smile, but you can’t expect much from them if you're looking to make your teeth several shades whiter.
Teeth whitening gels
Over-the-counter teeth whitening gels only offer results on surfaces that they touch directly. If you have crooked or misaligned teeth, it'll be harder to apply the gel. Chances are you'll see the effects only on the top and bottom front teeth.
Getting a professional dental cleaning may offer better results - your hygienist can remove tartar buildup that makes your teeth appear darker.
Teeth whitening gels may be affordable, but they can only offer limited results. Improper use can also cause gum irritation.
Teeth whitening strips
Your teeth may improve in the long run, but teeth whitening strips still can't offer results similar to what you'll see from dentist-administered options.
Like teeth whitening gels, the bleach has to be in contact with the tooth surface for a specific period. The strips can only whiten the teeth that they touch, which is usually the four upper and bottom front teeth.
Dentist-administered teeth whitening tray systems
You can choose between a take-home system or one that combines both in-office whitening and the take-home trays. Both options are customized according to your goals and the condition of your teeth.
The trays are made to fit the shape and form of your teeth so they're comfortable to use. You need to wear the trays overnight or as directed by your dentist to see optimum results. Once the process is complete, you'll see a huge difference in the color of your teeth.
Over-the-counter teeth whitening trays
You'll also have to apply the gel on the trays, and then wear the trays overnight. The difference is that these trays are one-size-fits-all.
Often, they're too big for the wearer and feel uncomfortable to use. Using them for prolonged hours can cause jaw problems, especially if you're already experiencing TMJ issues. Using over-the-counter trays for up to 6 weeks may not be a good idea at all for the minimal results they're offering.
Laser whitening
This is the fastest and newest way to whiten teeth, safely and effectively. Laser whitening is performed at the dental office. It uses white light to activate whitening agents. Each session can be completed within 60 minutes.
How white your teeth can get depends on their condition. The darker the color of your teeth, the more dramatic results you'll see as well. If your teeth are already fairly white, you may not notice significant changes.
Overall, it's possible to lighten the teeth up to 12 shades.
Are teeth whitening results permanent?
Teeth whitening results aren't permanent. Your teeth need to be retouched to maintain their radiance. If you still want to see your teeth go lighter even after getting whitening, you and your dentist can look into other options, such as veneers or crowns.
If you’d like to learn more about dentist-administered teeth whitening options, schedule your complimentary initial consultation at Image Dental in Red Deer AB. Speak with a dentist to understand better how teeth whitening works and what you can expect from it.
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