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There is no reason for anyone to have to settle for a less than brilliant smile. Today’s sophisticated dental care offers a range of options for you to choose from to improve the look of your teeth, eliminate discoloration, and give yourself the smile that you deserve.
Tooth Whitening Treatments
There are few facial features more appealing than a bright, white smile. Many people are satisfied with the results they get from brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily and getting regular cleanings at the dentist’s office. But if you feel these steps are not enough, there are a number of tooth whitening treatments to choose from that can help you attain the dazzling smile you are after, from basic, at-home treatments like whitening toothpaste to professional bleaching.
Toothpastes
All toothpastes help remove surface stains using mild abrasives. Toothpastes that are labeled as “whitening” have special chemical or polishing agents that provide additional stain removal effectiveness, based on standards set by the ADA Seal of Acceptance program. Unlike bleaches, whitening toothpastes do not alter the basic tooth color.
Bleaching
Bleaching products contain peroxide(s) that literally bleach the tooth enamel. These products typically rely on carbamide peroxide of different concentrations (typically 10, 16, and 22 percent) as the bleaching agent. You may choose to have your teeth bleached with an in-office procedure, or use at-home bleaching method.
In-office Bleaching
In-office bleaching, also called chair-side bleaching, is done in the dentist’s office during one or more visits, with each visit taking between an hour to an hour and a half. During chair-side bleaching, the dentist will apply either a protective gel or rubber shield over your gums to protect them from the bleaching agent. The agent is applied to the teeth and in some cases a light or heat source is also used to enhance the bleach’s effectiveness.
At-home Bleaching
There are several types of at-home bleaching products available, both from the dentist and over the counter. These whiteners usually come in gel form and are applied using a mouthguard. Some bleaching products are used twice a day for two weeks, others for overnight use for one to two weeks. If you obtain the bleaching solution from the dentist, he or she can make a custom-fitted mouthguard that will fit your teeth precisely. There are also bleaching gel strips available over the counter that mimic the function of the mouthguard.
There is the potential for side effects when you have your teeth bleached. Teeth can become sensitive during the time that you are using the bleaching agent. This is usually a temporary condition that will subside when treatment is concluded. In some cases, gum tissue may become irritated, either from a poorly fitted mouthguard or from the solution itself. If you experience any side effects that concern you, be sure to talk to the dentist about them.
Porcelain Veneers and Porcelain Crowns
Not everyone is a candidate for bleaching treatments. Others may have additional complaints about their teeth than discoloration, such as gaps between teeth or oddly shaped or crooked teeth. In these cases a veneer may be the right solution to correct these problems and create your dazzling smile.
Veneers are thin, custom-made shells made of tooth-colored materials that cover the front side of your teeth. Veneers are considered permanent because part of the application process requires the dentist to remove a small amount of enamel from each tooth to accommodate the veneer. Crowns are similar to veneers except that they cover the entire surface of the tooth.
After applying veneers or crowns, you may need to avoid some foods and beverages that may stain or discolor them, such as coffee, tea, or red wine. Veneers and crowns can sometimes chip or fracture, but for the majority of patients it is well worth it.
Which Option is Right for You?
Before selecting a whitening option, you should talk to the dentist about whether a specific whitening procedure will be effective for you. Whiteners may not correct all types of discoloration. For example, yellowish teeth will probably bleach well, brownish teeth less well, and grayish teeth may not bleach well at all. Also bleaching may not be effective if you have had tooth-colored fillings placed in your front teeth because the bleaching agent will not change the color of those materials, causing them to stand out against the whitened surfaces of your teeth. In these cases, other options, such as porcelain veneers, may be a better option for you.
