One of the most popular dental procedures desired by patients is professional teeth whitening. Many people retain their teeth for the course of their entire life, so it is no surprise that they want to be able to "show those pearly whites" no matter what age they are. Teeth whitening is an easy way to achieve a stunning smile.
Professional Teeth Whitening: What To Ask Your Dentist
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Should You Whiten Your Teeth?
According to a USA Today survey, when asked, "Which makeover procedure would you opt for first?", 39% of respondents chose "cosmetic dentistry."Teeth whitening is one of the core types of cosmetic dentistry, and the one most patients ask their dentists or dental hygienist about.
Your dentist's office is the perfect place to ask questions about the different kind of bleaching procedures. Your dentist can do an initial evaluation of your gums and teeth prior to getting your teeth whitened, so that any gum irritation or cavities will be taken care of beforehand.
Which Bleaching Method is for You?
1. In-office bleaching. In this procedure, a special bleaching gel is applied to your teeth while you sit in the dentist's chair. Due to its strong bleaching power, the gel is applied with special care to your teeth and gums by the dentist. It stays on for about 20 minutes each time. The procedure is usually repeated about three times, depending on how fast your teeth whiten and how sensitive they are after the initial application. Custom bleach trays are usually also supplied for you to use at home for "touch ups" purposes. In-office bleaching is usually the most effective, and will produce the best results.
2. Custom tray home use. This procedure is similar to the in-office bleaching, but the patient does the bleaching at home with a milder formula of the bleaching gel. After wearing the trays for about an hour a day for two weeks, the teeth will whiten to an acceptable color. This procedure is less costly than in-office bleaching, and is controlled by the patient, which is great for those with sensitive teeth.
3. Use of bleaching toothpaste. This is the least expensive, but also least effective way of whitening your teeth. Most adults only brush their teeth for an average of 45 seconds, and it is very difficult for teeth to whiten in that amount of time. The gel used in toothpaste is not as strong as what a dentist can prescribe to you in the other two methods. Some people will experience decent results after a professional cleaning by the dental hygienist and then using the bleaching toothpaste.
1. Whitening strips. These strips have a weakened version of the bleaching gel used by the dentist, but application of the strips can be difficult for the patient, and does not work on teeth that are not perfectly straight. The material on the strip can also burn the surrounding gums if the strip is not properly applied.
2. Whitening by light or laser. Although patients undergoing this procedure report dramatic initial whitening of their teeth, many times the teeth will "rebound" back to their original color. There have also been cases reported in which patients' teeth become extremely sensitive to hot and cold foods and fluids.
Professional teeth whitening done by your dental team will provide you with a healthy looking smile. Remember: When selecting a whitener or any dental product, be sure to look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance — your assurance that they have met ADA standards of safety and effectiveness.
