Teeth Whitening: The Definitive Guide

Are you satisfied with your smile when you are looking into the mirror? Breathe out as you are not alone who feels like this. More and more people seek different options to achieve a white shade for their natural teeth. They surf the net, ask friends for recommendations and make experiments that may end up in failure. If you do not want to damage your dental health, then consider this teeth whitening guide to clarify all nuances at once. There are different types of teeth whitening methods, and you should study each one carefully before trying something new.

What is Teeth Whitening?

It seems that teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures, and it does not come as a surprise. Apparently it contributes to a person’s good-looking smile, but what is teeth whitening? It is an efficient way to lighten the color of your natural teeth while preserving their surface. Of course, it doesn’t completely change the existing color but lightens the shade. The result of whitening treatments is getting rid of discoloration and stains. The procedure is one-time, and you will have to repeat it from time to time to preserve a good-looking smile.

How to Identify Right Time for Teeth Whitening?

Due to a strong wish to have a smile like Hollywood celebrities, most people often prefer using office whitening options. But you should remember that frequent procedures may bring negative consequences instead of the desired result. It is necessary to select the gel or tray that will not cause any problems. Generally, they can be used for 2-4 weeks. Only your dentist will tell you the best time for teeth whitening after checking up your mouth thoroughly.

Can I whiten veneers and crowns?

If you are the owner of dental veneers or crowns and want to know how to whiten them, then be ready to learn that it is impossible. None of the existing methods is efficient since the veneers are not natural teeth. You will hardly need this option as they preserve the initial color for many years. To find out more look through a guide to dental veneers. The same rule works for crowns. There is no option to whiten crowns. However, if you want them to shine brightly, then you can consider approaching a dentist in Albuquerque and replace them with the new ones.

What are the Methods of Teeth Whitening?

At present, cosmetic dentistry offers many types of teeth whitening methods. You can choose some of the following options:

1.   Laser whitening. Do not expect something extraordinary as the laser itself doesn’t make any wonders. The specialist just puts a bleaching agent on your teeth and then directs the laser on it. This way, the chemical activates and whitens your gums. Usually, the procedure lasts for an hour.
2.   The airflow whitening. You will like this method if you are dreaming about the smile like your favorite pop star has. The procedure will take you an hour within which the specialist will use a device to provide you with a snow-white smile.
3.   Ultrasound whitening. It will appeal to the owners of susceptible teeth. Pay attention that it doesn’t destroy the enamel while deleting undesired deposits from the teeth.

Home teeth whitening

Besides professional teeth whitening by professionals, you can benefit from home methods. You should consult your dentist on home treatment, for instance, what whitening products to buy. The doctor can provide you with efficient recommendations on a gel that will protect your teeth and make them brighter. However, mind that professional procedures are more effective due to the use of stronger chemicals. They allow you to enjoy snow-white gums for a longer period in comparison to home treatment.

What Do You Need to Know Before Getting Teeth Whitening?

Despite the whitening option that you choose to get a Hollywood smile, you should keep in mind a few significant things:

1.   Check the overall dental health. What to do before getting teeth whitened? Having snow-white teeth is senseless when the general condition of your teeth is bad. In case you have gum problems, sensitive or cracked teeth, cavities, or any related infection, then teeth whitening can lead to serious discomfort and even stress. That’s why, it is important to find a reliable cosmetic dentist near me, and have a dental check-up before using any whitening options. 
2.   Get ready for impermanent sensitivity. No matter what method you are going to choose to have perfectly white teeth, you should prepare for some sensitivity, especially during the first 24 hours. You may use a special paste for sensitive teeth or take a pain reliever. Unfortunately, it is impossible to predict the level of pain that you may have as some people are more sensitive than others, so it is better just to be ready for this possibility.
3.   Teeth whitening is not a long-lasting solution. The teeth are getting darker and yellowish with advancing age. Besides, the beverages and food that you consume may contribute to their discoloration. Despite the whitening option that you prefer, remember that the result will not last forever. In general, it stays from 6 months to 2 years. Your dental hygiene will also impact the duration, as well as toothpaste and consumed products.
4.   Teeth-whitening procedures do not damage teeth. Some people mistakenly think that these procedures can damage enamel and the overall quality of dental health. But you have nothing to worry about if you follow all the instructions and do not leave the whitener longer than the dentist recommends. Otherwise, it may damage both soft and hard tissues. But if you do everything properly, there is no reason to refuse from a snow-white smile.
5.   The results may vary. Just the same as all people are different, the effects of teeth whitening procedures may differ as well. It is difficult to predict the final result as the shade of natural teeth also varies. The quality of your smile also depends on the diet, availability of bad habits, age, etc. Anyway, your teeth will become brighter for sure, just avoid comparing the results with others.

How Does the Teeth Whitening Process Look Like?

Professional teeth whitening provides excellent results within a short period. This method gained popularity among patients who are tired of hiding their teeth and feeling unconfident. Do I need to get my teeth cleaned before whitening? Yes, you do. Usually, the in-office whitening includes the following steps:

•         First of all, the doctor will write down the current shade of your teeth.
•         Next, the teeth are polished with pumice to delete possible plaque on the surface.
•         Gauze is applied to keep the teeth dry enough. The doctor also may use retractors to keep the lips, cheeks, and tongue from the whitening solution.
•         Next, the dentist places a barrier along the gumline for its protection from exposure to the solution.
•         Afterwards, the teeth are coated with a whitener only on the front surface.
•         Due to the peroxide in a whitener, there is a necessity for using laser or curing light. Only in this case, the bleaching agent will be activated. The solution is left on the teeth after being applied for 30-60 minutes. Or, it may be reapplied at times depending on the brand.
•         After receiving the desired shade, or when the maximum time passes, the teeth are rinsed. Some dentists practice fluoride application for relieving possible tooth sensitivity, which is a common side effect.
•         In case the optimal shade is not reached at once, you will have to schedule a few extra appointments.

Finally, the dentist will give you important recommendations on teeth whitening aftercare and diet that you must follow to get the best result and prolong the effect.

Advantages of Teeth Whitening

The procedure of teeth whitening is popular with people due to a few important benefits that it comes up with. Among the major advantages of teeth whitening are:

1.   Enhanced self-confidence. A snow-white smile is a great complementary to the person’s overall look. When you are comfortable with how you look, you achieve better results in all life spheres. Good self-confidence may greatly change your life.
2.   Reinforcing oral health. Once you remove all stains and yellow spots, you make your teeth stronger. Teeth whitening is not only a cosmetic procedure that is performed for improving one’s appearance but also a good contribution to oral health care.  
3.   Awesome results. A home whitening procedure is a last-minute solution when you have an unplanned occasion and you need to look perfect. Still, it is not long-lasting in comparison to professional teeth whitening. The latter provides better results but, at the same time, it requires more time to be implemented.

What Are Side Effects of Teeth Whitening?

Along with the benefits that the teeth whitening process brings, there are some disadvantages of teeth whitening. You may suffer from numerous side effects, including:

1.   Teeth sensitivity. It is the condition when you experience discomfort while eating/drinking hot or cold products, and even a touch or air can make you suffer from intense pain. The level of sensitivity varies from person to person and usually lasts for 48 hours. People who experience teeth sensitivity longer should immediately approach a dentist to ensure that everything is alright.
2.   Gum irritation. It is another side effect of whitening procedures. The gum irritation may be caused by bleaching trays that do not fit one’s mouth well or the reaction to the peroxide-based whitener. 
3.   Other problems. Besides the two above-mentioned side effects, there are more unpleasant issues that a patient may come across after whitening procedures. These are dark-stained teeth, uneven whitening (restorations, fillings, crowns), and unrealistic expectations (you expected to get a better result). Moreover, some people got addicted to using whitening products that may lead to the damage of tooth enamel in the long run.  

Mind that you can look for teeth whitening at a dentist near me as the procedure is known to be safe if it is performed under the supervision of an experienced and skilled specialist.

The Cost of Teeth Whitening

What is the cost of teeth whitening? It is quite difficult to say the exact price of teeth whitening as it varies depending on several factors. It is better to approach the dentist and learn the cost for your particular case. The specialist will examine the state of your dental health, and determine the final amount. The average cost of teeth whitening at the dentist is $70 per tooth. However, you should be ready to pay for extra services like X-ray, dental exam, professional cleaning, fluoride gel carrier, enamel microabrasion, etc.

How Long Does the Effect of Teeth Whitening Last?

Now you know how to get white teeth, but what is the expected period within which you can enjoy the result? Its length depends on the type of applied whitener, as well as your lifestyle habits. Mind that the primary purpose of teeth whitening treatments is decreasing stains, but not resisting them. In case you can boast excellent oral habits, proper diet, and regular visits to the dental office, then you can expect more lasting results.

One more thing that matters is the type and degree of tooth discoloration and stain. Generally, there are two types:

•         External. These stains are caused by certain beverages, smoking cigarettes, and consumed food. Most whiteners are efficient only for this type. 
•         Internal. People deal with them because of infection, trauma, and medication. It is harder to get rid of internal stains, but it is possible if the right treatment is administered. 

Irrespective of how you decide to whiten the teeth and what type of stains you have, the long-term effects of teeth whitening are possible only in case of strictly following the rules of aftercare.

Rules of Care After Whitening Procedures

Once you get a pearl-white smile after teeth whitening in Rio Rancho, you should follow certain rules to prolong the result. Its duration depends on your further actions. The rules are so strict because the pores are open just after the procedure, and you need to wait a little bit until they are closed again. Afterwards, you can come back to your normal lifestyle, but be ready to make some changes if you want to enjoy the result for a long time. Teeth whitening aftercare includes diet, right toothpaste, and giving up bad habits.

Food and beverages choices

You should be twice as careful with the foods and drinks that you consume after the whitening treatment. It is highly recommended to refuse from colorful beverages and foods in order to prevent discoloration of your teeth. A list of undesired foods includes berries, pickles, curry, red or soy sauces, vinegar, chocolate, green vegetables, and acidic fruits. As for beverages, you should prefer drinking only water for a few days after the whitening procedure. Further, you should exclude wine, tea, coffee, and dark-colored sodas.

No smoking

If it is difficult for you to give up smoking, you should at least decrease the frequency. Also, you’d better avoid smoking just after the whitening procedure. Otherwise, you will immediately cause discoloration of the teeth, and you won’t be able to enjoy a snow-white smile for a long time.

Toothpaste

You should choose the toothpaste carefully if you want to prolong the result. It means that you need to use white toothpaste rather than a multicolor one (blue, green, red, etc.). Otherwise, the color would seep into the pores of your gums. The same rule works for mouthwash. Choose the products, which contain fluoride and strengthen your fangs easily.

The Final Thoughts

Teeth whitening is a great option to get a smile that you have been dreaming about and boost your self-confidence. There is no need to worry about negative consequences, as you will not damage your teeth if you do everything properly and follow all instructions.

You can enjoy the results of teeth whitening after visiting a dentist’s office or trying home treatment. With the latter, you shouldn’t expect some incredible outcomes for a long time. The pros and cons of teeth whitening at a dentist are also to be considered. Whatever option you choose, it is highly recommended to consult with a specialist. On the Internet network, you can find numerous dentists who offer their services. But when it comes to dental health, you must deal only with experienced specialists. Gallegos Family Dentistry provides a wide range of dental services, including teeth cleaning in Albuquerque. Here you will get the best recommendations on home treatment as well as quality in-office procedures. Mind that post maintenance is not less important than a whitening procedure itself. With advanced teeth whitening procedures, there is no need to hide your teeth while smiling anymore!