There are a variety of potential causes behind teeth discoloration and loss of shine. If you want to safely make your teeth brighter and whiter, there are a few options to choose from, but here at River Oak Dental, in Palm Bay, FL we always advise that you ask your dentist to recommend the best teeth whitening service for your smile.
It’s a well-known fact that teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry treatments on the market. However, not all whitening solutions are created equal.
While you can find a number of inexpensive methods that may provide a temporary effect, most can fade within just a few weeks. If you are looking for a more permanent solution that will give you a smile to be proud of, we recommend getting professional help.
The cosmetic dentistry specialists at River Oak Dental are looking forward to providing you with the best teeth whitening treatment in the least invasive way.
If you’ve been considering whitening your teeth, you are no doubt already aware of the sparkling benefits you can enjoy from a whitening procedure. But are you familiar with the whitening process itself and what to expect from it?
To provide you with a clearer sense of exactly how this procedure works, we’ve created the list below to serve as your personal quick-reference guide to a finer, brighter smile.
What are the best teeth whitening options?
There are several teeth whitening options out there, but most of them fall into three main categories, those being:
- procedures administered by a dentist
- products distributed by a dentist to use at home
- products obtained over the counter and used without the supervision of a dentist
Whichever option you decide to go for, all contain peroxide-based bleaching agents. That’s another reason to always consult with your dentist before applying any whitening technique: They can analyze the present shape of your teeth and recommend a whitening plan tailored to your needs.
Professional teeth whitening is highly-reliable and usually works a lot faster than any at-home option. The reason behind it is the stronger bleaching agents which professionals are authorized and trained to work with. These more potent peroxide solutions, in combination with light and heat, are used to expedite the process and intensify the effect of the whitening treatment.
Can Teeth Whitening Damage Your Teeth?
While minor side-effects caused by the chemicals used in the process may appear, most procedures are harmless and safe to undergo.
According to the American Dental Association, even the highest-quality teeth whitening products, whether for at-home or professional use, contain various peroxide-based bleaching chemicals that may cause heightened teeth sensitivity.
Fortunately, our extensive experience of working with thousands of clients at River Oak Dental shows that professional, in-office, teeth whitening lowers the risk of product misuse and prevents any serious damage from occurring.
By contrast, many at-home kits come with increased risk due to improper equipment. For example, the mouthguard provided may not fit your teeth perfectly, which can cause the whitening gel to get in contact with the gums and lips and lead to blistering and sensitivity. What’s more, some home kits don’t have enough whitening agents to give you the desired effect, which may leave you unsatisfied with the results.
Is the Procedure Painful?
The River Oak Dental professional teeth whitening service provides patients with a pain-free experience. When in the office, you will be fitted with a dental tray containing bleaching gel. Your dentist may use light and heat to speed up the process, but that’s as invasive as this technique will get.
You may expect a slight increase in sensitivity during and after the treatment. Gum discomfort can also be a minor side-effect too. Luckily, both reactions are temporary and usually disappear within a few days.
Be sure to inform your dentist of any side effects you are experiencing. They will be able to advise how to deal with the symptoms until they subside.
Does Teeth Whitening Work on Dentures, Implants, and Veneers?
Teeth whitening is a technique designed to enhance the natural shine and whiteness of the enamel. Even the best teeth whitening methods don’t work on restorations such as fillings, crowns, veneers, dentures, implants, and bridges.
Porcelain prosthetic products are highly resistant to stains. They remain in their original shade regardless of what they are exposed to, be it food, drinks, or cigarettes. In other words, if there is any preexisting prosthetic work, you may need to have it replaced to match the new shade of your teeth enamel.
Clients often use our teeth whitening services to get their natural teeth to match the shade of a crown or veneer.
How Often Should You Whiten Your Teeth?
There are various factors that cause teeth discoloration, including eating habits, smoking, physical injury, illness, aging, and many others. While you can’t stop the aging process, you can definitely make certain lifestyle choices to protect the health and whiteness of your teeth. When it comes to teeth discoloration, it’s better to prevent it from happening in the first place than try to reverse it later.
Unfortunately, even the best teeth whitening is not permanent. Patients who frequently consume teeth-staining foods and beverages like tea and coffee, or revert back to habits like smoking, report a return of discoloration within the first month after treatment. Others who refrain from such habits may go a whole year without needing further teeth whitening services.
