Is Professional Teeth Whitening For Me?
Cosmetic dentistry is at an all-time high and one of the easiest and fastest ways to change your smile is as simple as whitening your teeth! There are a number of products on the market that you can buy over the counter at your local drugstore but they do not compare with the results and efficiency of a professional teeth whitening. Most dental offices offer some form of professional whitening to their patients. Laser teeth whitening is among the most popular options. It is a good idea to see your dentist for a consultation to make sure you are a good candidate before proceeding with any whitening treatment, even over the counter products.
Who is professional whitening for?
Patients who have all of their permanent adult teeth are possible candidates for professional teeth whitening. Whitening is not ideal for patients who suffer from any form of periodontal disease or have sensitivity issues. The whitening solution and the laser that is used on the teeth can inflame and irritate the gums if they are already infected. Other patients who may need to consider alternatives are those who have porcelain or metal restorations in their mouth, such as crowns, veneers, bridges, and the like.
Other patients that are ideal candidates for whitening are those who plan to have restorative work in the future. To achieve optimal results, it is ideal to have your teeth professionally cleaned and then a few days later proceed with professional teeth whitening. After a week or so, your restoration treatment can begin. This will ensure that your porcelain restorations are the lightest shade possible so that any future whitening needs will not affect the appearance of the restorations.
With any whitening treatment comes a risk of increased sensitivity. Immediately following whitening treatment, some patients experience “zingers“ that will last from a couple of hours up to a day after whitening. This increased sensitivity should subside within a day or two.
Alternatives to Professional Teeth Whitening
There are actually many alternatives to professional teeth whitening. Regular professional dental cleanings can remove an incredible amount of staining. Between cleanings, it could be beneficial to use whitening oral care products such as a peroxide mouthwash and baking soda toothpaste. These products will help erase stains on a daily basis and you will have less staining to be removed at your next cleaning.
If your teeth and gums are healthy, your dentist will be able to help you determine the best whitening treatment for you. If you have sensitive teeth, your dentist can also help you decide on a better home care routine that will improve the health of your teeth and gums.
If you do have restorative work that is older, it can easily be removed and replaced by your dentist. Speak with your dentist to see if replacing your restorations is something that you should consider.
With so many over the counter whitening options available, your Dentist will be able to suggest a good option for patients who cannot endure a professional whitening treatment.
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