Professional Teeth Whitening Concerns
If you drink a lot of coffee or red wine, or if you smoke, your teeth probably aren’t as white as you’d like them to be. Even if you don’t do any of those things, the brightness of your teeth will start to fade over time. There are many tooth whiteners on the market that claim to give you a dazzling, brighter smile. Some are available over-the-counter, while others are either sold through or applied by a dentist. However, there are many questions and concerns that come up when choosing a safe solution to whitening your teeth.
What is the difference between teeth whitening and teeth bleaching?
There are several teeth whitening methods to consider. Teeth bleachers are products that, like their name implies, contain bleach. They whiten the teeth by changing their color. On the other hand, teeth whiteners remove dirt and discoloration from the teeth through brushing or similar methods. Deciding which one is right for you is a discussion that you should have with your dentist.
I don’t drink alcohol or coffee and I don’t smoke. Why are my teeth still stained?
Over time, your teeth will begin to discolor based due to aging. This is normal. Discoloration can also be due to trauma to a tooth or teeth. If you’ve had some sort of injury that has caused internal stains on your teeth, you can talk to a cosmetic dentist about your options. If it’s normal wear and tear, however, a basic teeth whitener should do the trick.
What are my options for professional teeth whitening and are they safe?
The most costly, but quickest, way to whiten your teeth is by doing it at your dentist’s office. They use a higher strength peroxide-based formula that is not available over-the-counter. It may take several visits depending on the level of staining, though.
The dentist’s office can also provide you with a take-home whitening kit. It’s a stronger method than you could buy at a drugstore and it will save you some money by doing it yourself.
Either of these methods are safe.
Are there risks associated with professional teeth whitening?
As with any procedure there are risks of side effects, but the good news is that for professional teeth whitening, these risks are not significant. You may experience some tooth or gum sensitivity to the treatment. If you already have sensitive teeth or gum disease, it may be a bit uncomfortable to whiten your teeth. Try to get that issue under control prior to whitening your teeth.
No matter the method you choose, whitening your teeth will be a process that won’t happen overnight. To learn more about teeth whitening as well as Invisalign®, porcelain veneers, dental implants / implant dentistry, smile makeover options, and even BOTOX® injections, it is important to visit a skilled cosmetic dentist serving Manhattan and New York City.