Teeth whitening is one of the top procedures in cosmetic dentistry now. Both men and women are seeking whiter, brighter teeth to enhance their appearances and their self-esteem. Teeth can become stained over time, most often because of foods, drinks and lifestyle practices. Once teeth lose their initial luster, it can be hard to get them white again without professional help. Whitening procedures are available to suit every need and budget, however, making it easy to get the results you want in a reasonable amount of time.
Over-the-counter teeth whitening treatments are some of the most easily accessible teeth whitening treatments available now. These at-home teeth whitening kits may be obtained at most drug stores or mass merchandisers, and the designs can vary widely, from stick-on strips and toothpastes to paint-on gels or mouth trays. At-home kits tend to contain mild bleaching solutions that whiten efficiently when used over a longer time than in-office procedures. Whitening toothpastes tend to be effective only on surface stains and cannot whiten stains located deep within the dentin. Over-the-counter teeth whitening kits may be most appropriate for individuals who have little staining.
Dental office bleaching procedures contain stronger concentrations of peroxide, the bleaching agent, and are therefore typically more effective against stains. These teeth whitening procedures are available as either take-home trays or in-office treatments. Take-home trays are custom fit to your teeth so that the gel has little or no contact with your gums, minimizing the risk of irritation. Your dentist will give you instructions on how long to wear your trays for the best results. Take-home kits are ideal for individuals who have deep stains but who would prefer their results to be subtle and gradual over time.
In-office bleaching, or Zoom whitening, is a treatment in which the peroxide gel is thoroughly painted directly on your teeth. You can then relax and read, listen to music or even watch TV as the special Zoom light activates the gel so that it breaks up the stains located deep inside the enamel and dentin of your teeth. This procedure will be repeated several times and lasts just about an hour, after which your teeth may be as much as eight shades lighter. Your teeth will be permanently lighter, while you will need to perform occasional touch-ups using Zoom take-home kits. In-office whitening procedures are ideal for those who want the maximum whitening results with the least investment of time.
Not all whitening procedures are appropriate for all people. Pregnant women and children should avoid teeth bleaching, and those with extensive dental work, such as dental fillings, bridges and dental veneers may need to discuss their teeth whitening options with their dentists.
Visit WilshireDentalCare.com for more information about various teeth whitening treatments.