If you smoke or drink lots of coffee or dark colored drinks, the yellowing of your teeth will be worse. Our teeth have a tendency to yellow with time and age as it is. To help increase confidence and self-esteem, there are several teeth whitening solutions available to help restore the color of your teeth to their natural white.
There are a lot of over the counter whitening products, each with their own issues. For instance, it's almost impossible to find toothpaste without "whitening" ingredients, but these toothpastes are only able to remove light surface stains. They are effective in helping slow down the yellowing, but are only good for lightening your teeth by one shade or so.
Experts believe that whitening mouthwashes are less effective due to them being in contact with the teeth for such a short amount of time.
Over the counter whitening strips and gels contain one of two bleaches - carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide. Gels are brushed on with a small brush, while strips are applied to your teeth, usually twice daily. Tray-based whitening systems work the same way and can be bought over the counter or from a dentist.
The downside to over the counter whitening "systems" is the one size fits all approach and the reliance on the patient using them correctly. If they are used irregularly, they will be less effective. Also, there is a very real risk of damage to the gums from exposure to the bleach, causing irritation. As the over the counter whitening trays are not fitted to your teeth, they can, in rare cases, cause permanent tooth damage - which may cost more to fix than any savings from using an over the counter product.
Some people should not whiten their teeth. Children under 16 should not use (or need) whitening products. If you are pregnant or lactating you should wait until after you have weaned the baby. People with sensitive teeth should talk to their dentist first, because the whitening system can cause irritation. Any cavities or gum issues should be treated before whitening, as it can make cavities worse. Also, the whitening materials will not affect fillings, crowns, etc - which can result in uneven whitening that actually makes your teeth look worse.
While in-office whitening solutions may be more expensive there are a lot of benefits. They are properly supervised and steps are taken to ensure you will not have any problems from the chosen procedure.
Some dentists offer whitening trays that can be purchased for slightly less. These professional trays are made from your teeth impressions and can help reduce the risk of tooth damage and gum damage. These are worn for a few hours a day for a week or so. Some dentists may recommend crowns or porcelain veneers if your stains are severe.
There are a lot of over the counter whitening products, each with their own issues. For instance, it's almost impossible to find toothpaste without "whitening" ingredients, but these toothpastes are only able to remove light surface stains. They are effective in helping slow down the yellowing, but are only good for lightening your teeth by one shade or so.
Experts believe that whitening mouthwashes are less effective due to them being in contact with the teeth for such a short amount of time.
Over the counter whitening strips and gels contain one of two bleaches - carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide. Gels are brushed on with a small brush, while strips are applied to your teeth, usually twice daily. Tray-based whitening systems work the same way and can be bought over the counter or from a dentist.
The downside to over the counter whitening "systems" is the one size fits all approach and the reliance on the patient using them correctly. If they are used irregularly, they will be less effective. Also, there is a very real risk of damage to the gums from exposure to the bleach, causing irritation. As the over the counter whitening trays are not fitted to your teeth, they can, in rare cases, cause permanent tooth damage - which may cost more to fix than any savings from using an over the counter product.
Some people should not whiten their teeth. Children under 16 should not use (or need) whitening products. If you are pregnant or lactating you should wait until after you have weaned the baby. People with sensitive teeth should talk to their dentist first, because the whitening system can cause irritation. Any cavities or gum issues should be treated before whitening, as it can make cavities worse. Also, the whitening materials will not affect fillings, crowns, etc - which can result in uneven whitening that actually makes your teeth look worse.
While in-office whitening solutions may be more expensive there are a lot of benefits. They are properly supervised and steps are taken to ensure you will not have any problems from the chosen procedure.
Some dentists offer whitening trays that can be purchased for slightly less. These professional trays are made from your teeth impressions and can help reduce the risk of tooth damage and gum damage. These are worn for a few hours a day for a week or so. Some dentists may recommend crowns or porcelain veneers if your stains are severe.
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Want to find out more about Rockville, MD Family Cosmetic Dentistry, then visit Potomac Dental Clinic site on how to choose the best teeth whitening solution for your needs.
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