Want Whiter Teeth? Your Dentist Can Help You Achieve Your Whitest Smile.

January 28, 2013 | News | The Office of The Palisades Dentists

White teeth are easier to obtain now than ever before.  Advances in technology mean that consumers have many options.  If you want the best and safest results (and the whitest teeth), your dentist can help you achieve your whitest smile.  Keep in mind that any form of tooth whitening works best for patients with no fillings, healthy gums, and a willingness to stay away from habits that can re-stain the teeth.

Dental Office Teeth Whitening Through Custom Trays To Be Used At Home

If you want a fast, effective way to achieve your brightest smile ever, your best course of action is to see your dentist.  Your dentist can help you by making custom trays that you can use at home to bleach your teeth. The process of making the trays is more expensive than over the counter methods, but it can lighten teeth by 3 to 8 shades.  Results are often seen after just a few days of treatment.  Depending on the results you want, you want to have your dentist check you in two week increments to see your progress. The at home bleach comes in different percentages which can be modified to help with sensitivity. The higher the percentage, the more effective the product but the higher the percentage can also increase sensitivity. Your dentist can help walk you through the process

Are there Risks?

Only your dentist can effectively answer this question.  He or she will examine your mouth prior to whitening to assess your overall dental health and what methods may work best for you.  Having your teeth whitened at the dentist means your gums can be protected, something that over the counter strips, gels, and toothpastes cannot offer.

Is Teeth Whitening Permanent?

No tooth whitening process is permanent.  There are things you can do to prolong the whitening effects, though.  Avoiding drinks that may stain the teeth, such as coffee and red wine, can help prolong the results.  Cigarette smoking can also stain the teeth.  However, if you avoid these things, you can expect to enjoy the results of the whitening for about a year or longer. You should plan to receive touch-ups, though, depending on your individual situation.

When Should I Avoid Teeth Whitening?

Generally, the better your overall dental health, the more successful and safe the whitening will be.  There are certain medical and dental conditions that would preclude you from being a good candidate for teeth whitening.  Children under the age of 16 and pregnant and lactating women, for instance, are not good candidates.  If you have sensitive teeth, sensitive gums, an allergy to any of the ingredients used in the process, exposed roots, cavities, worn tooth enamel, or receding gums, then you should probably avoid whitening procedures.  Your dentist will be able to guide you here and determine if whitening is a safe process.  Crowns, bonding, and fillings do not respond at all to whitening treatments so whitening should be discussed prior to beginning any restorative treatment.