Brushing and flossing are everyday ways to keep your teeth bright, white and healthy. Still, if you might feel like your smile is lacking some sparkle or is more yellow than it used to be, you’re not alone. When the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry asked people what they’d most like to improve about their smile, the most common response was whiter teeth. The American Association of Orthodontists also found that nearly 90% of patients requested tooth whitening.
Why Did My Teeth Change Color?
Over time, your teeth can go from white to not-so-bright for a number of reasons:
Teeth can stain because of many reasons.
There are a number of teeth whitening options, each has its benefits and some are more effective. The teeth whitening procedure, which involves using bleaching solutions hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, can help you in restoring your natural teeth shade and make it whiter than the natural shade.
Technically, though, the terms 'bleaching' and 'whitening' differ in meaning. The latter can include any product that removes debris from your teeth. The former, though, means only those products that can help your teeth achieve a lighter shade, often through the use of oxygen molecules that break through the dental enamel.
While you may use home remedies to achieve teeth whitening including using gels, toothpaste, rinses, or chewing gums, or even using apples and celery, they do not offer the long term improvements. Some even have some side effects that you would want to avoid.
Teeth whitening completed by a dentist offers outstanding results, and the side effects are very mild. The treatment procedure is simple, and with a professional whitening regimen, you would have a radiant smile.
Whitening Toothpastes:
Whitening toothpaste rarely contains any bleaching agents like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. Rather, they have calcium carbonate or silica and alumina, which can be used to remove the stains from teeth layers. Any whitening toothpaste will help you to remove the surface stains, since they have mild abrasives. However, the problem is that they do just that - they do not contain any polishing or whitening agents that can help you do more, as a result the outcome is typically poor.
It's advisable not to use whitening toothpaste for a longer term, as they contain abrasives and can cause thinning of the enamel layer.
Whitening Strips and Gels:
You can use whitening gels at home. Peroxide based, they are applied directly to the teeth with the help of a brush. Do take a look at the instructions given with the whitening gel you buy since the instructions can vary according to the strength of the peroxide.
You will need to brush your teeth before applying the gel. Apply it during the night and use for two weeks for the best results. Don’t swallow the gel. You will see the first visible results after several weeks. And if you are using it for a several months, the results will be visible.
Whitening strips, on the other hand, are slender and gel based. They come in different flavors. Today there are peroxide-free whitening strips available. Use it for twice a day for around thirty minutes each and the results are almost instant. You have to apply them for at least fourteen days, but the results are visible within a three of four day.
Teeth Whitening Rinses:
Whitening rinses are nothing but mouthwashes with antiseptic solutions. They temporarily whiten the teeth and control bad breath and are used after brushing the teeth. It's one of the best methods to get a fresh breath, and will help you reduce the level of dental plaque as well. If you use them over the longer term, they also help in preventing gum disease.
Some of them may contain whitening agents and you need to check if your whitening rinse contains any ingredients like hydrogen peroxide.
You can either hold it in the mouth or gargle it. It's a good idea to use them twice daily, and for around a minute each time, before you brush your teeth. However, the results are often not as you would like, and you would have to wait as much as twelve weeks before you can see the results.
Another downside is that many dental experts believe it to be not as effective as other the counter whitening products - solely because it's in contact with your teeth for less than two minutes.
Types of Whitening techniques:
Home Teeth Whitening:
Tray-based tooth whitening is considered to be the most effective home remedy, and is a good option for those who like to do everything on their own. You can put these plastic bleaching trays on the upper and the lower teeth, and you can put the whitening gels in them. Seal the trays and put them away for some time. Your gel whitening solution just needs to have a peroxide-bleaching agent
In Office Teeth Whitening /Chair side bleaching:
Also known as chair side bleaching, this is the most popular whitening technique in the cosmetic dentistry, and the process is monitored by specialists. It's one of the most effective treatments and involves the use of the whitening agent directly to the tooth. The dentist examines the patient’s dental history to find out about the allergies (if any) and observe the soft and hard tissues. The dentist will apply a protective gel or a rubber shield to your teeth, and then bleach is applied. Sometimes, the process is most effective with yellow teeth and least with gray teeth.
You can have visible results after a single treatment, which can last less than an hour. It's an expensive approach, however this is the most effective and will produce the most dramatic results.
Can Everyone use Teeth Whitening?
It's a relatively low risk procedure, and the ideal patients are those who have mild to moderate discoloration for their teeth. Though there are not many side effects of this treatment, it might not be perfect for you in the following scenarios.
Patients with restorations on the front teeth, such as dental bonding, veneers, and ceramic crowns aren't likely to respond to this form of treatment, Teeth whitening work only on natural teeth and have no effects on restorations.
Patients with extreme tooth sensitivity are advised against this procedure as well, as it can enhance the sensitivity level.
Patients with Bruxism or temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) should not opt for whitening agents as it may cause more damage to them. Bleaching should be done under supervision.
How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last?
The effects last from four months to one year. You can get touch ups done in between. Teeth whitening is not a permanent procedure and if you love to eat food which can easily stain, you may see discoloration in as little as several months depending on the treatment you have used.
On the other hand, home remedies only last for a few days to a week or two- the effects are not permanent. The degree of whiteness and how long it would remain depends on different factors that include everything from the condition of your teeth to how good your oral hygiene is.
What Can I Expect After Teeth Whitening?
If you have had to go teeth whitening, do not consume tobacco, coffee or tea for a few days as this may damage the bleaching. Also, avoid very cold or hot foods when possible. Depending on the active agent used for the teeth whitening you may also experience teeth sensitivity lasting for several hours to a few days.
Does Teeth Whitening Hurt?
Over bleaching can hurt. Also, the method involved plays a part. The problems go within 3 days of the treatment, and if the pain is severe, dentists can also advise the use of a teeth whitening spray that can help decrease your teeth sensitivity levels.
Are There Any Risks Involved in teeth whitening?
There could be hypersensitivity, irritation of the gums and uneven results. If the whitening process is overextended, the teeth may turn grey. The peroxide products if not applied properly may burn your gums. That is why it is better to always consult a dentist.
Will Teeth Whitening Make My Teeth Sensitive?
Yes, if used for short period of time temporary sensitivity of the teeth may result. Long term usage of teeth whitening systems may lead to erosion of enamel and severe sensitivity.
Does Whitening Have Any Effect on Fillings or Crowns?
Tooth whitening has no effect on them. Your teeth will not change their color. You should replace your fillings and crown after the process if you wish for a change.
How Old Do You Have to be to Whiten Your Teeth?
Children below 16 years are recommended to stay away from bleaching as this could harm their teeth.
How Much Whiter Will My Teeth Be?
This depends on the procedure that you choose. Yellow colored teeth will be whitened more. However, gray color teeth will not show much change.
Can I Continue Smoking After Teeth Whitening?
Smoking will only harm your teeth and will show bad results. Smokers should quit it for at least one or two weeks, as it will spoil the teeth whitening results.
How Can I Retain my White Teeth?
Brushing or rinsing immediately after drinking, chewing gum, avoiding too hot or cold beverages and going for touch ups. You can also drink beverages through straws to protect your teeth.
Cosmetic bonding is used to improve the color and shape of the teeth that are discolored or chipped. A tooth colored resin material is applied directly to the front of your teeth. The material can be shaped and sculpted, and intense light is directed at the material to bond it to your teeth. Then the material can be polished so that it matches your natural smile.
This is one of the least expensive dental cosmetic procedures. The material matches the natural look of your teeth, allowing you to cover small chips, cracks, and discoloration. This procedure can also be used to change the shape of the teeth, close the gaps between teeth, and provide other improvements to your smile.
Dental Veneers
Dental veneers are very common. They are thin layers of a tooth color porcelain or composite material that is bonded directly on the front of your teeth. This option is generally chosen when a patient has multiple front teeth needs to be restored to improve the appearance.
With veneers, mild rotations and mild proclination can be corrected as well as multiple teeth with discoloration, cracks, or chips can be corrected.
During the initial consultation appointment your dentist will determine if you are an appropriate candidate for veneer therapy.
Your dentist will take the initial molds of your teeth and a mockup will be done according to the changes that needs to be incorporated, and in the following visit teeth will be prepared accordingly, provisional restorations will be fabricated
Lab technicians make the porcelain veneers on the final mold taken from your mouth. A follow-up appointment is needed in order to bond the veneers to your teeth.
Advantages of Porcelain Dental Veneers:
The use of dental veneers provides many different advantages. You can improve the appearance of your smile, while also correcting chips or cracks. Porcelain dental veneers provide several additional benefits:
There are no major disadvantages to dental veneers. Though, you should be aware of a few potential issues. You need to keep in mind that this process cannot be reversed, occasionally
they debond, fractures may occur if the forces are applied in wrong direction, also, porcelain
veneers tend to cost more than the alternative – composite resin veneers.
How Long Will Your Veneers Last?
Veneers should last for several years or longer, depending on the material used. Also, eating and oral hygiene habits can impact the lifespan of the veneers.
With proper care, good Hygiene habits composite resin veneers should last for up to 8 years. Porcelain veneers can last up to 15-20 years. Though, the average duration is about 10 years.
Is There Any Pain Involved in Getting Dental Veneers?
The procedure should not create any pain. Some people notice a little extra sensitivity following the bonding of veneers. But, this should pass within 48 hours. If you continue to experience any extreme sensitivity, then you should schedule a follow-up appointment with your dentist.
Will You Have to Adjust Your Hygiene Habits?
Dental veneers will not require any special care. You will just need to use proper hygiene habits. This means brushing at least twice per day, flossing on a regular basis, and rinsing with antibacterial mouthwash.
You should also be aware that veneers can get stained, just like your real teeth. Porcelain veneers are less susceptible to staining, but excessive coffee drinking or smoking can lead to stains. If you want your veneers to continue matching the shade of your other teeth, you should avoid any beverages or habits that will stain your teeth.
Are There Any Complications to Getting Veneers?
Even though there are not any major disadvantages to getting veneers, there are a few potential risks involved. These are rare, but they need to be addressed so that you can make an informed decision.
If you want to minimize the risks of complication, you should always work with a trusted dentist in your area. You also need to follow any recommendations of your dentist.
Alternatives to Dental Veneers:
If you do not think that dental veneers are the best option, you may consider cosmetic bonding (or)dental crowns. Bonding can help reshape teeth. Crowns can help repair major issues, such as cracked or chipped teeth. Compared to these options, veneers provide an immediate solution. Less work is involved, so that you can restore your smile as soon as possible.
Dental veneers provide a great solution for improving the condition and appearance of your teeth.
You can learn more about dental veneers and other cosmetic procedures to improve your smile and appearance by scheduling a consultation in Apex Dental with one of our experienced dentists.
Call us at (505)585-5157 (or) email at apexdentalnm@gmail.com, today to schedule an exam and find out if Dental Veneers are the right fit!
Choose color style