1. Introduction to Teeth Whitening
Tooth whitening is great for those who seek to create a more vibrant smile. People who have healthy, good, and well-cared-for teeth with a yellow tint are the best candidates for teeth whitening. There are mainly two categories of teeth whitening options. They are professional whitening and at-home whitening.
Teeth whitening, also called teeth bleaching, is a common cosmetic dentistry routine. According to the FDA, whitening restores natural tooth color or beyond. The Cosmetic Dentistry Surgeons claim that decisions of teeth whitening vary from one person to another. Several factors such as diet habits, aging, or certain medications promote staining of the teeth. Smoking and colored drinks such as coffee, tea, and red wine can also darken teeth significantly with time.
Orange County provides a comprehensive chomp of dental care services and, among them, the foremost concern lies in the whitening and brightening of teeth. So regardless of whether you reside in Orange County or anywhere else in the U.S., this guide will offer you a menu of teeth whitening options to help regain the glow of your teeth.
Concerned about dingy teeth? One way to lighten and brighten them is through teeth whitening. The popularity of teeth whitening can be gauged from various over-the-counter options that have been flooding the markets for quite some time. One size does not fit all, however, and you may face some trouble finding a product that suits you well.
1.1. Importance of a Bright Smile
Common imperfections that call for teeth whitening are a grey tint on account of the use of tetracycline and also the accumulation of stains, subsequent to consuming certain foods or drinks over an extended period of time. Coffee, tea, sodas, red wine, and carrots are the notable factors for teeth staining. When the teeth become yellowish, it could be another possible sign of stains on the teeth. Furthermore, people with micro cracks or pitted teeth may likewise consider tooth whitening since the process efficiently removes acids that set in the teeth. Since it is a painless and easy method to enhance the appearance of their unattractive teeth and enhance confidence, many people decide to have their teeth whitened professionally.
Tooth whitening is an excellent opportunity in cosmetic dentistry. People with stained, discolored or dull teeth need not conceal their problem. They don’t have to endure low self-esteem due to darkened teeth. Nowadays, increased social and professional choices have led to the popularity of teeth whitening procedures. Teeth whitening helps an individual to make a first impression with glowing, radiant and healthy teeth. There are two diverse reasons why an individual might wish to opt for teeth whitening, either to stand out from the crowd with a shiny, bright smile or to camouflage the undesired appearance either because of medications like tetracycline or smoking and staining from beverages like coffee or tea.
2. Professional Teeth Whitening Options
This procedure involves applying the whitening solution directly on a tooth’s enamel. The dentist scrubs the solution onto the tooth, and after a few minutes, the solution is taken off, revealing a lighter color. Laser or light will be used to quicken the process. This treatment works especially well on stains due to tetracycline antibiotics. However, it may only work for a few teeth at a time and might not work for teeth that require serious cosmetic whitening. Some cosmetic dentists apply bleach to individual teeth to avoid an uneven color. If the teeth are filled at the same time the bleaching agent is applied, make sure to reapply the bleach consistently to ensure having the same color on all teeth. Prior to the concentrated power bleaching, have your oral exam to make sure that all cavities are filled and that gingival problems are under control.
This type of whitening usually requires only one trip to a dental office. The dentist applies the solution for a certain amount of time on your teeth. After washing it off, you can see the difference almost immediately. Some dentists use a light or laser to enhance or quicken the whitening process. However, the laser and light are not as effective in removing dark stains. The advantage of in-office power whitening over other treatments is the obvious immediate effect, which might save a patient from having to return, again and again, to the dentist office. Although some results are obvious immediately after using professional trays, the full process takes nearly two weeks.
2.1. In-Office Whitening Procedures
An alternative to in-office whitening is what is known as take-home or over-the-counter bleaching. This technique has certain advantages over in-office whitening. It takes longer and produces fewer drastic results or complications. It’s sort of like losing twenty pounds by eating correctly and exercising versus only drinking Slim-Fast for two weeks. Sure, one way is quicker, but both ways get you where you want to go. Take-home bleaching is carried out via a custom-made mouth guard-like tray which is worn over the teeth. These trays are filled with a special bleaching solution. The solution can contain carbamide peroxide in a special matrix or some other oxidizing gel, like hydrogen peroxide. This gel slowly bleaches the teeth over a period of several weeks.
In-office whitening procedures: The most common type of dentistry-performed whitening procedure is often referred to as laser bleaching or power bleaching. This innovative procedure uses a high-energy light coupled with a powerful chair-side bleaching gel. The gel is placed on the teeth, then the light is used to activate the gel to whiten the teeth. This procedure often achieves dramatic results very quickly. However, these results usually come with considerable sticker shock attached; this technique is the priciest of the professional whitening options. If it is too expensive for your blood, don’t worry. There are other, more affordable alternatives.
2.2. Take-Home Whitening Kits
One advantage with take-home whitening kits is its price or cost. In fact, it is considered the most affordable cosmetic dentistry procedure. You also have direct control over the process. If you think your teeth are not reaching the level of whiteness that you have dreamt of, you can discontinue or extend the wearing duration according to your preference and schedule. The mouth guard containing the bleaching agent can be reused on removal. You can see results within a week or two, provided that the gel is in high concentration. The disadvantages are: the procedure takes longer; continuous wear is required but the benefits depend less on the daily wear time; some prefer professional in-office whitening since a trained professional can direct the light or heat on those teeth only that need immediate bleaching. Sensitive teeth or gums can be a problem. Some users have found it difficult or uncomfortable to sleep with the mouth guard on, yet what can be more convenient than treatments performed overnight, while you are sleeping?
Also known as tray whitening or tray bleaching, take-home whitening kits are a do-it-yourself technique. It involves a mouth guard-like plastic tray filled with a gel whitening solution that is inserted into the mouth. The tray needs to conform to all teeth perfectly and is based on a dental impression of your smile. The gel uses a peroxide bleaching agent and it comes in several concentrations. Some of the gooey gel may seep over the edge of the tray but this can be easily wiped; the overflow doesn’t usually cause any harm to the oral soft tissues. Depending on the patient’s needs, the strength of the gel and the recommended duration of wearing can vary. A dentist may ask for the tray to be worn for up to 2 hours a day, or be worn overnight for about one month.
3. Over-the-Counter Whitening Products
One of the most popular over-the-counter products for teeth whitening is whitestrips. These strips are clear, narrow strips that are coated with a peroxide-based gel. For application, users merely place the strip across their top and bottom row of teeth for a certain amount of time determined by the instructions. While the visible results align with the typical professional treatment process, many people find that the strips are awkward to apply and maintain on the teeth. Despite this, whitestrips still offer a convenient, generally safe, affordable, and successful way to whiten most people’s smiles in a matter of just a few weeks.
In recent years, there has been a boom in over-the-counter products in place of in-office professional teeth whitening procedures. Why the major transition from professional whitening to at-home products? Simply put, many people are looking for a convenient, more affordable way to whiten their teeth, and countless over-the-counter products can be purchased with just a quick visit to the nearest drugstore. While the effects of these products are many times very effective, it is good to remember that everyone’s teeth are unique, and the results from professional whitening treatments are usually much quicker and more desirable.
3.1. Whitening Toothpaste
Always remember to ask your dental professional before you start using any form of teeth whitening products. If your teeth are already oversensitive, or you have weak enamel, the use of whitening toothpaste can actually cause you more harm than good. Be sure to specifically ask the professionals at Healthy Smiles Dentist Orange. They are a dentist located in Orange County, California, for any advice you may need.
The most basic form of teeth whitening involves using whitening toothpaste. This is very common as a majority of toothpaste on the market contains both abrasives and chemicals that work to remove surface stains. However, unlike peroxide-based bleaching products, these toothpastes do not contain the necessary ingredients to effectively lighten the color deep in the teeth. Therefore, whitening toothpastes are generally effective only at removing stains on the surface of your teeth.
3.2. Whitening Strips
Given the widespread use of drugstore-style teeth whitening strips, a significant number of people find them to be a very convenient and effective way to achieve worthy results. However, it can take longer to achieve results with whitening strips than it can through the methods of professional dental care. In addition, many of the low-cost teeth whitening strip kits provide a bit less whitening agent, generally up to 6%, than do the higher-priced and more professional dental whitening strips. Consequently, it is usually the case that the more you pay, the better the results. These strips can be uncomfortable and cumbersome to manage because of their shape and how they typically impede the mouth.
Countless people over the years have had significant success with the use of drugstore-style teeth whitening strips. When using these strips, a person applies them to the teeth for a specific period of time, following the instructions on the packaging. The strips will usually come in pairs, one for the bottom and one for the top. When using these strips, a person applies them to the teeth and then waits for the instructed amount of time before taking them off. Contrary to the use of in-home dental trays, there is generally no mess connected with using these strips.
4. Natural Remedies for Teeth Whitening
One of the easiest ways to brighten your smile naturally is by eating the right foods. It might surprise you to know that the foods you eat will help prevent teeth stains. Many of the common, everyday foods will scrub some of the surface stains from your teeth. Strawberries are a great source of teeth whitening. They contain both astringent and vitamin C, which is wonderful for your teeth. You can break open a ripe strawberry and rub it across the surface of your teeth, then wait a few minutes before brushing. Another excellent natural stain remover is crushed walnuts. Some dentists think that chips of walnuts crush and abrade stains on the outer surface of teeth. Some fruit is high in citric acid, which can also whiten your teeth. Lemon juice is a wonderful natural home stain remover. It also promotes oral health because the acidic effect will kill germs in your mouth. Orange peel rubbed across the teeth is another way to whiten your teeth at home. The vitamin C will help kill germs, too. If you enjoy celery, now you have a good excuse to nibble on some sticks. It is a natural abrasive in raw form. The fiber will help to remove surface stains. Another great way to remove the teeth’s surface stains is by eating apple, which contains malic acid.
Natural remedies have been used for thousands of years to maintain health and to treat certain medical conditions. In the new age of health consciousness, many people are looking to natural remedies to achieve healthy, beautiful smiles or whiter teeth. It is important to have realistic expectations about the amount of whitening that can be achieved with natural remedies. There are many factors which determine the success of natural remedies, including the severity and nature of the stains, prior restorations, and the condition of the teeth. Teeth which are whitened from a natural regimen will generally whiten several shades, but may not become an ultra-bright shade of white. Further, people with especially delicate teeth or gums will need to be especially gentle during natural remedies for teeth whitening.
4.1. Oil Pulling
However, there are not many clinical trials that prove the efficacy of oil pulling, and it is certainly not a replacement for any current dental routines – just an all-natural way to further promote oral health and perhaps brighter teeth, leaving you free from those chemical ingredients found in commercial whitening treatments.
Oil pulling, an age-old Indian folk remedy, could be an additional option for teeth whitening. It’s a simple swishing with oil as a type of mouthwash, which has been used for thousands of years in India and Asia not only to brighten teeth but also to improve saliva and remove toxins and harmful bacteria. It’s the belief that when oil is swished in the mouth, harmful bacteria are drawn out into the oil, resulting in cleaner teeth and better oral health, and possibly a brighter smile. Swishing periods for this remedy typically range from 5 to 20 minutes at a stretch. Certain oils have inherent properties to draw out the bacteria that come into contact with them, such as sunflower, sesame, and coconut oils – and some people have also seen good results using these oils for teeth whitening.
4.2. Baking Soda
To whiten teeth with baking soda, brush the teeth properly and rinse thoroughly. Then, mix a small amount of baking soda with enough water to create a watery solution. Apply the solution onto a clean finger or a toothbrush, and then stroke it across the teeth, making sure that it gets into the gaps on the teeth. Lastly, rinse thoroughly. A small amount of hydrogen peroxide can also be mixed with the baking soda to enhance tooth whitening. Baking soda application can be done occasionally as teeth need their natural enamel to be regenerated every 3-6 months.
Baking soda is considered as the regular teeth cleaner. When moistened with water, it combines with saliva and generates free radicals which then break down stain molecules on the teeth. It also increases the alkaline levels in the mouth, preventing bacteria from developing. However, using baking soda daily risks damaging the enamel on the teeth and promoting decay. People who use toothpaste with baking soda should complement it with toothpaste that contains fluoride to help neutralize the potential damaging effects of its abrasiveness.
5. Factors to Consider Before Choosing a Whitening Option
The key to deciding which teeth whitening option is best must be made only after consultation with a dental health professional. Personal factors such as the current shade of your teeth and your budget may also impact your selection. There are other things to consider like having an attractive, bright smile for an upcoming wedding or family celebration. Not every teeth-whitening method is suitable for everyone’s condition, so to avoid disappointment, consult a dental health professional such as a dentist or dental hygienist before starting a whitening treatment. This is the only way to confident, hassle- and risk-free teeth bleaching. Only a dental professional can judge what shade your teeth are and counsel you on what a realistic outcome may be. First, things you need to consider the factors discussed below are elaborated upon for the specific methods later.
The number one dental concern of Orange County residents is the appearance of their teeth. Stains and discoloration can age and taint a smile, leading to lower self-esteem and self-consciousness. These affect people in both their professional and social lives. Medically sound and effective whitening options exist, and they can significantly rejuvenate and lift your smile. This article covers the different methods of teeth whitening and their respective pros and cons. By thoroughly educating yourself before embarking on a teeth-whitening journey, you are that much closer to getting a brighter, whiter smile. Not every method is suitable for everyone. Results range from exceptional to barely visible, depending on the shades your teeth are.
5.1. Cost
The key disadvantage of teeth whitening treatments is that they do not remain permanently. The method of whitening used and personal habits like smoking and drinking affect the speed with which they fade. Over time, the enamel of our teeth reveals the color of the core thanks to the dentin. However, it is wrong to assume that more abrasives in toothpaste are better at whitening. Indeed, regular toothpaste usually has small and safe amounts of abrasives. Whitening gels that are provided by dentists for home use should also be avoided. They are risky for use without a dentist’s supervision. The price of teeth whitening products reflects the effectiveness and ease of use. Improvements in research and pounding competition keep the varieties of toothpaste and home goods increasing.
There are different ways of making teeth white and bright, and they vary in both the effort involved and the cost. The options range from getting a simple tooth whitening kind of toothpaste for use in one’s home to turning to professionals for bleaching of teeth. A cautious potential customer should try to find out especially about the cost because it varies depending on the method of teeth whitening.
5.2. Sensitivity
The good news is that patients have options to help deal with sensitive teeth. The simplest way is to use desensitizing toothpaste for several weeks. Another option is to use a toothbrush with soft bristles because some people feel less pain when using these kinds of brushes. Some of the patients only feel pain when they either floss or chew, while others experience it throughout their everyday life. When teeth are sensitive to whitening, they might experience discomfort and bleeding if they irritate their gums. The best way to avoid these problems is to avoid eating anything that is extremely hot or cold, as well as spicy food and toothpaste that will irritate the gums. If the gums become irritated, patients can rinse their mouth with warm salt water.
Tooth sensitivity is also a very common side effect of any teeth whitening procedure. Sensitivity can develop during bleaching or persist long afterward. Teeth sensitivity comes in two different forms: temperature or peroxide/chemical sensitivity. Temperature sensitivity is when teeth are sensitive to hot or cold things. When patients experience this sensitivity, they will feel a sharp shooting pain in their teeth when they are eating something hot or cold. Peroxide/chemical sensitivity is a little different from the temperature sensitivity. This sensitivity does not usually last long, but the teeth will start to become sensitive when the peroxide or the whitening products get on the gums or come in contact with the tooth roots. The teeth will usually become a bit more sensitive when this happens, but the sensitivity disappears a short while after the product is rinsed off. In order to not get sensitivity caused by teeth whitening, the teeth should be healthy and not dried out. It may take several days for the condition to go back to normal. The teeth should be kept nicely hydrated and healthy before the treatment starts in order to avoid teeth sensitivity.
5.3. Effectiveness
The pursuit of bright, white teeth has been an obsession for thousands of years. Available options for their appearance can be seen in art, dating back to the Roman Empire. Dental treatments (such as regular cleanings) and other procedures (including veneers and composite bonding) can help brighten teeth. Brightening is an essential component of facial aesthetics. Teeth can be bleached at home or in the office by applying a peroxide bleaching agent to them. Although some in-office treatments are considered safe, several complex oral organ systems can cause side effects. The effects of teeth whitening procedures have received considerable attention from dental practitioners. Unfortunately, the degree of whitening and the incidence of side effects, such as dentin hypersensitivity and enamel reduction, remain significant research challenges. In this article, we discuss the noted side effects of dental treatments and update our knowledge of teeth whitening to reflect the current recommendations of the American Dental Association, addressing common issues.
The effectiveness of tooth whitening depends on several factors, such as volume and location of tinted dentin and enamel microstructure. Most teeth can be whitened, but treatment can be less effective for certain types of stains. The active ingredients hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide can reduce the intrinsic or extrinsic discoloration of teeth caused by staining or aging. Proponents believe that with home and dental treatments, teeth can appear up to eight tones brighter. However, enamel microstructure; the presence of stress-induced states of matter, minute cracks, and phase transitions as the reflection and light scattering properties of dentin; and the tissue hydration level is mixed in the long-term effect of whitening treatment.
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Choosing the Perfect Teeth Whitening Clinic in Orange County
References:
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