Austin Dentist
From TechHelp
Bright Whites: The Truths of Teeth Whitening
Though methods of whitening teeth have existing for a very long time, the interest in doing so has grown substantially since the invention of laser whitening and over the counter treatments. There are a few things that should be known about whitening and what it means for a person’s smile in the future.
How and How Long?
Teeth naturally discolor as a person ages and the dietary habits he or she practices will determine how quickly they do so. They can also discolor in different ways. Some people will see their teeth take on a yellow color, while others will turn slightly gray in tone.
Not all teeth whiten in the same way or at the same rate. Yellowing teeth, for instance, will tend to renew their natural glisten faster than teeth that have turned gray. While the professionally offered whitening treatments are very effective, they are not permanent. Just as before, staining beverages, foods, and even the use of tobacco can increase how quickly they darken again. In order to stave off the unwanted blemishing, at home whitening products can be used periodically. Many people have found that a single trip to the Austin dentist is enough to provide the instant and lasting base that they need to keep their teeth in a shiny white state for years. The results of a professional treatment are nearly instantaneous, whereas over-the-counter treatments may take several weeks to proof their usefulness. At-Home Options
There are many options for OTC teeth whitening products on the market today. Those available in the store may vary slightly in strength and effectiveness, but for the most promising results at home, most patients will purchase a product sold only through dental offices. While this DIY option does not have the strength of the whitening solutions used by dentists, it can offer a bigger punch than those available in stores.
Whitening Warnings
It is important to remember, when treating teeth or in the office that crowns, veneers and other manmade dental replacements will not whiten as the teeth do. This can create a mismatched effect in the mouth, which is undesirable.
Teeth whitening does not come without possible side effects. Tooth sensitivity is the most frequently reported problem. Though temporary, this can make it difficult for a patient to eat or drink anything that is too cold or hot. In addition to this, there is slight risk of chemical burn, gum irritation, and overbleaching. Some researchers believe that there is also a link between teeth bleaching and tongue cancer, but there is insufficient research, at this point, to validate that claim.
Some people are not considered ideal candidates for the professional procedure. This includes people with dental fixtures – crowns, partials, caps, or enamel fillings – for the reasons stated above. Also, people will sensitive teeth, receding gum lines, unfilled cavities, or damaged restorations should carefully discuss the problems that could arise during the procedure with a trained professional before making a final decision.
