Everybody loves a bright white smile. It helps to boost your confidence and show that your teeth and gums are healthy.
Many people are satisfied with the sparkle they get from brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, flossing between their teeth once a day, and the regular cleanings and checkups at your dentist's office.
There are a variety of products and procedures available to help you improve the look of your teeth. Take the time to make your smile look brighter and investigate all of your options. When you do this, you will find the best solution for your smile.
When considering tooth whitening it is important to talk to your dentist first. They can help suggest different solutions for you and help you decide which procedure is best for you.
This is important because certain procedures and whiteners will not work for certain situations. For example, yellow hued teeth will probably bleach well, brownish colored teeth may bleach less well, and gray hued teeth may not bleach well at all.
Also, bleaching may not enhance your smile if you have had any bonding or tooth-colored fillings placed in your front teeth. This is important to know because the whitener will not affect the color of these materials and they will stand out in your newly whitened smile. In these cases, you may want to investigate other options, such as porcelain veneers or dental bonding.
The most common bleaching procedure done by dentists is chair side bleaching. These visits may take anywhere from thirty minutes to an hour.
During these bleaching procedures the dentist will apply protective gel or a rubber shield to protect gums and other parts of the mouth from the ingredients in the teeth whitener.
A bleaching agent is then applied to the teeth. Often, a special light will be used on the teeth to enhance the action of the agent. Lasers are also commonly used during tooth whitening procedures to enhance the action of the whitening agent.
Home whitening kits can be purchased for less money than many dental procedures but they are often not the best for your teeth. If not used properly the harsh chemicals can damage teeth and lead to sensitivity.
The most common home whitening procedures contain peroxide. They typically come in a gel and are placed in a mouth guard or are strips that can be easily placed on teeth.
The usage regimens vary for each product. Some products are used for about twice a day for 2 weeks, and others are intended for overnight use for 1-2 weeks.
If you obtain the bleaching solution from your dentist, they can make a custom-fitted mouth guard that will fit your teeth precisely. This is a good idea so that the trays are comfortable in your mouth.
If you start to feel any side effects from whitening procedures, speak with your dentist about the problem. These may include sensitivity or soft tissue irritation.
Soft tissue irritation occurs either from a tray that doesn't fit properly or from solution that may come in contact with the tissues. Keeping your teeth white will keep you smiling. So take the time to keep your teeth healthy and bright.
Author Resource:-
Tom Selwick has authored hundreds of articles relating to oral health and dentistry. He was formerly a dental assistant for a cosmetic dentist Mission Viejo practice. He has been a guest dental lecturer for over 15 years.
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