What Is the Safest Way to Whiten Teeth?
Whitening your teeth improve your smile and confidence. There are various methods to brighten your smile. For example, you can use store-bought whitening products or go to a salon. Also, you can visit a dentist for teeth whitening near you. Although all these methods work, some are unsafe for your teeth and gums. Read on for the safest way to whiten teeth.
Safest Teeth Whitening Method
Everyone wants a whiter, more attractive smile. However, most people choose unsafe methods or places to whiten their teeth. Some go to beauty salons, while others whiten their teeth at home. Teeth whitening at beauty salons is illegal and unsafe since there are no dental professionals there. In addition, the staff in these salons cannot safely brighten your smile.
Whitening your teeth at home using home remedies or over-the-counter whitening kits is also risky. For example, homeopathic products like charcoal damage the enamel. Others cause issues such as stomach infections or allergies.
On the other hand, most people using store-bought kits do not follow the manufacturers’ instructions. For example, they may leave the product longer than recommended to try and get a whiter effect. Consequently, they may burn their gums or cause severe tooth sensitivity.
The safest way to whiten teeth is through professional teeth whitening. It involves whitening teeth by a dentist or trained dental professional. The expert may perform an in-office treatment or recommend suitable at-home therapies. During the treatments, they will take precautions to avoid gum or teeth damage. For example, they use ADA-approved products to prevent damage.
The whitening agent can irritate your gums, cheeks, and lips. To prevent this, the dentist will place retractors in your mouth. They keep the tissues from coming into contact with the chemical. Also, they will paint your gums with a special protective barrier to prevent contact with the agent.
It is normal to experience tooth sensitivity after teeth whitening. This is because the pores in your teeth open during the procedure, so the stains can be eliminated. Your dentist will prevent or reduce tooth sensitivity by applying fluoride. The fluoride treatment also prevents enamel damage since it strengthens your teeth.
Is Teeth Whitening Permanent?
No, teeth whitening is not permanent. The effects of your treatment will last depending on the whitening method used and the post-op care provided. Professional teeth whitening has the most long-lasting results lasting up to three years. However, the white effect fades if you whiten your teeth using over-the-counter whitening kits.
Fortunately, you can maintain the results of your white smile in various ways. For example, you should not take colored foods or drinks in the first 48 hours after treatment. They may stain your teeth, ruining the results. Also, avoid tobacco and maintain proper oral hygiene to prevent teeth discoloration. Attending professional cleanings regularly also helps.
In addition, you can use whitening kinds of toothpaste or mouth rinses from time to time. This will help maintain a whiter smile for longer. Alternatively, you can get touch-up whitening treatments from your dentist. At Seascape Cosmetic-Huntington Beach, we offer whitening treatments and touch-ups.
Can Yellow Teeth Become White?
Teeth lose their white color over time, turning yellow due to taking certain foods and drinks or medicines. Your teeth can also shift yellow if you use tobacco products or neglect oral hygiene. However, some people have such teeth due to genetics or enamel erosion.
Fortunately, it is possible to whiten yellow teeth. You can use home remedies, store-bought whitening products, or get in-office teeth whitening. Unfortunately, the first two options take longer to whiten yellow teeth, and their results are not excellent.
However, the dentist will achieve a whiter smile in one whitening session. They will use methods such as ZOOM! In-office whitening, custom-fit bleaching trays, or laser teeth whitening. You may need three sessions to whiten your yellow teeth completely.
Is It Worth Getting Your Teeth Whitened?
There are various benefits to whitening your teeth.
- It is fast, easy, painless, and affordable
- Removes teeth stains and discolorations
- Improves your self-esteem and self-confidence
- It allows you to smile more often
- Reduces oral bacteria giving you a healthier mouth
- It helps you look more youthful
- Shifts the focus of small imperfections in teeth, such as chips
- Allows you to prepare for big events