Make Your Smile Shine with Tooth Whitening

If your smile is beginning to look a bit dingy, it may be time to talk with your dhealth dentist about whitening your teeth.

The Process of Tooth Whitening

People sometimes refer to tooth whitening as bleaching. However, they’re actually different processes.

Bleaching is a process that actually whitens teeth beyond their normal color because the product used contains a strong bleaching agent. Tooth whitening, on the other hand, is the process of returning teeth to their more natural color. Even some toothpaste is capable of whitening.

There are three types of tooth whitening processes as well as benefits to each: 

• Over-the-Counter Dental Whitening. By far the least expensive of the trio, over-the-counter tooth whitening products involve the use of bleaching gels with lower levels of the whitening agent. They typically involve trays, strips, or a paint-on application. 

• At-home Dental Whitening. Your dhealth cosmetic dentist may provide you with an at-home tooth whitening kit. Some experts suggest this is the best of the three because of the at-home convenience, lower-level whitening agent, and cost. Using a less concentrated gel means you can keep it on your teeth longer – even overnight – without harm. 

• In-Office Dental Whitening. If you prefer you can have your teeth whitened in the dental office by a cosmetic dentist. The primary benefit is the significant color change in a short period. The treatment costs more than the other two and it’s important to protect your gums, as a stronger whitening agent is used. 

Whichever tooth whitening process your dentist decides is best for you know there is a limit to how much you can whiten teeth. Normally, teeth whiten two to seven shades depending on individual circumstances.

Tooth Whitening Does Have Risks

While tooth whitening is safe when done properly, there are certain risks dental patients need to understand. 

• Tooth sensitivity. This usually occurs with in-office whitening where the whitening agent concentration is the highest. 

• Gum irritation. Some people have experienced gum irritation from the whitening product or rubbing of the bleaching trays. 

• Color variation. Some people refer to this as “Technicolor teeth.” It occurs because the material used in tooth bonding, crowns, and veneers doesn’t change color but natural teeth do. You may need to have them replaced. 

Keep in mind that even after you’ve whitened your teeth, you must take proactive steps to keep them that way. Additionally, you may not see the full results of the whitening until a few weeks after the process.

If you want to make your smile shine, speak with your dhealth cosmetic dentist to gain a thorough understanding of the tooth whitening process. For more information on tooth whitening, check out this report from the American Dental Association.

Top 3 Dental Options for a Better Smile

Smiles rate high when it comes to relationships. Specifically, “89 percent of adults agree that a bright or white smile makes a good first impression and 55 percent believe a person's smile is the best physical indicator of someone's friendliness,” according to a 2011 survey.

Therefore, maintaining a beautiful smile is in your best interest from both a health and a personal point of view. Here are three dental options dhealth dentistry recommends for ensuring a better smile.

Dental Fillings Most Common Dental Option

Tooth decay is the most common health problem facing both children and adults, according to a 2012 National Dental Update from the Australian Dental Association (ADA). In fact, it’s five times more prevalent than asthma in children. What makes this statistic so disturbing is that cavities are largely preventable.

Cavities (also referred to as dental caries) occur when plaque – a sticky germ-filled substance – eats through the outer layer of your tooth – the enamel. Left unchecked, the decay bores deep into the tooth. Dental fillings correct the problem.

Your dhealth dentist offers popular white composite dental fillings that blend perfectly with the colour of your natural teeth making your fillings appear virtually invisible. This helps to retain the look of a great smile.

Tooth Whitening Most Popular Dental Option

According to the Australian Dental Association, while tooth whitening is very popular it’s not always appropriate. Gum or tooth sensitivity, the natural colour of your teeth, and whether you have dental fillings or veneers will affect your decision.

Before making any decisions or taking any action, be sure to speak with your dentist about the best whitening treatment for you. He may suggest that you:

·         improve your regular dental habits (flossing and brushing)

·         avoid teeth-staining drinks such as herbal or black tea, coffee, and red wine

·         stop smoking

·         chew sugar-free gum, if you chew gum

·         drink plenty of water throughout the day

·         have a professional scaling and cleaning treatment from your dentist

Good oral hygiene is the one of the best ways to help your smile stay bright and white.

Dental Veneers Offer Great Dental Option for Damaged Teeth

Sometimes whitening cannot correct severely stained teeth or those stained below the top surface. That’s when dhealth dentistry might suggest another option such as replacing old, worn out fillings or those that are amalgam. Additionally, your dentist may suggest dental veneers.

Dental veneers are thin porcelain coverings that your dental professional places over the front portion of your teeth. They brighten teeth that can’t be whitened by bleaching as well as correct chipped, worn, or unevenly spaced teeth.

If you’ve always dreamed of a better smile, don’t wait any longer. Speak with your dhealth dentist today to find out how you can have a better smile.