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Tooth Whitening Basics: Recapture Your Smile!

From unusual ointments to hydrogen peroxide injections (yikes!), people have sought the secret to longevity for decades. Now, more than ever, people are willing to go to extremes to retain their youthful looks. While many of these strategies are risky or downright unsafe, there is one relatively simple way turn back the years: teeth whitening. Sure, whitening your teeth may not help you live longer, but it can restore your smile, rolling back years of coffee and other stains. While there are a variety of professional tooth whitening and bleaching methods available today, most of them are safe and relatively effective. Those carried out under the supervision of a dentist will ensure maximum results and optimum safety! Here are a few of your options.

Teeth Whitening Toothpastes

While using a tooth bleaching toothpaste may be the easiest, most affordable way to brighten your smile, it isn't ideal for those searching for a significant improvement. Some produce marginal improvement, while others produce none at all. They are relatively safe, but be sure to contact our office if you find your teeth are more sensitive than usual. Some lightening chemicals can actually erode tooth enamel, damaging your teeth.

Over-the-Counter Tooth Whitening and Bleaching Agents, Strips

Whitening agents and strips are more popular than ever before, and vary dramatically in price and effectiveness. While most are generally safe, it's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. As with whitening toothpastes, some agents and whitening strips can be too harsh, damaging your teeth and increasing their sensitivity.

Dentist-Managed Teeth Bleaching Trays

One of the safest, most effective ways to whiten your teeth is through dentist-managed tooth bleaching trays and whitening agents. If you choose to go this route, your dentist will begin by taking a mold of your mouth to design a plastic tray that will fit snug against your teeth. You'll spread tooth whitening gel through the tray, slip it over your teeth, and let it do its job! Continue to do this over a course of a few days to acquire the results you were looking for. Once again, please report any sensitivity to your dentist.

Chair-Side Teeth Whitening

Also one of the safest, most effective whitening techniques, chair-side whitening is chemical teeth bleaching done by your dentist, in-office, in about an hour or so. There are a variety of options available today - your dentist can steer you in the right direction. While chair-side professional tooth whitening and bleaching can be a bit more expensive than other alternatives, it's done under the supervision of a professional and delivers fast results.

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.

Teeth Whitening: Advanced Dental Techniques for Bright, White Teeth

Advanced dental techniques now provide consumers with exciting, new options for enhancing their smiles. Revolutionary methods are now available for tooth bleaching to make smiles sparkle!

Teeth bleaching or whitening lightens the color of teeth whether darkened from age, coffee, tea or tobacco. The brightening effects of teeth whiteners can last up to five years after the treatment depending on your personal habits, such as smoking or drinking coffee or tea.

Is Tooth Whitening Right for You?

Teeth bleaching has a higher than 90% success rate. It is tough on stains but gentle on your teeth! Results vary depending on several factors such as teeth stained from smoking; from taking certain medications such as tetracycline during tooth development; or from fluorosis, a condition occurring in the presence of too much fluoride.

A tooth whitener will not lighten fillings or artificial materials used in dental repair such as crowns, porcelain veneers, etc. Your dentist may discourage treatment if you have sensitive teeth, periodontal disease, teeth with worn enamel or if you're pregnant or breast-feeding.

Tooth Bleaching - Several Options Available

Some tooth whitening treatments are performed in the dental office using an in-office bleaching system, such as laser bleaching. This method lightens teeth instantly. The same results may be obtained more economically through dentist-supervised at-home tooth bleaching, but take longer to achieve. Some teeth whitening systems, which bleach your teeth while you sleep, work in 10 to 14 days (or more accurately nights)! Others bleach your teeth from two to four hours a day requiring three to six weeks to complete.

It's important to know that certain types of stains respond better to different types of whitening materials. In such cases, your dentist may recommend one tooth whitener method over the other.

Teeth Bleaching - The Steps to Bright, White Teeth

• Your dentist will first examine your teeth and gums and discuss the procedure best suited to your individual needs. Any cavities or gum disease problems must be treated before teeth bleaching can begin.
• The in-office method generally takes one to three hours and results in an immediate noticeable change.
• For the at-home method, special molds will be made of your teeth. These will be used to make custom-fitted flexible trays that will hold the bleaching gel comfortably in your mouth.
• When you get your tooth bleaching trays, you'll receive instructions about wearing them. These directions must be carefully followed. Only the materials provided by the tooth whitening dentist can be safely used.
• After completing the treatment, your teeth will be checked by your dental provider to discuss the results.
• Smile. Your new white teeth will radiate a bright look!

Safety

Research over the last five years has proven that teeth bleaching is both safe and effective. The American Dental Association's seal of approval has been given to a wide range of tooth whitener products. Generally, the only side effect from treatment may be some sensitivity to hot and cold foods. If this occurs, sensitivity normally disappears within 48 hours.

By Brian J. Gray, DDS, MAGD, FICO

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.