There exists a myriad of teeth whitening procedures and products. However, before you decide which one is the best for you, it would be wise to consult a qualified dental professional. The dentist will conduct an oral health assessment test, and once the examination is over, he/she will be in a position to recommend which method is the best fit for your teeth.
According to the American Dental Association, people with a history of gum disease or sensitive teeth should avoid whitening techniques that use chemicals. This is because the chemicals can cause gum irritation worsening your current situation. The use of bleaching agents is also not recommended to persons with crowns, tooth-colored fillings, or caps in their front teeth. Bleaching will not alter the color of such materials, and this will be a set back to the newly whitened teeth.
Your teeth naturally discolor as you age due to a variety of factors, and some of these factors are contributed by the activities that we carry out. Below are the aspects that can cause your teeth to lose its natural color:
There are two teeth whitening techniques: bleaching and the use of non-bleaching products. To keep you informed, we at OASIS Modern Dentistry and Orthodontics, have highlighted both the description, the pros, and cons of each technique.
Bleaching technique
The main component of bleaching products is peroxide, which can remove deep stains on the surface of your teeth. Whitening gels used by dentists have buffers that protect the teeth’s enamel from damage. Most people opt for professional bleaching because they give quick and satisfactory results. The results are also long-lasting and can last for more than a year. However, harmful habits such as drinking or smoking can affect this timescale.
Non-bleaching Method
This is a method of whitening teeth that does not use bleaching products. An example of such a product is whitening toothpaste. Calcium carbonate, aluminum oxide, baking soda, and silica are the active ingredients that remove the stains. One drawback of using this technique is that it is not efficient when it comes to deep stains removal. If your teeth are significantly stained and discolored, you will have to reconsider this option and go for a stronger one.
There are various home remedies you can adopt to keep your teeth whiter and free from stains. Such a remedy involves mixing lemon juice, baking soda, and strawberries to create a concoction that contains both astringents and vitamin C. The combination of the two removes both stains and plaque. You can also adopt chewing sugarless gum, which stimulates saliva production. The saliva neutralizes the acidity in foods and also washes your teeth.
You should know that “home remedies” have minimal whitening effects compared to professional treatments performed by dentists. So, if you are looking for serious results, the best option would be to visit a dental clinic that offers teeth whitening services.
Everyone wants to have whiter teeth, but it comes at a cost. Even after getting your teeth whitened, you need to maintain a recommendable oral health care routine to maintain it. If you have dental crowns or caps or tooth-colored fillings, teeth whitening via bleaching is not recommended. Instead, you should look into other options such as dental bonding or adopt the use of veneers. Remember to seek a green light from your dentist first, as this will help to prevent any chance of worsening your condition.
OASIS Modern Dentistry and Orthodontics, located in Houston, Texas, offers teeth whitening services that are conducted by dental professionals.
Here at OASIS Modern Dentistry and Orthodontics, we understand that insurance coverage is a complicated topic.
