When dental patients are looking for ways to maintain a beautiful smile, a cosmetic dentist is there to help. For many patients, having teeth that are bright and white is vital. Over time, however, teeth can become stained and dull due to many factors. Stain-causing foods and beverages, such as berries, tea and coffee, are the most common causes. Certain medications, illnesses and injuries, as well as aging and tobacco use, can also discolor teeth.
There are a variety of ways to whiten teeth. The following are three of the most common tooth-whitening options available.
At-home whiteners are given to dental patients by a cosmetic dentist to use at home. This type of chemical whitener is done using peroxide and comes in a variety of forms, including strips, trays, a brush or a rinse. If trays are used, the dentist will give them for both the upper and lower teeth. Whitening gel is placed in the trays and the patient then wears them for a certain period of time. It is important to follow the dentist’s instructions and use this type of whitener properly.
This whitening option is a special type of toothpaste that contains abrasive ingredients that help remove surface stains on the teeth over a longer period of time. Whitening toothpaste is gentle and usually does not use chemicals, but some varieties do have peroxide and baking soda in them. The whitening toothpastes are not quite as effective as chemical whitening options.
This tooth-whitening option is done in a dental office by a cosmetic dentist. This whitener is much stronger than the at-home whiteners as it has more peroxide. In-office whiteners are also able to brighten teeth much faster than at-home whiteners and whitening toothpastes. The tooth-whitening procedure is done in around an hour, and the gums are covered with either a gel or a rubber sheet to protect them. A laser or light is sometimes used alongside the peroxide application.
Patients should be aware that teeth are more susceptible to staining after a whitening treatment. These treatments are not permanent and may need to be done more than once.
There are very few side effects that can occur from tooth-whitening. The main possible side effects include tooth sensitivity and gum irritation, but these are mild and usually only last for a few days after treatment. It is important to follow all dentist and product instructions and to also avoid whitening teeth too often as this can lead to damage to the tooth enamel.
Dental patients who are looking to whiten their teeth can visit a cosmetic dentist to see which option is best for them. At-home whitening, whitening toothpaste and in-office whitening are the most common and successful options available. Restoring a beautiful, white smile has never been easier.
Request an appointment here: https://www.tucsonazdentistry.com or call Advanced Family Dentistry at (520) 353-3002 for an appointment in our Tucson office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
A cosmetic dentist can help create positive changes to your teeth, improving the aesthetics of your smile. However, a cosmetic dentist can also address certain issues that negatively impact your teeth and sometimes improve their function.Many patients have one or more issues that negatively impact their teeth. Our cosmetic dentist can help address these. Treatments that…
Cosmetic dentistry includes a range of services that improve the person’s smile by addressing cosmetic imperfections with the teeth, gums, jaw alignment, and more. It is helpful to have a good understanding of the more common services that are generally offered by cosmetic dentistry practices to determine if treatment is right for your needs.Every cosmetic…
Many people want a straight smile, however, most people need help achieving one. Both Invisalign® and traditional braces straighten teeth to improve oral health and appearance.If you are deciding between these two orthodontic treatments, consider the following factors:1.AestheticsWhen it comes to appearance, Invisalign wins this category every single time. Invisalign trays are composed of a…
Even though beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, many people perceive a person with a radiant, perfectly aligned smile as more successful and smarter. Researchers at Kelton revealed that people with straighter smiles may have more of a chance at landing a job or scoring a second date. If you are not born…
Wisdom teeth are late-stage molars. When they emerge from the gums and squeeze by your existing teeth, in a process known as impaction, they may cause a lot of pain. Impacted wisdom teeth can sometimes cause jaw alignment issues, sinus issues, recurrent cavities, and cysts.Some individuals are lucky enough to avoid such wisdom tooth symptoms…
The term All-on-4® refers to a more convenient alternative than conventional dentures. It involves installing dental implants into the patient’s jaw to serve as the base for a special type of dentures that are fixed in place.Traditional dentures are the most affordable way to replace missing teeth, but they have issues like poor stability. This…