Is Teeth Whitening Right for You?
Your family dentist in Seaside, Dr. Scott Santos, knows that with all the at-home teeth whitening products and systems available, it’s never been easier to brighten your smile at home. In fact, teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments today, but is it right for you and your smile? Here we’ll discuss your whitening options
Types of Whitening Systems
If you wander down the dental aisle of your local grocery store or pharmacy, you’ll probably find an array of teeth whitening systems and products, including whitening toothpastes, rinses and strips. Not only are these products an easy and convenient way to brighten your teeth a few shades, but they can also work under the enamel to remove built-up staining. The following are some of the most common types you’ll find:
Whitening toothpastes. Containing carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide, an over-the-counter whitening toothpaste is an easy, affordable way to lighten a tooth’s color by about one shade. This is one of the least effective ways of whitening teeth and the results are usually temporary.
Whitening strips. Coated with a peroxide-based whitening gel, these paper-thin strips should be applied according to the instructions on the label. Initial results are seen in a few days and results usually last around four months.
Whitening gels. This clear, peroxide-based gel is brushed directly to the surface of your teeth. As with any whitening product, be sure to follow the directions carefully. A full course can take a couple of weeks to complete, and you may need to apply the gel twice a day. Initial results may be seen in a few days, and last about four months.
Tray-based whiteners. Instead of a strip or brush, tray-based whiteners use a mouthguard-like tray filled with a peroxide-based whitening solution. Once the tray is on, it’s generally worn for anywhere from a couple of hours a day to every night for weeks, depending on your desired level of whitening.
Professional whitening. For the safest, most effective whitening treatments on the market today, visit your local dentist in Seaside, Seaside Family Dental. Here we offer KöR whitening treatments. The KöR system, which uses whitening gels to eliminate stains from the surface of tooth enamel, is so effective that patients notice a difference after just one treatment.
Is Teeth Whitening Right for You?
Teeth whitening works best for patients with yellow tones to their otherwise healthy, unrestored teeth and gums. (This includes fillings, crowns, etc.) In fact, whitening is not recommended in the following situations:
Children under 16. This is because the pulp chamber, or nerve of the tooth, is enlarged until this age. Teeth whitening before this age can irritate the pulp or cause it to become sensitive.
Pregnancy. Women who are pregnant or lactating are also encouraged to avoid whitening their teeth.
Sensitive teeth, gum disease, worn enamel, cavities and exposed roots. These issues need to be treated before being evaluated to undergo any whitening procedure. This is because whitening solutions penetrate any existing decay and inner areas of the tooth, which can cause sensitivity. Also, whitening procedures will not work on exposed tooth roots, because roots do not have an enamel layer.
Dental restorations. Because tooth-colored fillings and resin composite materials used in dental restorations (such as crowns, veneers and bonding) don’t change color, whitening is not recommended. Patients with numerous restorations should ask Dr. Santos what strategy is best.
Very dark staining. While yellowish teeth respond well to whitening, teeth that have darker stains (such as brown, gray or purple-hued stains) may be better candidates for another lightening option, such as veneers, bonding or crowns. Dr. Santos can discuss the options best suited for you.
Are you considering whitening treatments and believe you’re a good candidate? Schedule an evaluation with Dr. Santos at Seaside Family Dentistry today.