Start the New Year with a Bright Smile

A new year comes with a new resolution.  Does your resolution include improving your smile by using whitening treatments? If the answer is yes, I'll help you understand the different types of whitening options. 

It is important to discuss whitening options with your dentist first. There are a few different options. Your dentist can help you determine whether in-office bleaching, at-home becahing or whitening toothpastes are the best for you.

What will the dentist help you determine?  Second, you must determine which type of discoloration you have because not all whiteners work with all types of discoloration.  Yellow-colored teeth bleach the best.  Brown-colored teeth are in the middle area and can have a positive or negative experience with bleaching. However, gray-colored teeth may not bleach well. 

Next you must consider if you have any tooth-colored fillings, bonding or crowns (caps) because whitening has no effect on these.  Whitening fillings, bondings or caps could end up making those teeth stand out against original teeth.

What is in-office bleaching? This is when the whitening is done in the dental office.  It may take multiple visits lasting up to an hour. In order to protect your soft tissue, such as your gums, a barrier will be placed over them in the form of a gel or rubber shield.  Then the bleaching agent is applied to your teeth.  A light or a laser may be used to enhance the process.

What are at-home products prescribed by dentists? Typically, these products are carbamide peroxide in varying precents.  The whitener is most commonly dispensed as a gel and is placed in a mouthguard which is fitted to the patients' mouth.  This mouth guard is usually custom-fitted your teeth. Your dentist will determine how long the mouth guard should stay on.

Whitening toothpastes work by using mild abrasives which remove surface stains.  Unlike the other products, these do not change intrinsic color of your teeth.

A common side effect of bleaching is sensitivity.   Your teeth may become sensitive during the duration of the bleaching regimen. Sensitivity is usually temporary and will decrease once treatment stops.  Soft tissue sensitivity can occur if the bleaching material is in contact with your gums.

Remember: If you have questions about whitening, please see your dentist.