The road to a brighter smile is one every patients shares and tooth whitening is one of the most common, effective means of achieving it. A radiant smile not only enhances your appearance, but it has a way of making your confidence improve as well, creating a lasting, beneficial impression. So how exactly do patients achieve this radiant sheen?
Whitening is primarily focused on staining as a result of a variety of causes. These involve habits like coffee, tea, wine, and tobacco use and over time this results in gradual staining on teeth. Aging also plays its part, with the enamel layer wearing thin, leaving behind naturally yellow dentin. Medication as well as genes are other causes.
There are two main methods used when whitening teeth by our Bradford dental office. This includes in-office procedures and at-home products. Professional office bleaching, with a visit to our Bradford dentist, achieves instantaneous, dramatic results. Bleaching typically requires an hour – patients can expect dramatic lightening of several shades within one visit. Being under a controlled environment in a dentist’s office ensures safety as well as minimizing sensitivity, making it an excellent choice for those looking for quick and dramatic change.
At-home solutions, while more time-consuming, are cost-effective and convenient. These typically involve custom-fit trays from your dentist, as well as a lower concentration-peroxide gel. You apply these trays for a specified amount of time on a daily basis, typically for a course in a few weeks. Over-the-counter solutions in toothpastes, rinses, and strips are also accessible, though with a reduced level of effectiveness due to low levels of active ingredients as well as lack of custom fit.
Whatever method used to achieve a whiter, brighter smile, it takes consistent effort. Changing your eating habits, avoiding foods and drinks that cause staining, regular oral care with brushing and flossing, and regular visits with your dentist are all important. Periodic touch-ups are also needed to battle new staining and maintain your bright smile.
You should visit your Bradford dentist before embarking on any whitening program. They can assess why your teeth have become stained, determine if you would be a candidate for tooth whitening (since it is not always an option, i.e., individuals with gum disease, or individuals with certain types of restorations), and advise on how best and safest to proceed with your particular requirements. Using a good procedure, a noticeably whiter, brighter smile is readily achievable.
The information provided is for general information purposes only and not intended to replace professional care. Please consult your physician or dentist for advice and diagnoses so you can be properly treated for your specific situation.