Teeth whitening is ideal for people who have healthy teeth and gums and with no fillings, crowns or partials. If you have yellow tones to your teeth, then your teeth will most benefit from this procedure. However, teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure is not recommended for everyone.
Whitening your teeth is one of the simplest and quickest ways to improve your smile and your confidence. There are a variety of reasons why you would want to whiten your teeth. Everyone is unique, and our teeth are no exception. Few people have pearly white teeth, and as we age, our teeth usually darken. Hoping for whiter teeth is common because there are many aspects of our daily life that cause surface stains and discoloration to our teeth.
Surface stains can be caused by everyday items such as food and drinks like tea, coffee, and red wine. They can stain the surface of your teeth. Because these stains are on the surface, they potentially will respond easily to surface stain removal efforts.
Other types of discoloration go below the surface of your teeth and must be addressed differently than surface stains. Smoking can leave stains on your teeth. The color of your teeth might also be affected by tartar buildup. Some people may have staining beneath the surface of their teeth, which can be caused by antibiotics or small fissures in the teeth that absorb stains.
Let’s Talk About the Basics
Teeth whitening is a procedure that involves lightening the color of a person’s teeth. When teeth get yellowed over time for a variety of causes, whitening is often needed, and it can be accomplished by changing the intrinsic or extrinsic color of the tooth enamel.
The most common form of tooth whitening is bleaching by a professional. Many dentists can assess whether or not you are a good candidate for the procedure. First, they will take an impression of your mouth in order to make custom-made trays that perfectly suit your mouth. The whitening gel will then be placed within these trays, which will be inserted into your mouth.
Hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide is commonly the product’s “active component.” When the active ingredient is broken down, oxygen enters the enamel on the teeth, lightening the color.
How Often Should I Have My Teeth Whitened?
Unfortunately, teeth whitening is not a one-and-done deal. Your teeth need maintenance just like the rest of your body. Professional teeth whitening performed in the dentist’s office is recommended once every year to every 18 months, depending on how long the results last.
Visiting your dentist this often is the best way to ensure that you will have a beautiful smile, and that you will also have a healthy one. Also, your dentist can examine your teeth to find out if there are any problems that could be hidden by the whitening effects. Sometimes cavities or tooth damage can be harder to spot when you have teeth whitening procedures.
Your Dentist Cannot Do It Alone
There are measures that you can take in between visits that you can do at home to keep your treatment looking like you just left the dentist’s office. These recommendations below can be practiced until you are able to return to the office for a new treatment.
Do Not Smoke. Smoking is bad for your dental health. It will damage the overall health of your teeth and mouth as well as your overall appearance. It also yellows your teeth and will undo the work that the whitening procedure was designed to help.
Avoid Foods and Drinks That Stain. There are plenty of foods and drinks that cause teeth discoloration. They may not even be bad for you, such as coffee, tea, red wine, and berries. However, you do not have to avoid them totally, just limit them.
Brush After Every Meal. Brush with fluoride toothpaste. Brushing your teeth will protect your oral health between visits for whitening. Also, watch your diet and do no eat or drink items that are high in acid, unnatural food coloring, and those that will stain your teeth. Also, a bit of flossing and mouthwash help too!
Visit Your Dentist Regularly. Just because you have your teeth whitened, remember visits to your dentist on a regular basis are necessary as well for good oral health.
H-Town Dental
H-Town Dental in Houston offers teeth whitening services that are both affordable and of high quality. If you require teeth whitening, H-Town Dental has some of the best dentists in Houston is the place to go. Our dental team is kind and knowledgeable, and they will go beyond to make your appointment as pleasant as possible. Contact us today to set up an appointment!
