You Only Get One Smile To Make a Great First Impression – Teeth Whitening Provides An Amazing Smile!

Teeth whitening is one of the most effective ways to change the overall appearance of your smile. It involves brightening the color of your teeth without removing the enamel or damaging the surface. If you’re interested in having your teeth whitened, it’s always best to consult with a dentist to find out which option is best based on your specific situation. Let’s review more detailed information about teeth whitening.

When Teeth Whitening is Necessary

Beyond wanting a beautiful smile, there are a variety of reasons why people get their teeth whitened. For starters, teeth discoloration often occurs naturally as you get older. In addition to natural discoloration, there are certain foods and drinks that can cause your teeth to stain, such as berries, coffee, tea and red wine.

One of the most common causes of teeth discoloration is smoking cigarettes. In addition to the many ways that cigarettes damage your health, they can also cause yellow and brown stains that can be difficult to remove. Your teeth can also become stained when you take certain medications, such as antibiotics. Unfortunately, medications can cause discoloration under the surface that can be difficult to repair.

What’s Involved in Teeth Whitening

Professional teeth whitening usually starts with a visit to our La Crescenta office for an examination. The purpose is to find out why your teeth are discolored and to figure out which treatment is best for your situation. The materials used often include a whitening gel, a shield for your gums, and a customized tray for the whitening gel. However, technology and the methods used for professional teeth whitening is constantly evolving.

Generally speaking, the active ingredient used for professional teeth whitening is either carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide. These ingredients are highly effective when it comes to eliminating stains and discoloration. The best part is that advances in dentistry have made the process more comfortable than ever before.

Important Information About Home Whitening Kits

In recent years, there has been an abundance of home whitening kits that have saturated the market. While there are certainly products worthy of consideration, it’s always important to visit your dentist before using any whitening products. Although they may very well be safe and effective, there are some instances when using home whitening kits have caused problems that could not be reversed.

Over-the-counter kits usually include thin whitening strips that are placed over your teeth for a recommended period of time. Although the industry is regulated, sometimes ingredients are included that are too abrasive and destroy the enamel.

Side Effects of Teeth Whitening

When you have your teeth professionally cleaned, there are common issues that sometimes occur, but they’re only temporary. This might include teeth sensitivity right after treatment or slight discomfort in your gums. This usually disappears after a couple of days. However, if the wrong over-the-counter treatment is used, there’s a chance that some of the side effects will be prolonged.

Keeping Your Teeth White

When it comes to keeping your teeth white, there are whitening toothpaste options that can be used daily. Maintenance is important since eating and drinking can cause tarter, which can contribute to teeth discoloration.

In addition to whitening toothpaste, regular preventative maintenance by visiting your dentist for cleanings twice a year is important. Not only can it help keep your teeth white, it can also prevent other oral health issues. Just remember that preventative maintenance also includes brushing and flossing your teeth daily.

We’re always eager to answer any questions that you have.