Are you self-conscious about your pearly whites? Teeth whitening will help you look your best by brightening your smile and making your teeth white again. A simple, non-invasive form of cosmetic dentistry, teeth whitening is becoming evermore popular. The brightening process used for teeth whitening is a two-fold one as it eliminates discolouration and stains, as well as brightens the natural pigmentation of teeth.
While everyone who undergoes treatment will see some kind of positive visible improvement, the degree of improvement is dependent upon the severity of the stains and their root cause. For instance, yellow or brown stains resulting from tobacco and caffeine consumption may visibly lighten between four to five shades, whereas grey stains that are hereditary or result from antibiotic use, may only become two shades lighter. There is a range of professional and over the counter methods of treatment available; consult with dental professional to determine the most effective one for you.
Be confident that your smile leaves a positive first impression by trying one of the most effective teeth whitening treatments available today: in-office laser or power treatments with custom-fit trays. In-office treatments involve isolating the lips and gums with a special material so that a bleaching gel can be applied to the stains. A laser light then accelerates the bleaching process. The entire process can last from as little as forty-five minutes, but generally takes between one and two hours.
The main side effect is sensitivity to hot and cold food, drinks and even air. Bleaching trays can often irritate the gums, as gel is in close contact with the sensitive area for an extended period of time. For this reason, it is most advisable to opt for an in-office treatment, particularly if you already have sensitivity issues.
If you would prefer to treat yourself in the comfort of your own home, it is advisable that you do so under the guidance of your dentist. Your dentist can even take imprints of your mouth, and create custom-fit-trays that you can take home to continue the process on your own. Maximum results will be achieved from anywhere between one and three weeks. Alternatively, you may wish to purchase a bleaching kit, or one of the slew of over the counter products available, including specialty toothpastes, paint-on methods, and bleaching strips.
To maintain your new smile, avoid wine, tobacco, and foods such as curry that easily cause stains, within the first week of treatment. Regular brushing and flossing are also advised. Your treatment should last between one and three years, and possibly longer if the irritants listed above are avoided.
