Teeth whitening is the process of eliminating stains and discolorations from teeth, making them more radiant in the process. As part of a regular preventative dental checkup, tooth whitening should be included to help slow down tooth decay and make your smile brighter.
Remove Stains on Teeth
Stains and discoloration on teeth can be caused by many factors, including age, diet, and some medications. Smoking also has an impact on teeth as do genetics and certain antibiotics you may have taken when younger.
Some teeth appear yellow due to an underlying issue like enamel growth problems or an undeveloped root canal. These cases may be treated with a root canal procedure or filling.
Some teeth can only be whitened through professional bleaching treatments administered by a dentist at their office. These typically take just one appointment and require only one visit to the dentist’s office.
Most whitening treatments use a bleaching agent like carbamide peroxide that is applied directly onto your teeth through either a tray or gel application. Depending on the type of whitening product and individual staining issues, this process typically takes 30 to 45 minutes.
Your dentist can activate the whitening agent with light, producing impressive results in just a few visits. They’ll also teach you how to protect your teeth after whitening so they remain bright and white for years to come.
Home Based Teeth Whitening
Home-based whitening systems such as strips and trays are also available, including products containing carbamide peroxide that is applied to teeth for 30 to 45 minutes. While these can be an economical way to brighten up your smile quickly, in-office whitening works more effectively and quickly.
Baking soda is an easy yet effective at-home whitening method that’s safe to use, according to Janine Bauserman, DDS and associate professor at the University of Illinois in Chicago. According to Bauserman, baking soda acts as a mild abrasive that can gently buff away surface stains while also cleaning inside your mouth where gums reside – helping you achieve brighter teeth!
However, those with sensitive teeth should avoid this treatment. Preparing your mouth with sensitive toothpaste a few weeks prior to the whitening treatment can help minimize any potential sensitivity, according to Bauserman.
Tooth whitening kits come in a range of prices that can be purchased from either your local drug store or online. Prices for these can range anywhere from $10 to over $100 depending on what kit you select and its whitening power.
If you’re on a tight budget, Crest’s 3D White Whitestrips with Light are an affordable and effective whitening kit that delivers long-lasting results. Plus, each kit comes with its own customized mouthpiece to meet your individual needs.
However, if you want the best results for whitening your teeth its best to go to a dentist like Studio B Smiles for professional teeth whitening and get it done right the first time.
If you need teeth whitening in Scottsdale or Phoenix AZ contact Studio B Smiles to schedule an appointment.
