Teeth whitening is a common and effective way to brighten your smile. Staining agents in foods and drinks, as well as certain medications, can discolor the hard, white outer shell of your teeth (enamel). Fortunately, most stains are easy to lighten with a bleaching agent. Several types of products are available, from over-the-counter bleaches to more intensive in-office treatments. Typically, professional whitening offers faster, more dramatic results than over-the-counter products.
Having beautiful, white teeth makes you look healthier and more attractive. This can boost your self-esteem and help you feel more confident in social and professional settings. Additionally, a brighter smile can also signal that you take good care of your oral health and hygiene.
But there are some things you should know about teeth whitening before you decide to undergo the treatment.
Teeth whitening works by applying a specialized, chemically active bleaching compound to the surface of your teeth. Most whitening products use hydrogen peroxide to break apart stains. However, a recent study suggests that hydrogen peroxide may actually damage proteins in your teeth’s dentin layer – the tough, yellowish interior portion of your tooth. Therefore, it is important to discuss the safety of your omaha teeth whitening treatment with your dentist before starting it.
When performed correctly by a qualified dental professional, teeth whitening is generally safe for most people. Some side effects are mild and temporary, such as sensitivity or irritated gums.
Other side effects are more severe and long-lasting, such as tooth erosion or receding gums. Teeth whitening is not recommended for pregnant women or children. Additionally, whitening will not lighten crowns or fillings and may make stains on these surfaces more noticeable.
The re-staining of your teeth after whitening is inevitable. This occurs because your teeth are re-exposed to chromogens, which is why it is best to maintain your new smile through a regimen of regular brushing and flossing, limiting the amount of staining food and beverages, and using a whitening toothpaste twice a day to prevent yellowing.
Your teeth will start to lose their brightness if you routinely expose them to staining foods and beverages, and this happens within a month after the initial whitening process. It is also a good idea to visit your dentist for regular dental exams and cleanings, which can catch and treat stains before they get worse.
In general, the best candidates for teeth whitening are healthy adults with natural teeth that have not been restored with fillings or crowns. Unfortunately, teeth discoloration caused by injury or illness is not usually responsive to whitening. In addition, some teeth with enamel erosion or other dental problems might not respond to whitening, and these problems should be corrected before proceeding. Teeth whitening is not recommended for smokers, and it should be avoided by anyone with gum or mouth disease or worn tooth enamel. It is also not recommended for aging adults, since tooth color naturally fades with age.