Teeth Whitening Procedures

Everyone is deserving of a beautiful pearly white smile. However, our teeth have a natural tendency to get discolored due to various reasons including eating certain types of food, smoking, and medications. Simple brushing cannot remove yellowish stain from enamel. As a result, teeth whitening is the most popular form of cosmetic dentistry.

There are several procedures that aim to make discolored teeth brighter. The most common is brushing teeth with whitening toothpaste readily available commercially. People with severe discoloration can undergo cosmetic dental procedures to make teeth whiter. These procedures are recommended by a dentist following a thorough assessment of the patient’s existing medical condition.

Here is a list of teeth whitening procedures widely available today:

At-Home Teeth Whitening

The most popular and affordable procedures to whiten teeth are done at home. There is a wide range of teeth whitening products available over-the-counter for consumers to benefit from. These products can include whitening toothpaste, whitening strips, whitening gum, tooth gel that paint on enamel, and gel mouth trays. The effectiveness of these procedures vary and is often subject to opinion.
At-home teeth whitening procedures are generally safe. Most products only contain mild ingredients. However, people with known dental conditions are advised to seek medical instruction before using over-the-counter whitening products.

In-Office Teeth Whitening with a Dentist

Unlike with over-the-counter products, professional teeth whitening procedures use agents that are stronger than what’s typically found in a whitening toothpaste. Professional teeth whitening is recommended over using commercial products because a dentist would be applying these treatments. In-office whitening is done in a way that protects the gums and the gel that surrounds tooth enamel.
Over-the-counter whitening products have varying degrees of effectiveness. Some products work moderately, while other do nothing at all. In-office teeth whitening, on the other hand, is known to be very effective. It is also quick. A dentist can make teeth brighter by about ten shades in an hour or so. A single visit is usually enough to get the whitening procedure done. The effects of a single procedure can last for years too, given that the patient takes good care of teeth.

Dental Veneers

Sometimes referred to as porcelain veneers or dental porcelain laminates, this is an advanced method to improve the appearance of teeth. Dental veneers can fix many appearance issues of teeth, including discoloration. A porcelain veneer is a foil-thin shell of tooth that is custom made to cover the front section of any tooth. Porcelain veneers are very good at mimicking the natural appearance of teeth under light.
Creating and applying porcelain veneers requires a good degree of technical and medical skill. Therefore, this procedure is only available at select dental care facilities, such as Vibrant Dentistry in Mesa, Arizona. These veneers have to be lab designed and require a dentist with appropriate training to place on teeth.
While teeth whitening procedures and products are widely available, consumers should only seek American Dental Association approved methods for safety reasons. It’s strongly recommended to see a reputable dentist before going ahead with any teeth whitening treatment.