In the past few years, teeth whitening has become increasingly popular in Massachusetts. Everyone wants their smile to be better and whiter, but many people have doubts about how safe teeth-whitening treatments are.
In this article, we will talk about the pros and cons of teeth whitening. A cosmetic dentist in Boston, MA, can provide you with more information, so schedule a consultation today.
Here are some things you should know about teeth whitening.
How does teeth whitening work?
Tooth whitening uses chemicals to get rid of spots on teeth that come from smoking, drinking certain drinks, and growing older. The process will make the teeth lighter without harming them. During whitening treatments, either carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide is used. When triggered, these peroxides break down, letting air into the tooth surface and whitening the teeth.
Options for teeth whitening.
There are many ways to whiten your teeth, from toothpaste with whitening ingredients to sessions supervised by your dentist.
Some whitening products claim to get rid of external stains on your teeth, while others just bleach both internal and external spots to make them look lighter.
Hydrogen peroxide is used in a lot of over-the-counter (OTC) and in-office treatments to break down and lessen spots on your teeth. Another oxidizing agent that is often used is carbamide peroxide.
When these chemicals are in large amounts, they can be harmful to your body. In light of this, it is even more important to follow the directions on teeth-whitening products.
If your teeth become sensitive after using whitening methods at home or the dentist’s office, you should talk to your dentist about it. If a product hurts your teeth or makes your gums red or bleed, you should stop using it and see a doctor.
Teeth whitening is a simple and quick procedure.
You can whiten your teeth in two places: at the dentist’s office or home.
For home whitening, you will need to have custom-made trays made. These are like gum shields, but they are smaller and more comfy to wear. Then, you will be given a home routine to follow. For example, you will need to put a small amount of gel in the tray and wear it for a certain amount of time.
Whitening your teeth at home could take ten days to two weeks, depending on how stained your teeth are and what you want to achieve. It will take longer if you want to go lighter. The time it takes to whiten your teeth in the chair will depend on how stained your teeth are.
If you want to know more about getting your teeth whitened, call your dentist today to set up a time to talk about your choices and payment plans.
