Should I get my teeth whitened?

We deal with the whiteness of our teeth on a daily basis, as our toothpastes can contain granules that are meant to whiten your teeth. There are several at home, and dental clinic based ways to brighten your smile as well. It is important to know that not everyone is eligible for every type of treatment. Some facts need to be taken into account. Read on to find out which method is right for you!

Tooth types

Perfect teeth

If you have no irregularities and go to your six month check-ups, and your dentist agrees that your teeth are indeed the picture of health, and you do not bleed and are not sensitive, then you can have any treatment you so desire. Even the roughest chemicals will be easy to handle, but do not overdo it, or your teeth will be ruined.

Sensitive teeth

Our teeth can become sensitive for a number of reasons: you may have damaged your enamel, your gums may have receded, or it may have a cavity, or a pre-cavity. You should see your dentist about that tooth in particular before getting any whitening treatment can commence, as the treatment can make an already bad situation so much worse. Clinical tooth whitening causes several days of tooth sensitivity to being with, and at home treatments can hurt the enamel and the gums, especially if you do not follow the instructions verbatim.

Filled and false teeth

If you have some fillings or a crown and is visible when you smile, then you should check out if tooth whitening is right for you. Some filling materials may not react to the whitening procedure, leaving them the same colour while the rest of the tooth gets two shades brighter, drawing attention to them. Porcelain crowns and composite fillings do not brighten, and for these you need to use whitening toothpaste, mouthwash, or help at the clinic, as these can only be brightened by professionals.

Root canaled teeth

Root canaled teeth tend to first turn yellow, and then turn greyish, and this can be a major problem if the tooth is in your smile zone (teeth visible when you smile). These can be whitened, but only in a clinic, so get an appointment with your dentist.

Pregnancy

Experts say that you should not use whitening procedures during pregnancy.

Whitening procedures

Whitening toothpastes

There is a wide variety of toothpastes available that contain granules and little bits that help scrape tartar and plaque off of tooth surfaces, these toothpastes can also clean out the micro fissures in your tooth enamel, removing potentially harmful bacteria from a sensitive area. Some of these toothpastes contain some chemicals that whiten as well, so the results can be seen fairly early on.

Whitening mouthwash

Certain mouthwashes were created with the explicitly so that they can whiten teeth. This can deliver stunning results, but only if you use them regularly.

At home tooth whitening kits

During this procedure a mouth guard like contraption will be filled with chemicals, and then placed on your teeth. This has to be used repeatedly, until the teeth have brightened a few shades. At home whitening kits are sold in many places, but perhaps it is best to ask your dentist to ask for a mouth guard as this will fit better, and cover your teeth entirely. One size fits all mouth guards can cover parts of your gums, which can be harmed by the chemicals. A dentist can also help you in picking out a whitening gel that is the right concentration, so that it does not harm you but is effective.

Tooth whitening strips

These are strips that stock to your tooth surfaces, and contain chemicals that eat away stains and tartar. The results are only seen after several weeks, but they are very noticeable and very long lasting.

Chair side whitening

This procedure involves chemicals that are put on your teeth and then a light is shown on to the teeth with a special lamp. This is the most effective and safest way to whiten teeth, and is the longest lasting solution as well. If possible, this is the best solution.

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