Get to know more about Teeth Whitening! ADA Tips!!
DentalProfessional
Looking for whiter teeth? Consider these tips from the American Dental
Association.
Difficult discoloration: Yellow teeth bleach better than brownish
colored teeth. Gray-hued teeth may not bleach at all. Bleaching may not
enhance your smile if you have had bonding or tooth-colored fillings
placed in your front teeth. These parts won't whiten, meaning bleaching
could make them stand out more. You may want to investigate other
options, such as porcelain veneers or dental bonding.
In-office bleaching: Dentist-supervised bleaching may require more than
one office visit, each taking 30-60 minutes. The dentist will apply a
protective gel to your gums or a rubber shield to protect those soft
tissues. A bleaching agent is then applied to the teeth, and a special
light may be used to enhance the action of the agent. Ask your dentist
if the bleaching agent has the ADA seal of acceptance, which means that
it is both safe and effective. Lasers have been used to heighten the
action of the bleaching agent, but no lasers currently are on the ADA
list of accepted products.
Home products: Home bleaching kits can be purchased from your dentist
or over the counter. Typically, these products rely on carbamide
peroxide as the bleaching agent, which many dentists also use. Some
products are used twice a day for two weeks. Others are intended for
overnight use for one to two weeks. If you obtain the bleaching
solution from your dentist, a custom-fitted mouth guard can be made for
you.
Side effects: Teeth can become sensitive during the period when
bleaching solution is used. In many cases, the sensitivity is temporary
and should lessen once the treatment is finished. Some people
experience soft tissue irritation, either from the "tray" that the
dentist makes to fit over your teeth, or from the bleaching solution
coming in contact with the tissues. Discuss side effects with your
dentist.
Toothpastes: All toothpastes help remove surface stains by means of
mild abrasives. "Whitening" toothpaste that have ADA approval have
special chemical or polishing agents that provide additional stain
removal effectiveness. Unlike bleaches, these ADA accepted products do
not alter the intrinsic color of teeth.