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Teeth whitening treatments aim to lighten the shade of your teeth and brighten your smile. There are a range of safe teeth whitening methods available that remove or bleach external stains on teeth to make them several shades lighter.
Teeth can become stained, darker, or discolored over time, particularly from smoking and contact with certain foods and drinks such as berries, tomato sauces, coffee, tea, wine, cola, and fruit juices. Dental stains can vary from a mild yellowing to dark brown patches on the teeth and are more common on hard-to-reach areas on the sides of the teeth and along the gum line.Over time, stains can become permanent, especially if a person has poor dental hygiene, which causes plaque and tartar build-up, leading to further discoloration. Other causes of dental discoloration can include genetics, medications, the aging process, and some medical conditions, such as metabolic diseases or calcium deficiency.
How Teeth Whitening Methods Can Help
There are a variety of teeth whitening methods that can be done professionally at your dentist’s office or at home using professional or over-the-counter products.They aim to reduce or eliminate dental staining and can vary significantly in their effectiveness. Some methods last longer than others, but teeth whitening is not permanent and may require reapplication or touch-ups in the future.
- Over-The-Counter Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening can be done at home with over-the-counter products, such as whitening toothpastes,mouthwashes, chewing gum, gel whiteners, whitening strips, and tray whitening systems. They are often the least expensive option but may produce more gradual and less dramatic results than professional teeth whitening products.
With repeated use, whitening toothpastes and mouth washes work to gradually remove stains on the surface of your teeth and using them daily can help to prevent new stains appearing.
Whitening strips and gel whiteners contain a peroxide solution that bleaches stains. Gel whiteners are usually applied to the teeth using a brush, whilst whitening strips are applied directly to the teeth for short periods during the day. These products can create a more noticeable change than whitening toothpastes but are generally not as effective as professional products. Pre-molded and moldable mouth trays are also available from drug stores and grocery stores, which work by holding whitening gels against your teeth.
You should always seek advice from your dentist before using any over-the-counter anti-staining products,as they may not be suitable for everyone and could damage tooth enamel if used incorrectly.
- Professional Teeth Cleaning
Having regular dental check-ups and teeth cleanings at your dentist will help to keep teeth and gums healthy. Your dentist will evaluate the health of your teeth and gums and recommend treatment for any oral issues, such as tooth or root decay or gum disease. Your dentist or a dental hygienist will also clean and polish your teeth to help improve their appearance and prevent periodontal disease. Special instruments are used to carefully remove tartar, plaque, and stains from your teeth. Teeth are then flossed and polished. At your check-up, your provider may also give you a fluoride treatment.
Your dentist will make recommendations for your at-home oral health care and treatment plan, such as a particular type of toothbrush or cleaning product. Your dentist will also let you know how often you should have your teeth professionally cleaned and examined, which is typically recommended twice per year.
- Customized Whitening Trays
Customized whitening trays are available from your dentist and are designed to mold perfectly to your teeth. They are more effective at holding the whitening gel in place against your teeth than over-the-counter products and work better to protect your gums from irritation. They are to be worn for a specified amount of time each day or at night. Your dentist will direct you in how to use your customized trays to ensure you get the best results. Professional whitening gel contains carbamide peroxide, a more highly concentrated substance than over-the-counter products to offer better results in less time.
- Zoom Teeth Whitening
Professional teeth whitening methods, such as Zoom teeth whitening, are performed by a dentist and produce the fastest and most dramatic results. Some professional teeth cleaning methods can be completed in as little as an hour, while other methods may require a series of short office visits. Professional teeth whitening methods can make your teeth up to 10 shades whiter.
Zoom teeth whitening is a painless, non-invasive, highly effective treatment that offers fast and immediately noticeable results. The whitening treatment begins with a dental exam to make sure teeth and gums are healthy enough for whitening. Next, the dentist will place a protective covering over the lips and gums, then a specially formulated whitening gel containing hydrogen peroxide is applied to the teeth. A professional whitening lamp or laser is then focused on the teeth to activate the hydrogen peroxide.The light helps the hydrogen peroxide penetrate the teeth to break up stains and discoloration. After treatment, your dentist will discuss ways to improve your oral hygiene to ensure the treatment results last. Occasional cosmetic touch-ups may be necessary in due course.
Although professional teeth whitening is not permanent, with proper care, teeth can continue to remain lighter thanbefore.Zoom whitening’s specialized gel is formulated to penetrate deeper than other professional whitening solutions to ensure the teeth remain whiter long after the initial treatment. Treatment is designed to make teeth lighter after just one visit, compared with other whitening treatments that may require several treatments.
Dental Teeth Whitening in Eugene, Oregon
If you would like to find out more about which teeth whitening methods would be best for you, visit Dr. Binder at 360 Dental today. Our family-friendly dental practice provides a comprehensive range of general and restorative dental services, along with professional teeth whitening to help transform your smile and self-confidence.
To learn more, call us at (541) 689-1645. Alternatively, you can request an appointment online. Our office is conveniently located in Eugene, Oregon.
