“A smile is your greatest social asset” – Zig Ziglar
The radiance of your smile depends on the shape and color of your teeth. Over 100 million Americans have indulged in some form of teeth whitening in pursuit of improving their smile. If you have thought about teeth whitening, here are some matters to consider:
- What impacts teeth color?
- Can teeth discoloration be treated?
- Where can I find a tooth whitening solution?
- How long will any teeth brightening remedy last?
- How long will any procedure take?
- Are there risks associated with such treatment?
- How much will any solution cost?
Teeth Stains
Teeth stains are classified as “intrinsic” or “extrinsic.”
Intrinsic stains are inside or below the surface of your enamel and mostly occur naturally. These stains can be:
- congenital or genetic predisposition that becomes more pronounced over time
- result from high antibiotic use
- manifest after excess fluoride exposure
- can be a sign of enamel thinning with age
Extrinsic stains are on the surface of your tooth – the enamel and mostly stem from external events. Typically, the causes of these stains include what you eat or drink, such as:
- coffee, teas, berries, red wine, and carbonated drinks
- smoking
- artificial food coloring
- antibiotic use
Discoloration Treatments
The basic remedies are to either:
- brighten the color of the tooth
- scrub away the stain on the tooth
Think about the difference between a cleanser and a bleach. Some brightening products aim to remove surface stains on your teeth; others attempt to brighten the tooth or stains so that they appear lighter.
Solution Providers and Products
You can have an in-office procedure with your dentist, or you could purchase an over the counter (OTC) product for in-home use.
The variety of products widely used include:
- fluoride
- baking soda
- bleach
- ultraviolet light therapy
- oxidizing agents such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide
The delivery mechanisms include
- adhering strips (or film) to teeth
- gel, (tooth)paste, or mouthwash
- chewing gum
- brushing
- rinsing
- wearing a tray (think mouth guard)
How Long Will It Take & How Long Will It Last
It depends.
There are so many variables such as provider, product, initial conditions, and patient behavior. A simple answer would be incomplete or unhelpful.
The American Dental Association (ADA) approves a variety of in-office or at-home options. Here is one typical example of each:
In Office
An in-office visit should last about an hour. We use a light activated procedure that could lighten your teeth one to three shades. We perform up to three rounds. These sessions are not covered by insurance as this is considered a cosmetic elective.
At-Home
A 10% carbamide gel on plastic strips is applied to your teeth twice daily. Tooth lightening of 1 shade or more could be achieved at the end of 2 weeks.
When performed as directed, studies show that each method can produce results. Consumers can weigh the pros and cons comparing time, effort, and cost. Also, scheduling flexibility or discipline must be realistically assessed.
Longevity
Studies have whitening impacts lasting about a year, provided patients avoid exposure to staining food and follow routine dental hygiene.
What are the risks?
The more concentrated the solution applied to your teeth for a longer period, the whiter your teeth become. But the exposure to increased peroxide strength risks enamel dehydration. This can lead to erosion and increased tooth sensitivity.
How much does teeth whitening cost?
Certain OTC solutions retail for less than $100 but will require meticulous application over extended periods. Additionally, continued exposure to staining foods or gaps in routine dental hygiene can quickly erase any gains.
An in-office or a series of in-office visits can be anywhere from $500 to a few thousand dollars. Your dentist ought to be able to share before and after pictures from other patients. Results should be quick, apparent, and more effective with fewer risks from a competent dentist. Teeth Whitening Summary
The ADA cautions against the improper use of OTC products that are too abrasive which can damage the teeth with extended use. But there are many in-home products that are safe, economical, and effective. Consumers ought to know if they are sufficiently disciplined to stick to a routine. However, OTC products may not provide the dramatic improvement that a professional treatment offers.
In-office dental treatments are faster and more effective than in-home products. By comparison, they are also more expensive.
It is possible to begin with in-office treatment and combine periodic in-home follow-ups using OTC products. Many customers appreciate the initial guidance and rapid improvement coupled with the systemic maintenance.
Bleaching agents exist in both in-office and at-home products. At-home systems contain 3% to 20% peroxide (carbamide or hydrogen) concentrations. In-office systems range from 15% to 43% peroxide.
Depending on how well instructions are followed and your individual constitution, there is a risk of gum irritation, tooth sensitivity, demineralization, or enamel damage.
In-office applications deploy more potent products which underscores the reason to get an experienced dentist. Enamel is your teeth’s exterior. It does not regenerate if damaged as it is not made of living cells. Teeth whitening is safe, but it is not without risk.
Teeth whitening is meant for natural teeth only. It will not work and could damage implants or veneers. Brightening your smile applies to yellowing teeth. If your teeth are graying, suffer from fractures, have wide gaps, or are too small, you will have to consider other solutions.
If you have additional questions about teeth whitening in Westchester County, call us at 914-941-1639. Or meet with us at our office located at 540 North State Road in Briarcliff Manor, NY, 10510.
