The Teeth Whitening Process
No matter which type of whitening process is chosen, the teeth whitening process can be a fast and painless way to enhance the look and feel of anyone's smile. Over time, teeth develop stains and their color is dulled by coffee, tea, wine, and tobacco usage. Some foods also leave unsightly stains that can become permanent. Some people experience yellowing of their teeth from the natural aging process. Tooth whitening can restore teeth to their original brightness, which is good for a patient's health and confidence.
Over-the-Counter Options
The teeth whitening process that is available over-the-counter takes several different forms. There are tooth whitening gels, strips, bleaches, and toothpastes. Each of these different options has its benefits and drawbacks depending on your lifestyle and the amount of time that can be devoted to tooth whitening. Most over-the-counter whiteners work very gradually, which means that the results may not be noticeable for several weeks. Some of the more powerful over-the-counter whiteners can actually harm tooth enamel and the gums, which can lead to degeneration instead of cosmetic improvement. If the teeth are severely stained an over-the-counter solution may not be effective at all.
What to Expect at the Dentist's Office
One of the fastest and easiest forms of cosmetic dentistry is tooth whitening. The teeth whitening process in the dentist's office is extremely effective. Patients can expect to see the brightness of their teeth improve by up to 8 levels after a treatment that lasts only a few hours. The most common whitening method in the dentist's office involves a bleaching gel. The teeth are completely coated with the gel, then exposed to a light that activates the bleach. The length of exposure to the light depends on the amount of whitening that is desired.
Professional Teeth Whitening at Home
Some patients are interested in a more gradual form of the teeth whitening process. Many cosmetic dentists can provide patients with customized bleaching trays and a powerful bleach that they can use at home for a few weeks to brighten their teeth more slowly. The brightness levels will increase much faster than with an over-the-counter whitener, but there will be less chance of a shocking tooth color change that would be noticed immediately by friends and family. The home bleaching trays are created from molds of the patient's teeth, which means they will expose every surface of the teeth evenly.