Everyone desires to have a bright, white smile! Many believe that a nice smile is important to personal as well as professional success. And when surveyed, the number one improvement requested is to have a whiter, brighter smile. Teeth whitening to improve one’s appearance is readily available today, but you may be wondering… Is it safe for my teeth?
The Teeth Whitening Process
All teeth whitening methods contain a peroxide-based whitening chemical, either carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide. Professional dental whitening treatments contain a higher percentage of these compounds than over-the-counter products, because your dentist has the tools that can protect your gum and mouth soft tissues from damage due to the peroxides.
Typically, your dentist will offer you a custom-fitted tray containing hydrogen peroxide of 15% to 43%, while home products will only contain 10% to 22% carbamide peroxide. It is NEVER advised to use hydrogen peroxide alone, directly on your teeth.
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Teeth Whitening Products
The number and types of teeth whitening products available range from simple rinses to one-size-fits-all trays made for personal use, containing the tooth whitening gel. A popular type of teeth whitening product today are individual strips that contain carbamide peroxide that are applied to the teeth for up to one hour at a time.
Related Post: Why Professional Teeth Whitening Beats Store Bought Strips
What is Happening When I Whiten My Teeth?
When a whitening product is applied to teeth, the stains and discoloration are lifted and the teeth become whiter. The dentist’s office procedure produces this effect more quickly but is more expensive for the consumer. Several applications of an over-the-counter twhitening product can produce similar results at a more reasonable cost.
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Who Can Successfully Whiten Their Teeth?
The short answer – not everyone. Teeth that are naturally turning yellow with age or from drinking coffee or cola will have the most success with teeth whitening.
Whitening your teeth is not recommended for those under the age of 16 or for pregnant or lactating women. It is also not recommended for those who have teeth sensitivity issues, gum disease, defective tooth repairs, allergies to peroxide, worn enamel, or other serious tooth issues. Brownish colored teeth respond less well to bleaching, and grayish teeth resulting from the antibiotic tetracycline may not respond to teeth whitening at all.
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Teeth Whitening at Parkcrest Dental Group
Parkcrest Dental Group is Springfield, Missouri’s most comprehensive family dental office, offering a wide range of professional dental services, including general dentistry, pediatric dentistry, orthodontics, dental implants, and cosmetic dentistry procedures.
If you have questions regarding your dental health, teeth whitening, or simply looking for a new dentist in the Springfield, MO area, contact Parkcrest Dental Group at 417-877-1220 to set up your appointment today!
