Teeth Whitening Guide: What are the Treatment Options, Procedure, Results?

Yes, teeth whitening treatment is safe and effective, but this depends on the type of treatment you choose.

The need for cosmetic teeth whitening has surged over the last couple of years. But, its popularity has led to various whitening products and treatments. Some of the options are effective and safe, and others leave less desirable results.

What Teeth Whitening Treatments Are Available?

Several teeth whitening options are available, and it is important to visit a dentist near you for information on the most suitable type.

All the teeth whitening products are classified into three categories including, cosmetic, home remedies, and professional teeth whitening.

• Cosmetic teeth whitening

Cosmetic teeth whitening products are affordable and can be accessed from your local drug store. These products come in powders, gels, pens, toothpaste, and mouth rinse. While these products can be easily accessed, some are not as effective. They contain varied levels of the whitening agent and therefore are not as effective in removing stains. Furthermore, some products have a higher whitening agent, which can affect the gums.

• Professional teeth whitening

Professional teeth whitening in Petaluma, CA, is the most recommended type. Although the products used contain a higher amount of the bleaching agent, our dentist in 94954 will take the precaution to protect the gums from bruising.

The in-office teeth whitening is done in about 30 to 45 minutes depending on the severity of the discoloration. The dentist will apply a protective gel on the gums before applying the whitening agent. Next, he will apply the bleaching agent on the teeth and leave it for 15 minutes. Laser light is at times used to break down the whitening product to hasten the process. The dentist will then rinse the teeth, and repeat the process a couple of times.

You can get take-home whitening kits that are designed by the dentist and are customized to fit your teeth. The primary purpose of these kits is to maintain the whitening results.

• Home remedies

The use of home remedies like baking soda as teeth whitening products has been on the rise. However, they are not effective or safe for your teeth and gums. Baking soda may remove mild stains from the teeth, but using it for an extended period can damage the enamel, and make it weaker.

Activated charcoal is also believed to whiten teeth, but its effectiveness as a teeth whitener or safety is in question.

Other remedies that have been used include strawberries, lemon, and banana peels. These fruits are beneficial to your body, but not for whitening your teeth. Furthermore, lemon is acidic and is reported to cause acidity in the mouth and also affect the enamel.

What Can You Expect After Teeth Whitening Process?

Teeth whitening is safe, but you can expect to get teeth sensitivity after the treatment, regardless of the option you choose. The sensitivity is mild and will only last for a while, but you can use tooth-sensitive toothpaste or relievers prescribed by the dentist. It is advisable to avoid eating cold and hot foods immediately after the treatment as the sensitivity is a bit severe.

How Can You Maintain the Whitening Results?

The whitening results are not permanent and last for about six months based on your habits. You can maintain the results for longer by having proper habits like:

• Avoid or limit the consumption of foods and drinks that can stain your teeth like wine, soy, coffee, or tea. If you take these beverages, brush your teeth immediately after to prevent the teeth from absorbing the contents.
• Get professional teeth cleaning once or twice a year to remove the plaque buildup (caused the teeth to appear yellow).

Final Thoughts

Teeth whitening is safe, but if you choose professional teeth whitening. However, you need to be eligible for the treatment for our dentist to perform the treatment. Whitening treatment is not recommended for people with thin and worn-out enamel or active gum infection.

Visit Petaluma Dental Group for an assessment and more information about teeth whitening and how it is done.