Is Teeth Whitening Safe and Right for You?

A beautiful smile is the most effective introduction when you want to create a lasting impression. There is no doubt about the fact that a beautiful, bright set of teeth are the most essential part of a smile. Hence, you are not alone in your search for teeth whitening near you! With the rising demand for teeth whitening procedures, there are several methods available to choose from which can be performed at-home or in-office by a dentist near you.

What causes teeth to discolour?

Before we dig into details over whether teeth whitening is right for you, let us understand what causes our teeth to discolour.

• Heavy consumption of tea or coffee can stain teeth making them dull or yellowish.
• Dark coloured foods and drinks like red wine or berries leave a dark stain on teeth.
• The use of tobacco or cigarettes causes teeth to yellow.
• Poor oral hygiene can make teeth look dull due to deposits of food debris.
• Some dental injuries can cause a tooth to darken.

Whatever the reason for the discoloration of your teeth, a dentist in Longmont can suggest the method best suited to your specific needs.

Is it safe to whiten teeth?

The most common and convenient methods of teeth whitening are the toothpastes and at-home kits available on the market which are quite safe to use. The hydrogen peroxide concentration of these products is substantially lower than that found in the professional teeth whitening products used by a dentist. As such, whitening toothpastes, whitening pens and strips with LED light, and dental whitening trays are all safe to use with moderate results.

However, if you are looking for more dramatic results in the form of teeth that are several shades lighter, it is better to consult with a dentist and opt for in-office whitening treatment under the expert supervision of a professional. With the higher whitening strength of the products used by a dentist, the results will be much better while also being safe.

Which method is best for you?

At-home whitening kits

This method works best under these conditions:

• When you want your teeth to become lighter by a few shades only.
• When you do not have any tooth decay or gum infections.
• When you have never undergone any restorative treatment and hence do not have a crown or an implant.
• If you prefer performing the treatment by yourself.

When you meet all these conditions, you can go ahead and buy any teeth whitening product you like and start the process by following the instruction that comes with the product. However, since these products differ in ingredients and methods of use, it is still recommended that you consult with a dentist to select the one that will work best for you. Your dentist can even provide you with a customized at-home dental whitening kit that will be better than those on the market.

In-office procedures

This method of teeth whitening is most suited under the following circumstances:

• If you want a greater whitening effect to the extent of 10 or more shades lighter than the existing colour of your teeth.
• If you have any crowns or implants that can cause an irregular whitening effect.
• If you prefer the convenience of having a professional perform the procedure for you.
• If you have any other dental concerns that need to be taken into account before the use of whitening products.

Whichever method of teeth whitening you decide to opt for, you still have to remember that it involves the use of strong bleach on your teeth and as such it is not recommended for pregnant or nursing women. Also, it is important to let your dentist providing treatment for teeth whitening in Longmont know about any teeth sensitivity that you might have or any other underlying health conditions before you start the treatment.