Porcelain veneers, crowns and bridges are also used to brighten a smile. Veneers are an option for teeth that are severely discolored. Crowns or bridges are an option when the teeth are too thin to support the veneer.
In-office whitening procedures can take anywhere from 60 to 90 minutes.
- Before starting, the dentist records the current shade of your teeth and then polishes them with a pumice stone to remove surface plaque.
- Gauze is used to keep your teeth dry, and the cheeks, lips, and tongue can be retracted to keep them away from the whitening solution. Gums are protected with a gum barrier.
- The teeth are coated with a safe whitening solution consisting of either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. A curing light or laser may also be used.
- The solution remains for 30 to 60 minutes and is then washed off once the desired shade is achieved.
“Unless your dentist sends you home with professional whitening trays,” says Nipomo dentist“additional visits may be scheduled until the desired shade is achieved.”
Most patients are satisfied with one treatment. If the teeth are deeply stained from smoking or certain prescription medications, more than one treatment may be needed.
Professional at-home kits are available from the dentist, and many patients choose this option for additional whitening treatments.
Teeth whitening procedures are safe for children, but first, consult your dentist. There are many reasons why children’s teeth appear discolored. Sometimes the discoloration is natural, as new permanent teeth are a different shade than baby teeth. Diet can also affect the brightness of children’s teeth just as it does in adults.
The dentist may recommend home remedies instead of professional whitening, such as brushing with baking soda or eating more fruits and vegetables.
There are various OTC treatments available such as:
- Brushing with whitening toothpaste.
- Bleaching strips.
- Bleaching pen.
- Whitening foam.
- Whitening kit.
OTC treatments may provide satisfactory results for people with minor discoloration, but whitening formulas are not as strong and this means that some people may not get the desired results.
Although whitening solutions in strips, pens, foams and kits are milder than what the dentist uses, there is the potential for mouth irritation from overuse if directions are not followed. The inside of the mouth, gums, tongue and inner cheeks are sensitive and can easily become irritated, which can lead to infection or other problems.
Whitening toothpaste is designed for frequent use, but it’s still important to follow the directions on the package.
“The best person to answer your questions about OTC treatments is your dentist,” says Dr Nipomo dentist“He’s your dentist.
Everyone deserves a confident, attractive, healthy and whiter smile. Trust the professionals at Nipomo Family Dentistry to take care of all your dental care needs. A full dental office, Dr. Douglas Ng and his staff takes care of everything from routine cleanings, exams, fillings and other dental care to advanced care.
Everyone, from children to the elderly, receives the best care and modern procedures based on the research of state-of-the-art dental science.
Nipomo Family Dentistry
195 N Thompson Ave Suite #3
Nipomo, CA 93444
(805) 929-1888
Media contact
Scott BrennanAccess Publishing, (805) 226-9890, [email protected]
SOURCE Nipomo Family Dentistry
