Dark and discoloured teeth can be whitened either in the surgery or at home. There is no drilling or destruction of the tooth structure and it is therefore a widely recommended treatment for unfilled discoloured teeth. Products containing the ingredients silica and cellulose, in particular, should be avoided when gum disease, tooth decay, sensitivity and receding gums are present. While these ingredients can remove tartar and make teeth whiter in appearance, they also may do harm to dental health by altering the acidic balance of the mouth, gums and tongue, said Dr. Warren Scherer, New York University College of Dentistry, as reported by The Naples Daily News.
Products with whitening agents sometimes have side effects. Some people experience tenderness and sensitivity on a whitening regimen. Ill-fitting whitening trays can aggravate your gums and oral tissues. Most of these symptoms fade once you’re done whitening, but if they don’t, call your dentist. Don’t hesitate to contact our practice with any whitening questions or concerns.
Professional bleaching is the most usual method of tooth whitening. Your dental team will be able to tell you if you are suitable for the treatment, and will supervise it if you are. First the dental team will put a rubber shield or a gel on your gums to protect them. They will then apply the whitening product to your teeth, using a specially made tray which fits into your mouth like a mouthguard.
Professional grade whitening gel effectively whitens teeth. Recommended usage detailed in the instructions allows for those with sensitive teeth to use the treatment for less time while still effectively whitening your teeth for beautiful results. Designed to fit around your schedule, you can use this treatment as necessary to whiten your teeth. Unlike other professional treatments, you do not have to use it on consecutive days to see results, many people experience whitening after the first attempt.
Professional home whitening kits to make a professional home whitening kit, your dentist will take an impression (mould) of your teeth using special dental putty. Your dentist’s technician will then use this to cast a model of your teeth from plaster and make your custom teeth whitening trays from this. Once these trays have been made (usually takes 5 days) you use them in combination with professional whitening gel (provided by your dentist) until you are happy with the results. It’s very easy the dentist will show you how to use the gel in the trays. Depending on the teeth whitening system, some trays need to be worn overnight while others for only 1-2 hours a day.
Professional in-office teeth whitening (Est. $500 to $800) produces the fastest results – usually within an hour. But it comes at a price. Not only is the procedure expensive, but it can also be painful. We found several user reviews that complain about severe sensitivity. Some say the dramatic results (up to 10 shades lighter) are worth the discomfort, but others say the pain is extreme and not comparable to the results.
Professional in-office whitening treatments are carried out in the dentist office and can be completed within an hour or so. They are however more expensive than other methods. Professional use-at-home kits are mouthpieces and whitening gels that are provided by dentists, they can be used to whiten the teeth while at home, and can provide some faster results too than similar over-the-counter kit options.