Teeth whitening is a popular procedure today as many individuals strive for a bright white smile. Cosmetic dentistry has provided many different whitening options and alternatives that appeal to a variety of individuals.
Over time our naturally white teeth get stained from exposure to coffee,
tea, wine and other food and drinks that turn teeth an unnatural yellow. Cosmetic dentistry has worked to provide a way to rid your teeth of stains and whiten them to their original bright hue. And if you're not a candidate for teeth whitening, there's other options you may consider.
Teeth Whitening with Your Local Dentist
Many teeth whitening products are available at your local drug store; a dentist-prescribed program is by far the most effective way to go. Your dentist can also monitor your progress so you don't damage your teeth or cause problems with your gums.
The first step in the whitening process is a custom tray that will be designed by your dentist. This type of tray is much more comfortable than the bite mouthpieces or other moldable trays available with the drug store whitening products.
Next, your dentist will provide you with some whitening gel to be dispensed into your custom tray and worn for a few hours each day or overnight for a limited amount of time. Usually the gel is a 10-22% concentration of carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide.
Over-the-Counter Teeth Whitening Options
Some individuals may choose to take the cosmetic dentistry of teeth whitening into their own hands by buying a product produced by many toothpaste companies. These options include whitening trays, strips or paint on applicators with a significantly lower concentration of bleach.
Many toothpaste companies are also designing toothpaste options that claim to whiten your teeth over time. With consistent daily use, these options may improve your teeth slightly.
Teeth Whitening Alternatives: Porcelain Veneers or Bonding
Traditional whitening products in cosmetic dentistry don't usually work for people who have tooth-colored fillings, crowns, caps or bonding in the front teeth. These often stain with teeth, but unfortunately remain stained even when bleach is used.
If you're looking for the perfect smile, a veneer can be used to cover both the tooth and the filling. Veneers are durable and don't easily stain.
Porcelain veneers require two visits to the dentist since they must be molded to fit your teeth, then attached. Each veneer costs from $900 to $2,500 per tooth and lasts for 10-15 years. Composite veneers are considerable less, costing about $250 per tooth. These veneers require one dental visit since they are literally painted on your tooth, and they last only five to seven years.
When a tooth chips or cracks a tooth-colored bonding can be applied which matches the current tooth. The results of this cosmetic dentistry repair are very successful. The tooth looks as though it were never damaged! Bonding can be used for fillings also, but it costs considerably more than the usual silver fillings.
If your smile has discolored to a dull yellow instead of a bright white, talk to your dentist about teeth whitening options available through his office. He can help you determine which option is best for you, which one will give you that new brighter smile!
