Considerations to Help You Choose the Best Teeth Whitening Option

12 February 2020
 Categories: Dentist, Blog

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There are multiple methods available to whiten the teeth, such as chemical bleaching and dental veneers. Several factors should be considered as you select the teeth-whitening option that will be used. Here are a few considerations to help you choose the best whitening method for your needs.

Is Your Dental Staining Temporary or Permanent?

Stains that accumulate on the teeth from foods and drinks are considered temporary. As the pigments from these items build-up, the teeth take on a yellow or a darkened appearance. However, since the colorants are simply trapped in the pores of the tooth enamel, they can be chemically bleached away.

Teeth whitening products use peroxide-based chemicals to clean the accumulated pigments from the enamel. As the colorants are removed, the teeth appear whiter. Nevertheless, teeth-whitening chemicals are not effective for whitening permanent staining. Instead, permanent discoloration must be concealed using a cosmetic dental application, such as veneers or crowns.

How Sensitive Are Your Teeth?

Chemical whiteners can cause dental sensitivity if not used precisely according to the manufacturer's instructions. Although over-the-counter teeth-whitening kits are popular, they may cause damage to the dental nerves over time if they are misused.

Some consumers mistakenly believe that leaving the whitening product on the teeth for a longer period or using it more often will result in whiter teeth without any ramifications. However, the chemicals in the whitening product, when left on the teeth too long or too often, inflame the dental nerves. If the inflammation is minor, it may resolve on its own. However, if it is chronic, other dental applications, such as root canal therapy, may be required to relieve the discomfort.

If you already suffer dental sensitivity or have in the past, it may be best to consider veneers to whiten your teeth. The thin shells of resin or porcelain, which are shaped like natural teeth, are applied to the front dental surfaces. Since the veneers are white, the underlying discoloration is concealed and the smile will appear whiter.

Do You Mind Your Teeth Being Permanently Altered?

Although repeated sessions of chemical whitening may be required to maintain your bright smile, you may consider getting dental veneers as well. Dental veneers often require the removal of a bit of teeth material before the devices are placed on the teeth. Since the removal of the enamel cannot be reversed, the teeth are permanently altered. Nevertheless, the application of veneers not only whitens the teeth, but it also strengthens and fortifies them.

If you are interested in having your teeth whitened, schedule a consultation with services like Accent On Dentistry - Rowena R Martir DMD.