Questions About Teeth Whitening
With the variety of teeth whitening products on the market today, it is easy to become confused about which system will produce the results you desire. At River Bluff Dental, we want you to be fully informed about how professional teeth whitening works and how it differs from over-the-counter methods.
Why is it better to get professional teeth whitening systems than over-the-counter ones?
Patients will almost always see better results with professional teeth whitening systems. When a qualified, experienced dentist is monitoring the process, you are less likely to harm your teeth. Incorrect usage of over-the-counter whitening products can:
- Damage the tooth enamel
- Irritate the gums
- Lead to tooth sensitivity
- Create an irregular whitening pattern on the teeth
Dentists also provide professional cleanings prior to the application of the teeth whitening gel to remove plaque. This creates a clean surface on which the whitening agent can work its magic.
How long does teeth whitening last?
Teeth whitening is not a permanent solution to tooth discoloration. Most patients will require periodic whitening touch-ups to erase the effects of smoking, eating/drinking staining substances or age. This can be once a year or longer depending on several factors, and your own needs.
Can teeth whitening help teeth stained due to medications?
In some cases it is possible to whiten teeth that have been stained as a result of medications. However, in cases where patients have dark tetracycline medication stains, whitening gels are usually not very effective. One alternative to tooth whitening in these cases is dental veneers.
Does teeth whitening work on all teeth?
Teeth whitening is only effective on natural tooth enamel. Teeth that have been restored by dental veneers, fillings or dental crowns will not be affected by tooth whitening bleach. This is another reason why involving a cosmetic dentist in your whitening decision can help to eliminate disappointing results.
If you have additional questions about teeth whitening, please contact Minneapolis, Minnesota cosmetic dentist Dr. Walter Palmer at River Bluff Dental today to arrange a consultation.
