Teeth Whitening Only Works for Natural Teeth

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By Burtonsville Dental Suite

Teeth whitening is one of the most effective ways to improve a smile. It is not uncommon for people to struggle with discolored teeth and staining. Fortunately, if you have this issue too, solutions are available. Be aware, however, that the procedure only works on natural teeth. Your cosmetic dentist can evaluate your needs and determine what method makes the most sense. You can then enjoy having white teeth and a smile you can show off.

Different teeth whitening methods

Every patient has different goals when it comes to whitening teeth. Also, some people have more discolored teeth than other patients. The method of choice will depend on how severely stained the person’s teeth are and how quickly the patient wants to see results. For example, store-bought whitening methods are readily available. These products come in the form of toothpaste, strips, and mouthwashes. They can take several weeks to produce whiter teeth.

Professional whitening procedures from the dentist are more effective and longer-lasting. Patients who have moderately stained teeth can benefit from a home whitening treatment. With this, the individual will wear mouthguard-like trays with whitening gel every night. Or, there is an in-office treatment that requires just one or two visits. This method can produce almost immediate results.

Effective for natural teeth

Teeth whitening is increasingly more popular and common. Many dentist offices offer both in-office treatments and take-home trays. In both cases, the dentist will use a whitening gel to remove yellow, brown, or gray stains from the teeth. Typically, the gel is made of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. The gel will not work on artificial teeth such as crowns, implants, or dentures, however.

In-office process

In-office teeth whitening is a good option for patients who have significant discoloration and staining. The process only takes about an hour less and can whiten a person’s teeth for a year or more. The dentist places the whitening gel in mouthpieces that fit over the patient’s teeth. A laser activates the ingredients, and the gel penetrates deep into the teeth, removing the stains.

Take-home trays

The at-home treatment does not work as quickly. The major reason for this is that there is less hydrogen peroxide in the gel. For in-office teeth whitening, the gel has about 35% hydrogen peroxide. For at-home treatment, the gel contains around 20% hydrogen peroxide. The patient should wear the trays overnight for several weeks, sometimes even up to a couple of months.

Maintaining white teeth

Even after a teeth whitening treatment, the patient still must be diligent about oral hygiene. Daily brushing and flossing will not only promote good health. But, these activities will prevent staining. Also, avoiding tobacco use will keep the teeth white. Consuming small amounts of cola, coffee, tea, and wine will also reduce the risk of the teeth discoloring again. Also, patients should continue visiting the dentist at least every six months.

Whitening your natural teeth is possible

If your natural teeth have ugly stains and discoloration, you can make them whiter. Teeth whitening is an effective process, especially when you let your cosmetic dentist help. These methods will not whiten crowns and implants. But you can transform your smile and improve your appearance with this treatment.

Request an appointment here: https://www.burtonsvilledentalsuite.com or call Burtonsville Dental Suite at (301) 259-5016 for an appointment in our Burtonsville office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Teeth Whitening in Burtonsville, MD.

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