TEETH WHITENING AND BLEACHING

Want a brighter smile? When it comes to tooth-whitening, you’ve got two options: in-office-based teeth bleaching, or at-home care.

Both teeth-whitening options use peroxide-based bleaching agents. At-home systems contain from 3% to 20% peroxide (carbamide or hydrogen peroxides). In-office systems contain from 15% to 43% peroxide.

Generally, the longer you keep a stronger solution on your teeth, the whiter your teeth become. However, the higher the percentage of peroxide in the whitening solution, the shorter it should be applied to the teeth. Keeping the gel on longer will dehydrate the tooth and increase tooth sensitivity.

There are pros and cons to each option, but before you try at-home tooth-bleaching kits, be sure to talk to your dentist. Not everyone will see good results. Bleaching will not whiten porcelain crowns or composite tooth-colored bondings.

In-Office Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening done at Karande Dental can get your teeth brighter faster. The bleaching solution is usually much stronger than at-home kits. Also, heat, light, or a combination of the two may be used to speed and intensify the whitening process.

The most dramatic results — teeth generally get three to eight shades brighter — usually take several 30- to 60-minute in-office visits. Sometimes it can be done in a single appointment.

Tooth Bleaching: Keeping Teeth White

Whether you use an at-home tooth-whitening system, or have your teeth bleached by a dentist, you can help maintain the results by brushing, flossing, and rinsing daily. Also, avoid acidic and tannin-rich foods and beverages such as:

• Black teas and coffee
• White and red wine
• Sports drinks
• Carbonated beverages (dark and light-colored sodas)
• Berries and other strongly-colored foods
• Sauces (soy, tomato, curries)

Teeth Whitening: Why You Should Come to Karande Dental

Tooth bleaching can make teeth temporarily sensitive — or be uncomfortable for people who already have sensitive teeth. When used incorrectly, home kits can also lead to burned — even temporarily bleached — gums.

Tooth-whitening works best for people with yellow teeth and is less effective for people with brown teeth. If your teeth are gray or purple, tooth bleaching probably won’t work at all.

To be sure tooth-whitening is worth your time and money, Make an appointment at Karande Dental in our Stafford office for a consultation before you use an over-the-counter tooth whitening kit.