Tooth Whitening Methods - Which One Is Right For You? (Part-1)

If you're thinking about getting your teeth whitened, you should be aware of the many different options available to you.

Did you know that whitening your teeth can actually make you look up to ten years younger? It's a fact that we commonly associate a bright, white smile with youth, good health, and attractiveness. In contrast, we also associate yellowed or grayish teeth with aging, poor health, and relative unattractiveness. This is why so many people are either thinking about getting their teeth whitened or they already regularly whiten their teeth. Who wouldn't want to look younger, healthier, and more attractive without having to do a lot of work to achieve such a dramatic change in their appearance? It's much easier than attempting another new fad diet, going on an exercise craze, or getting a facelift!

Teeth whitening is one of the most popular services offered by cosmetic dentists in NYC, and it's no surprise. It's the simplest, least invasive, and the most affordable cosmetic dental procedure available. Most everyone likes to drink coffee, tea, soda, candies, or even smoke the occasional cigar. Unfortunately, all of these stain the teeth over time. Add on increasing age and certain medications such as tetracycline and chemotherapy, and some individuals end up with some terribly discolored teeth. The good news is that this can be fixed, and there are actually several options out there that can work.

Of course, there is no one single method that is best for everyone. Because we all have different genetics, different rates at which our teeth can be bleached, different amounts of staining and discoloration on our teeth, different lifestyles, and multiple other variables, the best tooth whitening solution for your friend may not be the best one for you. It's always a good idea to consult with a cosmetic dentist before you go out and purchase any teeth whitening products. You want to make a customized choice and not gamble with damaging your fragile tooth enamel with the wrong whitening product.

Do your research and speak with as many cosmetic dentists as you can before trying tooth whitening in NYC. Some individuals may require full strength teeth whitening gels if their teeth are highly resistant to accepting a bleaching treatment. A skilled cosmetic dentist should be able to determine beforehand if your teeth may be unusually difficult to bleach. On the other hand, you may need a light strength bleaching agent. If you have thinner enamel or already have sensitive teeth and gums, it's likely that if you choose a whitening solution that is too strong, you will end up with extreme pain and sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures.

Also, if you currently suffer from gum disease or if you have tooth colored fillings, porcelain veneers, crowns, or untreated dental caries; you should definitely not attempt whitening your teeth without the help of your cosmetic dentist. Just purchasing an over-the-counter whitening kit will result in a color mismatch between your restorations and your natural teeth. This could ultimately cause you to have to get all of your restorations re-done. It could also end up damaging your teeth and gums if you have untreated gum disease or dental caries.

Most tooth whitening gels contain between 10% and 22% peroxide (bleach). As a rule of thumb, if you have sensitive teeth or weaker enamel it is best to choose a 10% bleach solution or the weakest you can find. Most individuals require a solution somewhere in the middle - around 15%. Only a small minority will require a full strength solution with 20% or more peroxide. These full strength solutions are only for those people whose teeth are highly resistant to being bleached.

Another reason why it's wise to consult with a cosmetic dentist before trying any over-the-counter products is so your dentist can assess whether the discoloration in your teeth can be removed. Usually, stains are simply the result of drinking coffee every once in a while and increasing age. However, if you have ever had a root canal or if you have any undiscovered periodontal problems of dental caries, the staining may actually be caused by damage deep beneath the surface of the tooth. This darkening is deep beneath the enamel and cannot be removed. In such a case, you may require porcelain veneers to obtain a white color and also protect your tooth from further damage. In other cases, the tooth must be removed and replaced with a dental implant.