{"id":81,"date":"2019-01-11T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2019-01-11T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/westmaitlanddentistry.com\/dos-and-donts-for-a-whiter-smile\/"},"modified":"2019-01-11T00:00:00","modified_gmt":"2019-01-11T00:00:00","slug":"teeth-whitening-dos-and-donts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.westmaitlanddentistry.com\/blog\/2019\/01\/11\/teeth-whitening-dos-and-donts\/","title":{"rendered":"Teeth Whitening Do\u2019s and Don\u2019ts"},"content":{"rendered":"

New Year, New Smile!<\/strong><\/p>\n

As the new year begins so do the resolutions. \u00a0While for some it might be to lose those extra pounds for others it is to improve their smile. \u00a0One of the best, efficient and cheapest ways to improve your smile is with teeth whitening. \u00a0Here are some options to help you welcome 2019 with a new smile!<\/p>\n

Over the Counter Whitening<\/strong><\/p>\n

Over the counter whitening is a cheap alternative to in-office bleaching systems. \u00a0These whitening systems start as low as $5 and up. \u00a0There are several types of whitening products available now, such as toothpastes, powders, mouth rinses, and whitening strips.<\/p>\n

Toothpastes and Mouth Rinses<\/strong><\/p>\n

Toothpastes and mouth rinses are great ways to keep your smile bright before and after bleaching your teeth. \u00a0These products aid in preventing and removing light stains on the outer surface of the tooth. \u00a0When choosing a toothpaste or mouth rinse to make sure the brand is accepted by the ADA and the toothpaste has fluoride in it to help prevent cavities. \u00a0For deeper stain removals, whitening systems may be a better alternative.<\/p>\n

Whitening Powders<\/strong><\/p>\n

A new trend with whitening is charcoal powders. \u00a0Charcoal powders sound exactly like what they are, activated charcoal that can contain other ingredients such as oils, clay, sweeteners, and sodium bicarbonate.<\/p>\n

The main way the powder whitens is by using its abrasive nature to strip the stain from the enamel. \u00a0This is a problem because the charcoal often strips not only the stain but the enamel as well. \u00a0Enamel is the whiter layer of the tooth, so once stripped the more yellow layer dentin will be exposed making it much more difficult to whiten and will increase sensitivity.<\/p>\n

Charcoal products are not regulated by the FDA. \u00a0This means there can be other products in them that could be unsafe if you accidentally ingest.<\/p>\n

Whitening Systems<\/strong><\/p>\n

Another over the counter product to consider are whitening systems. \u00a0Most of these systems have a plastic strip that goes over your teeth. \u00a0You wear the strip for 15-30 minutes, once or twice a day for seven to fourteen days, or as directed. \u00a0Whitening strips contain a gel that consists of different ratios of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. \u00a0The most common and well known are Crest Whitestrips<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Crest Whitestrips are the only whitening strips out there that are currently accepted by the ADA (American Dental Association). \u00a0This means that they have been evaluated by the ADA and have been found to not only be effective but more importantly safe to use. \u00a0When using whitening strips make sure to familiarize yourself with the instruction guide and follow directions as indicated.<\/p>\n

In-Office Treatments<\/strong><\/p>\n

In-office treatments<\/a> usually have the same concept as at-home kits but consist of a higher concentrated gel, which leads to faster and often better results.<\/p>\n

Light Activated Systems<\/strong><\/p>\n

A common type of whitening that you may have heard of is Zoom whitening<\/a>. \u00a0First, the gums and lips are covered up for protection. \u00a0After this step, the hydrogen peroxide whitening gel is placed on the teeth. \u00a0A UV light is then placed for 15 minutes to activate the gel. \u00a0Immediately afterward another gel is placed on the teeth but this time to reduce sensitivity. \u00a0Zoom may not be the best option if you have sensitive teeth or if you are sensitive to the mild heat produced by the UV light. \u00a0The treatment takes less than an hour and you will be sent home with custom bleaching trays for touch-ups.<\/p>\n

Custom Bleaching Trays<\/strong><\/p>\n

This procedure has a similar concept of over the counter bleaching systems but usually offers better results. \u00a0Your dentist takes molds of your teeth and then fabricates custom trays out of a thermoplastic material. \u00a0The patient places a hydrogen peroxide gel in the trays in the comfort of their homes. \u00a0Since the trays are molded around your teeth, the gel can flow into and around all those nooks and crannies that may be harder for strips to reach. \u00a0Custom trays lessen the chances of gum irritation because the trays are fit to the exact shape of your teeth. \u00a0Another benefit is being able to reuse the trays by just having to buy the gel refill.<\/p>\n

Common Complaints<\/strong><\/p>\n

The most common complaint we usually hear is sensitivity. \u00a0We recommend you use a sensitivity toothpaste two weeks before, during and after the whitening process. \u00a0If teeth are still sensitive while whitening ask about custom desensitizing treatments that are offered at your dentist\u2019s office. \u00a0After the whitening treatment is finished the sensitivity should subside in a few days.<\/p>\n

Another common complaint is the irritation of the gums. \u00a0It is important with these over the counter whitening systems to wipe off excessive gel to ensure this doesn\u2019t occur. \u00a0 While using custom trays make sure to place only the amount of gel as recommended by your dentist.<\/p>\n

Finally, the last complaint that we often hear is the teeth not getting as white as the patient wants. \u00a0It\u2019s important when using any type of whitening to remember duration isn\u2019t as important as frequency. \u00a0Make sure to be consistent in wearing them every day and not to skip any days. \u00a0If you start feeling sensitivity, decrease the amount of time you wear them for but make sure you don\u2019t skip any days to get the full effect!<\/p>\n

Take-Home Points<\/strong><\/p>\n

After you whiten maintain results with these tips:<\/p>\n