Are your teeth stained from drinking things like coffee, tea, or red wine? If so, you’re probably considering whitening your teeth. Dr. Alicia Schraner in Yonkers is available to whiten your teeth and carry out any other cosmetic dental treatments. This article will give you details of the teeth whitening process and will help you decide if it’s right for you.
What is teeth whitening?
Getting your teeth professionally whitened is a good solution for many people as it helps get rid of stains and yellowing teeth. The whitening process will help you to look your best, by giving you a great smile. During a whitening treatment, your teeth will be bleached by a dentist.
Is whitening right for me?
Not everyone can have their teeth professionally whitened; before deciding on this treatment, your dentist will consider the overall health of your teeth and gums.
Teeth whitening is suitable for most patients who have good teeth and gum health. If you’re not suffering from issues such as tender gums, gum disease, or a receding gum line, then whitening will be suitable for you. The benefits of teeth whitening are that it will penetrate the enamel to remove yellow stains. Research from the American Dental Association has shown that brown stains or grey react less to the chemicals and don’t whiten as well.
Patients who have poor gum health or have had recent dental work may not be able to get the procedure. This is because they may be sensitive to the bleach used during treatment. The chemicals can irritate gums. If you’ve had previous work carried out on your front teeth, you may not be able to get a whitening treatment. Dentists are unable to whiten fillings, crowns, or caps.
If you are unable to have teeth whitening and are looking for ways to remove discoloration from your teeth, speak to your dentist about the available alternative options.
Alternatives to teeth whitening
If you have healthy teeth and gums, your dentist is likely to recommend you have teeth whitening. If, on the other hand, you have gum disease or other gum problems, you may have to improve the health of your gums before commencing treatment. Ask your dentist to recommend a good oral health routine; this could include regular check-ups, flossing, and brushing.
If you are unable to have a bleaching or whitening treatment, you can ask your dentist about other options such as professional cleanings or veneers. If your teeth have minor strains, a professional clean should remove these and make them appear whiter. This is also a quicker, less intensive, and cheaper option than whitening. You could also try using a whitening toothpaste, which will help keep your teeth looking great in between your regular check-ups.
Your dentist may also recommend veneers or bonding, as these treatments will help you to improve your smile. You can also ask your dentist if they’re able to recommend any home whitening kits as these use less intense chemicals and may be suitable for you.