A bright smile has always been considered a winning feature. Confidence to smile not only displays outwardly a warm, friendly disposition, but also an inner quality of self-acceptance which is an attractive and magnetic attribute. Over years, the process of aging, consumption of certain foods and beverages, smoking, bacterial pigments, and even some medications such as antibiotics can cause staining of the teeth, leaving some less secure in their smile. Teeth whitening is often a very effective solution.

Before and After

The best candidates for teeth whitening include adults whose mouths and gums are generally in good health. It is not recommended for children under the age of 16 because the pulp chamber is enlarged until that age, and the process could cause sensitivity and irritation to the pulp. Since restorations such as fillings, veneers or crowns will generally not lighten, it is not recommended for the mouth with multiple restorations as the whitening process could leave the mouth with uneven results. Teeth whitening is also not recommended for pregnant or lactating women.

At Home Approach

There are several methods of tooth whitening that can be pursued and used right at home. Some simply employ chemical or physical agents. Most toothpastes contain simple mild abrasives that remove surface stains by grinding off colored stains that are left by food. Whitening toothpastes can not change the intrinsic color of the teeth, unlike bleaching. There are also dental rinses available with peroxide that boast tooth whitening properties. These offer minimal results, but can leave your mouth feeling fresh and clean, as well as remove surface discolorations. Most effective over the counter whiteners contain a combination of carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide. These can be in the form of gels applied with a tray or gel pens or strips that you apply twice a day for 30 minutes at a time. Treatment usually lasts about 14 days, with initial effects noticeable in just a few days for some, and final results sustained for about 4 months on average. These solutions can lighten the teeth up to one shade. Of course results vary from person to person depending on their specific conditions and lifestyles. The cost of these solutions can range anywhere from a couple of bucks to $100.

Dentist Approach

For a more dramatic result, a dentist is able present several more options. For a more personalized approach, after a thorough examination of the mouth, accumulation of medical history, and x-rays of the teeth, the dentist can help determine the best and most effective method of whitening. He or she may recommend a high concentration gel bleaching using carbamide peroxide. This involves customizing a tray to fit the mouth and wearing the gel filled tray for a predetermined amount of time, (an hour to overnight). Usually 2-3 treatments is all that is necessary to achieve noticeable results. This personalized treatment can cost anywhere from $100-$500. For even more striking results, the dentist may recommend light-accelerated technology which uses light energy to accelerate the process of bleaching. In this process, a hydrogen peroxide gel is exposed to a light source, usually halogen, but may be LED or plasma, for 6-15 minutes. This can be accomplished in as little as 30-60 minutes in a single visit. Both options offered by the dentist have the capability of lightening the teeth up to 8 shades, and may cost anywhere from $500-$800. Rivertown Dental Care offers Teeth Whitening in Columbus, Georgia.

Internal Stains

For internal stains due to tooth conditions such as a root canal, where perhaps blood or other fluids may have leaked in, internal bleaching may be required. This is accomplished by drilling a hole into the pulp chamber, cleaning and sealing the area with a peroxide gel, and replacing as necessary until desired results are achieved.

Teeth whitening is a practical and effective solution for those suffering with embarrassing yellow teeth and a subsequent reluctance to smile. No one should settle for a dingy smile when there are simple solutions available to fit just about any budget.