Questions You May Have About Teeth Bleaching
Do you think your teeth are less than perfect? Are you looking for ways to get a more impressive smile? You may be brushing every day, but that might not be enough to remove the more severe stains on your teeth. If you're thinking about having your teeth bleached, here are the answers to some of the things you may be wondering:
Can bleaching damage teeth? If you bleach at home and use a kit with an acidic bleaching compound, your teeth could become etched or pitted. However, if you visit a dental office for your teeth bleaching needs, then your dentist will typically use a bleaching compound that is activated by UV light instead of being acidic. This means that it will break down the unsightly stains only and not your tooth enamel. But even this safe bleaching process can cause your teeth to be more sensitive than usual. If you are concerned about the sensitivity being a problem, your dentist may recommend switching to a desensitizing toothpaste for a few weeks before and after the bleaching is completed.
How long do the effects of a teeth bleaching session last? The answer to this question will depend on your dietary habits. If you smoke and drink coffee daily, you may notice your teeth starting to yellow again relatively quickly. Red wine and various types of foods can also cause your teeth to darken more quickly. If your teeth had turned yellow because of tobacco use, but you have since quit, your teeth will stay whiter for a longer period of time. By discussing your exact lifestyle habits with your dentist, he or she will be able to give you an estimate of how long they expect the whitening to last.
Is it possible to bleach teeth that have cavities or other dental work? Many teeth bleaching products are safe to use with dental work. When purchasing a kit in the store, make sure to read the warnings on the box as some products may warn that they are not suitable for use with crowns or fillings. If you have your teeth whitened at the dentist's office, he or she will use bleaching agents that won't damage any dental work you might already have.
If you're concerned about whether teeth bleaching is a good choice for you and your lifestyle, discuss any further questions that you may have with your dentist. He or she should be able to provide satisfactory answers to whatever it is that you're wondering about. One dentist you can talk to is George S Cochran DDS.
Share
