We all want a great smile not only for the look but for the confidence it brings us. Smiling has been shown to increase self-esteem, improve social interactions, and even boost our moods. One of the first things people think about getting to improve their smile is teeth whitening.
Teeth whitening comes in multiple forms, including over-the-counter products and professional treatments provided by dentists. Over-the-counter options often include whitening toothpaste, mouthwashes, and strips. Professional treatments can be done either in-office or at home with whitening trays. This option gives you the benefit of a dental professional overseeing your treatment.
Teeth whitening generally involves the application of a peroxide-based solution to the teeth. Peroxides, such as hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide, penetrate the layers of your teeth and remove compounds causing discoloration. The amount of peroxide and time spent on your teeth can vary greatly and is what impacts how white your teeth can get. Most over-the-counter teeth whitening products have around 3% to as much as 10% peroxide.
What teeth whitening can do
Teeth whitening is effective in addressing certain types of tooth discoloration. Discoloration or tooth yellowing can occur for a variety of reasons. Some include:
- Aging
- Genetics
- Medications
- Smoking
- Foods and drinks such as coffee, tea, and red wine
Limitations of teeth whitening
While teeth whitening can address several common issues, it’s important to recognize its limitations. Teeth whitening may not be suitable for everyone, and it may not provide a perfect solution in certain cases. For example, teeth whitening does not change the color of dental restorations like crowns, veneers, or fillings.
Additionally, some people may experience increased tooth sensitivity during or after teeth whitening. Also, if the bleaching solution comes into contact with your gums during the whitening process, you may end up experiencing gum irritation. This sensitivity usually goes away fairly quickly. So, if you want to get your teeth whitened, understand that you may experience some temporary discomfort.
Teeth whitening can do some incredible things for your smile, which is one of the reasons why it is one of the most commonly requested dental treatments. However, it can only change the color of your teeth. Therefore, if you are interested in a more comprehensive smile transformation, you may want to consider other options, either alongside or instead of teeth whitening.
Other options
For those seeking the perfect smile, other cosmetic dentistry options go beyond teeth whitening. These may include:
- Porcelain veneers: Veneers are thin shells of porcelain custom-made to cover the front surface of teeth. They can address issues like severe stains, worn down teeth, chips or broken teeth, crooked/uneven teeth, gap teeth, and more.
- Dental bonding: Dental bonding is a procedure in which tooth-colored composite resin material is placed on the teeth, addressing issues like chips, gaps, and shape.
- Orthodontic treatments: For people with misaligned teeth, orthodontic treatments such as Invisalign can give you a straighter smile.
- Full smile makeover: Multiple cosmetic procedures can go hand in hand if you are looking for a full smile makeover.
Smile transformation examples
One of the most common cosmetic procedures that are paired together are teeth whitening and veneers. When combined, they can quite literally transform your smile. See an example of a smile transformation done by Dr. Ruiz featured in his book, Supra-Gingival Minimally Invasive Dentistry: A Healthier Approach to Esthetic Restorations.
Before and after bleaching AND veneers
Professional guidance
When considering teeth whitening or other cosmetic procedures to achieve the perfect smile, getting professional guidance is essential.
Why?
Because while your research may make you think that one procedure will work best for you, an experienced dentist may have a more informed opinion that will lead to more effective results.
It’s also important to get advice from a dentist who has a healthy approach to dentistry, specifically supra-gingival minimally invasive dentistry. This is a healthier form of dentistry because all of the work is completed above the gumline. Dr. Ruiz is a practitioner, educator, and researcher in this type of dentistry, so rest assured, you’re in good hands. Your smile transformation should not only be beautiful, but healthy as well.
Visit Dr. Ruiz & Associates, Inc for teeth whitening in Burbank, CA
Dr. Ruiz is a respected dentist, educator, and researcher who focuses on supra-gingival, minimally invasive healthy dentistry. He has even developed a smile design technique that dentists all around the world use. See some of the smile designs he has done with his many patients over the years.
Whether you’re looking for teeth whitening in Burbank, CA, or even want to have a full smile transformation, come check us out. Check out our Google reviews and call us for an appointment!
