There are plenty of ways to whiten your teeth. Some people attempt trendy “natural” methods, like charcoal or strawberry pulp (neither is advisable) that do more harm than good. Over-the-counter whitening treatments can be effective, but it’s easy to abuse these products when you want your teeth to be white and you want it quickly. Any unsanctioned method of whitening can damage tooth enamel. Thankfully, safe and effective cosmetic dentistry options abound when it comes to brightening up your smile.
The Basics of Teeth Whitening
The most important thing to remember about teeth whitening is that two very important whitening agents are necessary to get the best results: hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide. Sure, over-the-counter whiteners may temporarily reset your smile’s brightness level, but the effects will not last. In most cases, what these products do is successfully remove plaque accumulation, but the ultimate solution they offer is merely superficial. Manhattan cosmetic dentistry provides solutions that are much longer-lasting and far more impactful.
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A Whiter Smile in One Hour
Professional teeth whitening treatments can truly be completed in an hour. You can use your lunch break to brighten up your smile. You can sneak in a whitening treatment before that job interview, first date, or special event. A professional whitening treatment is exceptional at penetrating your teeth and breaking up the stain molecules from within. Stains, after all, are typically caused by bacteria and food particles that are caught within portions of your enamel that have been eaten away by the acids in foods and drinks, like your Starbucks coffee. Simply sloughing off the surface stains is not a long-term solution. Deep-down professional teeth whitening is.
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Whiten on Your Own Time
If a one-hour teeth whitening is not appealing, or if it still doesn’t work with your busy schedule, have no fear. A take-home teeth whitening option is also available and it rivals the results of an in-office whitening treatment. This choice does require a little patience however. The treatment takes two weeks to complete. If you’re not in a rush and you would feel more comfortable whitening your own teeth, this might just be the best solution for you. A customized mold of your teeth will be created in order for the whitening trays to match your smile exactly. You will be given bleaching gel and desensitizing gel (no burning sensation on the gums like over-the-counter boxed kits). Done correctly, this whitening can last for up to two years.
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Opt for a Permanent Bright Smile
For some patients, teeth whitening is not an option. Don’t despair. There is always an alternative, even if you have your heart set on one particular smile makeover solution. During your consultation with your Manhattan cosmetic dentist, it will be determined whether your oral health is in good condition and can handle a whitening treatment. The second element that must be in order, however, is that your teeth are a viable candidate for whitening. Some people have intrinsic tooth stains – deep inside the teeth – that affect the color of your teeth permanently. Even the strongest bleaching agents can’t correct that problem. Cosmetic dentistry solutions like porcelain veneers, however, can work. This popular and versatile treatment will correct a host of aesthetic complaints – not only stains will be eliminated by veneers, but cracks, chips, short teeth, gaps, misalignment, and more.
If you’re interested in whitening your smile, it’s time to make a move. Schedule an appointment with Manhattan dentist Dr. Michael J. Wei to have a consultation about your smile makeover wishes and the dentist-approved teeth whitening solutions that will work best for you.
