13Cosmetic Dentistry Services
FASTEST WAY TO GET A WHITER
Teeth whitening remains one of the most economical ways to enhance your smile. Your smile creates an immediate, subconscious, visual impact on people you meet. A brighter smile gives the impression of youth, vitality, radiant health, happiness, and warmth. A bright smile is perceived as a healthy smile. Be sure to consult with your AACD member cosmetic dentist to learn which whitening treatment is best for you.
SMILES ARE VALUABLE
Statistics reveal that we place a high value on our smiles. According to an American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry survey:
- Virtually all adults (99.7%) believe a smile is an important social asset. 96% of adults believe an attractive smile makes a person more appealing to members of the opposite sex.
- Three-quarters (74%) of adults feel an unattractive smile can hurt a person’s chance for career success.
- And when respondents were asked, “What would you like to improve most about your smile?” The most common response was: whiter andbrighter teeth. If you are not happy with your smile, teeth whitening may be a good first step.
CAUSES OF TOOTH DISCOLORATION
Deciduous (baby) teeth are typically whiter than the adult teeth that appear later. As we age, our adult teeth often become darker, yellower, or stained. This is partly why white teeth make people appear more youthful.
Just as there are a number of ways to lighten or brighten teeth, there are also several different ways for teeth to become discolored. The main causes of darkened teeth are genetics, antibiotics, and certain foods, plus teeth tend to darken as we age. Internaltooth discolorationis caused by changes in the enamel of the tooth and the dentin. The main causes of internal tooth discoloration are exposed to high levels of fluoride, tetracycline, use of antibiotics as a child, developmental disorders, tooth decay, restorations, root canal issues, and trauma.
Externaltooth discolorationis caused by factors outside the body, mainly foods and tobacco. The main causes of external tooth yellowing are smoking, foods with tannins, coffee, tea, carrots, oranges, and other foods.
TYPES OF TEETH WHITENING
There are various ways to whiten your teeth, but the two most common are in-office treatment and the do-it-yourself approach, with over-the-counter products. Your local AACD dentist will work with you to build a cosmetic treatment plan that will effectively address your dental concern and meet your cosmetic goals.Professional teeth whitening administered by an AACD dentist offer highly effective and safe results. Professional teeth whitening gels are designed to minimize side effects like tooth sensitivity often associated with over-the-counter whitening products.
IN-OFFICE TEETH WHITENING
Professional tooth whitening in a dental office is the preferred whitening method because even though stronger agents are applied, the rest of the mouth, including the gums, is protected from these materials. The best whitening systems feature a buffer in the gel that protects the tooth enamel from damage, are extremely effective, and can transform teeth in a single office visit. Your teeth can literally brighten up to 10 shades in about an hour.
In-office whitening affects only the front eight teeth and is a great jump start for take-home whitening, which is always part of an effective whitening program.
Your dentist is best qualified to handle any issues that may arise from whitening treatments, such as tooth sensitivity. Today, most tooth sensitivity cases are easily managed.
Tooth whitening can last for one or more years, depending on how well you take care of your teeth, and if you’re following up regularly with a home whitening product for regular maintenance.
HOME TOOTH WHITENING SYSTEMS
Commercially available tooth whitening systems have become popular, mainly because they’re relatively inexpensive and easy to use.
There are a few over-the-counter tooth whitening methods that can be purchased without your dentist’s supervision. They include whitening strips, paint-on tooth gel, mouth trays with gel, whitening toothpaste, and even whitening gum. These are typically safe products, but if you have oral concerns, it’s a good idea to ask your AACD member dentist if these products are safe to use.
While over-the-counter tooth whitening products are available, dentist-supervised tooth whitening remains the safest, most effective method for brightening your smile. Here are some key reasons why you should always consult with your AACD dentist.
- Properly Fitting Mouth Trays.Often, over-the-counter tooth whitening trays do not fit the patient’s mouth properly. Improperly fitting trays may cause the tooth whitening gel to leak, which can result in gum irritation and a less effective treatment.
- More Comfortable Solutions.With today’s dentist-supervised systems, even patients with sensitive teeth can undergo teeth whitening treatment.
BENEFITS OF TEETH WHITENING
Teeth whitening is one of the most common cosmetic treatments requested by patients. AACD dentists can help patients achieve a whiter smile that looks natural, enhancing their overall facial aesthetic. People with whiter, brighter smiles tend to smile more and feel better about their overall appearance. A simple, minimally invasive cosmetic procedure, teeth whitening can help patients look and feel more youthful. Ask your AACD dentist about teeth whitening options for a more confident and beautiful smile.
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FAQs
In-office whitening is highly effective, safe, and long-lasting. But it's more expensive than over-the-counter options, and often isn't covered by dental insurance. Ask your dentist for a cost estimate before committing to teeth whitening.
Is teeth whitening recommended by dentists? ›
Teeth whitening by a dentist (or under the prescription of a dentist) is the only safe and effective way to ensure your oral health is protected.
Why teeth whitening should only be performed at the dentist? ›
This is because tooth sensitivity can arise from teeth whitening, a condition which a dentist is better able to treat. Estheticians have not undergone the lengthy dental training involved, and are not aware of the precautionary measures which need to be taken to protect your mouth from harmful chemicals.
How do you know when your teeth are white enough? ›
A good rule of thumb when determining how white your teeth should be is to look at the whites of your eyes. Whether whitening at home or undergoing treatment by a professional dentist, you should be aiming for a shade of white similar to that of your eyes.
Can yellow teeth become white again? ›
Can yellow teeth be bleached? Yellow teeth can be completely whitened with teeth whitening technologies at the dentist or at home. Depending on the status of your yellow teeth as well as your needs, the doctor will advise and prescribe the appropriate method.
Is it better to get teeth whitened at dentist or at home? ›
Professional teeth whitening uses a more effective process
This means that the hydrogen peroxide content of your at-home kit is very low, whether you are using toothpaste, liquid filled trays, or strips. Dr. Yalamanchili is able to use a stronger process in her office, typically approved for use by dentists only.
What is the number 1 recommended teeth whitening? ›
Like some of the other products on our list, the iSmile Teeth Whitening Kit uses gel in combination with an LED device, but this device has a clean and easy application, which is rarely guaranteed with gel products. That's why it's our tested pick for the best teeth-whitening gel.
Why is teeth whitening at dentist so expensive? ›
All of these whitening methods contain a variety of peroxide compounds, according to the British Dental Bleaching Society. But what makes professional whitening cost a bit more is the difference in the active ingredients found in the whitening agent.
Who is not a good candidate for teeth whitening? ›
Those who are suffering from periodontal disease, oral cancer, or who have enamel that is excessively worn down to not make good candidates for teeth whitening either. Most other patients should not have a problem.
What do most dentists use for teeth whitening? ›
Carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide are commonly used in whitening interventions and can readily permeate dental hard tissues. Temporary tooth sensitivity and gingival inflammation are the most common adverse effects of vital tooth whitening.
Yet, if your teeth stains are underneath the enamel of your teeth, known as intrinsic (internal) discoloration, then the bleaching agent won't be able to remove them.
Why no results from teeth whitening? ›
Traditional whitening treatments do not work on porcelain or most cosmetic bonding materials. If you have porcelain veneers, dentures, crowns, or dental implants, or if you have undergone cosmetic bonding or have composite tooth-colored fillings, those teeth will not respond well to any whitening procedure.
Why are my teeth still yellow after whitening? ›
Teeth can become temporarily dehydrated after using whitening strips. Your teeth may appear more yellow as a result of this dehydration because the enamel may become dry and lack moisture. Dehydrated enamel sometimes has a transparent appearance that makes the naturally yellowish dentin underneath visible.
Why do my teeth look more yellow after whitening? ›
Also, if you have poor oral health or an underlying medical condition that affects the teeth, the teeth whitening procedure may make the teeth yellow. This is because the dentin has a yellowish hue under the enamel. So, when the enamel thins, your teeth become translucent and may look yellow.
Do white teeth look fake? ›
Too white: Real teeth aren't blinding white, so veneers with an overly brilliant white hue look unnatural. Though natural tooth enamel starts white, it's not a bright white, and the yellow dentin also shows a little.
How long does dentist teeth whitening last? ›
The most effective way to whiten your teeth is professional teeth whitening treatment applied by your dentist in the office. The results of this type of treatment can last between 1 and 3 years. In-office teeth whitening involves the following process: The gum tissue is protected from the effects of the bleaching gel.
How long does it take for dentist teeth whitening to work? ›
Depending on the level of your staining and the type of whitening procedure you have done, you may be able to see results in about a week or two. To reach your desired whiteness, it may take about three weeks to a month. To maintain the shade, you will need to go for touch-up treatments or use prescribed home kits.
How many sessions does it take to whiten teeth at the dentist? ›
When choosing in-office teeth whitening, patients often only require one visit annually (at most) to maintain consistently white teeth. Depending on the patient's objectives and the intensity of the stains, the dentist may use multiple applications of the bleaching solution during each session.
How many times should I whiten my teeth at the dentist? ›
Dentists recommend getting whitening treatment once a year or so for most patients to keep their smiles looking aesthetically pleasing. Whitening teeth too often could cause certain oral health concerns, such as worn-down enamel.
