Can Anyone Get Their Teeth Whitened? 6 Tooth Whitening FAQs

Is tooth whitening right for you

Looking to enhance your smile? Tooth whitening could be what you are looking for.

If you are unhappy with the whiteness of your smile, there are a few different types of teeth whitening treatments available, from over-the-counter remedies from the drugstore to professional options provided by your dentist. But what can you expect from a tooth whitening treatment?

1. What kinds of stains can teeth whitening remove?

There are two types of stains that appear on teeth: extrinsic and intrinsic. Extrinsic stains are essentially surface stains on the teeth that come from poor dental hygiene or from consuming dark foods and drinks like red wine, blueberries, and coffee. Intrinsic stains happen when there are dental issues, like dental fluorosis, a condition that causes the enamel of the tooth to change color, or dental demineralization, which is when acidic byproducts wear away at the enamel of the teeth.

By understanding what type of staining is on your teeth, your dentist can help you choose which course of action to take if you are interested in whitening your teeth.

2. What kind of teeth whitening options are available?

If you are interested in teeth whitening, there are products that you can use at home. If you are looking for a gentle whitening of your teeth, look into using a tooth whitening toothpaste or gel. Using these products daily will slowly whiten your teeth over time.

If you are looking for something more drastic, there are teeth whitening kits available for at-home use. These over-the-counter products, often purchased at a grocery store or pharmacy, involve a peroxide solution safe to use at home. The at-home treatments usually involve placing a strip containing the solution on your teeth, or a wearable tray with the solution in it. The benefits of the at-home treatment is that you can do it on your own time. However, you may not get the results you desire, as only a professional treatment administered by your dentist has the ability to produce the dramatic results you may be looking for. .

If you are wanting a longer-lasting solution, you should look into what your dentist offers. At Dental Care Associates of Buffalo, we offer two take-home options for teeth whitening: Opalescence Go and PolaDay Advanced Whitening System. Both teeth-whitening solutions will help you achieve a brighter, whiter smile. 

3. How long does a teeth whitening treatment take?

Most at-home teeth whitening treatments are done with wearable trays that contain the whitening solution, or by using a strip that sticks to your teeth. These treatments are usually worn for about an hour each time over the course of a few days.

4. How long does it last?

An at-home tooth whitening treatment can achieve results for up to a year, depending on the strength of the solution and the degree of staining on your teeth. On average, those who use teeth whitening kits see results for a good six months.

A professional whitening treatment by your dentist in their office lasts longer, and patients often see results for two to three years.

5. How can I make my tooth whitening treatment last longer?

The best way to make a teeth whitening treatment last is to follow proper oral hygiene habits of brushing and flossing daily, especially after every meal. The next best way to keep your teeth white is to avoid smoking, which stains teeth, as well as staining foods and drinks like red wine, coffee, tomato sauce, and berries. 

You can also choose foods that help cleanse your teeth, like apples and celery. Fibrous, crunchy vegetables act as nature’s toothbrush and can help brush away bacteria and plaque that sticks to teeth. You can also keep your teeth white by doing the occasional tooth whitening treatment at home as a touchup. Consult with your dentist on how often you should be doing this.

6. Can dentures, crowns, or veneers be whitened?

Since dentures, crowns, and other dental appliances aren’t made of enamel, they cannot be whitened. To keep your dentures, crowns, and veneers white, follow a good oral health routine of brushing and flossing at least twice a day for at least two minutes. Many dentists also recommend using a mouthwash.

Visit Dental Care Associates of Buffalo to learn about teeth whitening options.

If you are interested in giving your smile a makeover, stop in to see one of the dentists at Dental Care Associates of Buffalo for a consultation. Their professional opinion can help you choose the best course of treatment.

DCA of Buffalo