How can I brighten my smile?
Your wedding is coming up, and you want your smile to be its brightest. Or maybe you have an important speaking engagement, or you have been looking for a way to feel more confident about your smile. Whatever the reason, tooth whitening is not just for movie stars, and it is not just for one day. Many people have had their teeth bleached, and probably millions more are thinking about it. The desire for a brighter smile with whiter teeth is very strong, and tooth bleaching safely lightens the color of the teeth, lasting for up to five years. The most effective and safest method of tooth bleaching is dentist-supervised.
Generally, bleaching is successful in at least 90 percent of patients, though it may not be an option for everyone. Consider tooth bleaching if your teeth are darkened from age, coffee, tea, or smoking. Teeth darkened with the color of yellow, brown, or orange respond better to bleaching. Gray stains caused by fluorosis, smoking, or tetracycline use can be lightened, but results are not as dramatic. If you have very sensitive teeth, periodontal (gum) disease, or teeth with worn enamel, you may not be a good candidate for bleaching.
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How it works, and Safety
Lightness should last from one to five years, depending on your personal habits, such as smoking and drinking coffee and tea. At this point, you may choose to get a touch-up. The retreatment time is much shorter than the original treatment time.
The active ingredient in most of whitening agents is carbamide peroxide; when water comes into contact with this white crystal, the release of hydrogen peroxide lightens the teeth.
Several studies have proven bleaching to be safe and effective. The American Dental Association has granted its seal of approval to some tooth-bleaching products. Some patients may experience slight gum irritation or tooth sensitivity, which will resolve when the treatment ends.
If you are looking to improve your smile, we invite you to call the practice of Stephen Huber at 913-543-3751 and schedule your appointment with Dr. Stephen Huber to see if teeth whitening in Leawood, Kansas, is right for you. We are here to help you discover your whiter, more beautiful smile!