Wedding White – Nothing is more appealing than a dazzling white smile. Looking good is important all the time, but even more so during wedding season when you really want to be at your best. If your teeth tend to stain easily or if you simply want to brighten your smile for that big day, you’ll want to consider professional teeth whitening procedures that will not only work, but are safe too.
Several different procedures are available to whiten teeth. One of the most important tips that the American Dental Association gives is to speak with your dentist to determine which method is best for you. People respond differently to whiteners depending on their type of discoloration. What may work for your friend may not work for you. Teeth that are yellowed or greyish looking may not bleach well. If your front teeth have had bonding or tooth-colored filling, the whitening won’t affect these areas and will be obvious. For these cases, porcelain veneers are more appropriate.
If you are a candidate for whitening, the results can be dramatic depending on the method chosen. In-office procedures can lighten teeth three to eight shades in a single session. Professional whitening will work faster and protect tooth-root surfaces and sensitive gums better than over-the-counter products. It’s also important to have an oral exam prior to a whitening process to make sure discoloration is not due to a dental condition needing treatment.
Professionally supervised whitening can take place either in the office or at home. In-office procedures usually only require one session where a protective gel is applied to gums, followed by a bleaching agent along with a special light on the teeth. Lasers may also be used during these sessions to enhance whitening.
If you prefer, you can choose supervised at-home whitening, although results will take several weeks. First, a mold of your teeth will be taken for custom-made plastic mouth trays. When the mold is ready, you will receive a peroxide whitening gel to put in the trays that fit on your teeth. Usage regiments vary and can cause side effects such as sensitivity or gum irritation.
Make sure to speak with your dentist if you have any questions or concerns about teeth whitening and the procedures used.