Today, teeth whitening has become as common as hair coloring. Instead of preparing for a special occasion, it is part of regular hygiene and maintenance. So, what are the best methods and resources for teeth whitening in Raleigh, North Carolina?
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
As we age, our teeth can get 1 to 2 shades darker naturally each decade. Our genetics, hygiene, and diet can magnify those effects. If we skip routine brushing and flossing or drink lots of soda, coffee or tea daily, we may be more likely to watch our teeth lose their pearly color. Even healthier foods like blueberries can stain our teeth over time, which is why regular hygiene remains so important.
You’ll find that most teeth whitening tools enlist hydrogen peroxide as the primary whitening ingredient. In its purest form, hydrogen peroxide breaks down to water and whitening oxygens only, sans any byproducts that could cause irritation. Teeth whiteners with higher concentrations of hydrogen peroxide will release more whitening oxygens, making them more ‘effective.’
However, carbamide peroxide breaks down to hydrogen peroxide and ammonia, which can cause irritation. Pay attention to your whitener ingredients and opt for one with hydrogen peroxide only. Besides hydrogen peroxide content, the effectiveness of your teeth whitener will depend on contact time with your teeth, and the number of days in a row you use the product.
Keep Sensitivity In Mind
Some products warn that you may have a sensitivity to the product, especially with your first use. But if you experience pain from teeth whiteners in your dental office or at home, you should reconsider. Either you need to correct how you’re using it, or your body is not agreeing with the product.
The bottom line is that your teeth whitener should produce results without pain. Study the ingredients before choosing your product and follow instructions carefully for best results.
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What Are Your Options for Teeth Whitening in Raleigh?
For fellow Raleigh residents or others in the state of North Carolina, you have several teeth whitening resources.
Good dental hygiene. Brush twice and floss once daily. Get your teeth cleaned and polished by your dentist twice each year. While it may not seem important, your dentist can remove plaque that you cannot see, and that will otherwise build up over time. Plus, polishing will keep your teeth smooth so plaque can’t as easily latch on to your teeth.
Over-the-counter trays and gels. By heating, filling and placing a formed tray in your mouth, a gel whitens your teeth. However, these products tend to take the longest (a few months) to work and are more likely to contain carbamide peroxide, which can irritate your gums.
Over-the-counter whitening strips. By placing polyethylene strips coated with hydrogen peroxide over your teeth for various times and durations (often 30 minutes daily for 7 to 14 days), you can whiten your teeth. Be careful not to overlap your gums, as your product may cause irritation. You may see results in 2 weeks or less. But results will vary by product and individual.
Paint-on whiteners. While this option allows you to target teeth directly, the paint-on typically contains carbamide peroxide, so you’d better have good aim to avoid irritation of your gums. Due to breakdowns of the carbamide peroxide, it may take your commitment for several days and up to a couple of months before you see results.
Whitening devices. With the elements of high-intensity lights and heat added to a closed mouthpiece and whitening gel, you can bring the concept of professional whitening home and see results in as little as two days. However, you and others in the room must wear protective eyewear during use.
Professional whitening procedures. Opt for professional whitening services from your dentist to get results after just one visit. MyOrthodontist uses ZOOM, which is popular for people on the go who need teeth whitening in Raleigh or other North Carolina areas. ZOOM involves a one-hour powerful whitening procedure using an activating lamp. Plus we’ll equip you with a take-home kit to get even pearlier whites afterward! Professional whitening procedures prove to be the most effective.
Obviously, you have ways to keep your teeth whiter daily, like hygiene and diet. But when you approach a special event or simply want to restore your youth with a brighter smile, you have many resources for teeth whitening in Raleigh.
Looking for other cosmetic dentistry services? Explore “Cosmetic Dentistry: What It Is and What It Can Do for You” to find other procedures!
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Call MyOrthodontist today for your most reliable and effective teeth whitening service!
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