Everyone wants a brighter, whiter smile. But not everyone knows how to safely achieve it, especially from the comfort of your own home. Sure there are DIY methods, but at home bleaching and whitening is safest under the advisement of your trusted dentist. If you want an at home tooth whitening method that is safe, convenient and affordable, ask your dentist about take home whitening trays.
Dangers Of At Home Teeth Whitening
Whiten your teeth from home safely by avoiding some dangerous DIY techniques. Protect and brighten your smile all from the comfort of home.
It’s no secret that everyone wants a brighter, whiter smile. There are many do it yourself methods that show some promising results, but they can so easily go very wrong. Between hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, various fruit mixtures, and the latest charcoal craze- it’s hard to know what’s best for your smile. The truth is that these various over the counter treatments provide very unpredictable results. Here are some things to keep in mind when trying to brighten that smile from home.
Why Do Teeth Need Whitening
If you are wanting to whiten your smile it’s important to know a little bit about the process. Let’s talk about the two most superficial layers of the tooth: Enamel and Dentin. Enamel is the most superficial layer that appears white and dentin is the layer underneath which, when exposed, has a yellow tint. If your enamel becomes damaged or stained your smile may not appear as bright as you might like it.
Damage to enamel can be caused by several things. It could be something as simple as your diet or as complex as genetics. If the enamel becomes damaged whitening your teeth will prove more difficult and should be left in the hands of your dentist. Removing stains from enamel is more common and can be a much more manageable task for you to tackle at home if you wish.
What Can Go Wrong
When using at-home methods you risk damaging your enamel in the process. The damage may be unnoticeable at first, but detrimental in the long run. Scrubs such as charcoal and baking soda can be much too abrasive to be applied to your teeth. Scrubbing away at the gritty mixture could scratch at your precious enamel giving you the opposite result of what you had hoped for.
Another common method for at home whitening is to use fruit. While fruit is safe for your teeth when consumed normally, using it as a whitening method poses some risk. When fruit sits on your teeth for a prolonged period of time the acid can eat away at your enamel. To be sure your enamel is protected in the whitening process, use a method that has been prescribed or approved by your dentist.
Safe Ways To Whiten From Home
Here are some safe, sure-fire methods you can use at home to keep your smile healthy and bright.
Exam First, Bleach Later
Of course, your dentist needs to take a look at things before sending you home with bleaching trays. First, your teeth need to be healthy and strong before bleach can be safely applied. Your dentist will also help you to understand the reason for the discoloration of your teeth; because like it or not, bleaching isn’t always the answer. Lastly, a nice cleaning never hurts. Polishing your teeth up nicely will help you see the results of the tooth whitening.
Molded Just for You
At home tooth whitening is a great option because it is literally molded just for you. A mold will be made to make bleaching trays that fit every curve of your teeth. A well molded tray is crucial for keeping your gums safe, and for effective bleaching. The mold is made during a dental visit, and then sent to a trusted company for the trays to be made. Once the trays are made, your dentist will call you in to make sure they are a perfect fit before sending you home with your kit.
Home at Last
Once you have your trays, you will be sent home with syringes of bleach and instructions. You will need to follow these instructions very strictly and take any questions to your dentist. The bleaching chemicals can be dangerous when not used properly. You risk burning your gums and hurting your tooth’s enamel if you take matters into your own hands. With all these tools you are happily on your way to that brighter, and whiter smile!
Other Teeth Whitening Methods:
- Brush your teeth regularly- at least twice daily for two minutes
- Floss daily to clean in between your teeth
- Limit staining foods such as coffee, tea, and red wine
- Don’t smoke or use tobacco
- Use a whitening toothpaste that has the ADA Seal of Acceptance
- Use our at-home whitening custom bleach trays
- Make sure to visit your dentist regularly
Eagle Rock Dental Care is your destination for all your tooth whitening needs. We have an easy take-home method that utilizes custom trays molded to your teeth! In office tooth whitening is offered as well. We will work with you to find the perfect process to fit your needs. Contact us today, or simply request your appointment online. We look forward to helping you get the smile you’ve always dreamed of.
