Certainly Dr. Gerayli and her dental hygiene staff will give you the best care available. If you whiten your teeth at home, can you say that? That is why it makes sense to see your Reseda dentist for teeth whitening.
At Home Risks with Teeth Whitening Options
If you have any unknown tooth defects or gum problems you do not want to be home alone in pain. Nonetheless, many people purchase at home teeth whitening products, some are pre-mixed and others require that you mix the chemicals at home. Both types can have good results.
Home whitening products cost less. Sometimes people think that because they could buy the whitener over-the-counter it must be safe. Handled incorrectly they can irritate your gums or damage your tooth enamel. Sometimes overuse yields uneven results or a chalky sort of whiteness.
If you choose at home whitening, still talk it over with your Tarzana dentist. Dr. Gerayli is well acquainted with the options available and can guide you through the process.
When and How to Whiten Teeth at Home
The most prudent time to begin teeth whitening at home is after you have your teeth professionally cleaned by a dental hygienist to remove surface materials and plaque. Also brush and floss your teeth prior to using the tooth whitener. It is very important to not eat or drink for several hours after you have treated your teeth, except for water.
The strength of the tooth whitening substance varies with the products. You may need to use a peroxide solution multiple times to achieve the same results that you can get with a higher percentage of peroxide.
The trays your dentist gives you to take home usually have a stronger concentration of bleach, along with protective gel fittings to prevent damage to your gums. They may last several months. Their custom fitted trays also prevent saliva from contacting the bleach solution, which would have a diluting effect.
Most dentists prefer this at-home-whitening method. It may actually be more effective because the bleaching substance is in contact with your teeth longer than it would be in the office.
What to Use for Teeth Whitening
There are also whitening strips and brush on whiteners for short term use or touch up applications. Many whitening strips are not as effective because they tend to slip and slide and saliva can dilute the bleach. If your teeth are crooked, it is harder for the strips to yield a consistent result. You can get 14% peroxide whitening strips from your dentist. They are made by Crest and can cover about 6 teeth each.
Do not be misguided by "whitening toothpastes". Since toothpaste is often swallowed, the percentage of whiteners has to be quite low. Their primary ingredient is an abrasive substance, like baking soda, silica, calcium carbonate or aluminum oxide. You may damage the enamel of your teeth with these abrasives.
Remember to floss. The spaces between your teeth can need whitening also. Look for specific whitening floss and use within their instructions.
Regular brushing and flossing are routines to support and backup your tooth whitening process. Skip them and you are simply tossing away your money and wasting your time.
If you can afford the time and expense, professional whitening is preferred and usually most effective. The procedures vary with the products and some require multiple visits to the dentist. Others using gum protecting gel and light enhancing bleach solutions may only take an hour or two.
This is a serious decision and worth discussing the options with your dentist. Consider why you need to whiten your teeth and how much difference it may make in your life. Make an appointment to talk it over with your Tarzana dentist. Be honest and direct with Afsoon Gerayli, DDS. She will help you understand the alternatives.