Teeth Whitening in Buffalo, NY

Experienced Buffalo Dentists Providing Affordable Teeth Whitening Services

Teeth whitening is an effective treatment when other maintenance options fail to make a dent in restoring teeth to their natural off-white hue.

Teeth whitening is the cosmetic use of a substance such as bleach to lighten the color of teeth. This treatment is rarely necessary for oral health, but there are emotional and social benefits to having a whiter smile. Teeth can become stained due to a multitude of factors, and discoloration can be indicative of a more serious issue that requires attention from a dentist. Once all the issues contributing to these unwanted changes in color are treated, cosmetic procedures such as teeth whitening may be recommended to enhance the appearance of one’s smile.

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Teeth Whitening in Buffalo, NYDental stains can be caused by various factors, both from within and outside the body. External elements that affect tooth color create what are known as extrinsic stains. Drinking dark liquids such as coffee, black tea, and red wine; eating foods high in sugar and other carbohydrates; and chewing or smoking tobacco can all cause this type of stain. Typically, simple brushing, flossing, and mouthwash use can remove or reduce extrinsic stains. Intrinsic stains result from discoloration that affects the inner flesh of the teeth, and factors such as overconsumption of fluoride, ingestion of antibiotics in the tetracycline family, bruxism (persistent grinding and clenching), injuries to the mouth, and the natural degradation that comes with age all play roles in creating these stains. A daily regimen of brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash is important, but it will do little to remove these stains, which take hold in the pulp of teeth and spread to the enamel.

There are whitening kits available at most pharmacies that individuals can use while at home, but it is the teeth whitening offered in dentists’ offices that achieves the best results. During a teeth whitening treatment, a dentist first creates a barrier between the gums and the teeth by using gel, rubber, or another insulating substance. A potent bleaching agent, usually concentrated hydrogen peroxide, is then applied to the surfaces of the teeth.

Teeth whitening as performed by a dental care professional can last as long as a year before a second appointment is required, and following a diet low in discoloring foods and beverages can help to maintain teeth whiteness. To further prolong the results of the teeth whitening procedure, a dentist may prescribe a treatment that can be performed outside of the office. After making an impression of a patient’s teeth, the dentist can design a tray that the patient will use to apply carbamide peroxide- or hydrogen peroxide-based whitening gel to her or his teeth. The customized shape of the mouthpiece tray magnifies the gel’s contact with the teeth, allowing for greater whitening.

FAQ About Teeth Whitening

Is It Bad to Whiten Your Teeth?

It is only harmful to whiten your teeth if you are constantly whitening them. Some side effects from whitening your teeth too much are damage to your gums and tooth enamel along with having tooth sensitivity. There is not a specific guideline for how often teeth whitening is no longer beneficial. The safest way to whiten your teeth is by getting it done by a professional.

Are Whitening Strips Bad for Your Teeth?

Most teeth whitening strips are safe. It all boils down to what ingredients are used. If you are using teeth whitening strips that have chlorine dioxide you could be risking damaging the enamel of your teeth. The chemical chlorine dioxide may sound familiar and that is because it is the same acid that is used when disinfecting pools. These teeth whitening strips whiten your teeth by eating away at the surface of your enamel.

Are Teeth Home Whitening Kits Safe?

For the most part, at home teeth whitening kits are perfectly safe. There are certain precautions you should take, make sure to properly read the directions. You are not supposed to use at home kits if you take any prescriptions drugs, wear braces, have dental restorations, crowns, or fillings. If you are allergic to peroxide, you should also not use teeth whitening kits.

At What Age Is It Safe to Whiten Teeth?

When you are whitening your teeth, you are essentially bleaching them. An example of this would be teeth whitening strips, there is a certain amount of hydrogen peroxide in them that is safe for adults but may be too much for a child or even a teenager. There are no studies shown that teeth whitening strips are safe for children. Children are also at a higher risk for not only swallowing the white strips but also not reading and following instructions properly such as leaving them on for too long.

Is Laser Whitening Bad for Your Teeth?

Laser whitening is a procedure that is done with expert supervision. There are no effects once you get your teeth are laser whitened. It is a gentle and safe procedure. Compared to at home kits which contain bleach. You are much better off saving and spending your money getting your teeth whitened by a professional.

Is Teeth Whitening Permanent?

Teeth whitening is not permanent. The amount of time teeth whitening lasts is different for every person and can also be different every time you get it done. The least amount of time it will last is up to a few months when on the other side of the spectrum it could last for 3 years. If you are an individual who drinks coffee, tea, or red wine it will not last as long because you are staining your teeth. The same rule falls into play if you are a smoker.

What Do Dentists Use to Whiten Teeth?

When you go to the dentist to get your teeth whitened the first step is, they will apply a rubber shield or a protective gel to make sure your gums are protected. After this they will apply the bleach to whiten your teeth. If you are looking to have quality and safe teeth whitening your dentist can also send you home with a custom-made tray.

How Many Times A Week Should You Whiten Your Teeth?

If you are using a whitening toothpaste it is recommended to only use it once or twice a week. If you are someone who drinks or smokes you may see the need to use it more often. If you are getting your teeth whitened in an office by a professional you should only feel the need to get a touch-up around every four to six months, nothing close to weekly.

Does Coconut Oil Whiten Teeth?

Whitening your teeth with coconut oil is also known as oil pulling. This method is used by many but may not be the best option when you’re trying to whiten your teeth. According to the American Dental Association there has not been enough evidence to say that there are any actual benefits to oil pulling for your teeth. One of the most effective and cheapest ways to whiten your teeth is by using a toothpaste that contains hydrogen peroxide. If you are wanting to have brighter teeth sooner, you can always talk to your dentist about getting them professionally whitened.

Do Whitening Toothpastes Work?

Make sure when you are looking for a whitening toothpaste that it has approval from the American Dental Association. When you are comparing a whitening toothpaste with a regular toothpaste you will notice that the whitening toothpaste has more harsh ingredients. One of these ingredients being silica, which scrub the top of the teeth.

 

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Contact Teach Dental Group today to learn about our teeth whitening options. Our experienced Buffalo dentists can help you get the smile you’ve always wanted.

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