Bleaching Strips: What you Should Know

We all dream of pearly white smiles that you can see for miles, but the reality is, most of us will inevitably experience tooth discoloration over time, whether it be from things we eat or drink to simply the natural discoloration that happens as we age.

 

Of course, not all hope is lost, and there is a big market of products out there designed to capitalize on people’s dreams for a brighter smile. But before you rush off to the drug store to buy a package of teeth whitening strips, there are a few things you need to know.

 

How whitening works

 

Teeth whitening with products like bleaching strips work by lightening the inner tissue of the tooth. As the inner part of the tooth lightens, that color is reflected through the outer enamel, therefore making your teeth look whiter. Conversely, to most effectively remove discoloration on the outer enamel, which is generally the result of drinking wine, coffee, etc., the most effective technique is to ensure routine visits to your dentist for cleanings from the hygienist as well as consistent brushing and polishing at home.

 

Not all teeth are created equally

 

The teeth whitening solution that’s best for you might not be the solution that’s best for your spouse or your best friend down the street. Consulting your dentist is the number one thing you should do before embarking on any kind of whitening journey. He or she can best offer solutions in line with your dental history and one that will ultimately lead to the best results for you.

 

Results may vary

 

Bleaching strips work by placing the film over your teeth, so if parts of your teeth do not receive the treatment either because of the way the strip was placed on the teeth or because the teeth or crooked, the results can be uneven. It’s also important to remember that not all teeth will take to the whitening as well as others. People will the healthiest teeth to begin with will often get the best results.

 

Be prepared for some potential side effects

 

The most common side effect from teeth whitening is tooth sensitivity and soft tissue irritation if the whitening gel gets on the gums. Others may also experience nausea or vomiting if they ingest any of the gel. Generally, tooth sensitivity tends to last about 24 hours after exposure.

 

So before you rush off to buy a box of bleaching strips, pause for a moment to consider the risks and benefits of using such a whitening method. A quick consult with us here at Willow Spring might help you decide which method is going to offer the best results for you. Give us a call today.

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