With So Many Teeth Whitening Options Available, How Do You Know Which Is Right for You?

Finding a dentist in the Chicagoland area is like locating fish in a barrel - they're everywhere. Accordingly, finding one who offers teeth whitening solutions is as easy, for most dental practices these days provide, at minimum, minor cosmetic services. Brookfield, Oak Lawn and Orland Park dentists, as elsewhere in the Chicago metropolitan area, understand the importance of white teeth and cater to the needs of their patients. Now more than ever, a white, bright smile is thought by many to be the standout physical feature requiring the most cultivation. People of all ages want to rid their mouths of both extrinsic and intrinsic stains, giving them the confidence to show off their pearly whites. To meet this rising demand, there are all sorts of teeth whitening solutions, but which one is the best?

Firstly, there are two types of stains that affect teeth: extrinsic and intrinsic. Extrinsic stains are superficial discolorations caused by everything from tobacco use, coffee, dark-colored soft drinks, foods and more. Except in extreme cases, these stains are kept at bay with regular brushing and routine dental cleanings. Over-the-counter teeth whitening products including a variety of toothpastes, mouthwashes, bleaching creams and stick-on strips, are designed to remove these stains. Old-fashioned remedies such as swishing with hydrogen peroxide or augmenting your brushing routine with baking soda can help deal with them as well.

Intrinsic stains are deeper and not so easily removed. They are generally the result of aging, trauma, mineral exposure or excessive fluoride ingestion. Once thought to be irreversible, intrinsic stains can now be eradicated by specialty whitening treatments administered by a dentist. Cosmetic dental procedures primarily involve the use of highly concentrated bleaching solutions administered chair-side. In-office whitening sessions generally take one to two hours, although deep-bleaching procedures may require multiple visits. Custom-made trays worn by patients at home are used for certain treatments. An alternative treatment involves the use of special gels and a laser to remove deeper-set stains.

However, uncomfortable side effects from these procedures are not uncommon, while some are precluded from any type of whitening procedure. Some people experience extreme tooth sensitivity while using toothpastes or wearing the trays, while others get irritation of the soft tissue at the gum line. In other cases, patients experience tooth root damage, recession of the gums or weakened tooth enamel. Pregnant or lactating women should never have their teeth whitened, for the chemicals involved may potentially affect the fetus or breast milk.

Consulting your dentist is the surest way to determine what sort of problems, if any, you may experience. In-office whitening procedures generally follow a basic cleaning and exam, so the dentist will be alerted to any existing root damage, sensitivity or other possible complications and make the necessary recommendations based on that knowledge.

Whereas OTC products are the cheapest, most convenient and give you the most variety, in-office whitening is generally faster and safer in terms of bleaching. These are, however, more expensive, with per-session prices as high as $500 or more. Most dentists agree, too, that regular use of an at-home product is the only way to ensure long-term teeth whiteness. This being said, a visit to your local Orland Park cosmetic dentistry practitioner can clear up any misconceptions and help you decide which method of teeth whitening is best for you given your unique set of circumstances.

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