Tooth whitening is a standard method for enhancing your smile. You can do this at home or by going to the dentist. Even though over-the-counter whiteners have progressed, they are not as effective as having your teeth whitened by a dentist.

Teeth whitening treatments can cause side effects. However, the side effects do not last unless you are over-whitening your teeth and are doing it all the time. If you overdo it, your teeth can become sensitive.

If you decide to whiten your teeth with an over-the-counter whitener, talk to your dentist about which product they recommend. Reading this article will help you find out more about teeth whitening products.

Can Teeth Whitening Treatments Cause Problems?

Teeth whitening treatments can cause side effects because over-the-counter whitening products contain a bleaching ingredient. It can either be hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. If used correctly, the bleaching ingredients will decrease or eliminate yellowing or staining.

Over-the-counter products contain less bleach than dentist formulations. It also takes these products longer for the teeth to whiten. It is always essential to follow the directions when using these items. Some of the side effects of using teeth whitening products include the following:

Teeth Sensitivity

Teeth sensitivity is caused by the bleaching ingredient soaking into the tooth’s dentin, which renders the nerves vulnerable or exposed. This bleaching causes the teeth to become sensitive to cold or hot drinks or acidic foods.

Whiteners that do not contain a bleaching ingredient like carbamide peroxide do not cause as much tooth sensitivity. Over-the-counter products, such as whitening gels, usually trigger more sensitivity in the teeth.

Gum Irritation

Bleaching ingredients are strong chemicals that can cause gum irritation and sometimes even pain. This problem is not likely to occur if a dentist administers tooth whitening. Over-the-counter whiteners come with a one size fits all mouthguard.

It is not as reliable as a custom-made mouthguard, and the product could leak into the gums. The sensitivity depends on how long contact has lasted with the whitening product and its concentration.

Over the years, numerous over-the-counter tooth whitening products have been recalled due to high levels of hydrogen peroxide.

Uneven Whitening

Some teeth may come out whiter than others ones. Each tooth will respond differently to whitening. The structure of the teeth influences the outcome of bleaching. Teeth with less calcium will bleach more quickly.

Your dentist can provide a custom-fitted tray that permits the solution to coat each tooth evenly. Whitening strips do not cover the whole tooth and often produce undesirable results. Also, any restorative dentistry you have had, such as fillings or crowns, will not respond to bleaching.

What Are the Causes of Teeth Stains?

Teeth can be stained due to different causes, and there are two major types of stains. There is intrinsic staining, which is internal, and extrinsic staining, which is external.

Extrinsic Staining

Extrinsic stains affect the tooth enamel. These stains are created from long-term damage to teeth. This staining can be caused by the following:

• Smoking
• Coffee/Tea
• Red wine
• Acidic fruit

Extrinsic staining is not as difficult to remove as intrinsic stains. You can whiten extrinsic stains with over-the-counter remedies, such as whitening toothpaste or strips.

Intrinsic Staining 

Intrinsic stains occur within the tooth’s dentin, which is the layer of the tooth before the enamel. Some of the causes of this type of staining include the following:

• Medications
• Desensitization to fluoride
• Diseases
• Internal bleeding
• Aging

This type of staining is more challenging to treat. It requires the intervention of a dentist. Veneers and dental bonding are the safest bets for intrinsic whitening stains.

What Are Ways to Whiten Teeth?

There are different ways to whiten teeth, and you should talk to your Medford dentist about which one would be appropriate for you. Whitening toothpaste tends to be the least invasive. The following are all the ways you can whiten teeth:

• Toothpaste
• Strips
• Gels
• Rinses
• Tray-based solutions

Overuse of teeth whiteners can lead to side effects. Tray-based treatments need to be worn every day until the treatment is over.

What Is the Best Over the Counter Kit to Whiten Teeth?

Many products whiten teeth. You should talk to your dentist if you have any questions.

Over-the-counter kits are much more advanced than in prior years. They tout that they are easier for your tooth’s integrity, do a better job, and most have light accelerators included in the kit.

Learn more about Teeth Whitening Treatment at GIO Dental in Medford, MA

As a general rule, teeth whitening is a safe way to improve the appearance of your teeth. Side effects tend to be short-term unless you are bleaching your teeth constantly. In general, teeth whitening is risk-free and can be a great method to improve one’s smile and confidence at the same time. Before beginning, or if you require advice on the best techniques for your specific teeth and oral health, contact GIO Dental for guidance. We offer take-home or professional in-office whitening treatments, both with customized mouth trays for a better fit. Call our office today at (781) 777-1812 to learn more.

Having a crooked tooth can be a major source of insecurity for many, and if you find yourself with this dilemma you may wonder if a cosmetic dentist will have the skills and services necessary to fix it.

Cosmetic dentists can fix crooked teeth through a variety of different methods, including invisible braces, traditional braces, dental veneers, or dental bonding. While most of these options are offered by cosmetic dentists, an orthodontist may be needed depending on the complexity of the case.

Cosmetic dentistry can benefit the lives of many, and with a few small adjustments, you will find your smile is looking better than ever before. Keep reading to learn more about the different ways a cosmetic dentist can fix crooked teeth.

How Can Cosmetic Dentists Fix Crooked Teeth?

Having crooked teeth is a common problem for many people, and cosmetic dentists are often sought out to fix this issue. Cosmetic dentistry differs from general dentistry in that it seeks to treat issues regarding the appearance of teeth whereas general dentistry deals with the overall health and wellness of your teeth and gums.

Because they specialize in tooth aesthetics, a cosmetic dentist is a perfect choice to fix your crooked tooth.

The following sections will discuss some common ways that cosmetic dentists typically choose to address crooked teeth.

Invisible Braces

If someone is dealing with multiple crooked teeth, many cosmetic dentists choose to address this using invisible braces. Invisible braces are a popular choice for many reasons:

• Appearance: Especially if the patient is an adult, they may not wish to have visible braces. Invisible braces are discreet and correct your teeth without being noticeable.
• Custom-fit: Each set of invisible braces is carefully created for their patient so they fit perfectly to the teeth. For this reason, many patients do not notice that the braces are even there.
• Easy removal: When eating or brushing your teeth, the braces can be removed instantly and with no pain.

Most cosmetic dentists can fit patients for invisible braces without seeking the help of an orthodontist and the procedure has become increasingly common in recent years. The length of time that people need to wear invisible braces often depends on the severity of their tooth crookedness and generally ranges from 12-18 months.

Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are a great choice for those with severely crooked teeth or several gaps between their teeth. Veneers bond directly over the surface of the tooth and will instantly give the appearance of straight teeth. The procedure, once done, can even last for up to 10 years before they need replacement.

Additionally, the veneers are typically made from porcelain, meaning that they can easily be cleaned and will not acquire stains. Once they have been inserted, veneers do not typically need to be removed until the time of replacement, meaning that they are an easy fix for crooked teeth that will give you fast results.

Dental Bonding

If you have one or only a few slightly crooked teeth, many cosmetic dentists may choose to use dental bonding. In this procedure, dentists apply resin to your tooth that gives the appearance of being straight. This is an easy and painless procedure that will immediately leave your affected tooth looking straight.

It also has the added benefits of lightening discolored teeth or closing gaps. While this fix is permanent and simple, it will only work for minimally crooked teeth.

Can Cosmetic Dentists Put On Metal Braces?

The final option for crooked teeth is also a very common one: traditional metal braces. This is an effective method, although many adults may choose to avoid this one for appearance reasons. If you do choose to pursue traditional braces for your teeth, your cosmetic dentist may refer you to an orthodontist.

While some cosmetic dentists can put on braces especially if it is a minimal correction, orthodontists are specialized in the alignment of your teeth and the jaw. If your teeth are very crooked and misaligned, it is more likely that your cosmetic dentist will not be able to do the procedure.

How to Choose the Right Option for You?

The best way to choose the right option for you is to schedule a consultation with a cosmetic dentist Medford. They will be able to evaluate your teeth and recommend the best treatment plan for your specific needs. Factors to consider when choosing a treatment plan include the severity of your crookedness, your budget, and your lifestyle.

Cosmetic Dentistry in Medford, MA

Crooked teeth can be a source of embarrassment and insecurity, but cosmetic dentistry offers a solution. A cosmetic dentist can fix a crooked tooth using a variety of options, including Invisalign, porcelain veneers, dental bonding, and traditional braces. To choose the right option for you, schedule a consultation with a Medford Dentist and consider factors such as severity, budget, and lifestyle. With the right dental treatment plan, you can achieve a confident, straight smile.

Remember, maintaining good dental health is also crucial. If you want to enhance your smile, then give Gio Dental at Station Landing a call at (781) 777-1812 or contact us online and be on your way to a healthier and brighter smile today!