Which Teeth Whitening Options Are Safe?
In general, you don’t need to be overly concerned about the safety of teeth whitening dental procedures. If you follow the instructions, your biggest concern will be minor soreness. As long as you follow your San Francisco dentist’s instructions, teeth whitening in a dental office is safe. Some over-the-counter teeth whitening products can be moderately effective, but the results vary depending on the product’s shelf-life, ease of use, and ingredients. Your best bet is to have your teeth whitened by a professional.
Contact Zeal Dentistry by calling 415.792.4771 if you have questions about tooth whitening.
What Is Tooth Whitening?
As we age, the whiteness of our teeth gradually begins to fade. Tooth enamel, the outer covering of the teeth, is translucent and very porous. As we age, enamel wears away, allowing the darker layers underneath to be visible. Discoloration of the teeth can be exacerbated by smoking, unhealthy eating, and substance abuse.
Tooth whitening, also known as teeth bleaching is the process of removing discoloration from teeth. Hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide solutions help to “fill in” places where the enamel has thinned. This produces a whitening effect. Tooth whitening can be performed professionally by a dentist, performed at home using a professional teeth whitening kit, or at home using an over-the-counter whitening agent.
Benefits of Having Your Teeth Professionally Whitened
Although the cost of teeth whitening at the dentist tends to be quite a bit higher than over-the-counter alternatives, this method of tooth whitening is the most effective. Tooth whitening is a safe procedure, but it involves chemicals that can be dangerous, painful, and ineffective when people try to whiten their teeth at home. Professional teeth whitening will help you get the results you want in a format that fits your schedule. Your dentist will select the best products for your teeth. Professional tooth whitening provides the following:
- Guaranteed results
- A shield to protect the gums
- Custom mouth trays
Teeth Whitening in San Francisco, CA
In-office teeth whitening procedures involve your SF dentist applying a peroxide-based solution onto your teeth. Before the treatment, your dentist will discuss your options and determine which approach and product will be most effective for you. Most people want their teeth to be whiter without looking fake. Additional heat and light or laser may be applied to accelerate the whitening process. The process will most likely take place over several visits.
Can I Whiten My Teeth Without Going to The Dentist?
Over-the-counter tooth whitening kits are an alternative to visiting your dentist. At-home teeth whitening kits also tend to be more convenient because they can be purchased without a doctor’s assistance; however, the results are not guaranteed. Some tooth whitening strips tend to slide around on the teeth, causing pain in the gums. Teeth whitening kits can be a hassle because they can cause drooling and tooth pain. No matter what, always use products that have been approved by the American Dental Association when you whiten your teeth.
As you know, having a healthy mouth will help keep your teeth whiter longer. Getting a dental cleaning every six months is one of the best ways to keep your teeth looking and feeling their best. Zeal Dentistry offers more than tooth whitening. Our services include the following:
Best Cosmetic Dentistry in Downtown SF
No matter what kind of dental services you need, Zeal Dentistry has you covered. We are conveniently located on Market Street, a block away from City Hall, in San Francisco, California. We are on the second floor in suite 226. Contact us or give us a call at your earliest convenience at 415.792.4771 to set up your teeth whitening consultation.
