When I had a badly decayed tooth extracted, I got a partial denture to fill in the gap. I didn't mind it at first, because I was just so happy to have my painful tooth out of my mouth. Over time, I began to get tired of taking it out at night. I asked my dentist if I was could get a dental implant, and he said that my gum disease did not make me a good candidate, but a fixed bridge may be a good option for me. I went with his suggestion, and I have no regrets. I love feeling like I have a real tooth again that I don't have to remove at night. I created this blog to remind other people with a missing tooth that they have many replacement options, and if one is not for you, then try another that may be right.
Do you have teeth that are less than perfectly white? Have you tried different types of whitening toothpaste but they haven't seemed to have made much of a difference? If you've tried different brands of toothpaste and your teeth are still yellow, you may have come to the erroneous conclusion that your teeth are permanently stuck in their current yellowed state. After all, toothpaste commercials often make it sound like they're just as good as a visit to the dentist. However, that's simply not true. If you're still trying to decide whether or not to schedule a tooth whitening session with your dentist, here are some things to consider.
Dentists' formulas are stronger: Teeth whitening is typically performed with a formula that contains peroxide. If you buy whitening toothpaste, strips, gel, or anything else at the store or online, the amount of peroxide may be almost non-existent. When you go to the dentist, the amount of peroxide is high enough that he or she will often apply something to your much more sensitive gums in order to protect them from the peroxide. The formula is then activated by a special light or by heat, whitening your teeth in a matter of minutes instead of the days or weeks that the over the counter formulas state.
Whitening doesn't last forever: While you might hope that teeth whitening is permanent, your teeth can start to yellow soon after the procedure is over. If you continue to smoke heavily or drink lots of tea and coffee, your teeth may need whitening again in a matter of months. On the other hand, if you follow your dentist's recommendations and keep away from certain foods or drinks, it could be years before you need to go back for another whitening session.
Teeth may be sensitive afterward: For a few days after your teeth whitening at the dentist's office, your teeth may be more sensitive than usual. Until you know how your teeth are going to react, you may want to avoid very hot drinks and food or very cold drinks or food, or at least be extra cautious when consuming them. Fortunately, this sensitivity should start to fade almost immediately. Since dentists use different teeth whitening formulas, it's best to ask your dentist how long you should expect your teeth to be sensitive. He or she will likely give you a figure that is substantially less than a week.
For more information about teeth whitening, talk to a dentist like those at Carpenter Dental.
Share13 December 2016
