Did you know that almost everyone (99.7% according to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry) believe a smile is a valuable social asset? An attractive smile makes not only a good, first impression, but it can increase your confidence! In this same survey, people said they wanted to have whiter and brighter teeth.
With teeth whitening now so common, a whiter smile is now more convenient and easier to obtain than ever before. But, have you ever wondered, is teeth whitening safe? It’s a good question and something we investigated. We not only found that teeth whitening is safe when done correctly. Learn more about the process and the best way to have your teeth whitened. Let’s have a look!
What’s in Teeth Whitening Products?
There are several different types of teeth whitening agents. One bleaching mixture available has about 10% Carbamide peroxide that yields about 3.5% hydrogen peroxide as the whitening agent. Carbamide peroxide is used in over-the-counter whitening systems, like strips and generic teeth trays.
The ingredients in whitening toothpaste includes a polishing, abrasive or sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) to help remove stains on the teeth surfaces. Hydrogen peroxide is also added in small amounts in whitening toothpaste.
Professional teeth whitening is done by the dentist and the concentration of hydrogen peroxide can be safely increased for better, longer-lasting results. Some processes use ultraviolet light as part of the brightening process.
Is Teeth Whitening Safe?
When done properly, teeth whitening is believed to be safe for you. Because the chemicals used to whiten teeth are in such small quantities and are not inherently harsh, it is not believed teeth whitening is harmful. However, because teeth whitening can cause some irritation when done incorrectly or too frequently, the key to whiten teeth is to do it the right way!
What’s the Best Way to Whiten?
If teeth whitening products used are too strong or the process is not performed correctly, people can develop tooth sensitivity, gum irritation or pain. Using a poorly fitting teeth tray or using over-the-counter teeth whitening products too often can cause this irritation and possible damage to the enamel of teeth.
The best, safest, long-lasting teeth whitening process is at your dentist’s office. Your dentist can assess your teeth, provide a check-up and cleaning, and check your health to determine the best approach for your teeth whitening.
Depending on the level of whitening desired, professional teeth whitening can adjust the strength of the brightening agent and amount of time used. Investing in professional teeth whitening will get the results you want quicker and they should last longer than other methods!
Interested in getting a whiter, brighter smile? North Boulder Dental offers professional teeth whitening that will give you excellent results that last a long time! Call us at (303) 447-1042 to explore the options for a more beautiful smile!
