subject: Whiten Your Teeth In The Comfort Of Your Own Home [print this page] From weddings and family photos to important presentations or just simply improving an overall appearance, there are a number of reasons people decide to whiten their teeth. A person's smile is one of their most eye-catching features and one of the first things a person notices. Over the years, cosmetic dentistry has continued to blossom as a popular field of dentistry. Within cosmetic dentistry, teeth whitening reigns supreme and is universally valued by both men and women. At-home teeth whitening kits are a convenient way to achieve a brightened smile in privacy and on your schedule.
Let's Start with the Basics
If a whiter, stain-free smile is something you desire, simple improvements in your day-to-day oral health regimen may be all you need to remove surface stains, prevent further discoloration and enhance your smile. To start, limit or avoid foods, beverages and habits that cause staining, including soda, tea, red wine and smoking. To keep teeth clean and white, be sure to brush and floss regularly to remove unwanted surface stains. Using whitening toothpaste can also help whiten your teeth a few shades.
Finally, always stay up-to-date with your regularly scheduled dental cleanings and checkups. Dentist use advanced tools for removing stains that regular tooth brushing cannot. Not to mention that your Upper West Side dentist can recommend the best cosmetic treatments for helping you achieve a whiter smile.
Convenient Home Whitening Kits
When time isn't a factor or your stains are mild, your dentist may recommend custom-fit whitening kits for gradually whitening your teeth. Your dentist can custom-fit trays for your upper and lower teeth, and you do the rest from the comfort of your home. Simply apply the recommended whitening solution to the trays, and wear the trays on your teeth for the required amount of time. In as little as a few weeks your teeth should be noticeably whiter. This treatment is also a great option for maintaining and touching up professional in-office whitening treatment.
The Take-Home Whitening Procedure
Typically, the take-home whitening procedure will begin with your dentist taking impressions of your upper and lower teeth. These impressions will then be sent to the dental laboratory to make your custom whitening trays, which will normally take one to two weeks for the dental lab to create the trays. The initial shade of your teeth will be recorded in your dental chart for comparison when your whitening treatment has been completed.
A second appointment will be scheduled to show you how to dispense the teeth whitening solution in the trays and give you detailed instructions to follow. Take-home whitening is typically used one hour a day for two weeks, and can be used for touch-up applications thereafter. It is important to always brush and floss your teeth before placing the trays in your mouth to ensure the best results. Also, be sure to avoid eating, drinking, or smoking while wearing the trays and for approximately 30 minutes after you complete the teeth whitening session. A follow-up appointment will also be made to track your results and determine the final shade of your teeth.
Talk to your Upper West Side dentist for more information on teeth whitening and to find out if take-home kits are the best solution for improving the appearance of your smile.
