Coffee, tea, red wine, and even age can discolor your teeth. Fortunately, there are a number of teeth whitening treatments you can buy in a store or get from your dentist. Is it possible to take whitening too far? According to Dr. William U. Britton, D.D.S., of Chillicothe, OH, it is possible—but with a little help from your dentist, you can achieve natural-looking results.

5 FAQs About Teeth Whitening

What Is the Best Way to Whiten?

There are a variety of options to suit any budget and schedule. At-home treatments like toothpaste, trays, and strips are less expensive than in-office teeth whitening; however, it will take longer to see the effects. In-office treatments can be completed in a single office visit.

Is It Safe?

Teeth whitening is a bleaching process that is safe as long as the product you use has no more than 10% carbamide peroxide. This formulation is effective at whitening teeth without damaging the enamel or root nerve. If you are not sure how much carbamide peroxide is in your treatment, ask your dentist.

How Much Whitening Is Too Much?

While 10% carbamide peroxide is safe to whiten teeth, using the solution too frequently and for too long can harm your tooth enamel. If you are considering whitening your teeth, ask your dentist to recommend a product and show you how to use it.

Is It Permanent?

No. Teeth whitening is temporary, especially if you continue to expose your teeth to foods and drinks that cause stains. Avoiding dark sodas, red wine, coffee, and tea will help prolong the whitening effects.

Can I Whiten Dental Veneers, Implants, or a Bridge?

While whitening products will not damage your restorative dental replacements, you won’t see any results on those teeth. If your appliance has become stained, you may need to replace it. If you are whitening the surrounding natural teeth, you may need to replace your bridge or crown for a more natural, uniform look.

To learn more about safe, effective teeth whitening methods, schedule an appointment with Dr. William U. Britton, D.D.S. Call (740) 772-2225 or visit the office on Facebook for more information.