When you decide to opt for teeth whitening there are some aspects you must consider. For example, your teeth must be healthy, with healthy gums. Also, the cosmetic procedure - the teeth whitening - is not recommended to children under 16 years old and to people who have sensitive teeth, allergies to products, gum diseases, cavities and exposed roots, fillings, crowns and other restorations. One mustn’t have unrealistic expectations because disappointment might follow with the teeth whitening results. Smokers must be aware of the fact that their results will be limited as long as they continue their habit. When deciding to have teeth whitening, one must also know that there are some risks to take: a temporary increase in tooth sensitivity and mild irritation of the soft tissues of the mouth.

If you don’t have any of these problems, you can easily go for teeth whitening and choose between several options. Whitening toothpaste removes the surface stains through the action of mild abrasives, but it does not affect the stains deep in the tooth. At-home bleaching and In-office bleaching are options of cosmetic dentistry that imply a do it yourself teeth whitening or an under surveillance procedure. The main differences between these two are: the products you use at home for teeth whitening which usually contain a lower strength-bleaching agent (from 10% carbamine peroxide – which is equivalent to about 3 percent hydrogen peroxide – up to 22% carbamine peroxide).

In-office teeth whitening products contain hydrogen peroxide in concentrations from 15 to 43%. Using cosmetic dentistry you can get additional protective measures as your dentist will apply either a gel to gum tissue or use a rubber shield prior to treatment to protect your gums and cavity from the effects of bleaching. At-home products don’t provide these extra protective measures, but they are not as strong either. In-office bleaching provides the quickest and most effective way to teeth whitening, because they use the products in combination with heat. The laser method, for example, offers dramatic results that can be seen even after the first treatment.

Everyone wants a lasting white smile, but, unfortunately, the teeth whitening effects are not permanent. The whitening starts to fade in about one month from the procedure if you expose your teeth to a lot of foods and beverages that cause staining. To maintain your white teeth you must brush them immediately after consuming stain-causing elements and follow a good oral hygiene practice.

Cosmetic dentistry is a discipline within dentistry where you modify the appearance of your teeth and of the surrounding structures. It is important to know that cosmetic dentistry doesn’t prevent or treat the organic, structural or functional oral diseases.

If you choose cosmetic dentistry to have your teeth whitened, there are some things you have to know about it. The oldest technique in cosmetic dentistry is the application of a concentration of hydrogen peroxide to the teeth, but nowadays the cosmetic dentistry involves new techniques, like the use of a solution of carbamide peroxide in a gel. A third technique - very used in the cosmetic dentistry - involves the use of a “bleaching light". However, before using cosmetic dentistry, it is important to visit your personal dentist because only he can tell you what type of teeth treatment will work for you best.