Professional vs Home Teetth Whitening

Teeth stain over time.

Cigarette smoke, red wine, coffee or tea expedite the process.

Regardless of brushing and flossing teeth on a frequent basis, and regular visits to the dentist, your teeth will stain to some degree.

There are two solutions to this.

One is to have it sorted out professionally. The other is to purchase a do-it-yourself home kit.

A professional dental hygienist will be able to determine the best treatment for you.

When you get your teeth whitened professionally, you are assured of great results and the process is fast and straightforward. Bright white teeth are however not guaranteed; it depends on the original condition of your teeth. Teeth that are stained from within can not always be fully restored to their original whiteness by a whitening procedure alone.

Getting a home kit is also an option. It is usually a 2 week process and does not always get the same result as having it done professionally; but if the directions are followed, a good result can be possible.

Teeth whitening has become increasingly popular and is provided as a regular service at most dental clinics.

Dental clinics usually have professional hygienists perform the tooth whitening, however dentists also regularly perform the procedure where there is no dedicated hygienist.

Patients who have had professional whitening are usually so impressed that after a few years, they go back to the dentist for a follow-up treatment, to keep up the whiteness of their teeth.

Even though home tooth whitening can obtain results, there are a number of do's and don't's, regulations to be followed prior to the use of tooth whitening products - for which a trip to the dentist is highly recommended. The dentist can tell check to see whether your teeth and gums are able to take the chemicals used in the process of whitening your own teeth. Also, if you have tooth colored fillings, resin composite materials used in dental restorations (such as crowns, veneers, bridges etc) that have stained over time, they will not whiten the same as your teeth and can stand out like a sore thumb if you are not careful. Your dentist will be able to advise you on what the best course of action is in these instances.

In a nutshell, home tooth whitening solutions can work, however if you want a professional job, which is both fast and reliable, you are better of seeing a professional hygienist or dentist and get it done right the first time.

Dental veneers were originally invented by a dentist in California, USA. At the time the adhesive used was unsatisfactory and the veneers fell off after a short time.

In this day and age, veneers have been highly modernized. Using modern bonding adhesives, they can bond to the teeth for up to 30 years. In the past, the only way to correct dental imperfections was to cover the tooth with a crown.

What is a veneer? Per the Encarta Dictionary, it is "a thin layer of a material bonded to the surface of a less attractive or inferior material". Veneers in dentistry are very thin layers of artificial tooth (made either of porcelain or a resin composite) that are the natural color of your tooth and are placed on your tooth.

In modern dentistry, veneers as such are used to improve the aesthetics of the teeth or to repair/protect a damaged tooth surface.

What makes you a candidate for veneers? Large spaces between your teeth; poorly shaped or crooked teeth; broken or chipped teeth; worn down, misaligned or uneven teeth. Dental veneers can also be used to handle externally or internally stained or permanently discolored teeth that can not be handled through professional teeth whitening.

As mentioned; veneers come in the form of porcelain or composite resin (hard plastic). Your local dental expert can advise which option is best suited for you.

Veneers are highly resistant to the staining from coffee, tea, tobacco etc. They can make your teeth look good and feel healthy; while giving you a new, better look.

Veneers are endorsed by dentists and patients alike, with stories of how they have literally changed peoples lives by instilling them with a confidence - no longer shying away from other people because of their teeth.

Though veneers stand within the realm of cosmetic dentistry, they are a relatively simple, fast, and straightforward procedure that greatly enhances one's looks, strengthens one's teeth, and may be exactly what you need to improve your appearance and your smile.

Veneers are prepared at the laboratory, after your initial visit with your local dental expert. During your initial visit, your dentist will consult you on the procedure and will take a mold of the tooth/teeth to be veneered. After your veneer(s) have been produced in the laboratory, your local dentsts will place them on the respective tooth/teeth. He will then consult you on how to take care of your veneers so that they last long and remain in good condition.

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