Teeth Whitening

Bleaching discolored teeth and how to get a whiter smile with cavities

A focal imagery of captivating beauty is having dazzling, pearly-white teeth. But due to aging, smoking, and consuming color-rich foods like wine, blueberries, and coffee, all of our smiles stain and can appear darker, over time. Whitening treatments have become a very popular method to restore the fresh, youthful look from ear to ear. Whether you choose to do so at home, or by visiting a professional teeth whitening specialist in Phoenix, the results are, generally, fast, affordable, and highly effective. Years of discoloration can be erased in one sitting. 

There are many options when it comes to fading soils from the teeth, each varying in strength, price, time, and convenience. Either way, make an appointment with a dentist to consider the best course of action. 

Want Whiter Teeth? How it’s Done

In-Office

The dentist will instruct a patient to bite down on a custom-sized mouth tray filled with 15% to 43% hydrogen peroxides or peroxide carbamide for 60 to 90 minutes. This solution washes out deep yellowing and stains. 

You can discuss the optimal levels of whiteness and how many sessions are needed to reach the desired brightness. Probably expect to schedule one or two visits. The more time allotted and more frequent applications should issue greater results, but will also increase the chances of wearing out the enamel, the hard, outermost surface of the tooth. A fluoride treatment might be performed to reduce sensitivity and erosion.

Laser treatments are growing increasingly popular in demand. A blue ultraviolet (UV) light is used in combination with a gel to bleach and fortify your grin, in record timing.

At Home/Out of Office

There are tools and pens that are available to be used at home. You can purchase an LED light, but these are a bit pricey compared to the other do-it-yourself alternatives. Home kits use strips, systems of oxygen, or weaker peroxide solutions. Results can be noticed after days or weeks, when utilized correctly. Whitening toothpaste and gels, normally, contain abrasives to slightly polish away stains on the very facet of the tooth, after weeks of consistent use. 

You can also remember to rinse with water after consuming foods and drinks that dye. Practicing excellent dental habits like brushing twice a day, flossing, and getting a regular cleaning by your dentist or hygienist are suitable for maintaining bright teeth. It is always best to remain under the supervision of a trained dental professional. 

Can you whiten teeth with fillings?

Teeth are made of porous hard and soft tissue. The bleaching agents used to blanch your enamel will not be effective on crowns or fillings. Materials for repairing cavities, caries, or holes in a tooth caused by bacteria and decay, vary: gold, porcelain, plastic, even glass ionomer. 

Most commonly dentists will apply metal amalgam, composed of copper, mercury, silver, tin, and zinc. These materials cannot be whitened. Though some resins might be vulnerable to staining, they can only be fixed with replacements, which can be quite costly, especially if you have a substantial amount of fillings. Note that all dental procedures increase the susceptibility of further sensitivity or injury. 

Composite resins are a modern and less noticeable alternative to alloy fillings. The dentist will use this putty as a substitute to match the color of the natural tooth, as much as possible. For this same reason, it is suggested that all measures to whiten be completed before any required dental procedures, including root canals. If bleaching is done first, the new shade will not complement the new work and pieces. 

Porcelain veneers or ceramic crowns that cover most of the tooth, might be a consideration instead of replacing blemished fillings. They are strong and resistant to tarnishing. It is recommended to administer teeth whitening procedures before applying caps. They will be designed to match the shade of your natural teeth, and whitening treatments will be useless on composites after they are installed. Crowns and veneers cannot absorb stains as natural enamel can. But if they lose their luster over time, a nice shine and buff can be achieved with gentle toothpaste. It is prescribed to replace veneers and crowns every 10 to 20 years. 

Can you whiten your teeth with cavities?

It is not advised that you attempt whitening procedures, if you assume or if it has been confirmed that you have any unrepaired damage or existing cavities. Peroxide will not reverse or clean corrosion and it is ineffective against markings caused by deterioration. 

Bleaching agents will weaken even normal teeth and can worsen and irritate decay; increase sensitivity, pain, and possibly cause irreparable damage. It is possible to remineralize withered enamel but it can never be restored or regrown once it is depleted. Always get approval from your dentist before attempting any type of lightning therapy to make sure everything is in proper condition. Ultimately, the health of your teeth is more important than aesthetics. 

Keep in mind that bleaching will not be the best option for everyone. Not all blotches can be removed with chemicals. Some individuals prone to cavities, sensitivity, or other forms of impairment might decide to opt with a gentle ”whitening” toothpaste, excellent hygiene practices, and regular visits to a dentist to maintain a gorgeous set of milky whites, instead. 

Based on the thickness of the enamel, natural teeth come in different shades. They are rarely the degree of colorless for which we aim and having chompers that are a bit off-white, yet strong and clean is okay. 

Having tooth decay does not mean you can never get your smile whitened. It is best to address any issues before bleaching, like fillings, root canals, or caps. All glues and sealants should be meticulously placed tight and dried. Besides the health and comfort of your mouth, this will also ensure that the tint of all your choppers blend together, seamlessly. You can ask your dentist for a rubber dam, sheet, or sealant after work is done to protect your teeth from further staining. Once your cavities are healed, you can whiten your teeth without worry.