On occasion, the pursuit of two important and perfectly worthwhile goals can get in one another's paths. Consider, on the one hand, the pursuit of a radiant, beaming white smile through teeth-whitening solutions. Now consider that, without proper care, the very treatments that you're hoping will push your smile to its million-dollar best could cause complications for the dental restorations already in your mouth, restoring its form and function.
Today we're talking about teeth whitening, how it works, how it can affect existing dental work like crowns, veneers, and implants, and how to brighten your smile while avoiding these potential pitfalls.
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
Teeth whitening works by using bleaching agents like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide to break down stains on the surfaces of teeth and within the enamel, resulting in a whiter appearance. There are two broad categories of teeth whitening treatments:
- In-office: Performed by dental professionals using a higher concentration of bleaching agent and activating it with special lights or lasers.
- At-home: This involves the use of kits with mouthpiece-like trays (custom-fitted or over-the-counter) and a lower concentration of bleaching agents; for use at home over a period of time.
Does Teeth Whitening Pose a Threat to Existing Dental Work?
Structurally, teeth whitening does not pose a threat to existing dental restorations. However, teeth whitening can damage the aesthetics of existing dental work. This is largely because the bleaching agents may not affect the color of restorations like crowns, veneers, or implants, resulting in uneven coloration between natural teeth and dental work and compromising the aesthetic appearance of the person's smile.
Tips for Whitening Your Teeth without Affecting Existing Dental Work
- Seek professional advice from a dentist before whitening to ensure it won't impact existing dental work.
- Consider non-bleaching whitening treatments like whitening toothpaste, mouthwash, or whitening strips.
- Maintain excellent dental hygiene to keep natural teeth and dental work clean and healthy.
- If you've had dental work done, consider minor touch-ups on natural teeth to maintain a consistent smile.
- Consult with a cosmetic dentist about possibly replacing dental work to match the shade of your new, whiter smile.
- Follow your dentist's recommendations for safe and effective teeth whitening.
Cosmetic Dentist Near Eagan, MN
If you're in the Eagan area and searching for a trusted cosmetic dentist to enhance your smile's brilliance and ensure the functionality of your dental restorations, look no further. Instead of randomly searching for 'cosmetic dentist near me' or 'dental implants near me,' take a proactive step and contact Dr. TuAnh Le and the dedicated team at Woodpark Dental.
Schedule a consultation today to receive expert guidance tailored to your dental needs from a leading cosmetic dentist Eagan MN.