People want whiter teeth. When considering your options, it is important to consult your dentist to make sure you have all the facts and understand what you should expect from teeth whitening procedures. Everyone has a different situation, not all tooth enamel is the same. A consultation with your dentist, dental hygienist and/or dental assistant prior to whitening your teeth is available to you at Cottonwood Smiles.

Many people think the coloring of teeth is due to only external sources. But, the truth is, a variety of factors can affect the color of your teeth including food choices, tobacco, age, injury, and medications.Additionally, just like skin tones, teeth come in different shades and tones as well. Understanding what is causing the discoloration is important to properly whitening your teeth. Your dental professional can help evaluate what is causing your tooth discoloration.

Teeth whitening products use either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide to break stains into smaller pieces. This process makes the stains harder to see and make your teeth brighter and whiter. These tooth bleaching products do not work on all teeth, so it is important to consult your dentist before any treatment. Whitening will not be effective on caps, veneers, crowns, fillings or if the color is caused by medications or injury. Consulting your dentist about teeth whitening is critical to obtaining the best results possible.

Options for teeth whitening can include whitening toothpastes, at-home bleaching with custom fit trays with professional strength products, and in-office bleaching. Of course, effectiveness, safety, and results vary greatly between products, so consult with your dentist if you are considering these choices. Often, a combination of teeth whitening products can be used to achieve the results you are seeking.