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Can Anyone Have Their Teeth Whitened?

woman shows off teeth because of cosmetic dentistry in Times Square
Coliseum Dental
Coliseum Dental

Everyone wants to smile without hesitation, and there are many different ways to do this. It may be helpful to know that there are just two types of teeth whitening treatments to select from – professional, in-office bleaching or at-home treatments. Often, the choices can be perplexing, especially when it comes to cosmetic dentistry in Times Square.   

No matter which teeth whitening option you select, both will include bleaching agents with peroxide content. While professional, in-office treatment solutions contain 15 to 43 percent peroxide, at-home remedies often only have 3 to 20 percent carbamide or hydrogen peroxides.  

When done correctly, bleaching aging and yellow teeth can be advantageous for many people, but is it advantageous for everyone?  

whitened teeth because of cosmetic dentistry in Times Square

Age Restrictions and Teeth Whitening Factors  

How Old Do You Have to Be to Get Teeth Whitening Done Professionally?  

Numerous dentists advise against having youngsters get professional teeth whitening until after their permanent teeth have fully emerged. Most dental offices even require the patient to be at least 16 years old and accompanied by a parent before beginning treatment. 

Teeth whitening can be done at any stage of maturity. Products for teeth whitening remove embedded stains and brighten the enamel. They offer simple, low-cost remedies to the issue of yellow or stained teeth.  

Teeth Whitening Methods  

  • Whitening trays  

You can buy bleaching trays from a dentist or from a store. These bleaching trays, as opposed to bleaching toothpaste, contain a form of hydrogen peroxide that is highly concentrated. It is advised that you purchase your bleaching trays from your dentist because those trays can be created in a lab and specially tailored to fit your mouth. This is a quicker method of teeth whitening for stained teeth.  

  • Whitening Toothpaste  

Using bleaching trays or whitening toothpaste can help you whiten yellowed teeth. Most whitening toothpaste brands contain low-concentration bleach, which is not harmful to your teeth. This strategy can be effective, but it takes a while before you notice a difference in the color of your teeth.  

cosmetic dentistry in Times Square compares teeth
  • Whitening Rinses  

Like most mouthwashes, whitening rinses also include compounds like hydrogen peroxide that whiten teeth and eliminate dental plaque and gum disease and improve breath.   

Due to the fact that rinses only have daily contact with the teeth for two minutes as opposed to 30 minutes for strips, and those benefits can take up to 12 weeks to manifest, they are less effective than other over-the-counter whitening solutions.  

  • Whitening Strips  

Whitening strips are applied for 30 minutes. They are coated with a peroxide-based whitening gel, and the recommended continuous use is at least 14 days for it to be effective. The results may be akin to what whitening toothpaste does. However, this can be observed after four to five months of usage.  

patient points at white teeth due to cosmetic dentistry in Times Square

Looking for Professional Cosmetic Dentistry in Times Square?  

If you have any questions about teeth whitening or any treatment covered by cosmetic dentistry, please give us a call! We are always happy to answer any questions or concerns you have about treatment. A professional whitening can brighten your smile by numerous shades.