Everyone wants to have white teeth, and many are tempted to try out some over-the-counter whitening products. If you are in the same situation, there are a couple of things you should know. Here, we’ll go through some of the most important details about teeth whitening with cavities, but should you have further questions, you can click here to find out more about the process.
Teeth Whitening — How Does It Work?
There are many different products you can use to whiten your teeth. The most popular are whitening toothpaste, whitening strips, gels, etc. But, how does the process work? Well, if you want to make your teeth whiter, there is a high chance that you will get a whitening product from the peroxide category, and peroxide is the key.
These include hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide. When these substances get in contact with tooth enamel, they will be able to remove stains on the surface. The oxygen molecules in the product will break the stains, and these whitening treatments can be quite effective. This can help you get back the original tooth color, and you can continue using them in the future to prevent food and drink stains.
In the majority of cases, the idea behind the products is the same, and the only thing that differs is the way you use them.
Will It Work on Fillings?
The next thing many people would like to know is — can you whiten fillings? The answer is no. Teeth whitening with fillings is not possible. Even though fillings can look like real teeth, the material is not the same, which means you won’t be able to clean it with peroxide. Fillings and crowns are usually made of resin, and the material won’t react to standard whiteners.
If you decide to go for a whitening process, the natural part of the teeth will change the color, while the additional part (crown or filling) will remain the same. In some cases, it is possible to go for whitening before the dental procedure. That way, the whitening effect will be significant since the new fillings will have the same color as your teeth after the whitening.
It is essential to properly plan the entire process. The color of the filling can’t be changed, which is why you will have limited options for whitening. Finally, hydrogen peroxide, cavities, and fillings don’t mix well, and you will need to address the situation before you proceed further.
How to Whiten Your Teeth
There are two main approaches you can take. You can either have professional teeth whitening or buy one of the products that will help you change the color of your teeth. Naturally, the first method is always better, but going for a home version can be effective as well.
If you decide to go for professional treatment, there is nothing to worry about. The technician or dentist will know what to do, and they will provide the necessary info. When experimenting at home, be sure to follow the instructions. But when it comes to fillings, things are a bit more complicated.
You are faced with a couple of options. If you don’t have fillings already and you plan on fixing your teeth, you should talk to your dentist and see whether it is possible to whiten your teeth before fillings. That way, the new fillings or crowns will be the same color as your teeth, and the dentist will make them based on the new color after whitening.
The next option is to have your fillings or crowns replaced, so there is no difference in color after the whitening. This is an effective way to improve your teeth, and the new crown will last longer. Of course, you can always go for veneers or dental bonding, which are effective ways to improve the aesthetics of your teeth.
Those that have sensitive teeth and often experience problems will love what veneers have to offer. Additionally, veneers will solve the problem of whitening since they cover the entire teeth (or what remains of them).
What to Know?
If your teeth are healthy, there is no reason to rush with the decision. Furthermore, you should wait a couple of weeks after whitening for the color to stabilize and to ensure that your dentist will be able to replace fillings. If you go too soon, the color might change, resulting in fillings that still don’t match.
After a couple of weeks, the color will stabilize, and you can proceed to one of the methods we mentioned. Naturally, the safest option is to talk to your dentist. They will be well aware if there is a reason for you to do one method or the other, and they will offer you the best possible solution.
To ensure that your teeth remain white for long, you will need to focus on your oral hygiene. Having your teeth whitened is one thing, but it is in your interest for them to stay white. Use an appropriate toothbrush, toothpaste, flossing, and everything else required to keep your teeth clean and spotless.
If you have any questions about teeth, the best course of action would be to talk to your dentist. Each person is different, and a professional will know what move is the best for you.
Before Scheduling a Meeting
Before you schedule a meeting with your dentist or before you start using whitening gels and other similar products, there are a couple of things you should know. Even if you plan on using whitening products at home, be sure that you talk to your dentist. Furthermore, it is highly recommended to have your teeth cleaned and examined first.
Having healthy teeth and gums is an essential part of the process and the only way to ensure there are no complications. Some bleaching products can make stains even more noticeable, which is why visiting your dentist should be your priority. And of course, follow the instructions. Overbleaching your teeth is still possible, and you should stick to the instructions as close as possible.