A smile leaves an impression on everyone; it can also make a person’s day or comfort a friend. Behind every smile are, of course, teeth. Is your smile picture ready? If you’re looking for teeth whitening in Decatur, AL, look no further than Terry Family Dentistry.

However, in some instances, you may be considered ineligible. That doesn’t mean that there aren’t other options. We recommend exploring further options we offer for cosmetic dentistry.

What is Teeth Whitening?

Teeth whitening is a part of cosmetic dentistry, which is a type of treatment that corrects minor to glaring imperfections. While the procedures may seem complex, they are easily digestible after a short explanation.

Teeth Whitening improves your smile while being easy on your wallet. It can be done by visiting your dentist’s office or in your home. There are two methods of achieving these results and you can discuss them with your dentist. One way uses bleach, while the other does not.

Without Bleach

Whitening is more of a cleaning than it is whitening. The process removes food particles and debris from teeth. However, it does so without bleach. At the end of the day, if you want your teeth white, this will suffice. However, if you want your teeth to be brighter and stay whiter longer, you might want to try bleaching instead.

With Bleach

The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) require these products to be labeled accurately. This means you are protected when you shop for over-the-counter remedies if you so choose. However, we highly caution against this. It is always best to consult professional help.

Product quality is the reason to be hesitant of over-the-counter whiteners and bleaching products. They simply do not perform as well as those provided at dental offices.

Over-the-counter bleaching products contain less than 10% peroxide. That amount wouldn’t do much compared to in-office options that average out to be 40% peroxide. For the best results, discuss your options with your family dentist.

Teeth Whitening Ineligibility

Unfortunately, not everyone should get their teeth whitened. We do not recommend it for the following reasons:

• Chronic tooth sensitivity
• Overly worn enamel
• Damaged enamel
• Oral cancer
• Periodontal disease

Some of these reasons stem from extreme discomfort or safety concerns. If you have one of these disqualifiers, you may have better luck seeking other cosmetic dental options. These range from dental veneers to crowns.

It is also not recommended for those under 16 years of age. Children under 16 have larger pulp chambers than adults, which could lead to irritation. Irritation inside the tooth is very uncomfortable, which is why we strongly advice against it.

Dental pulp is soft tissue within a tooth that is inside the pulp chamber. Since the chamber is larger in children, the more exposed pulp is sensitive in many cases. At the bottom of the pulp, chambers are orifices through which fiber passes.

Do You Need Teeth Whitening in Decatur, AL?

If you believe you are a candidate for teeth whitening, visit Terry Family Dentistry to discuss potential options.