Teeth whitening can brighten your smile, make you more confident and also make you look younger. But if you've thought about undergoing this procedure, but haven't gone through with it because of some doubts, here are the answers to some important questions that can help firm up your decision to change your smile for the better:

How Is the Whitening Done? -- Teeth whitening is either performed in a dentist's office through a laser treatment method, or done through an at-home method. The laser method offers you immediate results, but is also more expensive. Both whitening methods use a hydrogen peroxide gel that is applied to your teeth. With the laser treatment method, the gel's properties are accelerated by the laser light, and after two or three applications, you will see whitening results. The at-home method entails you applying the gel to a dental tray configured to your teeth. It usually takes about two to three weeks to see results with the at-home method.

Is the Procedure Painful? -- The whitening method is typically not painful in the way that a root canal might be, but some patients do experience gum and tooth sensitivity because of the powerful hydrogen peroxide gel. The sensitivity is normal, and can be treated with toothpastes that reduce this sensation, as well as by avoiding certain drinks and food with high acid that can make the problem worse.

Your dentist can advise you of what to do if you experience sensitivity, but typically it won't last for more than a day or two after the first application of the whitening gel.

I've Recently Heard About LED Whitening, What Is It? -- LED teeth whitening is a newer type of whitening method that is very similar to laser lighting. Some dentists in response to patient sensitivity to laser whitening, are using LED light to activate the whitening gel. As this is a new method, it isn't considered one of the two most common methods, but LED light isn't as powerful as laser light, so it can be less irritating to the gums, teeth and enamel of a patient prone to extra levels of sensitivity. LED whitening utilizes red, violet and blue lights.

What Would Prevent Me From Having My Teeth Whitened? -- If your teeth are in overall good condition, your dentist can whiten them. However, if you have gum disease, have recently had oral surgery, wear traditional braces, or are allergic to peroxide, whitening may pose a risk to your health. Remember also that whitening will not work on crowns or other dental work that utilizes artificial dental material.

Contact a company like Identity Dentistry to learn more.

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