Options for a Whiter Smile
Have you always wanted a whiter smile? Have you ever explored your options for teeth whitening? Did you know that teeth whitening has been done for thousands of years? 4000 years ago, ancient Egyptians used wine vinegar and ground pumice stone to whiten their teeth by brushing the solution onto their teeth with a frayed stick. In the 17th century, barbers used metal files and acid to whiten people teeth. Both of these methods are currently not recommended! Fortunately, for us there are some much better options available.
There are essentially three modern ways to go about whitening your teeth. Most of these methods utilize a safe solution called carbamide peroxide, which is a chemical variant of hydrogen peridoxide. This solution can be applied to your teeth using different concentrations and techniques.
We do recommend an evaluation and exam with your dentist at Dental Care on Golf Links before having your teeth whitened either with over the counter products, at-home professional systems, or office-applied professional whitening. There can be underlying oral conditions (cavities, root canal issues, infections, tumors) that whitening your teeth could mask. It is also important to have a dental evaluation prior to whitening because the whitening process only whitens enamel and not white fillings or porcelain crowns or veneers.