| By :
Patricia Strasser
If you are planning to whiten your teeth, there are certain things you need to know before you get started. Find our if your teeth are good candidates for the whitening process and what the whitening process includes. Check into the side effects of tooth whitening too so you will know in advance what to expect after the procedure. A sparkling white smile is one of the wonderful characteristics most people want to have in order to improve their overall appearance. Many people rely on tooth whitening methods to achieve that goal. Before whitening your teeth, it is important that you understand the following: Know if your teeth are appropriate for whitening Not all teeth are eligible for whitening. Teeth that have restorations or white fillings can't be whitened using hydrogen or carbamide peroxide because they cannot be whitened beyond their original color. The differences in color of the surrounding whitened teeth will be easily noticed and make the restored teeth stand out and look artificial. Other teeth that are not good for whitening are teeth that have external staining, natural discoloration through aging, and those which have been through a root canal may not achieve good results with the whitening process. For these situations, internal tooth whitening might be better option. So what teeth work best? Those with a natural yellow color will have the best results. Pregnant or nursing women should also avoid whitening because tooth whitening products may have teratogenic effects. Also, people with hypersensitive teeth should avoid the whitening process to decrease sensitivity level. Know how the tooth is whitened The first layer of the tooth is the enamel. It is clear and semi-translucent. The layer underneath the enamel is called the dentin. To whiten the dentin, a peroxide solution is applied on the enamel. The pores of the enamel then open allowing the solution to reach the dentin. Tooth-whitening products are commonly available in supermarkets and pharmacies, ask your dentist for recommendations or check which brand will produce best results before buying. Understand the side effects of tooth whitening Though tooth whitening is considered a safe procedure, there are some side effects you should know before having it done. Some people may experience tooth sensitivity during the whitening process, it's better to consult your dentist to decrease incidences of sensitivity. Some people may also experience soft tissue irritation or an uneasy feeling in some parts of the oral mucosa while the solution is being used. Others may not see the desired results all at once or have some teeth whiten successfully while the rest appear duller in color. It's vital to plan for your tooth whitening process first. While you may not experience successful, immediate results, you will be prepared with an appropriate and realistic time frame for when you can expect to have your new smile.
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