We all want a whiter smile, and today, it can

The most important and first step in any whitening procedure is to seek the advice of a specialist- say a Stockton cosmetic dentist; for a thorough examination, assessment, and recommendation. A visit with your cosmetic dentist will result in the whitest teeth possible by making sure your teeth and mouth are healthy and that any oral health problems are addressed before you begin a whitening program. Additionally, surface stains and deposits that have collected on the teeth will be removed allowing for the best possible whitening. Finally, your Stockton cosmetic dentist will advise you of strategies that will help you maintain your new whiter smile once you have it.

Basic Tooth Whitening involves two different types of whitening techniques: peroxide- based whitening and non-peroxide based surface stain removal. Peroxide-based whitening products work deep within the tooth to remove discoloration resulting from years of accumulated stain and aging. Also, peroxide based products will slightly lighten hard to-reach surface stains. When the peroxide agent contacts the teeth it breaks down, and the resulting oxidation action 'dissolves' internal and surface stains and makes the teeth appear whiter and brighter.

There are two types of professional Teeth Whitening procedures your oral health professional can recommendin-office treatments and professional whitening products for use at home. Professionally applied in office procedures give you immediately visible results with few negative side effects. With this type of treatment, the whitening agent is applied carefully to your teeth by the Stockton Cosmetic dentist and may be enhanced with a light or laser source. With this type of procedure, your smile can be whitened up to five shades or more in as little as one hour.

The Stockton Cosmetic Dentist's recommendation about which method is right for you will depend on your personal needs, such as time, cost, and the type of fillings or dental work, including tooth colored fillings or crowns you have. Those with tooth colored dental work in the front of the mouth need professional advice prior to whitening since only natural teeth respond to whitening agents. Your dental hygienist will discuss options to provide uniform whitening for the best possible result.

There are a variety of over-the-counter (OTC) peroxide-based products available and you may be tempted to use them to speed up the process. However, many of these productsespecially those advertised on television or over the Internetare not safe, reliable, or effective. Some products may be runny or acidic and may be swallowed easily, or may damage your tooth enamel. Others use unproven means to deliver the whitening substance with uncomfortable, universal 'boil-and-bite' mouth trays.

Other OTC peroxide-based products, such as whitening strips and paint-on solutions are safe for maintaining professionally delivered results or if you want to see if whitening is right for you; however, these products will not achieve the dramatic improvement available with cosmetic dentistry options and should not be used if you have tooth colored fillings that can be seen when you smile.

Most important to having an attractive and healthy smile: See your Stockton cosmetic dentist on a regular basis to maintain your newly whitened smile and to maximize your oral health. Your Stockton cosmetic dentist will advise you on the best way to maintain your oral health as part of your total health, enhance your teeth cosmetically, keep your breath fresh, and assure a lifelong healthy smile. You can search a qualified Stockton cosmetic dentist and know more about the cosmetic dentistry procedures from the website of Top3dentists.