Many people are unsatisfied with the color or brightness of their teeth. In recent years bleaching of teeth has become quite popular, with much emphasis placed on smile appearance through the advertising media.

It is a fact of life that as we get older, our teeth darken. This is a normal phenomenon, plus the fact that dental restorations may discolor over the years. Also, some individuals are just born with darker teeth. People with dark complexions actually have whiter teeth than fair-skinned individuals, and this is not due to contrast.

There are various methods of tooth bleaching available to the public, ranging from over-the-counter products to professional techniques performed by your dentist. The clinical procedures are very effective and may offer quick results, but are obviously more expensive. The recent trend is toward more common use of commercially available bleaching kits which can produce excellent results at a fraction of the cost.

Consult your dentist for advice and information on the suitability of these various methods, and use them according to the instructions. Most products use a variation of the same active ingredient, which is a form of peroxide. The procedure is safe, with minimal side effects. Some patients experience gum or tooth sensitivity, which is temporary. The amount of time required to achieve desired results varies with individuals, but most people experience a significant improvement. It should be understood that dental restorations or crowns are not effected by bleaching, and may require replacement to maintain a uniform appearance.

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Soldotna Dental Clinic

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