The Mall is for Buying Shoes, Not Smiles!

What's one of the easiest things you can do to improve your appearance? There's no doubt that a bright, white smile is an important part of a healthy, attractive, youthful look. The best way to achieve a dazzling white smile is to have your teeth bleached by your dentist. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, people are embracing teeth whitening today, as they did fitness centers, personal trainers, and yoga in the 1980's and 1990's. "Bleaching, for example, gives patients an immediate change, and that's what they want-something fast," says Ronald Feinman, DMD, of the Academy of General Dentistry. "Bleaching is a noticeable improvement."

Options for brightening your smile abound, from dentist prescribed and supervised procedures to bleaching spas, over-the-counter kits found in drug stores or via the internet, television infomercials and shopping mall kiosks. But before you invest your time and money on whitening products know that the only safe method of whitening your teeth is under the supervision of your dentist.

The Academy of General Dentistry warns consumers that while bleaching is safe, it requires a dentist's supervision to ensure proper results. Over-the-counter kits may contain acid that will harm tooth enamel and whitening strips do not whiten the entire tooth. Some internet companies even sell the materials to make your own bleaching trays. Without supervision and the necessary expertise, these materials can cause gagging, jaw problems and damage to existing dental work. The bleaching gel itself may be too strong causing sensitivity to teeth and gums, uneven whitening, and unpredictable results. Whitening is not recommended for anyone under the age of 14, or until the tooth's pulp is fully formed.

Your dentist is the only one with the skills and expertise to determine if you are a viable candidate for any smile whitening procedure. A through oral examination is needed to assess your overall oral health, diagnose any problems and determine the most appropriate treatment. Dark or discolored teeth may be the result staining, aging, or chemical damage to teeth. Some of the most common causes are medications, coffee, tea, colas, red wine, or cigarettes. Discoloration due to infection or decay could lead to more serious problems and must be treated before whitening. Existing dental restorations will not change color when the bleaching gel is applied.

A complete medical history is also necessary to assess conditions and medications that might contraindicate whitening procedures. Light activated whitening procedures are not recommended for patients undergoing PUVA therapy or other photo-chemotherapy as well as patients with melanoma. Those taking any light sensitive drugs or substances, whether over-the-counter, prescription or homeopathic should avoid light activated whitening procedures.

The latest advancements in tooth whitening procedures can give you a whiter, healthier-looking smile. Whitening, under the supervision of your dentist, is a safe, effective, affordable way to brighten your smile.