Content below was republished from the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry website (www.AACD.com)
Teeth Whitening Makes Your Smile Sparkle!
Statistics reveal that Americans place a high value on
their smile. According to an American Academy of
Cosmetic Dentistry®
national survey:
- Virtually all adults (99.7%) believe a smile is an
important social asset.
- 96% of adults believe an attractive smile makes a
person more appealing to members of the
opposite sex.
- Three-quarters (74%) of adults feel an unattractive
smile can hurt a person’s chances for career success.
- And when respondents were asked,
"What would you most like to improve about your smile?"
The most common response was:
Whiter & Brighter Teeth.
If you are not happy with your smile, teeth
whitening may provide the solution.
Teeth Whitening Procedures Can Help
- Lighten coffee-stained teeth.
- Remove cigarette and tobacco discolorations.
- Correct yellowing in teeth due to aging.
Choices for Whiter Teeth
As in any dental procedure, the AACD recommends
that you consult with your dentist to find out which teeth
whitening procedure is best for you.
The following are two options for whitening your teeth.
In-Office Power Teeth Whitening
- A teeth whitening gel containing a high
concentration of hydrogen peroxide is applied
to the teeth.
- In-office teeth whitening can often be accomplished
in one visit to the dentist.
- Home teeth whitening may be recommended to
enhance the effects.
At-Home Dentist-Supervised Teeth Whitening
- The patient wears a custom-fitted mouth tray
containing a teeth whitening gel for a few hours
each day or night.
- The trays can be adjusted to lighten individual teeth.
- The average patient will wear mouth trays for
one to two weeks. More severe stains can often
be improved with extended use of a home teeth
whitening system.
AACD Dentist Supervised Treatments vs. Over-the-Counter Kits
Numerous over-the-counter teeth whitening
products are now available, but dentist-
supervised teeth whitening remains the safest
and most effective method for brightening
your smile. Here are some key reasons why
you should always consult with your AACD
dentist.
Proper Fitting Mouth Trays
Often, over-the-counter teeth whitening
trays do not fit the patient’s mouth properly.
Improperly fitting trays may cause the teeth
whitening gel to leak and can result in gum
irritation and a less effective treatment.
More Comfortable Solutions
With today’s dentist-supervised systems,
even patients with sensitive teeth can undergo
teeth whitening treatment.
The American Academy
of Cosmetic Dentistry®
The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry is the
largest international dental organization dedicated to
advancing excellence in the art and science of cosmetic
dentistry and encouraging the highest standards of
ethical conduct and responsible patient care. Founded
in 1984, the AACD has over 7,600 members in more
than 60 countries around the globe. Members of the
Academy include cosmetic and reconstructive dentists,
dental laboratory technicians, educators, researchers,
students, hygienists, corporations and dental assistants.
AACD members pursue continuing education through
lectures, workshops and publications in order to keep up-
to-date with advancements in cosmetic dental techniques
and technology.
The AACD is dedicated to excellence in cosmetic
dentistry. To find out more about cosmetic dentistry, call
the AACD toll-free at 800.543.9220 or visit us online
at www.aacd.com.
