Sparkling teeth can instantly make smiles more beautiful and memorable. That is why a lot of people decide to have teeth whitening done. The treatment is so incredibly safe (when completed with the guidance of a dental professional!) that it is now considered a must-have rather than luxury. But there are a few things about teeth whitening that you should know before moving ahead.
1. It’s best to know why your teeth are stained in the first place. A dental professional can help you find the cause of the staining on your teeth and determine the best course of action to treat it. The most common causes of tooth discoloration are smoking, acidic drinks like coffee or tea, sugary drinks, or accumulation of plaque. But there are also other factors to consider like medication, aging, genes, or trauma.
Simple surface stains can usually be fixed by whitening toothpastes, while internal stains will need to be professionally whitened..
2. You can do at-home or in-chair treatments. Depending on the level of whiteness to be achieved or how fast you want to achieve it, you can do at-home or in-chair teeth whitening.
At-home customized whitening kits can be provided by your dental practitioner, and these will let you safely whiten your teeth in the comfort of your own home. The upside of this option is that it’s more affordable and convenient. However, if you want faster results, an in-chair procedure might be best for you.
3. Over-the-counter products won’t be as reliable as those provided by your dentist. Only dentists can prescribe and administer professional-strength whitening products. OTC kits can be cheaper, but they take longer to work and you will probably need more than one or two kits to see results.
4. LED Lights simply don’t work. Be wary of blue LED lights being sold as an overnight tooth whitening tool by some companies. They’re just lights and not the FDA-regulated UV light that dentists use.
The Bad Stuff
1. It’s not for everyone. Bleaching can cause sensitivity, so if you already have sensitive teeth prior to the procedure, they might be even more sensitive after. Crowns or fillings matched to the color of your original teeth will also appear darker after the treatment since these won’t be affected by the bleach like your teeth are. Lastly, the nerves in teeth with cavities can be killed off by the solution. Consult with your dentist to see if you are a good candidate.
2. It’s not permanent. The effects won’t last for a lifetime, but they will last a long time. Your dental professional will advise you when you need to come back for touch ups.
The Good Stuff
1. It is safe. As long as you follow the directions given when whitening your teeth (for at-home procedures), tooth enamel damage is highly unlikely to happen.
2. It boosts self-confidence. When you feel good about yourself (and teeth whitening can make that happen), confidence follows. If you’ve ever been shy about your teeth, this treatment can make you feel more self-assured.
3. It enhances appearances. A bright smile will make anyone look better!
Achieve the smile you’ve always wanted.
At Dental Studio, we’ll provide you with options you can take to have that smile you dream of. Call us at 541-708-6288, and we’ll gladly answer any questions you might have about whitening your teeth.
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