Why shouldn’t I just go out and buy a set of white strips from a pharmacy?
Professional whitening with help from your dentist is the best way to get the results you’re looking for. If you were to have any questions about the process or if any issues should occur, your dentist is there to answer your concerns. Your dentist knows your dental history and can work with you to determine the best course of action and achieve results at your own pace.
Are there any reasons not to pursue teeth whitening?
In general, teeth whitening gel is a safe way to improve your smile. However, if you are pregnant or have cavities, gum disease or worn-down enamel you should check with your dentist for recommendations on how to move forward. In addition, dental implants like crowns, bridges, fillings and veneers will not whiten like normal teeth.
How long will my teeth stay white?
The results are reliable and will generally last you a while. There are, however, a few components that can vary from person to person that can cause a given patient’s teeth to lose their shine before another’s. Poor oral habits like smoking, as well as age, dietary circumstances or the use of certain medications (including tetracycline) can all cause a patient’s teeth to revert to their pre-whitening state sooner rather than later. Despite that, it is easy and painless to get a touch-up.
Will there be any tooth sensitivity?
Tooth sensitivity is a common side effect of teeth whitening. Generally, this occurs during the whitening process and will subside once the process is complete.
What is tooth whitening?
It is the removal of stains and discolorations from the enamel and dentin. Enamel is the outer layer of the tooth and dentin is the layer beneath. Enamel is thin and light-colored and dentin is thicker and darker. As you age, your enamel becomes more discolored because of age and other factors like consumption of coffee, tea or tobacco. Enamel thins over time, which exposes more and more of the dentin. Whitening is the process of removing the staining and restoring a brilliant, white smile.
Why should I whiten my teeth?
There are a lot of reasons people have for pursuing a professional teeth whitening. They could be looking to appear younger or preparing for a wedding or a similarly big day in their life. Even if for no other reason than to boost one’s confidence, teeth whitening is a viable option.
How long does the process take from start to finish?
The truth is that no two patients are the same and therefore every patient will respond to teeth whitening at different speeds. Some patients have teeth stains that are simpler to break down while others have staining that is more deeply ingrained. A purely white smile is not only difficult to achieve but also often looks unnatural. The whitening process is tailored to each patient because not only do individual patients’ teeth whiten at different rates, but also because different shades of white are required for each person.