All About Whitening your teeth the safe way
A smile is one of the most important non-verbal communication tools that we possess. Your smile can light up a room, disarm strangers, and create positive connections with others. However, stained, or yellow teeth can hinder one’s ability to show off their pearly whites and make them self-conscious. Fortunately, tooth whitening by a dentist is a simple and effective solution to this problem, offering a host of benefits that cannot be matched by do-it-yourself whitening products.
How it works
Professional tooth whitening is the process of using safe, clinical-grade whitening agents to brighten teeth above their natural shade. It is a painless, non-invasive cosmetic dental treatment that can improve the appearance of teeth by several shades in just one sitting.
The whitening procedure involves the use of custom-made trays that fit over your teeth, along with a special whitening gel that sits inside these trays over a specific period.
The treatment starts with a consultation to determine if teeth whitening with trays is appropriate for you. You receive an evaluation to determine the cause of the staining or discoloration. This evaluation will help in prescribing the best approach to the teeth whitening exercise, which can vary dramatically depending on the cause of the staining and discoloration.
Once your dentist has determined that this is the appropriate treatment, the next step is to take teeth impressions to create the custom-made trays. These flexible trays are made to custom fit snugly over your teeth and are designed to hold the whitening gel in place.
At the next appointment, your dentist will provide you with the take home trays and the specific whitening gel strength for your problem. Instructions are then given on how to use the trays, the gel, and how often to wear them. Typically, the trays are worn for a specified amount of time each day, usually for several weeks.
Key Benefits
Safe and Effective: Professional tooth whitening by a dentist is safe and effective. Your dentist will ensure that the treatment is tailored to your specific needs and will consider any pre-existing dental conditions or sensitivities you may have.
Long-Lasting Results: The results of professional tooth whitening are long-lasting, meaning you won’t have to worry about touching up your teeth every few weeks. With proper care, your newly whitened teeth can last for up to two years.
Affordable: Professional tooth whitening is an affordable cosmetic dental treatment that can provide significant benefits for a relatively low cost.
While tooth whitening by a dentist is a safe and effective solution, do-it-yourself whitening products come with several pitfalls that can cause dissatisfaction to the user.
Here are some of the key reasons why you should avoid using commercially available dental strips:
Risk of Over-Whitening: Over-the-counter whitening products often contain high levels of bleach, which may cause damage to the teeth and gums if used improperly. Over-whitening can lead to tooth sensitivity, enamel erosion, and even gum damage.
Inconsistent Results: The results of do-it-yourself whitening products are often inconsistent and can vary from person to person. This can lead to patchy or uneven appearances, making your teeth look worse than before.
No Professional Supervision: Unlike professional tooth whitening, do-it-yourself products are not supervised by a dental professional. This means that there is no one to monitor your progress or advise you on the best course of action if something goes wrong.
Time and Money: In many cases, do-it-yourself whitening products are a disappointment. They may provide temporary results, but they are not a long-term solution and could end up costing more in the long run.
Added Benefits
In addition to the physical benefits of tooth whitening, an attractive smile can also have a significant impact on one’s career and overall happiness. Here are some of the ways a beautiful smile can enhance your life:
Professional Success: A bright, white smile can enhance your professional image and increase your chances of success in the workplace. It can also help you to make a positive first impression and build stronger relationships with colleagues and clients.
Confidence Booster: A bright, white smile can boost your confidence and self-esteem, making you appear positive and approachable in social situations. Increased confidence can have a positive impact on your personal and professional relationships, as well as your overall quality of life.
Enhances Appearance: Tooth whitening can enhance your overall appearance, making you look more youthful and attractive. It can also help to counteract the effects of aging, smoking, and certain foods and beverages that can cause stains on the teeth.
Better Health: In addition, teeth whitening can also help improve oral health. Eliminating surface stains can play a role in preventing tooth decay and gum disease by removing harmful bacteria from the teeth and gums. Teeth whitening can also help remove plaque buildup, which can lead to cavities and other dental problems.
You only have one smile. Why not make it work for you?