Things To Consider Before Getting Your Teeth Whitened

Tooth whitening can be confusing for someone who has never done it before or who has never gone to have it done in-office. Here are 5 facts you should know before you think about whitening your teeth. 

1. Why Should I Get My Teeth Whitened?

Natural-looking bright, white teeth can help improve the appearance of your smile, boost your confidence as well as enhance your self-esteem. Yellow teeth can contribute to signs of aging, therefore, a whiter smile can help to make you look younger. There are a number of reasons people consider teeth whitening. Some of these reasons may be to improve your appearance every day of the year or to enhance your smile for a special upcoming event such as a wedding, birthday or job interview.  Whatever the reason may be professional teeth whitening is a fantastic non-surgical, affordable, and relatively quick option to improve the appearance of your smile.

2. What Are The Causes Of Tooth Discolouration?

Tooth discolouration is a natural process – often associated with aging – but as with any physical feature some people’s teeth are just naturally whiter than others. Dentine naturally yellows with age, and as the enamel that covers teeth wears and gets thinner, the dentine beneath becomes more visible.

As well as the natural aging process, tooth discolouration and staining can be caused by a number of lifestyle and biological factors, including: Smoking, Trauma to teeth, The use of some antibiotics in early childhood, Drinking coffee, Tea, Red wine, Fizzy drinks, Eating richly coloured foods like blueberries, The accumulation of tartar and plaque (which is another reason regular dental check ups are so important).

3.  Is It Safe? 

Tooth whitening products are made using either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which are both incredibly common ingredients in most dental products. Because of their long history of being used in the dental field, they’re incredibly safe and will not damage or destroy your teeth. However, it is important to note that you should not whiten your teeth excessively, as this can literally strip the teeth of their opaque nature and cause a more translucent look to your smile. 

4. Results Aren’t Permanent! 

Just because you’re whitening your teeth now does not mean that your teeth are going to stay white for the rest of your life. Results only last as long as you maintain them and avoid dark foods and drinks. Once you go back to smoking or drinking coffee, the stains will again build upon and within the enamel, requiring future whitening treatments. 

5. There Are Side Effects!

The most common side effect of whitening your teeth is having gum and tooth sensitivity. However, this sensitivity typically only lasts during the treatment and for about a week afterward, so it is not permanent. Another common side effect of whitening the teeth is having small white blotches on the surface of the teeth. This is caused by the peroxide working underneath the enamel and eradicating stains, some often being removed quicker than others. This is also a temporary side effect that you should not worry about. 

Whitening your teeth is a great way to give your confidence a boost and feel good about the way that you look. Whitening treatments are relatively easy to integrate into your life, as they can be done in a office setting or using a kit worn at night while you’re relaxing in bed or on the couch watching television. No matter which product you choose, the best way to get optimal results is to stick with the treatment and use all of the product that was given to you. Before you know it, you’ll have a gorgeous smile that stands out from the crowd.