Smiling is contagious and everyone yearns for a bright, healthy smile. However, if you’re reluctant to show your teeth because of discoloration or unsightly dark stains, professional teeth whitening could be the solution you’re looking for.
What is a teeth whitening treatment?
Teeth whitening accounts for almost 32% of dental office visits in the US, and with 99.7% of Americans believing a whiter smile is their most important social asset, this explains the popularity of this simple treatment.
This non-invasive procedure can improve your smile in the blink of an eye, lightening the color of your teeth without removing any of the teeth’s natural surface. While it may not completely change their color it can lighten the shade significantly.
Teeth whitening involves lightening the teeth with a bleaching agent – typically hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide – to remove stains caused by coffee, red wine, tea and pigmented foods. While there are plenty of over-the-counter teeth whitening products including toothpaste, strips, whitening pens, and kits this article focuses mostly on professional teeth whitening, its benefits, and potential risks to help you decide if teeth whitening is right for you. So, let’s get started with the positives.
Benefits of professional teeth whitening
#1 Increased self-confidence
A brighter, whiter smile is one of the obvious benefits of teeth whitening but did you know it can also make you feel happier about how you look and boost your self-confidence? One study published by BMC Oral Health showed that subjects who underwent teeth bleaching improved their self-confidence and reduced concerns about dental aesthetics and social interactions.
#2 Improved long-term oral health
While the physical act of teeth whitening doesn’t protect your tooth enamel from decay, having a beautiful white smile can motivate a person to pay better attention to their oral hygiene to keep it looking that way. People who invest money in professional whitening treatments are more inclined to brush and floss regularly to prevent stains, tooth decay and caries.
#3 Professional whitening is safer
When you visit your dentist for professional whitening, you’ll benefit from a dental exam. This is essential to ensure that whitening is safe for your teeth and is a suitable procedure for you. If you have any signs of gum disease, cracks or cavities, these will need to be treated before teeth whitening can go ahead. Cracks and cavities mean the whitening gel can access the delicate nerves in your teeth.
A dentist can determine if whitening is the right option for your teeth. It doesn’t work for everyone, and attempting at-home whitening could result in your natural teeth looking different from dental work such as porcelain crowns or composite fillings, potentially wasting money.
#4 Personalized treatments
Every mouth is different and everyone’s oral needs vary which is why a teeth whitening treatment should cater to their unique needs. Unlike over-the-counter whitening treatments that offer a one-size-fits-all approach, dentists provide more personalized care. With dental-led teeth whitening, you can rest assured that your smile is in safe hands.
#5 A whiter smile for longer
Over-the-counter whitening treatments contain a lower concentration of bleaching agents than those provided by your dentist. Consequently, the results can be disappointing and often last no more than a few days. With professional in-office teeth whitening and dentist-prescribed take-home whitening kits, the concentration of hydrogen peroxide is significantly higher, providing a whiter smile that can last from six months to one to two years or longer.
Understanding the potential risks of teeth whitening
Despite these benefits it’s essential to be aware of the potential side effects of teeth whitening. Here are a few risks to consider:
#1 Tooth sensitivity
Over-the-counter teeth whitening kits commonly cause temporary tooth sensitivity either during the procedure or when your teeth are exposed to hot or cold temperatures. The whitening agent can sometimes irritate the nerves inside the teeth, causing anything from mild discomfort to extreme pain. To minimize this risk you should choose an experienced dentist when getting your teeth whitened. They can adjust the strength of whitening gels for patients with sensitive teeth to lower the risk of discomfort and make the procedure more comfortable.
#2 Gum irritation
Gum irritation is another common occurrence which can happen when whitening the teeth, particularly if you’re using a home-whitening kit. The peroxide in the whitening gel can irritate and burn the gums if it comes into contact with the gel. It’s crucial to follow the instructions and avoid filling the trays with too much gel. Using custom trays from your dentist ensures they fit snugly over your gums lowering the risk of leakage.
#3 Enamel damage
Tooth enamel protects your teeth from bacteria and decay, however, teeth whitening treatments can harm that precious enamel if they are done incorrectly or too frequently. Too much whitening can cause a bluish or translucent appearance, which looks unnatural and may even damage the enamel. This, in turn, can increase tooth sensitivity, cause pain, and leave white spots on the teeth.
Precautions before teeth whitening
Before commencing teeth whitening, you should always consult your dentist to determine the best method for your needs. While teeth whitening can enhance your smile, it’s important to be aware of possible side effects like sensitivity or gum irritation.
Some types of discoloration, such as that caused by trauma, certain medications, or decay, may not respond to whitening. In these cases, alternative treatments like veneers or crowns might be more effective. At Mint Dental, we can help you explore all options and determine the best solution for your specific situation.
Post-treatment care
While you probably want to celebrate with friends and show off your dazzling white smile, you need to exercise a little precaution to maintain your newfound brightness. Following a teeth whitening treatment, the pores of the enamel are open, making them more susceptible to staining so it’s crucial to adopt a ‘white diet’ for 48 hours until the pores have closed. This means avoiding beverages like tea, coffee, and red wine and dark-coloured foods and vegetables. If you’re experiencing any tooth sensitivity then switch to sensitive toothpaste for a few days.
In addition to brushing twice a day and flossing it’s important to schedule regular dental check-ups to maintain overall good oral health. Touching up your whiteness every few months can also help maintain your white smile for longer.
Do you want a whiter smile?
Here at Mint Dental, we use the KöR whitening system – an innovative tooth whitening system that utilizes specially designed whitening gel, trays and desensitizers to white teeth and eradicate stains, including those caused by Tetracycline.
KöR is like no other whitening system out there since it combines in-office treatment with at-home treatment to provide phenomenal and long-lasting whitening and is highly customizable to anyone’s unique needs.
Want to know more?
Why not schedule a consultation with the experienced team at Mint Dental to see how KöR whitening could benefit you? Call us today at (907) 312 2317 or use our online booking service.
