Does teeth whitening work?
Teeth whitening is a great way to brighten your smile if your teeth are healthy but have stains or discoloration. It’s economical, effective, and fast.
Whitening gets the best results on external stains, including those from coffee or tea, smoking, and acidic foods. It’s less effective on internal stains, including those from fluoride and certain medications. If you have internal stains, your dentist may recommend another procedure to improve the appearance of your teeth.
Whitening agents only change the color of natural enamel. You’ll get the best overall results if you have a full set of healthy teeth. However, your dentist can replace minor restorations, such as veneers or fillings, to match the new shade of your teeth after whitening.
Though teeth whitening isn’t the best option for damaged, decayed, or infected teeth, don’t give up hope. Graceful Smiles Dentistry offers several other procedures that can improve your smile, including implants and veneers.
Why should I go to the dentist for teeth whitening?
There are countless products on the market that claim to whiten your teeth. You can choose from toothpaste, strips, gels, and more, but none of these commercial products get the same results as professional whitening at Graceful Smiles Dentistry.
Even if you choose an at-home whitening kit from your dentist, the kit includes much stronger bleaching solutions than what you can buy at the pharmacy. You also receive customized whitening trays made using impressions of your teeth. This ensures the solution fully covers your teeth, and that the trays are comfortable.
An in-office whitening treatment can make your teeth several shades brighter in just one office visit. You can also receive a dental cleaning beforehand from a hygienist, which removes any built-up plaque or tartar for the best possible results.
Does whitening affect the health of my teeth?
Teeth whitening is purely a cosmetic procedure, and it works best if your teeth are healthy, to begin with. Though your teeth may look healthier, it’s as important as ever to continue brushing and flossing regularly and coming in for routine cleanings at Graceful Smiles Dentistry. When you take care of your teeth, the results of whitening last longer.
Whitening is a safe procedure when an experienced dentist performs or supervises it. You may experience increased tooth sensitivity after whitening, and the bleaching agent may irritate your gums. However, these side effects usually diminish when you get used to whitening, and when used appropriately, teeth whitening solutions don’t damage your enamel or gums.
To learn more about teeth whitening, schedule an appointment at Graceful Smiles Dentistry online or by phone today.
