When many people think of cosmetic dentistry, they think of orthodontics and braces. But a bright and white smile can make any mouth sparkle.
There are many options available for tooth whitening. At-home kits do not provide the professional results that your dental professional can, and visible improvements can take much longer.
To get your smile into shape in time for those holiday photos, visit your cosmetic dentist and ask them about their professional teeth whitening methods.
How Do Teeth Whitening Treatments Work
Teeth whitening treatments work by lifting stains. Some stains are intrinsic, and some are extrinsic. Extrinsic stains are easier to remove since they are on the surface of your tooth’s enamel. These are the stains that most of the at-home kits address.
But many of the products available at your local drugstore do not actually remove the stains. Instead, they bleach the tooth, like a box of hair bleach you might find a few aisles over. Using these bleaching and popular abrasive cleaners, such as baking soda, can wear down the enamel, leaving your tooth vulnerable to more extensive staining. Overusing these products or using them other than directed can be harmful to your teeth.
How Is Cosmetic Dentistry Whitening Different?
Getting a tooth whitening treatment performed by a professional is a much faster process than using at-home alternatives. The whitening procedure is completed in about an hour. Your dentist will use a special light to speed up the whitening time.
Cosmetic dentistry whitening treatments are more effective because your dentist makes sure your teeth are properly cleaned beforehand. Their special tools and products provide a deeper clean than your toothbrush can.
Having clean teeth allows the gel to penetrate the stains better, providing more impressive results. Custom-fitted trays might be sent home with you after your treatment. You can use these in between professional visits. Because these trays fit your teeth accurately, they produce better results than the drugstore versions.
Are Teeth Whitening Treatments Safe?
Most people can have their teeth professionally whitened without any serious side effects. The procedure works on most stains. However, stains formed from dental procedures cannot be removed through teeth whitening.
Those younger than 16 years of age and pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid cosmetic whitening. Whitening teeth that have undergone root canals are not advised, as it can damage the tooth and cause fracturing.
A common side effect of teeth whitening, whether at home or performed in the office, is tooth sensitivity. Dentists advise using toothpaste that is specially formulated for sensitive teeth. If you have your teeth whitened by a dental professional, they can provide you with additional products to reduce discomfort if you are experiencing any.
What Are the Benefits of Teeth Whitening
Having a white smile makes you feel more confident and more likely to socialize. People confident with their teeth’ appearance tend to smile more.
Contrary to popular belief, drinking coffee and smoking are not the only causes of tooth staining. Aging and enamel breakdown also cause teeth to discolor.
If your smile makes you self-conscious and you are a good candidate for cosmetic dentistry, professional teeth whitening can give you the confidence you need to show off your smile for this year’s family portrait.
Cosmetic Dentistry in South Florida
Eriks Dental Group offers fast and effective professional tooth whitening services. You will leave our office with whiter and brighter teeth in only one hour.
We have a compassionate team of dental professionals to make you feel comfortable and answer any questions you may have about teeth whitening and other cosmetic dentistry.
Contact us to request an appointment or to inquire about how we can help you be more confident in your smile.