Posted by Do you often feel dull because of how your teeth look? Stained and yellow teeth can make anyone feel embarrassed and hamper their confidence. But your teeth needn’t look like that throughout your life. Cosmetic dentistry has brought a revolution with teeth whitening treatments.
So, if you have been feeling off lately, it’s time that you get this treatment. It will help you regain your confidence and give you a whiter smile. You can get rid of discolored teeth or any stains on them easily with this treatment.
However, before you opt for the teeth whitening treatment, there are a few facts that you should know. If you have any misconceptions about the treatment, these facts about teeth whitening will help you clear your mind.
#1 Teeth Whitening Will Not Harm Your Teeth
Most people run away from the treatment, thinking that it would do great damage to their teeth. Only a dental professional will perform this treatment. The guidance of a professional does not cause permanent damage to your teeth.
You might feel temporary sensitivity and irritation to your gums when they come in contact with the whitening agents. However, this sensitivity and irritation are only temporary and will disappear quickly.
You must avoid overusing the whitening products if you want to keep your teeth safe after undergoing the treatment. Following your dentist’s advice will allow you to get a suitable treatment plan and ensure that you have a safe treatment.
#2 The Duration Of The Treatment Can Vary
Depending upon your dental conditions, your teeth whitening treatment can vary. It also depends upon whether you are following at-home treatments or getting professional help.
Usually, at-home treatment includes some OTC products like toothpaste, strips, gels, etc. A person seeking the treatment should use these products daily for a few weeks. Usually, these treatments use a lower concentration of whitening agents. So, you need to use them consistently to get noticeable results.
If you opt for a professional teeth-whitening treatment, you can expect more dramatic results in a shorter amount of time. It is usually because professional treatments involve the use of a higher concentration of the whitening agent.
#3 Teeth Whitening Is Not For Everyone
Keep in mind, Teeth whitening is not a cure all, and may not be effective for all types of tooth discoloration. This treatment might be effective at removing surface stains caused by foods and beverages. But it might not be a suitable treatment for deeper and intrinsic stains.
Deeper stains can occur because of genetics, aging, trauma, or certain medications. So, it might be difficult to get rid of the stains.
In cases where teeth whitening treatment for a brighter smile is not an optimal solution, there are several other alternatives. You can consult your dentist, and he might recommend the best cosmetic dentistry for you.
#4 Smoking Or Drinking Can Reduce The Treatment’s Effectiveness
Most people develop stained and discoloured teeth because of their frequent drinking and smoking habits. You need to understand that stained teeth can not only affect your appearance but also your overall dental health in numerous ways.
Teeth whitening can help you reverse the damage that these habits cause. However, if you continue smoking and drinking, you can develop the stains further.
Drinking coffee, tea, and red wine can also contribute to tooth staining. These substances contain chromogens. Chromogens are highly pigmented molecules that can deteriorate tooth enamel and cause discoloration over time.
So, if you wish to maintain the results of your dental treatment, you should avoid drinking and smoking.
#5 It Is Not A Permanent Solution
Teeth whitening is not a permanent solution. The treatment’s results may fade over time. If you continue to engage in habits that cause tooth discoloration, the results will not last long. So, your dentist might have to repeat the process periodically to maintain the desired level of whiteness.
The number of touch-ups you would need for this treatment also depends upon the kind of treatment you are undergoing.
For example, you may need to repeat the at-home treatment more frequently than in-office treatments. It is because a lower concentration of whitening agents may not produce long-lasting results.
#6 Teeth Whitening Might Not Work On Dental Restorations, Crowns, Or Veneers
Teeth whitening treatments do not work on dental restorations such as crowns, veneers, or fillings. These restorations contain materials that do not respond to teeth-whitening agents in the same way as natural teeth.
Teeth whitening treatment can make only the surrounding teeth whiter. Your restorations will remain the same color. It can give a mismatched appearance between the natural teeth and the restorations.
Individuals seeking to whiten their teeth might have problems with such a treatment.
#7 Teeth Whitening Must Accompany Good Dental Hygiene
Teeth whitening is just one aspect of good oral hygiene. You should combine it with brushing and flossing. Also, don’t forget to show up for your dental appointments for optimal oral health.
You should also remember that it is not a comprehensive solution to all your dental problems. This treatment can definitely improve the appearance of your smile. But it does not address underlying dental issues or prevent future problems.
So, if you don’t maintain good oral hygiene, you are likely to go back to the same dental situation you were in earlier. Combining teeth whitening treatment with good dental hygiene will allow you to have long-lasting results.
Conclusion
Teeth whitening can be the best treatment choice if you are looking to have a brighter smile. The treatment can help to improve the appearance of your smile by removing surface stains and discoloration.
However, you must keep in mind that teeth whitening is not a permanent solution. You might need to undergo this treatment periodically to maintain the desired level of whiteness.
Also, it is not effective for all types of tooth discoloration. Therefore, you must always consult your dentist before opting for the same. It’s also important to practice good oral hygiene habits after getting this treatment.
You must engage in regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups, to maintain good oral health. It will help you prevent future dental problems, and you can achieve a brighter, healthier smile that lasts.