For many of us, a bright smile is the most attractive feature on a person. Clean teeth also indicate good dental health. However, many of our daily indulgences, including coffee, sodas, dark fruits and vegetables, and tobacco, can stain our teeth and give them a yellowish appearance. Brightening your smile might be a top priority for you, though you should know the facts of teeth whitening before you begin the process.
Whitening is Bleaching
Agents in teeth whitening chemicals are a form of bleach. Bleaching helps remove stains and give you that perfect smile. However, because bleach is a particularly strong chemical, you should be careful to whiten your teeth if you have gum or tooth sensitivity. The bleach will irritate and worsen the issue, causing you painful side effects. You should also know that bleaching cannot solve all tooth discoloration, and so you should see a dentist to help decide whether or not whitening will be effective.
In-Office vs. Over the Counter
Having your dentist whiten your teeth has its pros and cons. While professionals will use their skills and top rated products to brighten your smile, paying out of pocket for cosmetic dentistry can be expensive. The bleaching process is also non permanent, so soon after you start eating and drinking your teeth will become discolored again. Because of this, there has been a large market of over the counter teeth whitening systems. These are relatively more affordable, however, their products are of lower quality and aren’t patient specific, so your results may vary. While it may be cheaper to start whitening your teeth at home, only a dentist can provide options specific to your needs that will guarantee your satisfaction.
How do you keep a bright, healthy smile?