Do you believe the adage that the first thing people notice about you is your smile?
At first glance, it’s hard to miss features like the teeth and eyes (and a colorful top doesn’t hurt either!).
So, what makes for a beautiful smile? Many people would argue bright white teeth can help a smile shine.
If you’ve ever considered what a bright smile entails, we have everything you need to know about teeth whitening.
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT TEETH WHITENING
What Happened to the Color of My Teeth?
If you experience a color change in your teeth, please know teeth naturally darken with age.
Other contributing factors can discolor teeth like—
• Red wine, tea, and coffee
• Smoking and chewing tobacco
• Injury to your mouth/tooth
• Certain medications (antibiotics, antihistamines, antipsychotics, and high blood pressure)
• Chemotherapy and radiation (around the neck and head area)
Can Everyone Get Their Teeth Whitened?
Unfortunately, teeth whitening isn’t for everyone, and your dentist can help you decipher if this service is right for you or not.
Teeth with yellow tones typically respond best when it comes to whitening, where brown and gray tones do not.
If you have tooth-colored fillings, crowns, caps, or veneers whitening is not recommended.
In addition, if your teeth are discolored due to a mouth injury or medications, whitening will not be successful.
How Does the Teeth Whitening Process Work?
This is the perfect time to have a conversation with your dentist about teeth whitening.
As you can see, not everyone is a candidate for this service, and nobody wants to waste money on something that won’t be effective for them!
There are several options for teeth whitening that include—
• Over-the-Counter Whitening Strips and Gels
• Whitening Rinses
• Tray-Based
• In-office Whitening
In-office whitening is one of the fastest ways to brighten your teeth. A combination of product, laser, special light, or heat can be used for a treatment that can take up to an hour.
One appointment or several appointments may be needed to achieve the desired result. However, you can usually see a dramatic difference in the color of your teeth upon the first treatment.
Are There Side Effects to Teeth Whitening?
Tooth sensitivity is one of the biggest side effects of teeth whitening. Excessive use of whitening agents can also cause gum or tooth enamel damage.
The nerve of the tooth becomes sensitive when the whitener (usually peroxide) permeates the soft layer of dentin.
If you do experience sensitivity, it can be temporary, which allows for delay of treatment to try again when sensitivity has subsided.
How much is teeth whitening at the dentist?
If you prefer a professional teeth whitening treatment, the cost can range anywhere from $400 to $1,500 for multiple procedures.
The use of special lasers, heat, light, and product all factor into an in-office teeth whitening package.
The path to teeth whitening can include everything from store-bought strips and rinses to professional treatments from your dentist.
Start with talking to your dentist about what’s best for the health of your mouth and decide what path you think is best for you!
Want to brighten your smile with teeth whitening? We’d love to help you find out if this service is right for you!
Give Integrity Dental in Pueblo, CO a call today to get started.