Teeth whitening can significantly improve the appearance of a person’s smile. When done professionally by a dentist, patients should expect to see ideal results. However, it is important to note that teeth whitening is not for everyone. Each person is unique and may react differently to professional teeth whitening.
Do you want to learn more about teeth whitening? Being aware of how it works can be helpful when trying to determine whether it is right for you.
When considering teeth whitening, it can be helpful to review a few points that may help make the decision process easier.
Over time, the teeth will likely stain, whether from heavily dyed beverages or a lack of proper oral hygiene. One way that a patient can determine whether teeth whitening is right for them is to carefully examine their teeth. If they appear yellow or are just not that pearly-white color anymore, it may be worth considering a professional teeth whitening appointment.
Teeth whitening from a dentist tends to be much more effective than store-bought or at-home products. Dentists have access to stronger solutions that can be safely administered in an office setting. Most dentists report that their teeth whitening treatments can lighten a patient's teeth up to eight shades.
With professional teeth whitening comes the possibility of sensitivity, although in most cases, the sensitivity can be managed with desensitizers provided by the dentist. These are not available over the counter, which is why in-office teeth whitening (rather than store-bought whitening strips) is highly recommended. While sensitivity may occur, it is typically minor, and the procedure is still safe and effective for patients.
The ingredients contained in teeth whitening, such as peroxide, can dissolve the stains that are filled in the pores of teeth. This may lead to slight sensitivity. In-office whitening is encouraged to ensure optimal safety of the procedure and prevent any unnecessary levels of sensitivity that store-bought products may cause.
For many people, the sensitivity is not too severe. If the patient has concerns, though, they can discuss ways to manage the sensitivity during and after the procedure with the dentist. Most dentists state that sensitivity after teeth whitening will likely go away within a day or two. When considering teeth whitening, consider the sensitivity that comes with it to ensure that the proper precautions are taken.
Here are several answers to frequently asked questions about teeth whitening to help patients decide if treatment is right for them.
Most teeth whitening visits take approximately an hour. However, the length of treatment largely depends on how many whitening sessions the patient receives. If the patient does not achieve the desired results with the first whitening session, the dentist may be able to repeat it during the same visit.
Professional, in-office teeth whitening should not damage teeth enamel. In fact, it is far safer than store-bought products, which can damage enamel. Licensed dentists use only the safest and most-effective solutions for whitening teeth. They can also check your teeth and gums before the procedure to ensure that they are healthy enough for teeth whitening.
This depends on the health of the teeth. Teeth whitening is safest and works best when there is no plaque and tartar build-up on teeth. Subsequently, dentists typically recommend teeth whitening after a teeth cleaning procedure. This is not always necessary, though, and many patients can choose to have their teeth whitened when it is most convenient for them.
Teeth whitening results last between 9 and 18 months on average. Most patients will enjoy a significantly brighter and stain-free smile for over a year. Ultimately, how well the patient cares for their smile determines how long the results last.
Having a dentist professionally whiten your teeth is ideal when you want to remove years of stains. Any questions or concerns regarding teeth whitening should be addressed by a dentist. Consulting with a dentist about teeth whitening is a great place to start, as they can provide specifics on whether it is a good treatment option. Contact us to get started today.
Request an appointment here: https://www.leedentistryoxford.com or call Lee Family and Cosmetic Dentistry at (662) 546-1143 for an appointment in our Oxford office.
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