Categories: Teeth Whitening

Is Teeth Whitening Right for You?

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.

How to determine whether teeth whitening 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.

Teeth whitening to lift years of stains

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.

Chance of sensitivity

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.

FAQs to help you decide if teeth whitening is right for you

Here are several answers to frequently asked questions about teeth whitening to help patients decide if treatment is right for them.

How long does teeth whitening take?

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.

Does teeth whitening damage teeth enamel?

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.

Do I need to have my teeth cleaned before 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.

How long do teeth whitening results last?

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.

Are you ready for teeth whitening to improve your smile?

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.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Teeth Whitening in Oxford, MS.

Recent Posts

Teeth Whitening 101: How Long Does A Session Last

Teeth whitening treatments can get you a drastically improved smile in as little as 60 minutes. Your smile is an important part of your appearance since it is one of the first things people notice during social interactions. A pearly white smile is a great way to make a solid first impression. Teeth whitening treatments…

Are Teeth Whitening Treatments Effective On All Types Of Stains

Teeth whitening treatments can get you the pearly set of white teeth you have always wanted. It is an effective way to get rid of most types of stains and discoloration like those caused by the coloring agents in the things you eat and drink, habits like smoking, and the yellowing effect of aging on…

The Different Types Of Teeth Whitening Treatments

Teeth whitening treatments are one of the most popular cosmetic treatments used in dentistry, and it often leaves people with a noticeably whiter smile. The procedure is typically performed using bleaching agents like hydrogen peroxide to remove stains from deep inside teeth.Teeth whitening treatments are effective on the most common types of stains, like those…

Improve The Color Of Your Teeth With Teeth Whitening Treatments

Teeth whitening treatments can get you noticeably whiter teeth in less than an hour. They are one of the most popular cosmetic treatments and involve using compounds with bleaching properties like hydrogen carbamide or hydrogen peroxide to take off stains from the outer and inner layers of your teeth.There are numerous ways to go about…

Lee Family and Cosmetic Dentistry

Share
Published by
Lee Family and Cosmetic Dentistry

Recent Posts

Tips for Maintaining Good Oral Hygiene From Your General Dentist

As a primary dental care provider, a general dentist can give sound advice on maintaining…

4 days ago

General Dentist vs. Family Dentist: What You Should Know

Finding the right dentist for your oral health needs is an important process. While a…

2 weeks ago

The Importance of Regular Visits to Your General Dentist

Attending regular checkups with a general dentist is crucial for maintaining oral health. People can…

3 weeks ago

A Look at Sedation Dentistry

Thinking sedation dentistry might be able to help you overcome dental phobias? Many people avoid…

3 weeks ago

Ways an Emergency Dentist Relieves Toothaches

Your emergency dentist will perform an exam and review your dental history to diagnose your…

4 weeks ago

Can a General Dentist Fix a Broken Tooth?

A broken tooth can be distressing, especially if you do not know where to turn…

1 month ago