Is Teeth Whitening Right For You?

Having discolored or yellow teeth is not aesthetically appealing. It will lower your self-confidence and might even lead to other health problems. Many people avoid going out to prevent unpleasant experiences and desire for teeth whitening.

To have a bright and white smile, people are paying more and more for whitening. So, if you have discolored teeth, teeth whitening is right for you. But is it safe for you? In this article, we talk about all aspects of teeth whitening you need to be aware of. 

What is Teeth Whitening?

Teeth whitening is a common dental procedure, yet, many people don’t know what it is. To simply put it, teeth whitening is a process that includes bleaching to lighten their color. Keep in mind; this process will only lighten the color of your teeth. It will not be extremely bright white. 

Why Are Teeth Discolored?

There are several reasons for discolored or stained teeth. The following are some of the reasons for Discoloration. 

Extrinsic Discoloration- this is a common cause of Discoloration. It is caused by smoking, food, and beverages. Some of the foods and beverages you must avoid include:

• Tea
• Coffee
• Red wine 
• Tobacco 
• Food with dyes

This type of Discoloration will impact the outside of your teeth. The best to treat this is by using whitening toothpaste. 

Intrinsic Discoloration refers to the discoloration within your teeth. It might be due to medicines, infection, aging, any illness, or trauma. This type of discoloration can only be corrected by a professional. 

How Does It Work?

Teeth whitening is a simple procedure involving the use of whitening products. During this treatment, two types of bleaches can be used: hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. Mostly, dentists use hydrogen peroxide bleach. Using the bleach, the dentist will break the stains into smaller particles. It will reduce the concentration of your teeth, making them brighter. 

How Long Will It Take?

Usually, the process will take 3 to 4 weeks to be complete. It means you will have to visit the dental office 2 to 3 times. Nonetheless, it might vary depending on your case. The first step is to get a mouthguard made for your teeth. After that, the procedure can be done at home. You will have to apply the whitening paste daily for 30 minutes for 2 to 4 weeks. Your dentist will guide how to use it. 

Is Teeth Whitening Safe For Everyone?

This might come as a surprise for you, but yes, teeth whitening does not have any side effects. This means it is safe for everyone. However, some people might experience sensitivity. If this is the case, we recommend delaying the treatment—no need to panic since it is temporary. 

If you have experience with multiple whiteners, there is a chance that your gums or teeth enamel is weak. This means you can easily damage it. So, if you would like to whiten your teeth, you have to be extra careful. According to My Dentist San Francisco, “OTC whitening can harm the soft tissue, causing burns, sensitivity, or permanent damage to your teeth and gum tissue.” The best choice is to get professional help.

Who Should Not Whiten Their Teeth?

When it comes to whitening your teeth, you must always consult a dentist. This is because they have comprehensive knowledge, experience, and skills to guide you properly. Since they do it for a living, they are capable enough to tell you whether your teeth are suitable for teeth whitening or not. 

Though it is a safe procedure, there are some instances where you should get teeth whitening like you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have sensitive teeth, any gum disease, cracks, or exposed dentine. 

Not All The Whitening Treatment Are The Same

One of the most important things you need to keep in mind is that not all whitening is the same. Not all the types of old teeth are brightened and whitened using bleach. There are different methods for correcting the color of your teeth. Hence, you must always consult your dental care provider to know which option is best for you. 

For instance, you have yellow teeth; a simple bleach procedure will be more than enough to whiten your teeth. But what if you have brown or gray teeth? This simple procedure will not be suitable for either. 

Moreover, teeth whitening procedure will not work on crowns, veneers, and fillings. Teeth whitening process will not work if the Discoloration is because of a trauma or medicine. 

We hope now you have a complete understanding of the teeth whitening process. You can rest assured it is a safe and simple dental procedure that any dentist can perform. Still, we recommend going to a certified and experienced dental care provider.