guide to teeth whitening & why you need it
Flossing and brushing are typical everyday practices to keep your teeth healthy and white. However, there are times when you may feel that your teeth are not white enough and that you still lack that brightness and sparkle you’ve always wanted. Because of this, many people request teeth whitening treatment from their dentists.
What is Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening can effectively lighten teeth and remove discolourations and stains without removing any tooth surface. This one-time procedure is one of the most famous dental procedures because it greatly improves the overall appearance of your teeth. You can repeat the procedure at least once a year to maintain the brightness.
There are many reasons people opt for a teeth whitening procedure. Similar to your eyes, skin, and hair, teeth colour also varies from person to person. While some may have whiter teeth, others have more yellow hues. Some factors, including ageing, may contribute to the discolouration of your natural teeth:
- Tobacco (chewed or smoked)
- Food and drinks – coffee, red wine, tea, sodas or pigmented fruits, such as blueberries and cherries
- Trauma to the teeth that may cause the grey, black, or brown colour
- Accumulation of tartar and plaque deposits
- The natural ageing process
- Medications with antibiotics like doxycycline and tetracycline during childhood. Certain antipsychotics, high blood pressure medications, and antihistamines may also contribute to teeth darkening, neck and head radiation, and chemotherapy.
The 3 Benefits of Teeth Whitening
1. Teeth whitening can make you look younger without painful procedures
Most people choose teeth whitening procedures to brighten their smiles and make them look and feel younger. Many often associate white teeth with beauty and youthful looks, and people naturally look younger and prettier when they smile.
Studies have shown that people with happy smiling faces look younger than those with angry or neutral expressions.
2. Teeth whitening is easy to maintain
Teeth whitening is only done once, and the effects are long-lasting. You can also take home some whitening maintenance kits that your dentist can provide, allowing you to brighten up your teeth whenever possible.
3. Teeth whitening boosts self-confidence and self-esteem
When people assess your looks and personality, they will normally look at your smile first. A teeth whitening procedure eliminates persistent stains and discolourations and brings sparkle to your teeth, giving you more confidence each time you smile. With whiter teeth, you do not have to hide your mouth when laughing or talking or smile with a closed mouth. Now, you can confidently show a big smile, knowing you have perfectly white teeth.
Teeth whitening offers many benefits but can also have side effects. Tooth sensitivity may occur when the peroxide in the whitening agent gets through the tooth enamel to the soft layer of dentin and irritates the tooth’s nerve. Follow your dentist’s instructions because the overuse of whiteners can cause damage to the gums or tooth enamel.
Before undergoing a teeth whitening procedure, consult your dentist to evaluate your teeth for the best treatment.
If you’re looking for an orthodontist close to you to help whiten your teeth, look around in our dentist directory.
