Teeth whitening is a popular dental procedure to make your smile brighter. Many people want whiter teeth, but they often have questions about how it works and what they should expect. If you are considering teeth whitening near you, these most common questions about it will help you to decide if it’s right for you.
1. What is Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening is a dental process that makes teeth appear whiter. It eliminates stains and discoloration to make the teeth appear whiter and brighter, and it is usually performed by a dentist.
2. Is It Safe to Whiten Teeth?
Yes, teeth whitening is generally safe when performed correctly by a professional dentist using the right products. Dentists use safe chemicals to whiten teeth, and they protect a patient’s mouth and gums during the process. Some people may experience temporary teeth sensitivity or gum irritation after whitening their teeth, but these effects go away after the treatment.
3. How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last?
Teeth-whitening results can vary depending on an individual’s habits. Coffee, tea, or red wine can easily stain teeth. To help teeth remain brighter for a long time, it is essential to avoid consuming foods and drinks that cause discoloration. However, if you continue consuming these items or smoking, then your teeth will gradually start losing their whiteness much earlier than expected. Therefore, touch-up treatments like teeth whitening are one way of maintaining a radiant smile for a long time.
4. Does Teeth Whitening Work on All Teeth?
Whitening best works on natural teeth. It whitens yellow teeth but may not work well on brown or grey teeth. The whitening products do not work on restorative materials such as crowns, veneers, or fillings. If you have these, your dentist might suggest other approaches to whiten or make teeth appear more balanced in colour.
5. What are the Different Types of Teeth Whitening Methods?
The following are some of the methods of teeth whitening:
- In-office whitening: This treatment is performed by a dentist using a stronger whitening agent to make your teeth appear brighter.
- At-home whitening kits: These kits are provided by dentists and include whitening gel and custom-made trays.
- Over-the-counter products: These include whitening strips, gels, and toothpaste available at medical stores. They are less effective than professional treatment and might require a longer time to see results.
6. How Much Does Teeth Whitening Cost?
Teeth whitening costs depend on the method you choose. In-office whitening procedures are expensive, and at-home kits are reasonable. Over-the-counter products can be more reasonable than at-home kits. However, professional whitening is effective and provides quick results.
7. Will Teeth Whitening Damage My Teeth?
When teeth whitening is done correctly with safety measures, it does not damage teeth. Too much whitening can wear away tooth enamel, causing sensitivity and cavities. Follow the directions that come with the whitening items, and consult your dentist before beginning any whitening process.
8. How Do I Keep My Whiter Teeth?
Following these tips to keep your smile brighter for a long period after whitening your teeth:
- Brushing twice a day and flossing daily once will help to remove plaque, food particles, and more from the teeth effectively.
- Avoid consuming foods and drinks that cause stains on your teeth, such as coffee, tea, red wine, berries, and more.
- Smoking for a long period causes teeth to be yellow or discoloured, so giving up this habit is essential to maintaining optimal oral health.
- Some beverages can stain your teeth, so use a straw when consuming them to reduce contact with your teeth.
- After teeth whitening, you are required to have a touch-up to keep a bright smile.
Achieve a Bright Smile at Mill Bay Dental Today!
If you are considering whitening your teeth, then discuss it with our friendly dentist in Mill Bay to choose the right treatment option to achieve a radiant smile. At our clinic, we offer effective dental care in a comfortable and welcoming environment. Our treatment plans are pocket-friendly and fit patients’ budgets. Contact us today to achieve a brighter smile!
