Have you ever wondered what it would feel like to have a bright, white and beautiful smile? A radiant grin can be an instant boost of self-confidence and when we look our best, we can feel our best. Luckily, teeth whitening can help us achieve that dream smile that is easily achievable with the wide range of whitening options we have today. So, you may be wondering: what exactly is teeth whitening? Teeth whitening involves brightening one’s teeth while improving discolorations or stains left behind by certain types of foods and drinks we regularly consume. It is a popular and safe cosmetic dental procedure that typically contains one of two active tooth ingredients- hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which break down teeth stains into smaller pieces and make discolorations less apparent.
To help you determine if teeth whitening is right for you, today, we’re focusing on some of the pros and cons of teeth whitening!
Pro: You will gain a boost of confidence.
The largest benefit of teeth whitening is cosmetic. Your teeth will appear brighter and more appealing which will give you that confidence to show off your pearly white smile. Having a smile you are proud of will also help you show up more confidently and be less self-conscious about your smile.
Con: You may experience mild to moderate tooth sensitivity.
When a high concentration of tooth bleach is used and applied for long periods of time, you may begin to experience mild to moderate tooth sensitivity as well as gum irritation. This is because some whitening treatments can be harsh on enamel, leading to an increase in sensitivity. Fortunately, this issue will typically resolve in a few hours or days and can be decreased with the use of sensitivity toothpastes such as Sensodyne.
Pro: You have a plethora of whitening options to choose from that are convenient, low-cost and safe.
There are many options for teeth whitening today and those can include at-home products, from strips to gels to trays, as well as whitening products that can be applied professionally at your dentist’s office. Since there is a variety of whitening options, you can comfortably choose the option that is most convenient for you!
Con: Results won’t last forever.
After your teeth are exposed to things like coffee, wine or tobacco, it is very likely that your teeth will begin to lose their brightness and may yellow over time. In order to maintain a bright, white smile, it is important that teeth whitening or touch-ups are redone periodically. Along with maintaining brightness, it is even more crucial to maintain healthy teeth by continuing to brush your teeth twice a day as well as floss daily.
Pro: Results from teeth whitening are fast.
With at-home whitening kits, application typically takes a short amount of time, and you can expect to start seeing results after only a few treatments. With professional teeth whitening, results are typically even faster and can be noticeable as early as a day after treatment.
Con: Teeth whitening will not change the color of your crowns and fillings.
Unfortunately, teeth whitening cannot brighten or change the shade of your existing dental work and may cause teeth to look patchy as your natural teeth change shades while your restorations remain the same color. Teeth whitening may also not be effective on all types of stains and discolorations; therefore, it is important to keep expectations of teeth whitening in check.
If you’re looking to brighten your smile and boost your confidence with a radiant grin, don’t hesitate to reach out to the us to further discuss the best teeth whitening options for you.
If you are interested in our recommended at-home whitening kit, we are currently offering the Opalescence Go Tooth Whitening Trays*, which are both affordable and convenient. All proceeds will go towards supporting the Class of 2023 orthodontic residents’ graduation fund. Happy whitening!
*These whitening kits are only available at our Henderson, NV location – Roseman Dental & Orthodontics.
Author: Dr. Joy Tawadrous
