Over time we may begin to feel like our teeth are dull. While professional teeth whitening may be able to help restore their brightness, it may not be the ideal option for everyone. Here, our Surrey dentists talk about the effects of professional teeth whitening and how the health of your teeth may determine whether you should undergo this procedure.
As time goes on, our teeth may begin to appear dull. Because of this, you may be wondering if you should consider teeth whitening and if there are any concerns with this treatment Here are a few other things you should consider when it comes to professional teeth whitening.
Is professional teeth whitening right for you?
If you are considering professional teeth whitening, your dentist will need to perform a complete examination before scheduling your treatment. This examination will allow your dentist to look for any signs of thinning or weakened enamel, or tooth decay which can cause complications during teeth whitening. In the event that your dentist spots any issues that may result in teeth whitening not being recommended for you, they will offer other cosmetic treatments to help restore the appearance of your smile.
If your dentist has no concerns about your oral health and if you do not have fillings or damage, then they may be able to recommend teeth whitening to brighten your smile.
How does teeth whitening work to brighten your smile?
When performing teeth whitening, your dentist will coat the face of the tooth with a bleaching agent. They will take great care to avoid contact with the gums. While teeth whitening is relatively safe, the solution may cause irritation if it comes into contact with the soft tissues. This should relieve itself relatively quickly. Once treatment is complete and this has been removed then the sensitivity should subside. As for which results you might realistically expect, dental teeth bleaching can only offer a change in colour from gray to a lighter shade of gray, for example.
It's important to keep in mind that everyone has a different experience with teeth whitening and each outcome is different. If you have any dental restorations such as crowns, they will not respond to whitening; they will remain the same colour as before.
Along with your take-home teeth whitening kit, we will provide one extra vial of whitening gel, which can be used for your first touch-up. Once you have your custom-fit whitening trays, you will be able to purchase the whitening solution for continued touchups as recommended.
Are your teeth healthy enough for teeth whitening?
Our Surrey dentist recommends visiting for a checkup and cleaning once every six months (the frequency of your visits depends on your at-home oral hygiene routine and the general condition of your teeth and gums). Daily brushing and flossing will also go a long way in keeping your teeth bright and healthy. If you keep up with routine at-home care and professional exams and cleanings along with being given the go-ahead from your dentist, your teeth should be healthy enough to whiten safely.