What You Need to Know Before Getting Your Teeth Whitened

The colour of teeth plays a significant role in the aesthetics of a beautiful smile. Those who were not lucky to be born with naturally white teeth often ask dentists for help. Of course, dentists usually recommend teeth whitening. However, there are many people that don’t know much about this procedure, yet are eager to try it. It is a good idea to learn some facts about teeth whitening before you actually visit your dentist’s office.

Thanks to modern technology, teeth whitening is safer and more affordable than ever before.

Discolouration occurs due to the many layers of our teeth and as we grow older these layers break down through wear and tear. The middle layer of the tooth(the dentin), gets thicker and the enamel gets thin with age. The breakdown of the dentin then begins to show through which changes the colour of our teeth.

There are many factors which contribute to discolouration but it is mainly food and drink that contains coloured liquids such as Coffee, Wine, Tea, Sports drinks and more. The staining of teeth occurs after the cumulative effect over many years.

If you are thinking about having teeth whitening done, it makes sense to learn a few things about this procedure so that you can prepare in a better way and know what to expect. Here is a simple guide.

What you should know about teeth whitening

This is a simple process

To put it simply, whitening your teeth is nothing more than bleaching. Bear in mind that this process can’t lead to pearly white teeth, but it can definitely lighten the current colour by a few shades. When you undergo this procedure you should look for a white colour that looks natural and suitable for your face. We all know that frequent use of solarium can result in a bad and unnatural tan. Something similar can happen if you overuse this technique. You just need to improve the look of your current colour.

Temporary sensitivity is likely

Whatever type of treatment you use, there is a good chance that your teeth and gums will be sensitive to the ingredients used in the process. About 10% of people notice sensitivity when the treatments are finished. This is a natural reaction to hydrogen peroxide, luckily, this feeling goes away after a short while. If the problem continues, use toothpaste for sensitivity and stay away from cold and hot foods.

It doesn’t work on artificial/false teeth

Teeth whitening doesn’t work on fillings, crowns, veneers and dentures. A procedure like this shouldn’t damage your existing dental work, but it won’t make them whiter.

This is a procedure that provides temporary effects and is not permanent

Even though technology has advanced, this procedure is still not permanent. In other words, you can expect your teeth to regain their natural shade after a while. The exact period of time the effects last depends on many different factors. Generally speaking, people who drink tea and coffee and people who smoke will have to perform teeth whitening more frequently compared to others. These products contain ingredients that affect the colour of teeth in a negative way.

It must be done by a professional dentist

If you want to be sure that you will get the best results and that the procedure will be finished safely, you should choose a professional dentist. Professional dentists have the knowledge, experience and training to perform such activities and they will do their best to maximise the effects.

Too many treatments can be dangerous

There are many people who make the mistake of having too many treatments and once they notice the first good results, they want to perform this procedure on a regular basis. Most dentists will warn the patients about the negative consequences, but there are some dentists that won’t share this fact. Frequent teeth whitening can result in permanent damage and increased sensitivity.

For more advice, please do not hesitate to get in touch.