As awareness around oral health increases, so too does the awareness around the aesthetics of teeth.Every day, more and more people pay for whiter, brighter teeth, look at natural teeth-whitening products, and go for teeth-whitening dental treatments.
But, does teeth whitening work? And is it safe?
You’ve got questions – we’ve got answers.
Is Teeth Whitening Good For You?
What Is Teeth-Whitening?
When done professionally, teeth-whitening involves bleaching teeth to make them lighter. It doesn’t make them dazzlingly white, but it can definitely brighten your existing tooth colour by several shades.
Who’s Qualified To Offer Teeth-Whitening Dental Treatments?
While you can do it at home with teeth-whitening products, professional teeth-whitening services are considered a form of dentistry and should only be carried out by a dental professional (think oral hygienist or dental therapist). Some beauty salons may offer teeth-whitening, but if there’s no dental professional present, it’s illegal and may put your oral health at risk.
What Happens During Teeth-Whitening?
Teeth-whitening can be done in one of two ways:
Professional Bleaching
The first method involves an initial two trips to the dentist. They’ll scan your teeth to create custom trays, which are then sent to the lab. Once your trays are ready, you’ll return for a second appointment to start the whitening process.
You can choose between a 2-week or 4-week whitening course. Whitening can be done during the day for just 90 minutes or overnight, depending on your preference.
What Are The Risks Of Teeth-Whitening?
No matter what treatment you use, there’s a chance you’ll experience gum sensitivity as a result of the chemicals used, especially if you have sensitive teeth. There’s also a risk of burning your gums or damaging your enamel if you use DIY teeth-whitening products. To prevent sensitivity, we recommend using Sensodyne toothpaste.
Is It Permanent?
No. Teeth-whitening can last from a few months to 3 years, depending on your diet and overall oral health. If you smoke, drink coffee, tea, or red wine, then the whitening effect won’t last as long.
Is There Anything I Should Ask The Dentist Beforehand?
If there’s anything you want to know, you should ask away! There’s nothing wrong with asking questions—this is a cosmetic procedure, and you should have complete peace of mind before going ahead. We recommend asking about sensitivity or any other risks that may be involved.
Conclusion – Is Teeth-Whitening Good For You?
As we mentioned earlier, there’s always an inherent risk involved with teeth-whitening. Everybody wants to whiten their teeth for different reasons, and there’s nothing wrong with that! Teeth-whitening isn’t necessarily bad for you, as long as you maintain good oral health, brush regularly with a high-quality toothbrush, and remember that your teeth are assets—they may not be around forever, so take care of them while you have them!
