A person’s first impression of you is often based on their reaction to your smile. It’s a sign of happiness, friendliness, and openness. However, if your teeth are yellow or stained, you may be hesitant to show off your smile.
This can lower your self-confidence and affect your interactions with others. Thankfully, there is a solution: professional teeth whitening. Continue reading to know all about it.
What Causes Tooth Discoloration?
Before diving into the benefits of professional teeth whitening, it’s important to understand what causes tooth discoloration. Teeth that are yellow or stained can be caused by a number of circumstances, including the following:
- Diet: Foods and drinks that are high in sugar, acid, and artificial colorings can stain your teeth over time. Coffee, tea, red wine, and cola are particularly notorious for causing tooth discoloration.
- Smoking: Tobacco products contain chemicals that can yellow your teeth and cause other oral health problems.
- Aging: As you get older, the outer layer of your teeth (enamel) wears down, revealing the yellowish layer beneath (dentin).
- Genetics: Some people are simply born with naturally yellow or gray teeth.
How Professional Teeth Whitening Works
Professional teeth whitening is a safe and efficient technique to get rid of stains and freshen your smile. There are two main types of professional teeth whitening:
- In-Office Whitening: This is the fastest and most effective method of teeth whitening. Your dentist will apply a special whitening gel to your teeth and use a light or laser to activate it.
This process usually takes about an hour and can lighten your teeth by several shades.
- At-Home Whitening: Your dentist will provide you with custom-fitted trays and a whitening gel to use at home.
You’ll wear the trays for a certain amount of time each day (usually a few hours or overnight) for several weeks. This method is less expensive than in-office whitening but takes longer to see results.
The Benefits of Professional Teeth Whitening
- Boosts Your Self-Confidence: When your teeth are bright and white, you’re more likely to smile and feel confident in social situations. This can improve your relationships, job performance, and overall well-being.
- Improves Your Oral Health: Professional teeth whitening removes surface stains and plaque buildup, which can prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
- Reverses the Effects of Aging: As mentioned earlier, aging can cause your teeth to be yellow or gray. Professional teeth whitening can reverse these effects and make you look younger.
- Customizable: Unlike over-the-counter whitening products, professional teeth whitening can be customized to your specific needs and preferences. Your dentist can adjust the strength of the whitening gel and the length of treatment to achieve your desired results.
- Long-Lasting: With proper care and maintenance, professional teeth whitening can last for several years. This means you won’t have to spend money on whitening products constantly
What to Expect During & After Professional Teeth Whitening
Your dentist will cover your gums during the in-office teeth whitening procedure to safeguard them and will then use a whitening gel to fix your teeth. They may use a light or laser to activate the gel and speed up the whitening process.
You may experience some minor sensitivity during the procedure, but this typically goes away after a few hours.
After the procedure, your teeth may be more sensitive to hot and cold temperatures for a few days. Your dentist may recommend avoiding certain foods and drinks for a while to prevent staining.
It’s also important to practice good oral hygiene to maintain your newly whitened smile.
Is Professional Teeth Whitening Right for You?
If you’re unhappy with the color of your teeth, professional teeth whitening may be a good option for you. However, it’s important to talk to your dentist first to make sure it’s safe and appropriate for your specific situation.
People with sensitive teeth or certain dental conditions may not be good candidates for teeth whitening.
Conclusion
You can get the courage to flash your smile with professional teeth whitening. It’s safe, effective, and customizable to your specific needs. Talk to your dentist today to see if professional teeth whitening is right for you.
Are you looking for a top-rated cosmetic dentist in Melrose? Look no further than Melrose Dental Group. Led by Dr. Piro Leno and his expert staff, our practice provides comprehensive dental care for the whole family.
We place a high value on patient education and provide specialized care to assist you in achieving a radiant, healthy smile. Book your appointment today.