Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you. So, it is natural for everyone to strive for a white and bright smile. Over the years, consuming colored foods and drinks can leave your teeth looking stained and dull. Other causes of teeth discoloration include poor dental hygiene, smoking, certain medications, and dental trauma. Thankfully, teeth whitening is a simple and cost-effective way to whiten teeth. If you, too are considering teeth whitening for yourself, here are some facts you should know:
Your teeth are porous
While most people believe that teeth are hard and impenetrable, the opposite is true. Like your skin, your teeth are porous too. They contain thousands of microscopic pores, and anything we eat or drink get absorbed through the tiny pores. Mere brushing does not get rid of these stains. Teeth whitening creates a chemical reaction that breaks up and removes any stains through the same pores.
Teeth whitening does not damage teeth.
It is a common myth that white whitening procedures can damage teeth. As long as the procedure is being performed in a dentist’s office and not at home using some DIY products, it is a totally safe and effective procedure. Commonly used ingredients such as baking powder and hydrogen peroxide can strip the teeth’s natural enamel and irritate the gums. Dentists use safe and effective active ingredients to eliminate stains.
Only your natural teeth will change color.
When you whiten your teeth, only your natural teeth change color. If you have veneers or crowns that are matched to your natural teeth color, they will not change color. After whitening, your natural teeth may be whiter compared to your non-natural teeth. It is best to discuss the issue with your dentist and see how best they can manage the problem.
Teeth sensitivity after whitening is normal.
If you have heard people saying that teeth whitening hurts like hell, do not get scared. Quite often, people have cracked and damaged teeth, and when they try DIY teeth whitening, it causes a lot of pain. This is the reason we recommend going to a dentist for teeth whitening and not doing it at home. It is normal to feel some amount of sensitivity after the procedure, but it subsides in due course of time. Your dentist may recommend toothpaste for sensitive teeth.
Teeth whitening is not permanent.
Once you get your teeth whitening done, do not assume that this shiny white smile will last forever. There is no whitening treatment that can whiten your teeth permanently. Over time, as you continue to enjoy your colored foods and beverages, your teeth will become stained again, and you may need professional teeth whitening again. How long teeth whitening lasts depends on a lot of factors, primarily the kind of foods you eat, but normally people need it once every one or two years.
Not everyone can get the same shade of white.
Dentin is yellow in color, but the intensity of the yellow varies from individual to individual. If your teeth are naturally yellow, there is nothing much teeth whitening can do for you. In these cases, porcelain veneers may be the right choice. Veneers are coverings made of tooth-colored composite or porcelain that fit over the front surface of the tooth.
If you, too, are looking to get your teeth professionally whitened. Schedule an appointment with us now. Our specialized team will get you smiling with confidence again.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.