A white, shining smile can make one feel much more confident. That is why, nowadays, one of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments is whitening. Before joining the craze of products and procedures meant for whitening, it would be helpful to know what your dentist has to say. Are over-the-counter products safe? Are professional teeth whitening near you better? Let’s take a closer look.
The Science Behind Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening does this by cleaning the enamel layer of your teeth from stains and discolorations. The major causes of such staining include the aging process, food, and drinks like coffee, tea, and wine; tobacco use also causes staining as well as specific medications. In whitening, chemicals like hydrogen peroxide work to break these stains and produce a brighter, whiter shine on your teeth.
Although the treatment is effective, it is essential to note that not all teeth respond equally to whitening. For instance, yellowish-colored teeth often bleach better than those gray or brown in color. In addition, whitening doesn’t work on dental restorations such as crowns, veneers, or fillings, so they may not match the newly whitened teeth.
Over-the-Counter vs. Professional Teeth Whitening
When it comes to teeth whitening in New Westminster, over-the-counter or professional treatments can be considered, but let us focus on professional recommendations from the dentist.
Over-the-Counter Teeth Whitening
Mostly, people find their way towards over-the-counter products like whitening strips, gels, or toothpaste. These items are easily purchased in stores, and their treatment costs less as compared to that of a dentist. However, these products rarely provide effective outcomes compared to that of a dental whitening process.
Dentists caution against overusing these products, especially if you’re unsure of how to apply them correctly. Overuse can lead to tooth sensitivity, gum irritation, and uneven results. In some cases, individuals may also experience damage to the enamel if the whitening agents are too strong or left on too long.
Professional Teeth Whitening
Professional whitening would be more potent and safer for teeth compared with the over-the-counter products that can be availed of because a dentist, being a licensed practitioner, employs stronger whitening agents, resulting in more successful results.
One of the main benefits of going to a dentist for whitening is that the dentist will first assess your oral health. They make sure that your teeth and gums are healthy before beginning any whitening treatment. In cases where there are existing dental issues, such as cavities or gum disease, a dentist will treat these problems before proceeding with whitening.
In addition, professional whitening tends to yield more dramatic and longer-lasting results than over-the-counter products. Dentists may treat patients at home using custom-fit trays or provide in-office whitening, which often yields faster results.
Is Teeth Whitening Safe?
Properly done teeth whitening is safe. As with any dental procedure, though, it should be done under professional supervision. Dentists are trained to apply whitening agents properly and to manage side effects such as tooth sensitivity.
Please note that the whitening is not recommended for everyone. A pregnant woman and children under the age of 16 are asked to avoid all whitening procedures. If anyone has very sensitive teeth or suffering from gum diseases, they will be asked not to go through any whitening procedure. Get advice from the dentist for their own decision-making.
Maintain Your Whitened Teeth
After teeth whitening, a person should keep up the outcome. Dentists near you always advise against the consumption of stain-causing food and drinks like coffee, tea, and red wine. In case that is not possible, brush one’s teeth as soon as having it.
Visit Artis Dental Centre For A Healthy Smile
At Artis Dental Centre, we offer professional teeth whitening treatments to make you smile in the way you always wanted. Visit our clinic for a consultation if you’re looking for a dentist in New Westminster; our professionals are here to help you make your smile the best it could be.
Get the smile of your dreams now, safely and effectively, through an appointment today with a dentist!
