We all make New Year’s resolutions, but we don’t always keep them. Here’s one you probably didn’t make: whiter teeth. Whiten your teeth professionally for a bright, radiant smile. There’s no better time than the present to have your teeth professionally whitened. It’s the new year; time for a new you with beautiful pearly whites that sparkle, lighting up the room every time you smile. Professional teeth whitening can eliminate yellow teeth and white spots, leaving you with a gorgeous smile you can be proud of.
Why Do Our Teeth Lose Their Brightness?
When our adult teeth come in they are brilliantly white. As we age, our teeth lose their luster due to the foods we eat, drinks we consume, the use of alcohol and tobacco products, genetics, and poor oral hygiene. If you are in perfect oral health and do not smoke but have teeth that are discoloured it’s usually due to a diet of foods that are high in acid and tannins (coffee, tea, soda, oranges, etc.). These foods also erode tooth enamel, which is another factor associated with tooth discolouration. In addition, the aging process causes our teeth to lose their brightness. It may seem like discoloured teeth are inevitable; however, professional teeth whitening can whiten your teeth 8-10 shades brighter in as little as an hour.
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
When you visit your dentist they will fit your mouth for special trays. These trays are filled with a gel that contains whitening agents yet also protects tooth enamel from damage. Because the trays are fitted to your mouth, you don’t have to worry about your gums accidentally being exposed to the whitening gel or having too much or too little applied.
After the first session at the dentist’s office, your front eight teeth will be noticeably brighter. These are the eight teeth that feature prominently in any smile, and some people are content to end their treatment after one session. If you do wish to continue with your whitening treatment, you will be given special trays to wear at home that will whiten all your teeth. The same gel is used, and your dentist will direct you on how to use the trays, how long to wear them, how much gel to apply, and when you should see results.
Will Teeth Whitening Make My Teeth Sensitive?
This is a concern that many people have because over-the-counter whitening kits (more on those below) are known to cause tooth sensitivity. However, when you are working with your dentist to have your teeth professionally whitened, issues like tooth sensitivity are easily manageable. If you already suffer from tooth sensitivity, your dentist will create a treatment plan to help with this problem.
How Long Does Tooth Whitening Last?
Many people are able to maintain their brilliant smiles by making regular dental visits (at least twice per year for cleanings). If you take care of your teeth at home and keep up with your oral hygiene (brushing twice a day, flossing, and using a dentist-recommended mouthwash), you should have a gorgeous smile for a year or more. However, if you are a smoker, you run the risk of undoing the whitening treatment altogether. Talk to your dentist and doctor about quitting. They can help you come up with a plan and can recommend smoking cessation aids.
Whiter Teeth = Bigger Smiles = Better Confidence
Teeth whitening is one of the most common cosmetic dentistry procedures. Many people suffer because they’re ashamed of their smiles. When you have a smile you can be proud of, you’ll smile more and your confidence will skyrocket. You’ll never be afraid to laugh and smile in public again. In fact, you’ll go out of your way to smile and laugh because you’ll love your gorgeous white teeth and want to show them off.
Avoid Over-The-Counter (OTC) Products
You can purchase teeth whitening kits at the pharmacy, but you’ll only be doing your mouth a disservice. OTC whitening products do more harm to your teeth than good. They may be inexpensive and easy to use, but they aren’t customized to your mouth. When you visit your dentist for professional teeth whitening, the trays used are fit to your mouth’s exact dimensions, ensuring that the whitening gel doesn’t stray and touch your gums. When you use an OTC product, the trays are designed as a one-size-fits-all solution and could irritate and damage your gums. Furthermore, OTC products only whiten a small percentage of your teeth (usually the middle) and do not remove spots.
Start the new year off right with a professional teeth whitening treatment. Contact Dawson Dental for more information or to make an appointment.