4 Facts You Should Know About Teeth Whitening
When many people think of their teeth and smiles, their primary focus is on how their teeth look. The color of their teeth is one of the primary issues that most people have with their teeth. If you are one of these people, you may be wondering about whether or not tooth whitening is the right choice for you.
This post lists four facts that you can use to get to know more about tooth whitening. Then, you can be certain you are making the best decision for yourself.
- Whitening Toothpastes Are Not Very Effective
Most people are interested in DIY teeth whitening that is quick, easy, and painless. However, many of the products marketed to whiten teeth simply do not work as well as they claim to.
Whitening agents need to be in contact with the teeth for an extended period of time to be effective. The short amount of time that toothpaste is in contact with the teeth make such whitening products only minimally effective. As such, the extra money that you might spend on these whitening toothpastes would be better spent on more effective whitening solutions.
- Homeopathic Remedies Can Do More Damage Than Good
Many people will often look to less expensive homeopathic or natural remedies before they look to professional treatment options. For tooth whitening, many people that try these home remedies use baking soda, lemon juice or other household items to try to whiten their teeth. The problem is that these remedies can often do more harm to their teeth than good.
Lemon juice for example, is a highly acidic substance. Acidic foods and drinks can damage the enamel of teeth, making them vulnerable to damage, serious decay, and pain and in some cases infection. Also, baking soda can counteract the balance of healthy bacteria in the mouth. It can also be too abrasive, especially if used with a toothbrush that is too hard. It can actually cause microscopic cuts in the enamel that will expose the dentin and actually hold deeper stains that cannot be removed without professional whitening.
These home remedies are not good for your mouth and can cause damage to the teeth rather than help them look better.
- Whitening Only Works on Natural Teeth
When you are thinking about updating and upgrading your smile, one of the facts that you should keep in mind is that the tooth whitening process is only effective on natural teeth. Crowns, bridges or veneers cannot be whitened.
If you are considering getting crowns or veneers to improve the overall look of your smile, the best idea is to get any tooth whitening services done before you proceed. Getting the whitening done before any new crowns or veneers will allow your dentist to match them to the new brighter shade. If you have old crowns, you can discuss the possibility replacing them.
- Professional Teeth Whitening Services Are Effective and Affordable
The most important thing you should know about whitening your teeth is that professional teeth whitening services are the most effective options available to you if you want a whiter and brighter smile. The major difference between at-home remedies and professional treatments is the type of whitening agents that are used.
Dentists have access to much stronger whitening agents than you can buy in stores. These agents are powerful and can be dangerous to the soft tissues of your mouth. That is why a dental professional is required to do the application. Blocking material is placed on the soft tissue, and the whitening agent is placed on the teeth. A special light source is then applied to the teeth. It is easy, painless and most patients see dramatic results by the end of the procedure.
Additionally, many people think that professional whitening is somehow unaffordable. While it is true that the initial cost of professional whitening costs more than at-home remedies, professional services are much more safe and effective. This means you will not need to get your teeth whitened as often, which will save money in the long run.
Now that you know some of the facts about tooth whitening, you can schedule your appointment with your dentist as soon as possible for professional whitening services.
