4 Things You Need To Know About Teeth Whitening
If you've been dreaming of a brighter and whiter smile, it may be time to consider teeth whitening. This cosmetic procedure is a great way to achieve a smile that's several shades whiter, which can give you more confidence in your appearance. Before you decide on a teeth whitening method, though, there are some things you should know!
Professional Whitening is Best
First and foremost, while there are at-home whitening kits available in many stores, your best bet for teeth whitening is always to have it done by a professional. Not only do dentists have access to the strongest whitening agents for noticeable results, they also have the tools and experience needed to whiten your teeth safely. You may even be surprised to learn that professional teeth whitening is competitively priced, and you likely won't pay much more for this service than you would a month's supply of store-bought whitening strips.
You Can Prolong the Effects of Whitening
While the results of your teeth whitening won't last forever, there are steps you can take to prolong the effects. First of all, do your best to avoid foods and drinks that are known to stain teeth. Red wine, coffee, and berries are common examples. If you do decide to indulge in these, try to brush your teeth or at least wash it down with a glass of water shortly after to reduce staining and discoloration. And of course, keep up with great oral hygiene habits by brushing with a whitening tooth paste a few times a day.
Teeth Whitening Shouldn't Damage Your Enamel
One of the main concerns people have when it comes to whitening their teeth is that doing so will wear down their tooth enamel. However, the fact is that teeth whitening, when done properly, should not damage your teeth or the enamel at all. This tends to happen when a whitening agent is left on the teeth for too long, which shouldn't happen if you have your teeth whitened professionally.
Veneers and Fillings Cannot Be Whitened
If you have veneers or fillings, be aware that whitening agent will not change their color or shade. Therefore, you may need to have your veneers replaced with a shade that will better match your teeth--though this isn't always necessary, depending on the location of your fillings or veneers.
Now that you know the essentials about tooth whitening, are you ready to schedule your appointment?