Teeth whitening is one of the easiest and best ways to improve your appearance, and it’s just as safe as any other basic dental procedure. There are many different alternatives available if you want to get your teeth whitened, depending on how much time and money you want to invest. If you’re wondering “is teeth whitening safe?”, your best option would be to visit teeth whitening dental practice for more guidance and information.
Is Teeth Whitening Worth It?
Though teeth whitening procedures aren’t usually covered by basic dental plans, they could have a profound impact on your everyday life, and they’re definitely worth looking into if you worry about discoloration on your teeth. This is an issue that’s becoming increasingly important for people, and “is teeth whitening safe?” is now a question asked frequently by dental patients. A study from Oral Health Group suggests that around 89 percent of orthodontists have received requests for teeth whitening.
With a brighter smile, you might find some real positive changes in your confidence and interpersonal relationships. You’re 58 percent more likely to get a job after teeth whitening treatment, so it could also be a sound investment in financial terms. Around $11 billion is spent annually, worldwide, on teeth whitening products and procedures.
Why is it Necessary?
Teeth discoloration can be caused by a number of factors, including:
- Smoking. Nicotine and other substances in tobacco can stain your teeth.
- Diet. Some dyes and other substances that are present in various foods and drinks (coffee, wine, ice cream) leave stains on the enamel.
- Aging. Over time, the enamel is gradually worn away, revealing layers of the yellowish substance dentin underneath.
- Trauma. Injuries to the mouth can lead to more dentin being produced, in order to protect the damaged area.
Extrinsic discoloration, such as that caused by diet and smoking, is relatively easy to combat, and your teeth are likely to respond well to more basic teeth whitening procedures. Intrinsic discoloration, on the other hand, causes teeth to be discolored from within. This kind of discoloration is more difficult to reverse. If your teeth are affected by it, it’s definitely worth getting professional help, such as cosmetic dentistry services.
How Does it work?
Teeth whitening combats extrinsic and intrinsic discoloration processes, in a number of different ways. It usually involves polishing the surfaces of your teeth, affixing new surfaces, or using bleaching agents to change their color. Some common options include:
- Whitening toothpaste
- Whitening strips
- At-home bleaching kits
- Veneers
- Bonding
- In-office bleaching
Is Teeth Whitening Safe?
Most teeth whitening procedures are very safe, particularly the more basic at-home methods that simply involve specialty toothpaste or bleaching strips. However, the application of stronger bleaching products to the teeth has the potential to cause some problems.
The peroxide chemicals that are present in at-home bleaching kits can cause tooth sensitivity or gum irritation. Teeth whitening may not be suited for people with, particularly sensitive teeth. Dental professionals will usually be able to check your teeth and advise you about the likelihood of these negative effects. The safest option will always be to visit a qualified dental clinic, like your local dental office.
Not only is it safer to see a dentist about teeth whitening, but they will also have access to bleaching agents that are of a higher concentration than those available to you. 82.5 percent of patients have reported noticeable improvements following a professional whitening treatment, compared to 63.8 percent of consumers who bought retail products.
Go to your dentist and ask “is teeth whitening safe?”, and start your journey to a brighter smile. Don’t wait any longer to get the bright, pearly white smile that you deserve.
