5 Things to Know Before You Whiten Your Teeth

Ready to get that gleaming megawatt smile with teeth whitening? While this popular cosmetic service can dramatically improve the appearance of teeth, we always make sure our patients understand the importance of getting the right treatment for their individual needs. Here are some things to consider:

#1. Sensitivity: Teeth brightening can cause sensitivity in some people, especially those with existing dental issues like gum disease, tooth decay, or exposed tooth roots. That is why we do a checkup before providing treatment. Having a healthy smile is the first step to a beautiful smile.

#2. Gum Irritation: If not applied correctly, whitening agents can irritate the gums and cause them to become inflamed or even bleed. This typically happens when the whitening solution comes into contact with the soft tissues surrounding the teeth. The benefit of coming to a professional dental practice to get treatment done is that we monitor closely to ensure this does not happen.

#3. Uneven Results: When done at home using over-the-counter products, teeth brightening may not produce uniform results. Some teeth may become brighter than others, resulting in an uneven smile, which is not aesthetically pleasing.

#4. Temporary Effect: The results of teeth whitening are not permanent and may fade over time, especially if the person continues to consume staining substances like coffee, tea, or tobacco. Professional grade products have the longest effects.

#5. Cost: Teeth whitening is an investment. Home-based treatments are less expensive, but they may not produce the desired results and actually cause harm to your teeth and gums.

* Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

Ready to get that gleaming megawatt smile with teeth whitening? While this popular cosmetic service can dramatically improve the appearance of teeth, we always make sure our patients understand the importance of getting the right treatment for their individual needs.

#1. Sensitivity: Teeth brightening can cause sensitivity in some people, especially those with existing dental issues like gum disease, tooth decay, or exposed tooth roots. That is why we do a checkup before providing treatment. Having a healthy smile is the first step to a beautiful smile.

#2. Gum Irritation: If not applied correctly, whitening agents can irritate the gums and cause them to become inflamed or even bleed. This typically happens when the whitening solution comes into contact with the soft tissues surrounding the teeth. The benefit of coming to a professional dental practice to get treatment done is that we monitor closely to ensure this does not happen.

#3. Uneven Results: When done at home using over-the-counter products, teeth brightening may not produce uniform results. Some teeth may become brighter than others, resulting in an uneven smile.

#4. Temporary Effect: The results of teeth whitening are not permanent and may fade over time, especially if the person continues to consume staining substances like coffee, tea, or tobacco. Professional grade products have the longest effects.

#5. Cost: Teeth whitening is an investment. Home-based treatments are less expensive, but they may not produce the desired results and actually cause harm to your teeth and gums.

* Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.