A confident, radiant smile can be your most powerful asset. It enhances your appearance and also boosts your self-esteem to influence positive interactions in your life.
Learn more about the transformative benefits of teeth whitening, a simple but impactful procedure that rejuvenates your smile and leaves a lasting impression.
Understanding Teeth Whitening
A smile is a universal language that communicates warmth, approachability, and confidence. Having beautiful teeth that produce a brilliant smile has a significant impact on self-esteem and confidence. Socially and professionally, people with dazzling smiles are often perceived as more successful and trustworthy.
However, as time passes, our teeth may lose their natural whiteness due to aging. Our outer enamel grows thin as we age while the inner part regenerates into a dark color. This yellowing process is standard; many people choose to let it be.
The food and beverages we consume can also contribute to yellowing teeth. Drinking coffee and wine, for example, will darken the teeth’ color over time. Smoking and chewing tobacco, too, can leave stains on your teeth.
Teeth whitening is an option for those who don’t want yellow or stained teeth. It’s a non-invasive cosmetic dentistry procedure to reverse the effects of discoloration. You can undergo whitening at home with over-the-counter products or at professional in-office treatments.
Professional Teeth Whitening: In-office Treatment
In-office teeth whitening usually begins with a comprehensive oral examination. This step ensures that your dental health is suitable for the whitening procedure. Once deemed the right candidate, the treatment goes as follows:
- Preparation: Your dentist starts by isolating your gums and lips to shield them from the whitening solution. This protective barrier ensures that the whitening agents exclusively target your teeth, minimizing the risk of irritation to sensitive tissues.
- Application of whitening solution: A potent whitening gel, often containing hydrogen or carbamide peroxide as the active ingredient, is applied to your teeth.
- Laser application: A specialized light or laser activates the whitening gel in some in-office whitening techniques. This activation facilitates the breakdown of stains and discoloration, expediting the whitening process.
- Monitoring and adjustment: Throughout the procedure, your dental specialist will closely monitor the progress of the whitening. They may adjust to ensure consistent results across all your teeth and address any potential sensitivity. If necessary, they may also apply the whitening gel multiple times during the same session.
The time for the whole process averages between 60 and 90 minutes, but you may need more than one appointment. The first appointment is usually for consultation, and the second is for the procedure.
Your insurance may not cover this procedure as it is a cosmetic treatment, so be sure to ask about any financing options available.
Teeth Whitening at Home
If your yellowing teeth are not a significant problem or have surface stains, at-home teeth whitening options are also available. Here are some types of teeth whitening you can apply at home:
- Charcoal toothpaste
- Whitening toothpaste
- Whitening rinses
- Whitening gel
- Whitening strips
Whenever you do teeth whitening at home, read and follow the instructions of each kit carefully. If these methods don’t yield the results you desire, it’s time to consider going professional.
Instantly Transform Your Smile
A friendly smile goes a long way. But a radiant smile can do even better. A professional teeth whitening procedure or DIY whitening at home is always an option. Apply teeth whitening today and transform your smile immediately.
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