Our smiles are an important aspect of our personalities. A bright, white and healthy smile can add to your confidence considerably. On the flip side, however, a discoloured, yellowish smile can equally mar your confidence. As a result, the popularity of professional teeth whitening as a dental service is popular. More and more people are turning towards teeth whitening to get a sparkling smile that can boost their confidence and have them make a lasting impression.
However, because of this same rise in popularity, the market has flooded with options. This has made it difficult to choose the correct process that is both effective and safe at the same time. So, to help you out with that, here we have presented you with all the things that you should know before considering teeth whitening.
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
Discoloured and yellow teeth can have multiple causes. Genetics, age, dietary habits, and overall dental hygiene are among the most important factors. Cigarettes and red wines also contribute if consumed frequently. However, the discolouration of teeth is broadly categorised into intrinsic and extrinsic stains and hence, corresponding whitening methods are used accordingly.
Extrinsic vs. Intrinsic Teeth Whitening
Extrinsic stains are the stains that are on the surface of your teeth. These stains are often the results of external substances such as food, drinks, tobacco, red wine, etc. Sometimes, tooth decay can also lead to extrinsic stains. To remove these stains, dentists generally use a polish and a suitable bleaching agent to clean the enamel of the teeth.
Intrinsic stains, on the other hand, originate from the inside of your teeth and reflect outward through the surface. To treat intrinsic stains, your dentist will generally use hydrogen peroxide gel as a bleaching agent. When applied with the help of trays, your teeth absorb this gel which penetrates the stain and lightens its colour.
We at Super Smile Dental, provide all types of teeth whitening treatments. We use custom-made home whitening trays filled with whitening gels that our patients can use from the comfort of their homes. This treatment is customised to their specific requirements and lifestyle.
We also offer same-day instant teeth whitening service using cutting-edge laser technology.
How Safe is the Teeth Whitening Procedure?
It is vital to understand that professional teeth whitening should only be carried out by a dentist or a regulated dental professional. Thus, the procedure is completely safe when carried out by a trained professional.
Just like any other responsible dental practitioner, we ensure that your teeth and gums are in suitable condition before beginning any teeth whitening treatment. We devise a healthy plan specifically customised to your goals and use approved formulas for our whitening gels.
Also, you can rest assured that teeth whitening is a painless process. However, your teeth can feel sensitive for about 24 hours as a result of exposure to the whitening gel.
How Long Does it Last?
Professional teeth whitening is an effective procedure without a doubt. Its effect is not permanent though. The procedure does lighten or remove the existing stains but the treatment does not protect against future stains. Your teeth might acquire new staining depending upon the factors like diet, age and others.
Typically, the effect of a teeth whitening procedure performed by a trained dentist lasts anywhere from 6 months to 2 years, depending upon diet, habit and genetics. After that, you may need to make a follow-up visit with your dentist.
General Precautions and Other Things to Avoid
Though teeth whitening is a rather common and harmless dental procedure, some precautions need to be taken.
Before going for the teeth whitening procedure, always consult the dentist about your overall oral health. Avoid DIY methods and in case you do adopt one, always research the products you use and consult your dentist before trying anything.
You should also avoid whitening mouthwash and the so-called natural fruit pastes. They rarely show any effect. In fact, being acidic, the fruit pastes may cause more harm than good.
How Can We Help?
We at Super Smile Dental, have assembled a team of talented and experienced specialists who are committed to transforming your smiles into bright and beautiful ones. We are one of the most trusted dental practices in Cardiff when it comes to offering teeth whitening and cleaning services.
So, if you too want to fulfil your desire of having a sterling smile that boosts your confidence book an appointment with us today.
Besides teeth whitening, we are also well known for our other dental treatments like dental implants, Invisalign and cosmetic dentistry.