Should You Have Your Teeth Whitened Professionally?
Teeth whitening falls under cosmetic dentistry and is done through a variety of methods and products designed to increase the whiteness of a person’s teeth a few shades at a time. Patients will often request this before a big event like a wedding, prom, or other function. We understand that patients have a lot of questions about teeth whitening from how effective it is to when to get it. In this article we will be covering the answers to the internet’s and patients’ most asked questions. If you live in the Southern Maine area, our office in Lewiston is the perfect place to schedule general or cosmetic dental services.
Frequently Asked Questions About Teeth Whitening:
The most common questions about professional teeth whitening is whether or not it is good for your teeth. One of the main reasons to consider professional teeth whitening is that it is done by a dentist. A dentist’s first priority is to help protect your teeth. Dentists won’t provide or administer a treatment that can be detrimental to your oral health. One common misconception is that all teeth whitening products are safe. Or that teeth whitening products that are safe for some people are safe for everyone. In fact if you have issues with gum disease or tooth decay, over the counter teeth whitening can actually cause problems. That is why going to a dentist is recommended to ensure your teeth are properly examined before you get them whitened.
Most people who want to get their teeth whitened have two or three options. The least effective option is using a whitening toothpaste. These toothpastes are designed primarily to keep your teeth clean, and can have some effect on staining and whitening but usually do not have professional tooth whitening ingredients in them. They are great for day-to-day use, but they are not going to cause dramatic results. If you plan to whiten your teeth you will either need to do at-home whitening or have your teeth whitened by a dentist. As long as you are getting products recommended by a dentist you are likely getting something that has been proven to be safe an effective.
If your goal is to whiten your teeth for a big event you should not wait until the last minute. Teeth whitening results are not overnight and can take different amounts of time to appear based on what method you use. The recommendation by most dentists is that you start the tooth whitening process up to 2 months before your big event.
Generally speaking patients who have their teeth whitened consistently will often get it done once per year. More than this can cause issues with tooth sensitivity. But the best call is to ask your dentist for a recommendation.
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