Is Teeth Whitening Right for You?

Teeth whitening can significantly improve the appearance of a person’s smile. When done professionally by a dentist, patients should expect to see ideal results. However, it is important to note that teeth whitening is not for everyone. Each person is unique and may react differently to professional teeth whitening.

Want to learn more about teeth whitening? Being aware of how it works can be helpful when trying to determine whether it is right for you.

How to determine whether teeth whitening is right for you

When considering teeth whitening, it can be helpful to review a few points that may help make the decision process easier.

Teeth whitening to lift years of stains

Over time, the teeth are likely to stain, whether from heavily dyed beverages or a lack of proper oral hygiene. One way for a patient to determine whether teeth whitening is right for them is to carefully examine their teeth. If they appear yellow or if they are just not that pearly-white color anymore, it may be worth considering a professional teeth whitening appointment.

Teeth whitening from a dentist tends to be much more effective than store-bought or at-home products. Dentists have access to stronger solutions that can be safely administered in an office setting. Most dentists report that their teeth whitening treatments are able to lighten a patient's teeth up to eight shades.

There is a chance of sensitivity

With professional teeth whitening comes the possibility of sensitivity, although in most cases, the sensitivity can be managed with desensitizers provided by the dentist. These are not available over the counter, which is why in-office teeth whitening (rather than store-bought whitening strips) is highly recommended. While sensitivity may occur, it is typically minor and the procedure is still safe and effective for patients.

The ingredients contained in teeth whitening, such as peroxide, can dissolve the plugs in the pores of teeth that are filled with stains. This may lead to slight sensitivity. In-office whitening is encouraged to ensure optimal safety of the procedure and prevent any unnecessary levels of sensitivity that store-bought products may cause. 

For many people, the sensitivity is not too severe. If the patient has concerns about the level of sensitivity that they may experience, though, they can discuss ways to manage the sensitivity during and after the procedure with the dentist. Dentists state that sensitivity after teeth whitening will likely go away within a day or two. When considering teeth whitening, it is helpful to think about the sensitivity that comes along with it to ensure that the proper precautions are taken. 

Ready for teeth whitening to improve your smile?

Having a dentist professionally whiten your teeth is ideal when looking to remove years of stains. Any questions or concerns regarding teeth whitening should be addressed by a dentist. Consulting with a dentist about teeth whitening is a great place to start, as they can provide specifics on whether is a good treatment option. Contact us to get started today!

Request an appointment here: https://familydentistphoenix.com or call Phoenix Family Dentistry at (602) 547-9007 for an appointment in our Phoenix office.