Bright Smile Boom
More and more people are getting their teeth whitened, forming a growing global trend. Brighter smiles from cosmetic dentistry adorn the denizens of Maroubra. What exactly is teeth whitening, is it safe and how does one get their pearly whites even whiter?
Teeth whitening is the process of lightening the colour of your teeth to remove stains and leave a brighter appearance. Dentists often perform this procedure, but more and more people are doing it at home thanks to easy access to whitening agents. Tooth-whitening agents are specifically known as peroxide-based bleaching agents. The home solutions contain milder concentration levels(3-20%), while what is used at the dentist gets up to a 43% concentration.
Teeth whitening Maroubra is a relatively straightforward process; the stronger the solute and the longer it’s left on your teeth, the whiter your teeth will look. However, this comes with the caveat that stronger solutions should only be applied for short periods as they may cause tooth sensitivity.
Perks of Sparkling Smiles
The pros of whitening your teeth include an improved appearance, with a gleaming and brighter smile. A whiter smile can also positively influence your self-esteem and improve social interaction, boosting your confidence. Teeth whitening is also one of the few non-invasive dental procedures. The results from a teeth whitening session are noticeable shortly after the procedure.
Associated Risks
What safety considerations should you make before getting your teeth whitened? While at-home kits are available for the treatment, going to the dentist is the best and safest way to minimise the associated risks.
People using home kits may also inadvertently go too far, overusing the bleaching agent or applying it wrongly. The result is tooth sensitivity or an unevenly whitened smile.
Gum irritation is also a common side effect of tooth whitening, regardless of whether the procedure is completed at home or the dentist’s. Desensitising toothpaste may be used to alleviate the discomfort. Furthermore, the gums should be properly protected during the whitening process.
Excessive use of whitening on your teeth can weaken your enamel and make your teeth chip off. Therefore, it is important to space your whitening sessions to once or twice a year and use alternative means to keep your smile in pristine condition. Brushing your teeth and flossing are great for maintaining a bright smile. It is also important to keep in mind that the results of whitening vary based on individual circumstances. Factors such as the type of staining (tar, tea, coffee) and initial tooth colour greatly influence the result.
While natural alternatives exist for teeth whitening, it is always prudent to consult your dentist before trying anything- safety first. Natural remedies include charcoal and baking soda.
Pearly Proactivity
Once your teeth are whitened, proactive prevention of future stains is the name of the game. Avoid or moderate foods and substances that have a high likelihood of staining your teeth. These include cigarettes, tea, and coffee. Use fluoridated toothpaste to brush your teeth and complete at least two daily sessions. Brush in the morning to freshen your breath and remove food particles in the evening. Additionally, floss your teeth to remove any particles lodged between teeth. A water pick, regular dental floss, and dental picks are a few flossing alternatives that are excellent for cleaning the tiny crevices between your teeth.
It is important to make an informed decision and, where possible, seek a dentist’s guiding hand before undergoing whitening. Get a smile makeover with teeth whitening, and do it right. Remember, you only have one set of permanent teeth, so take good care of them.
