The Ins And Outs Of Teeth Whitening
ByIt would be fair to say that in the field of dentistry, tooth whitening has become one the leading cosmetic practices. There are a number of reasons for this which all relate to first impressions - this is because very often when one person meets another, the first thing they often notice is their smile. It can be therefore very important to have a clean smile whether it be an interview or first date - a white smile suggest confidence, self awareness and sometimes humour. Add to the fact that it’s a very quick and easy procedure you will see why it’s popular across all age groups and social divides.
The tooth whitening process is essentially bleaching which can be administered at home or at the dentist. At home, the treatment will be low cost and involve the use of strips and tooth whitening toothpaste. Home whitening kits will generally use hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide which are agents used to lighten the shade of a person’s teeth. At the dentist, it is more likely to cost into the hundreds with the use of lasers now becoming common place.
So, why do teeth need whitening? Everyone wants to have those pearly whites of childhood but the fact is that an adult’s teeth will naturally darken with age for a variety of reasons. Caffeinated drinks have an effect on the enamel of teeth and so do colour. These factors if consumed regularly throughout a person’s life can turn teeth anywhere from a dark yellow to a muddy brown. In fact, they may even cause damage to the teeth that teeth whitening just won’t fix. However, in most cases it can be a great way to perfect that beautiful smile.
There are some minor risks involved with teeth whitening. They are superficial at best and are in no way permanent. Chemical burns can occur within the mouth when gel bleaching is used. Over-bleaching can also occur as we have often seen dramatized in sitcoms. We want to walk around with a 100 watt smile not a glow in the dark one. Repeated teeth whitening can also reduce the effects of the procedure, almost as if the enamel builds up a resistance to the chemicals and process used.
All in all though, this procedure is highly recommended and when paired with good dental hygiene can have long lasting effects for a person. Having it done at your dentist or even some health spas offer such packages, can give you a more permanent white smile then at home remedies. Of course, with a regular routine of brushing and flossing paired with a whitening tooth paste a person can achieve that brilliant smile without a trip to the dentist. Just remember that in all of the above cases; it does take more than just an annual trip to the dental aisle or office to keep that pearlescent smile of yours. Good hygiene and more water than caffeine are prime factors in aiding the whitening processes.
The Smile Spa is a North East based dentist practice whom specialise in cosmetic dentistry in Middlesbrough, Stockton and Teesside. In addition to tooth whitening, they also offer such services as dental implants, facial aesthetics and smile makeovers.