Nobody wants their teeth to be yellow. Teeth whitening is becoming more and more popular, and more people are paying for brighter, whiter teeth. With whitening toothpastes, floss, gum strips and gels available over-the-counter, there is more pressure than ever to have a pearly white smile.
Teeth whitening involves bleaching your teeth to make them lighter. It can’t make your teeth brilliant white but it can lighten the existing color. It is extremely important to discuss the possible risks of teeth whitening with your dentist before doing it, especially if you plan to whiten your teeth using an at-home bleaching system.
Teeth Whitening Process
The professional teeth whitening process starts with a consultation with your dentist. There, they will tell you if you’re a good candidate for teeth whitening. If you have sensitive teeth, gum disease or worn enamel, your dentist may discourage tooth whitening. Your dentist will advise you on which shade of white will suit you better.
The actual whitening process involves the dentist applying the Opalescence Teeth Whitening System. This can penetrate the porous outer layer of your teeth and break apart stain compounds by oxidation, erasing years of stains without light. Some patients experience tooth or gum sensitivity after whitening, but it goes away within a day.
Risks Of Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is a form of dentistry and should only be carried out by a dentist or a dental professional. Some beauty salons offer teeth whitening but, as there is no dental professional present, it may put your oral health at risk. Handling the bleaching gel used for whitening is a delicate matter. It may leak out onto your gums and into your mouth, causing blistering and sensitivity.
Also, if not supervised by a professional, you can overdo the bleaching. There is a limit to how much you can bleach your teeth. There is a point where the peroxide doesn’t cause any further whitening and instead breaks down the proteins of the enamel and alters its structure. Tooth sensitivity is the most noticeable side effect of bleaching. A dentist can determine when the bleaching reached the plateau.
See a Professional
For a safe and successful tooth whitening treatment you should always consult with your dentist. There may be cheap bleaching home kits that may promise to give you what is the whitest shade of teeth, but it could cost you more in the long run. If you’re looking to get teeth whitening in Pasadena, contact H. Robert Stender DDS.
H. Robert DDS is a cosmetic dentist in Pasadena. His goal is simple: to provide the best dentistry care he would provide to his own family. If you have stained and discolored teeth and need a teeth whitening in Pasadena, don’t hesitate to contact us to see if the Opalescence Teeth Whitening System is right for you.
A smiling patient is our greatest reward and we look forward to keeping your smile healthy, beautiful, and bright. Get a teeth whitening with the top cosmetic dentist in Pasadena!