After years of eating and drinking, your teeth may become stained and dull, but with teeth whitening, you can get that natural white smile back. Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic procedure that removes the stains on your teeth to reveal that beautiful smile you want to show off. Now interestingly, teeth whitening can be achieved by using either an in-office procedure from any cosmetic dentist in Columbia, SC, or at home with the help of a brush, mouthwash, and whitening strips. Although teeth whitening is not dangerous, it does have some side effects. The most common side effects of teeth whitening include tooth sensitivity, redness on the gums, and gum irritation.
After you whiten your teeth, you’ll be more confident when it comes to smiling. You won’t have to worry about coffee or wine stains on your teeth, and after a few days of use, you’ll notice the difference in how white your teeth are. If you’re trying to get that perfect smile for an upcoming photoshoot, then teeth whitening is something that should be on everyone’s list of things to do. However, teeth whitening does not give you permanent results. You might have to keep doing the process to maintain the color.
When Should You Do Teeth Whitening?
Here are some instances when you should consider doing a teeth whitening procedure:
- Excess fluoridation during the development of teeth
- When the outer layer of teeth wear
- Staining of teeth due to various reasons, including medication and excessive caffeine use or smoking
- When your teeth turn yellow or brown
The Process of Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is a common procedure that people undergo to improve the appearance of their teeth. The process includes removing stains on teeth by using either chemical or non-chemical methods to make them whiter. This is done by either painting the teeth with chemicals or exposing the teeth to chemicals in a light source for an extended period of time. Many factors affect the final result including how long, what type, and how consistent the individual brushes their teeth.
The teeth whitening process begins with the dentist determining the individual’s dental needs and deciding if bleaching is an appropriate choice. If bleaching is recommended, the dentist will then use a laser or light-curing composite to remove stains from the teeth. The dentist then uses a laser or light to apply a thin coating of hydrogen peroxide onto the teeth for about 15 minutes or until desired shade is achieved. The final steps in the teeth whitening procedure are polishing, flossing, and brushing.
