When you were younger, your teeth looked whiter and, consequently, your smile looked healthier and more attractive. As you age, years of contact with foods and drinks like coffee, red wine, berries, and artificially color additives accumulate, leaving older smiles looking dull and yellow. Professional teeth whitening is a great way to remove those surface stains and make your smile look younger, healthier, and more beautiful. If you’ve ever considered trying it but had some concerns, here are five surprising facts about this popular cosmetic dental treatment.
1. It’s Safe
Using over-the-counter teeth whitening products at home carry some risks, according to a recent report from the American Dental Association. However, a teeth whitening system acquired through your dentist is completely safe, if used correctly. Even better, your dentist will perform an examination before moving forward with teeth whitening, so any oral health problems can be addressed.
2. It’s Affordable
When compared to other cosmetic dental treatments, like veneers or full dental crowns, a professional teeth whitening system is surprisingly affordable and the results are far more dramatic and rapid than teeth whitening products available at the grocery store.
3. It’s Easy to Do
Your dentist will create a set of custom-fitted trays and provide you with the whitening formula that best fits your needs. At home, you simply fill the trays with whitening gel, fit them over your teeth, and wear them for 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your dentist’s instructions.
4. It’s Appropriate for Most People
As long as you are in generally good health, you don’t have severe oral health issues, and you’re an adult, teeth whitening is a safe, affordable cosmetic dental option for you.
5. You Can Make Your Results Last Longer
Once you’ve worn your whitening trays for assigned period and you’ve achieved the results you want, you won’t need to use your trays for another 6-12 months. Keeping your teeth white and sparkling in the interim is as simple as making a few changes in your eating and drinking habits. Avoid darkly colored foods and drinks, like coffee, tea, or dark fruits and berries. Or, at the very least be sure to rinse your mouth with water after eating or drinking to wash away stainng color molecules.
ABOUT YOUR SOUTHLAKE, TX DENTISTS:
As a native Texan, Gregory Wright, DDS, opened his private practice in Southlake, TX in 1992. He and Dr. Victoria Heron are happily accepting new patients from Southlake, Grapevine, Keller, Trophy Club, Colleyville, and all surrounding communities. To learn more, call our office today at (817) 481-7999.
