A confident smile, with strong, white teeth is universally considered to be a hallmark of beauty, health, and attractiveness in women and men alike, no matter their race, age, colour, or profession. Cosmetic dental treatments, teeth whitening in particular, are therefore extremely popular, especially because they are also extremely safe and effective.
However, despite all the aesthetic perks of teeth whitening, and the resultant sparkling smile, there are risks associated with do-it-yourself teeth whitening products and procedures, and there could be side effects if you get the process wrong. It is, therefore, always a good idea to consult your dentist and discuss all potential mistakes before you opt for teeth whitening.
The Costs
Home bleaching kits can cost around £100, while the latest method, laser teeth whitening, can set you back by as much as £600. What you need to consider before you choose either of these options is that you alone will have to bear the entire cost of the procedure, as teeth whitening procedures are not usually covered by dental insurance. Furthermore, there is always the risk the treatment will have little or no effect on the colour or shade of your teeth, so do research the products you buy and the dentist and clinic you use extremely thoroughly.
The Candidate
If your teeth have a yellow hue, they are likely to respond well to teeth whitening products and procedures. However, the appearance of teeth with grey or brown tones is not always improved through these treatments. Furthermore, no whitening chemical can change the colour of bonding materials, tooth-coloured fillings, or your crowns, so if any of them are visible when you smile, they will stand out against your bleached teeth, which would look rather unattractive at best.
The Duration
There is no permanent teeth whitening solution available currently, so for the foreseeable future, the procedure remains temporary, and you will require multiple treatments, once every year or after every three-year period. You may need to go in earlier if you consume a lot of coffee and alcohol, or smoke or chew tobacco.
The Dos and Don’ts
As mentioned earlier, teeth whitening procedures are usually safe, but they may result in one or more rather uncomfortable side effects. For example, bleaching can often increase the sensitivity of your teeth post-treatment for several days, which causes pain and discomfort when you eat and drink. The chances of increased sensitivity are higher for people who have cracked teeth, faulty dental restorations, or gum recession.
Furthermore, some people also feel sharp, spontaneous pains in their front teeth after a teeth whitening session, and many people experience gum irritation when using peroxide-based whiteners. Although these symptoms typically subside within 2 to 3 days, issues like sensitivity can linger for a month.
The Costs
Home bleaching kits can cost around £100, while the latest method, laser teeth whitening, can set you back by as much as £600. What you need to consider before you choose either of these options is that you alone will have to bear the entire cost of the procedure, as teeth whitening procedures are not usually covered by dental insurance. Furthermore, there is always the risk the treatment will have little or no effect on the colour or shade of your teeth, so do research the products you buy and the dentist and clinic you use extremely thoroughly.
The Candidate
If your teeth have a yellow hue, they are likely to respond well to teeth whitening products and procedures. However, the appearance of teeth with grey or brown tones is not always improved through these treatments. Furthermore, no whitening chemical can change the colour of bonding materials, tooth-coloured fillings, or your crowns, so if any of them are visible when you smile, they will stand out against your bleached teeth, which would look rather unattractive at best.
The Duration
There is no permanent teeth whitening solution available currently, so for the foreseeable future, the procedure remains temporary, and you will require multiple treatments, once every year or after every three-year period. You may need to go in earlier if you consume a lot of coffee and alcohol, or smoke or chew tobacco.
The Dos and Don’ts
As mentioned earlier, teeth whitening procedures are usually safe, but they may result in one or more rather uncomfortable side effects. For example, bleaching can often increase the sensitivity of your teeth post-treatment for several days, which causes pain and discomfort when you eat and drink. The chances of increased sensitivity are higher for people who have cracked teeth, faulty dental restorations, or gum recession.
Furthermore, some people also feel sharp, spontaneous pains in their front teeth after a teeth whitening session, and many people experience gum irritation when using peroxide-based whiteners. Although these symptoms typically subside within 2 to 3 days, issues like sensitivity can linger for a month.