Benefits & Safety Risks Of Teeth Whitening
It isn’t surprising that teeth whitening is becoming more popular. The number of celebrities with dazzling smiles makes it more than just a little appealing. Add to that the fact that a good smile makes you feel more confident and everyone should be looking at teeth whitening.
But it is important to understand the risks associated with teeth whitening before deciding whether it is the right choice for you.
However, before you take another step it is essential to emphasize the importance of using a reputable dentist, such as this dentist St Leonards. It will help to ensure the procedure is done correctly and safely.
Of course, you can purchase home whitening kits, but these are not generally as effective and may even damage your oral health.
The Benefits
The most obvious benefit of white teeth is that they look better, and you feel better about them. In turn, this encourages you to smile more, and you will feel more confident about yourself and new situations.
It is surprising how much difference this can make to the way you perceive yourself and, in turn, how others perceive you. A little confidence will take you a long way.
The Risks
Teeth whitening involves adding chemicals to your teeth to effectively bleach them white. However, if you do this yourself or don’t use a reputable dentist, you may find the mouth guard isn’t a perfect fit. This allows the chemicals to get onto your gums which can cause a variety of issues including blistering and additional sensitivity.
You also need to make sure that any home whitening kit will not damage the enamel on your teeth. These concerns and risks aren’t an issue if you have it done by a reputable dentist.
The Whitening Procedure
When you have your teeth whitened properly by your dentist it will take several weeks. The first stage is to take an impression of your mouth. This allows the dentist to make a custom mouth guard. Once this is done the dentist will show you how to slide it into your mouth and what bleaching gel you should be using as well as how much.
They will also show you to apply the gel to ensure it only gets to the teeth, not the gums. You’ll then be instructed regarding how often you should use the gel and when to come back to the dentist. This process can take 2-4 weeks.
Alternatively, it is possible to use a laser to whiten your teeth. The dentist will apply the bleaching product to your teeth and then shine a laser light onto the teeth. This activates the whitening compound and transforms your teeth in approximately an hour.
Overall, if you use a professional then the risk is extremely low and the results are worth the time and expense. But, as well as choosing the right dentist, you need to ensure you are comfortable first. That means asking any questions you have before you sit in the dentist’s chair.
