How often do you find yourself staring at someone’s bright, white smile and wishing you could have teeth that sparkly? If it’s happened more than once, you are probably a good candidate for cosmetic dentistry. Teeth whitening is far and away the most popular treatment for making your teeth many shades whiter.
Dr. Lance Porter and Dr. Will Warren recognize that you probably have several questions that you would like answered about teeth whitening before deciding to have the treatment. In this blog, they respond to some of the frequently asked questions they receive from patients like you.
How does teeth whitening work?
At Porter Dental Health Clinic, we use the Opalescence Boost In-Office Whitening system. Our dentists apply a medical-grade bleaching gel to the teeth and then shine a special light to activate the whitening process. The gel is wiped off and then reapplied multiple times over the course of an hour to maximize the effects.
How white can teeth whitening make my teeth?
Teeth whitening does not achieve the same amount of whiteness for each patient. The main variable is the color of your teeth going into the procedure. The bleaching gel (with a high concentration of hydrogen peroxide) can make your teeth up to 14 shades whiter. Hence, if you are starting from a point of having significantly yellowed teeth, it would be unreasonable to expect perfectly white teeth, especially after a single treatment.
Will the treatment hurt my teeth?
Teeth whitening should not cause pain or significant discomfort. Protectors are placed over your gums and lips during the whitening process to keep the bleaching gel from irritating any soft tissue. You can expect your teeth to be somewhat more sensitive for a few days after treatment, so you may wish to limit especially hot or cold beverages that can trigger discomfort.
Is it okay to have teeth whitening if I have other dental problems like a cavity or gum disease?
Bleaching your teeth with a cavity or infected gums can exacerbate the discomfort you are already experiencing from these problems. Teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure that should not be prioritized over treatments like a filling or deep cleaning to improve your oral health. Our dentists strongly recommend that you deal with your other issues first, and then return later to address the color of your teeth.
Does teeth bleaching cause any long-term damage to my teeth?
Several studies have been conducted on teeth whitening, and the conclusions are encouraging: Professional teeth whitening is safe and does not erode enamel. Fortunately, you do not need to sacrifice the future health of your teeth just to make them look better today.
Try Teeth Whitening in Hot Springs
If these answers have made you feel more confident about wanting teeth whitening, the next step is to make an appointment with professional cosmetic dentists. To get the sparkling smile you have always wanted, please call Porter Dental Health Clinic at (501) 624-2778.
