While the “Hollywood” white smile isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, having natural-looking white teeth is, for many of us, greatly desired. Because of this, professional teeth whitening is becoming more and more popular with each year that passes.
If you’re looking into teeth whitening in Central Coast but are not sure what the treatment entails or how effective it is. keep reading. We have listed 4 things you should know first…
But first, what causes teeth to become stained?
What most people don’t know is that teeth can be likened to sponges because they have pores and absorb colours from foods in your mouth. For example, when you consume foods that cause staining, such as dark berries, coffee, red wine, red meat, your teeth will absorb those potent colours, causing them to stain. Similarly, when you smoke, the tar will soak into the pores of the teeth and cause staining. After a while, the staining becomes noticeable and the shade of the teeth becomes darker and more yellowed.
Having a good oral hygiene routine (i.e. brushing your teeth for two minutes twice a day, flossing regularly, and getting regular checkups at the dentist) can help to lessen the effects of staining, but for better results in a shorter amount of time, cosmetic whitening is a good option. There are DIY whitening kits that are available over-the-counter, but visiting a dental professional is advised for greater results.
4 things to know before you get your teeth whitened
- Teeth whitening does not harm your teeth
Contrary to a common misconception, whitening does not cause damage to the teeth – if done correctly. When you go to a dentist to get your teeth whitened, they will know exactly how to administer the whitening solution and will have all the necessary apparatus (i.e. whitening trays) to ensure you get the best results. They will also be able to consult you on your desired shade and how many sessions it will take to reach it.
During the whitening treatment, the active ingredients in the whitening solution temporarily open the pores and lift the stains from the teeth. After the treatment, the pores close and the teeth rehydrate and remineralise. This does not cause your teeth any harm.
- Tooth sensitivity after whitening is normal
Many of us have naturally sensitive teeth (mainly due to genetics), and this can cause some concern when it comes to whitening. However, it is totally normal for teeth to feel sensitive after whitening because, during the whitening process, when the pores are opened and the stains are extracted, the teeth become dehydrated. This dehydration heightens the nerve in the tooth, meaning that changes in temperature are felt more intensely. However, this sensitivity is temporary and generally subsides after 12 hours when the tooth’s hydration is restored (your dentist will offer you a post-whitening treatment to speed this up).
- Stains can take a while to disappear
While whitening treatments generally bring great results, you shouldn’t expect to reach your desired shade overnight. This is because there is no chemical product that can safely penetrate into the teeth deeply enough to remove all stains at once. Instead, the whitening process can take a few sessions over a number of weeks or months.
- Teeth whitening is not permanent
When you get your teeth whitened, it isn’t difficult to maintain the shade as long as you keep up a good dental routine. However, it should be noted that UV light or laser teeth whitening is temporary, and repeat visits to the dentist are required.