Everything You Need to Know About Professional Teeth Whitening
Sometimes, the only step towards a praise-worthy smile is giving your teeth a white finish. Teeth whitening in Denver has become one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures in recent years, with 37 million people in the US turning to it in 2020. Dental professionals are here to teach you the basics about teeth whitening so you can determine if it’s a proper fit for you.
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
During an in-office teeth whitening procedure, your dentist will apply a bleaching gel on your smile and activate its agents using a UV light. Compounds like hydrogen peroxide remove any stains in your tooth enamel, the outer layer that protects your teeth, giving them a pearly, beaming look. You can get your teeth looking several shades whiter after just one visit, which can be an instant confidence booster and inspire you to take better care of your teeth.
Some dental professionals also offer custom-made teeth whitening kits you can use at home, which can leave your teeth looking as bright as chair-side whitening procedures.
How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last?
Unfortunately, teeth whitening results don’t last a lifetime since your smile will constantly be exposed to staining substances, such as coffee, wine, and tobacco. Yet, your teeth can stay white and dazzling for as much as three years if you adopt proper habits and oral practices like:
– Not smoking or reducing the number of cigarettes you have a day.
– Brushing your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes.
– Drinking a lot of water.
– Avoiding foods and beverages that stain.
– Visit your dentist for check-ups once every six months.
Can Anyone Get Their Teeth Whitened?
Before bleaching your teeth, your dentist will determine if you’re a good candidate for the procedure by performing an oral examination. You should tick the following boxes if you want to brighten your smile.
You Have Yellowish Teeth
The main reason behind wanting to get in-office teeth whitening is that your teeth have a yellowish and tarnished appearance. If the stains are on your tooth enamel, your dentist will have no trouble handling them. However, some brownish or blackish shades cannot be removed and indicate severe dental problems that your dentist must deal with immediately.
You’re the Appropriate Age
As safe as in-office whitening procedures are, dentists recommend patients wait until teeth have fully developed to bleach them because agents in the whitening paste can be too abrasive and harm tooth enamel and dentin. Even though dental professionals assess each case individually, people under the age of 16 usually don’t qualify for teeth whitening.
You Don’t Suffer from Dental Problems
Aside from being old enough, people looking for teeth whitening need to have healthy gums and teeth. Improper dental habits can result in plaque build-ups on your pearly whites and around your gumline, resulting in gum disease and tooth decay. When your mouth tissue is vulnerable due to your dental problems, it won’t be able to handle harsh bleaching substances, and you might end up with a painful experience and more opaque-looking teeth.
Looking for Professional Teeth Whitening in Denver?
Dental professionals offer in-office and at-home whitening procedures that take your smile from a stained, yellowish nightmare to a Hollywood-like, pearly fantasy. Our team can handle even the most challenging stains, so call us today and schedule a visit!
