It is everyone’s dream to have perfect sparkling white teeth. Well, who doesn’t? White teeth can help a person boost his or her confidence, self-esteem, and of course, have a great smile. It can also enhance a person’s appearance as it makes an individual look more neat, presentable, and friendlier.
Teeth whitening is one of the most in-demand services in cosmetic dentistry. It has been a part of every individual’s dental care regimen. Although its main purpose is not more on dental care, it has gotten popular due to its benefits to a person’s physical appearance.
If you haven’t tried any teeth whitening service yet, for sure, you have a lot of questions in mind. Worry no more, because you might get some answers in this article.
Here are the answers to five of the most common teeth whitening questions;
1. Are there really benefits of getting teeth whitening, or it’s just for physical appearance enhancement?
Well, although people think and use teeth whitening to improve their appearance, there are a lot of benefits that you can get from it if you just take a look at it deeply. Teeth whitening helps in killing bacteria which are the root cause of gum diseases. It also prevents tooth decay that could lead to a fresher breath.
There are two types of teeth whitening. First is the in-office procedure, which is done directly in the clinic. Second is at-home kits, where you can do by yourself in the comfort of your home.
However, it is proved that in-office procedures are more effective when it comes to achieving a certain level of whiteness. It is safer for your enamel since professionals will handle all the processes. Plus, these treatments enable you to instantly see results after one session.
On the other hand, at-home kits will most likely take up to weeks before you can notice any changes or achieve your desired results. But, it is best and recommended for individuals who are very busy and do not have much time to visit their dentists.
2. Will my teeth most likely get sensitivity issues after the procedure?
Yes, it will. However, it is very normal, and your dentist will recommend products to minimize the sensitivity post-whitening. There’s no need to worry since these are natural reactions to the procedure, and it will most likely be temporary. It should last for at least a week or less.
If you experience sensitivity issue,s it would be better to avoid too hot or too cold food or drinks since these are the triggering factors. The same goes for food that is very acidic, sweet, and sour. But, if there are instances that you think the sensitivity has been happening for quite a long time than usual, temporarily stop your teeth whitening and contact your doctor immediately for professional pieces of advice.
3. How often do I need to set an appointment for teeth whitening after the first session?
The most recommended length of time is every six months. Although you may see some drastic results in the first session, keeping up a regular appointment with your dentist would help maintain the level of whiteness until you have reached your desired brightness. Once you think that you acquired your ideal outcome, you can adjust your regular appointment for touch-ups once a year.
All of this will really depend on your lifestyle habits and oral care. If you’re a coffee drinker, a smoker, or a fan of drinking wine, then you should expect the possibilities of your teeth getting stained. Well, it’s not that easy to quit such habits, which is why regular appointments are recommended. After all, it is your dentist who would know when’s the best time to stop your teeth whitening sessions.
But even without a teeth whitening procedure, you should always take care of your teeth. There are simple things you can do at home, such as always brushing, flossing, or trying DIY treatments. Whatever your oral health concerns are, make sure to rely on trusted sources in dentistry, such as Shinanon, to assist you with information about dental needs.
4. Can I undergo a teeth whitening process even with an existing cavity?
Although you could still proceed with the teeth whitening process, your dentist would still suggest you take care of the serious problems first such as cavities. After all, there’s no point in having white teeth when you have cavities that could still significantly affect your oral health and can lead to severe issues in the long run.
Besides, the teeth whitening procedure uses products that are very strong. When these products, such as gel, get into your cavity, it can cause serious damage and a painful toothache.
5. How long will teeth whitening last, and how much does it cost?
The longevity of a teeth whitening effect depends on the maintenance you do in order to achieve such results. The more responsible you are in taking care of your oral health, the more often you visit your dentist for follow-ups, the higher the chance you can keep the results from the procedures. Although, your lifestyle takes part on its effectivity as well. Like what is mentioned earlier, the more you eat food that are contributors to stain, the fewer chances the procedure effects will last. After all, it really depends on how you take care of it.
As for the cost, teeth whitening could be quite expensive. Per session will take up to 30 to 60 minutes of in-office visits that would range from $500 to $1000. But if you opt for Zoom Sessions where it would only take a one-time 2-hour in-office procedure, then you will probably spend much more.
Final Words
Overall, some people don’t consider teeth whitening an essential procedure when it comes to oral care. But there’s a lot of things that they’re missing. People tend to think that it’s just another waste of money to improve physical appearance, but it’s a lot more profound than that. Although it does cost very expensive, investing in your wellness is always a great decision. There’s a lot of benefits and advantages that you can acquire through teeth whitening, so if you’re looking for a sign, this is it!