One of the most effective ways to improve the aesthetic appearance of your smile is to whiten your teeth. The process of teeth whitening can allow you to remove years of discoloration and staining from your teeth, revealing a brighter, whiter smile that can make you look and feel years younger. Whitening your teeth can be done at home or with professional treatment from your dentist.
At Empathea in Venice Florida, we understand how important an attractive and healthy smile is for our patients, so we offer a variety of dental services that are designed to restore your smile’s brightness, including various types of tooth-whitening treatments.
If you’ve been considering whitening your teeth but don’t know where or how to start, here’s a brief introduction on why people choose to whiten their teeth and what types of services are available:
- Why whiten your teeth?
- Types of tooth-whitening treatments available
Benefits of Teeth Whitening
Many people are looking for ways to improve their smile and teeth whitening is one of the most requested treatments. It can help to enhance your appearance by lightening the natural color of your teeth and it is a relatively inexpensive and non-invasive way to improve your smile. There are several benefits to teeth whitening which we will explore in this article.
Improved Self-Esteem
Investing in a teeth whitening procedure can have a profound impact on your self-esteem and confidence. If you have been living with discolored or stained teeth, the boost that comes from having a whiter, brighter smile can be transformative. Studies have found that people with whiter teeth often receive more positive social interactions and are generally perceived as more successful. It’s important to note that simply having white teeth is not enough – proper dental hygiene is essential in truly achieving the confidence you may be seeking.
A professional teeth whitening procedure done with guidance from an experienced cosmetic dentist has been found to reduce self-consciousness when talking or when laughing in public, reducing emotional stress and emotional inhibition so you don’t live in fear of people judging your smile. Teeth whitening can remove any yellow hues or stains, thus restoring the brightness of your smile and allowing you to feel more secure when:
- Smiling in public
- Speaking to others face-to-face
Boosts Confidence
It’s no secret that having a beautiful smile makes us look and feel more confident. Whitening your teeth helps to boost your self-esteem and increase perceived attractiveness. Studies have found that regular tooth whitening can help to make you appear younger, healthier, and more competent. Regardless of whether you are looking for a job or pursuing a romantic interest, improved confidence can make an impact on almost any area of your life.
It has been proven that those with whiter smiles have an advantage in the workplace, as it gives them an edge during job interviews. In the world of romance, research confirms that having white teeth can be seen as an attractive physical trait and help you in the quest for love.
Makes You Look Younger
Having whiter teeth can make you look up to ten years younger – research shows that up to half of us would appear younger if we whitened our teeth. That’s because our teeth often darken and become discolored as we age. Stains from the food and drinks we consume, including coffee, tea and other beverages, as well as cigarettes, are all contributors to darkening teeth. And yellowed or discolored teeth are associated with looking more mature than one’s actual age.
Teeth whitening kits lighten your enamel to a lighter shade that’s closer to your natural tooth color – making you look brighter and younger. Whitening kits available on the market are easy to use at home: after a once-off buying cost, they can be used at your own convenience in the comfort of your own home.
Unfortunately ageing effects such as wrinkles cannot be reversed easily – more drastic remedies such as surgery or Botox may come into play – but the effects of stained enamel can be remedied with relative ease using over-the-counter or professional strength whitening treatments available from Empathea in Venice, Florida. Merely achieving a few shades lighter will provide an instant improvement – going several shades lighter could make you look up to ten years younger! What better reason for joining the legions of those who decide each day: “today is a good day for whiter teeth!”
Different Teeth Whitening Options
If you’re thinking about whitening your teeth, you have a variety of options to choose from. From over-the-counter products to treatments performed by your dentist, there are a number of different ways to brighten your smile.
In this article, we’ll discuss the different teeth whitening options and what you should consider when picking the best option for you.
Professional Whitening
Professional whitening is considered the most effective and longest-lasting form of tooth whitening available today. Professional treatments may be administered in the dentist’s office or at a salon or spa, depending on the type of whitening used. Generally, these treatments focus on the use of a bleaching gel with either a light source or an activator. The majority of professional whitening methods use carbamide peroxide as the bleaching agent and can produce visible results in one to three visits to your dental professional.
Professional treatments are different from over-the-counter products because they employ stronger concentrations of active ingredients such as hydrogen peroxide and offer more precisely controlled delivery systems that enable dentists and specialists to customize the procedure to suit patients’ needs. This level of control also allows dentists to provide patients with realistic expectations while protecting their teeth from excessive exposure to active chemicals.
At-Home Whitening Kits
At-home teeth whitening kits can be effective for removing surface stains and brightening your smile. The convenience of these treatments makes them a popular choice for those who want to improve the color of their teeth without spending too much time or money.
To use an at-home kit, first you’ll need to consult with your dentist to make sure it’s right for you. Your dentist will apply a whitening gel to your teeth and instruct you on how best to use it. At-home whitening kits usually come in the form of whitening strips, trays, gels or toothpastes that you apply directly over your teeth and then remove after a few minutes.
At-home whitening kits require patience and consistency – it often takes several weeks before results are visible. Additionally, the effects won’t necessarily last as long as professional treatments do, so people must continue to use maintenance products or make regular visits to the dentist for reapplication in order keep up their pearly whites. Finally, these kits are usually not covered by insurance so they may be an out-of-pocket expense that should be weighed when deciding on which treatment option is best suited for someone’s needs.
Safety and Risks of Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is a popular beauty treatment that can help enhanced the beauty of your smile, but it is important to be aware of the safety and risks associated with the procedure. As a result, potential patients should do their research prior to undergoing the treatment in order to understand the potential side effects and ensure that it is the right choice for them.
In this overview, we will discuss the safety and risks that come with teeth whitening, and provide an understanding of what to expect from the process:
Possible Side Effects
When considering teeth whitening, it’s important to understand the potential risks before you decide to move forward. While teeth whitening can provide a brighter, more confident smile, it is important to remember that there are some possible negative side effects.
The most common side effect of teeth whitening is increased sensitivity of the teeth and gums, which typically dissipates shortly after treatment. Other possible side effects include redness and irritation of the gums due to contact with bleaching products. These symptoms can be minimized with the help of your dentist or hygienist who can make sure the bleaching agents are not coming into direct contact with your gums.
If you have any underlying dental issues such as cavities or gum disease, particularly for those opting for at-home treatments, it may be wise to consult a professional prior to use as bleaching agents on damaged tooth surfaces may further irritate and exacerbate existing conditions. Additionally, products claiming extreme outcomes like changing tooth color more than five shades should be carefully evaluated before use as these products may contain stronger ingredients which create more severe sensitivity and reduce enamel integrity over time.
Dental Damage
One of the risks of teeth whitening is the potential for dental damage. Teeth whitening done incorrectly or to an excessive degree can weaken your tooth enamel and lead to sensitivity. It is essential that you follow all directions when whitening your teeth and strictly adhere to rules of frequency and dosage outlined by your dentist.
It is not recommended that a person with weak, cracked, or sensitive teeth undergo teeth whitening procedures. Teeth whitening treatments can leave teeth weakened and more susceptible to chipping, fracturing or further damage. In addition, if you have had porcelain veneers, bridges or braces in the past, these treatments may be tarnished if subjected to bleaching solutions leading to discolorations in these treatments that may only be addressed through professional care by your dentist such as applying new veneers on the damaged teeth . Make sure you consult with a dental professional before beginning any whitening treatment.
Tooth Sensitivity
Regular teeth whitening procedures may cause some degree of tooth sensitivity for 48-72 hours after the treatment. This sensation is caused due to dehydration of dentin, the layer that gives hardness to your teeth and covers the inner layer or pulp. Tooth sensitivity may vary from mild to moderate, causing discomfort when consuming hot or cold beverages or foods. If this is a concern, consult with a dentist prior to undergoing any whitening treatments.
Other risks associated with teeth whitening include temporary loss of enamel and gums receding after aggressive treatments. When performed by an experienced dentist, these risks are minimized; however, it is still important to consult beforehand so you understand what the procedure involves and are aware of any potential risks associated. If a particular Whitening procedure isn’t suitable for any reason, they can inform you of best practices and alternatives rather than proceeding blindly without professional advice.
Conclusion
Having a bright, white smile can boost your confidence and improve your overall self-image. Nowadays, you have several options to choose from when it comes to whitening your teeth. By taking into account the advantages and disadvantages of each method and selecting the best option for you, you can easily achieve a beautiful, lasting smile.
No matter which method of teeth whitening you choose, make sure that you talk to an experienced dentist beforehand. Professional advice will ensure that you get the best possible results in the shortest amount of time possible.
For those looking for quick results with minimal effort, home kits are an excellent choice; however, those wanting longer lasting results without damaging their teeth should opt for more intensive treatments such as laser whitening or professional strength bleaching solutions from Empathea in Venice Florida. Both options offer superior whiteness and longer lasting results than home kits, but ultimately it is up to you to decide which is best for your individual needs and budget.