Categories: Teeth Whitening

Pros and Cons of Teeth Whitening

Various factors affect tooth color, including genetics, food and beverage choices, smoking, and medications. Stains can occur on the surface of the tooth or beneath the enamel. Surface stains are common, but stains can also occur due to changes within the tooth's material. Extrinsic stains are stains on the surface of the tooth, while intrinsic stains are below the surface.

Professional teeth whitening can remove stubborn stains and create a brilliant smile. Knowing the pros and cons of professional whitening can help patients make informed decisions about this popular dental treatment.

What are the pros of teeth whitening?

With professional whitening, dentists apply a gel containing up to 40% hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide onto the teeth before shining a heating lamp over them for about 20 minutes to break apart stubborn stains on underlying layers. This whitening method offers patients the following benefits.

Thorough and reliable whitening

Unlike at-home treatments, professionally-applied whitening agents address the underlying stains that topical solutions cannot reach. As a result, patients obtain significantly whiter teeth after a single treatment.

Fast results

Whitening patients' teeth involves a simple procedure that a dentist can perform in one visit for immediate results. Whereas individuals must wait weeks to achieve short-term results from home whitening kits, those who opt for treatment at a dental office can see a noticeable improvement as soon as one hour following the application of the whitener. These results can also last many months.

Improved self-esteem

Patients with discolored teeth often resist speaking or smiling to hide an unattractive mouth. Patients who opt for whitening procedures report improved self-esteem and the confidence to shine in any social or professional situation.

Long-lasting results

Typically, results from whitening procedures do not begin to fade until about six months after the process. However, whitening can last up to one year before additional touch-ups are necessary.

Improved oral health

The whitening formulas dentists apply to the teeth contain urea, which can neutralize the mouth's pH level, preventing bacteria and plaque from forming. Therefore, whitening contributes to healthy and beautiful teeth.

Fewer noticeable imperfections

People notice a set of stunning white teeth before they notice any other feature about them. When patients smile after tooth whitening, others may not notice any of the other imperfections in their mouth. For example, chips and cracks tend to not stand out as much with white teeth. After teeth whitening, some patients may not require other types of cosmetic work.

Custom treatment methods

Patients do not have to rely on one form of tooth whitening. Different stains may require different methods. For example, extrinsic stains may respond to a professional cleaning and whitening toothpaste. Intrinsic stains, on the other hand, may require bleaching. Age-related stains tend to have both types of stains because the dentin yellows over time, and the enamel becomes thinner. Professional, in-office whitening is ideal for age-related staining.

What are the cons of teeth whitening?

Although professional teeth whitening has numerous benefits, anyone who chooses this cosmetic procedure should understand its drawbacks. Discussing these with a knowledgeable dentist can help patients decide how to proceed.

Teeth sensitivity

Bleaching agents can cause slight demineralization of the teeth, exposing the dentinal tubules that connect to the roots' nerves and irritating them. As a result, teeth may feel sensitive during the days following the whitening procedure until the teeth remineralize.

Ineffective for some teeth

Artificial teeth and those treated with veneers, fillings, or bonding material will not respond to whitening efforts. Therefore, prosthetics added before whitening may require replacement to ensure a color match with newly-whitened teeth.

Temporary results

Teeth whitening procedures do not yield permanent results, and patients must schedule subsequent whitening sessions at least once annually. In addition, teeth remain vulnerable to all the factors that cause discoloration.

Cost

Professional whitening procedures yield fast results but can be costly over time compared with other cosmetic procedures. As a result, individuals must remember to refrain from enjoying certain staining foods and beverages to keep costs down.

Conclusion

Patients may struggle with stained teeth due to food, drinks, age, or biological factors. While there are various ways to stain your teeth, there are also various ways patients can whiten their teeth safely and effectively. A professional can determine the safest way to whiten a patient's teeth. Professional teeth whitening has many advantages, though patients should be aware of potential disadvantages. A knowledgeable dentist can determine patients' candidacy for this procedure.

Request an appointment here: https://www.thanasasdds.com or call Thanasas Family Dental Care at (248) 260-2878 for an appointment in our Troy office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Teeth Whitening in Troy, MI.

Recent Posts

Is Professional Teeth Whitening Right For You?

Performed either in a dental office or from home using custom-fitted trays made in a dental lab, professional teeth whitening is a popular solution for enhancing a person's smile. While the cost of professional bleaching is more expensive than purchasing over-the-counter products, this treatment often provides faster, more dramatic results.In fact, some patients may even…

4 Questions To Ask Your Dentist About Teeth Whitening

For many people, tooth discoloration is the primary oral issue that prevents them from smiling and speaking with confidence. There are many treatment options for a smile makeover, but few offer the instant and dramatic results that teeth whitening can provide. Professional teeth whitening can take years off of your smile and remove unsightly stains,…

How To Clean And Care For Teeth Whitening Trays

Most cosmetic dentists offer supervised teeth whitening treatments that you can use from the comfort of your home. A dentist will create custom teeth trays that fit perfectly over your teeth. They will give you the trays, along with teeth whitening gel and detailed instructions that cover the entire teeth whitening process. The dentist will…

How Long Will Teeth Whitening Results Last?

Learning about which of the many teeth whitening treatment options now available are going to work for you is important. Since there are quite a few options available to you, it may take some time when it comes to choosing one that fits in with your particular lifestyle. One of the most important features people…

Thanasas Family Dental Care

Share
Published by
Thanasas Family Dental Care

Recent Posts

Do Clear Aligners Work?

If you are thinking about clear aligners as a way to fix your crooked teeth,…

2 days ago

Periodontics and Dental Implants: How They Work Together

You should seek treatment for periodontal disease if you experience symptoms such as bleeding gums,…

1 week ago

Are Clear Aligners Convenient?

Clear aligners are comfortable, and they can give you a beautiful, healthy smile. Aligners have…

2 weeks ago

Do Clear Aligners Damage Your Teeth?

You may have heard about clear aligners as a different way to treat a variety…

2 weeks ago

What Is Laser Dentistry Used For?

Find out what dentists use laser dentistry for and whether this treatment can correct your…

3 weeks ago

How Do Clear Aligners Perform as a Teeth Straightening Procedure?

Clear aligners are a popular option for straightening or realigning teeth. Dentists often use clear…

3 weeks ago