A bright white smile is a common goal for many patients seeking cosmetic dentistry treatments. Whether in the dentist's office or at home, teeth bleaching is a popular service in Narberth, PA and beyond.
However, there are a few things you should know before getting a bleaching regimen underway.
Brighter Smile
A bright smile is a sign of good health and makes a great first impression. Whitening your teeth is a quick and affordable way to improve the appearance of your smile.
There are a variety of products available to lighten your teeth, including toothpastes with added detergents and abrasives, which help remove surface stains, and bleaches that lighten the color of natural tooth enamel. The most effective methods to whiten your teeth are performed in-office by dental professionals and use higher concentrations of bleaching agents.
Over-the-counter whitening kits are also available, but the American Dental Association (ADA) warns that these products may contain unsafe ingredients and should be avoided. Your dentist can recommend safe and effective at-home whitening kits that can give you brighter, whiter teeth. Maintaining your results after treatment is easy by avoiding foods and beverages that stain or discolor the teeth, using a sensitive toothpaste, and flossing daily.
Reduced Sensitivity
Teeth whitening tampa fl products contain peroxides, which break the molecular bonds that hold organic stains onto enamel and dentin. This process, known as surface demineralization, may make teeth more susceptible to pain signals, causing sensitivity.
Sensitivity can be a temporary issue and usually disappears shortly after treatment ends. This sensitivity may be caused by the bleaching agent exposing the soft layer of dentin, or because it increases pressure on the pulp. Individuals with thinner or weakened enamel are more prone to experiencing severe sensitivity after whitening.
Using a desensitizing toothpaste prior to and during the whitening process may help minimize this discomfort. Additionally, it is recommended that individuals temporarily avoid foods and beverages that are very hot or cold to prevent further irritation. A soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle brushing technique are also helpful for reducing discomfort. Some whitening treatments also come with a topical fluoride gel or application that helps block pain signals from reaching the inner nerves.
Reduced Risk of Gum Disease
Gum disease can cause bleeding and sensitivity in the gums, making it difficult to brush and floss. Bleaching agents can irritate gums and cause more pain, but it is possible to control this discomfort with regular brushing and rinsing with a fluoride mouthwash or over-the-counter ibuprofen.
A dental professional will make sure that your teeth and gums are healthy before proceeding with a whitening treatment. Then, the bleaching agent can penetrate deeper into the tooth enamel and reach the dentin beneath. The underlying dentin is softer than enamel and contains nerves and blood vessels. When the whitening process is complete, these softer areas are less sensitive to hot or cold food and beverages.
Gum disease causes swollen and sensitive gums, which can prevent patients from undergoing a whitening procedure. However, a periodontist can treat the disease with medication or gum flap surgery and reevaluate your eligibility for a whitening treatment. This will reduce irritation risks and help you achieve a whiter smile.
Increased Self-Confidence
One of the most important psychological benefits associated with teeth whitening is that it leads to a greater sense of self-confidence. When you know that your smile looks bright and beautiful, you’re more likely to show it off in social situations. This confidence translates into more positive interactions with other people, and can even make you feel more approachable in professional settings like meetings or networking events.
Often, the insecurities that lead to discolored teeth are related to feelings of inadequacy or inferiority. By addressing these insecurities, teeth whitening tampa fl becomes a transformative treatment that gives individuals a sense of newfound confidence and reduces inhibition. This positive feedback loop between confidence and reduced social anxiety allows individuals to navigate professional, personal, and social experiences with a more liberated mindset.
In addition to boosting their self-image, people who have whiter, brighter smiles are more likely to take care of their oral health. This can help them avoid future stains and maintain their radiant smile for as long as possible.
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