Teeth whitening have become one of the leading cosmetic procedures in the field of dentistry today. Why is this? The first thing a person will notice upon meeting someone for the first time is their smile. Whether it is a first impression for an interview or for a first date, a bright white smile will say it all: confidence, self image, even humour. And because it is such a simple procedure, it can be worked into any busy lifestyle and is extremely popular not only with the working class but the younger generations as well.
The tooth whitening process is essentially bleaching which can be administered at home or at the dentist. At home, the treatment will be low cost and involve the use of strips and tooth whitening toothpaste. Home whitening kits will generally use hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide which are agents used to lighten the shade of a person’s teeth. At the dentist, it is more likely to cost into the hundreds with the use of lasers now becoming common place.
So why do people choose to get their teeth whitened? As a person gets old, they start to lose the white colour of their youth as over time all teeth will start to darken. Coffee, tea, red wine, cigarettes etc all have an effect on both the enamel and colour of a tooth. Overtime, continued consumption can see teeth go from white to yellow to brown. Although tooth whitening may not be able to fix all related problems, it can enhance your smile dramatically.
Do note though that there are some risks involved, particularly if you opt for home treatment. If over used, gel bleaching can cause chemical burns within the mouth. Over bleaching is also common which results in a smile that is not only white but blinding. Excessive use can also see the process become ineffective as your teeth’s enamel gets used to the chemicals used. It should also be noted it is purely an aesthetic process and the results are not permanent.
All in all, the tooth whitening process comes highly recommended so long as you follow up the initial treatment with a well balanced dental hygiene plan. Having the treatment carried out at the dentist is recommended over home treatments, though that is not to suggest a brilliant white smile cannot be achieved this way. In either instance, it takes more than just regular brushing and an annual dental visit to maintain a pearly white smile.
The Smile Spa is a North East based dentist practice whomm specialise in cosmetic dentistry in Middlesbrough, Stockton and Teesside. In addition to tooth whitening, they also offer such services as dental implants, facial aesthetics and smile makeovers.
