Thanks to the recent technological innovations in cosmetic dental procedures, individuals now have a number of viable options for enhancing and improving the appearance of their teeth. One of these recent innovations is teeth whitening or bleaching which helps to lighten the color of your teeth that have become stained over time due to certain beverages and foods that you have consumed as well as tobacco smoking.
Depending on your personal oral hygiene habits, a teeth whitening procedure can last for several years before having to undergo another treatment. In most cases, Shine Dental Group tooth whitening procedures are successful about 90% of the time. Despite the fact that bleaching eliminates staining, it is extremely gentle on a person’s teeth. A bleaching solution containing a peroxide gel is applied to the teeth in order to eliminate any discoloration and staining that has developed over time.
What You Should Be Aware Of
One of the primary concerns that our Shine Dental Group patients have about teeth whitening is whether or not this procedure is right for them. Additionally, they are also concerned about its effectiveness and how safe it is. However, there are certain things to be aware of when considering a tooth whitening treatment, including the following:
- Results depend on the prior condition of your teeth – contrary to what some individuals think, whitening will not erase the damage that a person has caused to their teeth over the years. Conversely, if you have practiced proper oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly as well as kept up with regular dental visits, your teeth will look much brighter afterwards.
- Side effects – although it is rare, some patients may experience certain side effects such as increased sensitivity that can occur during the 24-hour period immediately following the procedure and soft tissue irritation. Your dentist can prescribe a pain reliever if these issues cause too much discomfort.
- Whitening isn’t permanent – although tooth whitening is a long-term solution for enhancing the appearance of your teeth, it is not a “one-and-done” procedure. In some cases, it could last for 3 to 5 years, depending on your oral hygiene habits. However, it may take more than one office visit to achieve the desired brightness you desire.
If you are considering tooth whitening, we encourage you to contact Shine Dental Group today to schedule an evaluation appointment so we can determine if you are a candidate for this type of procedure.
