In addition to makeup and skincare, more and more people have been using professional teeth whitening services to enhance their smiles.
Did you know that whiter teeth can do so much more than make your pearly whites even whiter? There are many benefits that can be gained from this cosmetic dental service. Not only does it promote a healthier mouth, but it can also improve your mental state as well.
What Causes Teeth to Turn Yellow?
Teeth naturally lose their whiteness over time as the enamel wears down and exposes the yellowish dentin underneath. However, there are other factors that cause this phenomenon as well.
Teeth discolouration can be categorized as either intrinsic or extrinsic:
Intrinsic Stains
This type of stain occurs in the dentin or the inner structure of the teeth. It is usually caused by certain medications, treatment, and even injury. Due to its nature, these stains are tough to remove.
Here are some examples that cause intrinsic stains:
- Antibiotics (e.g. tetracycline and doxycycline) taken by children during developmental stages of their teeth
- Mouthwash containing chlorhexidine, which is used to treat gingivitis
- Chemotherapy
- Excessive amounts of fluoride
- Dental treatments such as amalgam fillings.
- Tooth injury which causes the tooth to produce more yellowish dentin
- As we grow older, the enamel on our teeth gets thinner, allowing the yellowish colour of the dentin to show
Extrinsic Stains
These stains affect the outer layer of the teeth, or enamel, making them easier to fix. Unlike intrinsic stains, these are often caused by food and lifestyle choices.
Some of the factors that cause extrinsic stains are:
- Coloured food and drink such as red wine, soda, and tomato-based sauces
- Acidic foods that erode the enamel of the teeth
- Nicotine and tartar that comes from smoking cigarettes and tobacco use
- Plaque build-up from high-calorie or foods
If discolouration occurs but is a colour other than yellow (like gray, brown, striped, or mottled), see your dentist right away. These are abnormal colour changes that may indicate a more serious issue.
What Is Professional Teeth Whitening?
Professional teeth whitening, commonly known as “in-office bleaching”, is one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry services. The procedure involves the use of a relatively high-concentration peroxide gel, which is applied to the teeth after the gums have been protected with a paint-on rubber dam. The peroxide is kept on the teeth for around 15 to 20 minutes and applied at several intervals for a stronger, more thorough whitening effect.
The procedure is extremely delicate. It must be administered by a dentist or a trained dental technician under carefully monitored conditions to ensure a safer, more comfortable treatment.
Certain factors and dental conditions make some patients ineligible for in-office bleaching due to the risk of complications:
- Tooth and gum hypersensitivity
- Teeth aging causing teeth to become transparent
- Tooth-coloured fillings, crowns, and caps
- Striped, mottled, or abnormally coloured teeth (e.g. brown or gray) caused by tetracycline or too much fluoride, which will render the process ineffective
It is still possible, however, to get customized treatments for special cases. Just be sure to consult your dentist for the best course of action.
What Are the Advantages of Professional Whitening Treatments?
While home whitening methods are widely available, professional teeth whitening has many benefits:
Improved oral care
People who have experienced getting professional whitening treatments are more inclined to take care of their teeth than those who do not — seeing its effects can encourage patients to maintain their teeth’s newfound whiteness. They floss and brush their teeth more often and use mouthwash, resulting in a healthier overall dental routine.
Professional treatments save you a significant amount of time
Traditional methods such as regular brushing and using over-the-counter (OTC) teeth whitening products can take months, if not weeks, to show results. In-office whitening, on the other hand, takes only as little as an hour. This gives you that great-looking smile almost immediately.
In-office bleaching effects can last a long time
The general problem with home teeth whitening products is that they don’t usually last long and need constant upkeep. With specialty treatments such as the popular Zoom Whitening, the effects can last up to 4 years without any special maintenance.
The treatments are cost-effective
While professional whitening procedures cost more than the OTC variety, you’ll save more money in the long run. Since using whitening toothpastes, strips, and other OTC products take a long time to produce any results and require constant maintenance, costs will eventually add up. The money you spend on them will be more than what is required for a professional treatment.
It helps kill bacteria
Since the treatment basically removes the stains on the outer layer of the teeth, it also eliminates harmful bacteria, plaque, and tartar build-up. With those gone, your teeth will be safer from gum disease and tooth decay, improving overall oral health.
It helps you boost your self-confidence
Having yellowish teeth often has a negative impact on one’s self-esteem. More often than not, discoloured teeth can keep a person from smiling, especially in public.
Professional whitening can change that. Once the treatment is done, you’ll be able to show off those pearly white teeth with no hesitation and get a significant boost in your self-esteem. Furthermore, you’ll feel more confident when you’re around people.
Whiter teeth make you look younger
According to a study by Manuel C. Voelkle of the Max Planck Institute for Human Development in Berlin, people perceive the age of a smiling face as much younger than the neutral expression of the same person. Based on the study, people often associate youth and beauty with the whiteness of an individual’s teeth.
Having whiter teeth improves your appearance
Yellowish teeth are often signs of poor oral hygiene, affecting the public perception of individuals. To avoid this, it is often necessary for people, especially those who work in customer service, tourism, or managerial positions, to undergo whitening treatments.
Having whiter teeth allows you to leave a better impression on your employees, customers, and coworkers alike.
Smiling with whiter teeth helps you look friendlier
Smiling has a great impact on social interaction. People feel more at ease with a person who smiles more often; showing off your pearly whites will further enhance that. This will give you a tremendous advantage during meetings and conversations with customers. A confident and ever-present smile leaves a strong impression and will encourage people to talk to you.
Professional teeth whitening services is the best way to whiten teeth. If you want to boost your confidence or impress potential employers, consider asking your dentist about the treatment.
For effective whitening treatments and other dental services, contact Lambton Family Dental at (519) 344-5747. We’ll be happy to provide you with exceptional dental service.