Teeth Whitening: Why is Professional consultation Important?
A person’s smile is probably one of their best assets. And when the asset is hampered due to some form of discoloration that is where teeth whitening comes in.
The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry conducted a study in 2015 which concluded that teeth whitening was highly requested by people in dental offices. Furthermore, a 2018 survey showed that over 40 million Americans purchased some form of teeth whitener.
Teeth whitening is usually undertaken by people experiencing staining or discoloration on their teeth.
The stains present on teeth are either one of or a combination of two types:
Intrinsic stains
These stains occur in the internal structure of teeth. These stains are usually caused due to aging, injury, and intake of certain medications.
The route to treat these stains involves a combination of professional teeth whitening along with take-home kits.
Extrinsic stains
These stains are present on the external surfaces of teeth. Colored food and beverages, smoking, tobacco chewing, etc. are the usual culprits of extrinsic stains.
These are easy to manage and are taken care of by scaling and professional teeth whitening.
Please understand that a certain hint of yellow is normal. That is due to the underlying dentin tissue (which is yellow) being visible through the enamel (the outer white surface).
The more enamel deposition on your teeth, the whiter they appear and vice versa.
What Are The Different Methods Of Teeth Whitening?
The various options of teeth whitening are broadly classified into two categories:
Over-the-counter methods
OTC or over-the-counter methods of whitening include the use of whitening toothpaste, strips, dental floss, oral rinses, etc. Whitening toothpaste usually contains some abrasives along with a small percentage of bleaching agents.
The abrasives present in these toothpastes might also be harmful to the teeth in the long run. The process of removing stains through OTC methods is relatively slower and not always guaranteed.
Professional methods
Professional methods of teeth whitening include getting the procedure done in-office by a dentist. Aside from in-office whitening sessions, several dentists also offer the option of take-home kits.
These include custom-made trays to fit your mouth and a bleaching agent to pour and apply. While the bleaching agent in take-home kits isn’t as strong as the one used in-office (owing to safety), the results are fantastic over time.
Why Is Professional Teeth Whitening Important?
There are many reasons why getting your teeth whitened by a licensed professional is recommended.
Some of them are as follows:
Safer option
Professional teeth whitening is safer than any OTC or store-bought option. The store-bought methods for whitening carry a greater risk of causing sensitivity and damage.
When you choose to get your teeth whitened by a dentist, you bypass the risk of damage to your oral cavity. The bleaching agent used in the whitening procedure can be pretty dangerous, so it is much better to get it done in a controlled environment with all the precautions in place.
This not only ensures guaranteed results but also protects you from unnecessary trauma.
Timely procedures
A myth involved with professional whitening procedures is that they can be pretty time-consuming.
The reality is that in-office sessions take about sixty to ninety minutes tops. The time taken to complete the process depends on the degree of the stain, the dentist’s recommendation, and the desired shade.
Initial inspection
Before initiating the treatment, your cosmetic dentist at MPLS Dental assesses your oral cavity. The general hygiene and extent of staining are taken into account and a custom plan is chalked out to give you the best outcome.
The dentist might advise a round of professional cleaning before the bleaching process. This helps take care of any plaque, calculus, and a couple of extrinsic stains.
The dentists take care of any unfilled cavities. They might also offer to give you take-home kits so you can continue bleaching your teeth in the comfort of your home based on their instructions.
Avoid risks
With over-the-counter methods of teeth whitening, chances are you might miss a couple of spots. With a dentist, you can avoid this risk. Unless there is an obvious misalignment among your teeth, your dentist will make sure to target and bleach all of your teeth.
Guaranteed results
But by far, the most important reason to get your teeth professionally whitened is the guaranteed results. A radiant smile is a gateway to increased self-esteem and confidence.
Are There Any Negative Side Effects Of Teeth Whitening?
Although professional teeth whitening is pretty safe and risk-free, you might experience one of the following side effects following treatment:
Tooth sensitivity
Your teeth might feel increasingly sensitive right after the whitening procedure. You might feel the same on the first and second rounds of treatment and this fades over time.
Your dentist might advise a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth or even do a fluoride application to counteract the sensitivity.
Gum irritation
Should your gums come in contact with the whitening agent, you might experience some irritation. This is pretty rare because your dentist will be applying a protective layer along the gum line before initiating the bleaching process.
But in the off-chance you face irritation in gums, they subside post-treatment.
How Much Should A Teeth Whitening Procedure Cost?
There is no doubt that your store-bought options for teeth whitening are considerably cheaper than an in-office session.
However, the total amount of money you’ll spend achieving desired results through your over-the-counter methods lands higher than a professional whitening session with guaranteed results.
On average, one in-office whitening session costs about $650, and the take-home kits range from $100-$400.
MPLS Dental has two different services to spruce up your pearly whites – GLOW and Boost. We also have treatments you can use at home that come under professional supervision.
Know more about professional teeth whitening and our costs. Get in touch with the dental team at Minneapolis Dental. Aside from skilled experts and state-of-the-art facilities, we also offer a gorgeous view of the skyline.
Call us at (612) 332-1255 to schedule an appointment with a cosmetic dentist at Minneapolis’ finest.