Is Teeth Whitening Bad for You?

Everyone wants a simple way to get a pearly white smile that can light up a room. Your smile makes a huge impact on how others perceive you. Those who do not like the shade of their teeth may feel self-conscious about their smile.

Teeth can get discolored throughout our lives. Certain habits, like drinking coffee, smoking, drinking red wine, or poor oral hygiene can lead to a discolored and dull smile. Teeth whitening is a safe and effective way to bring luster and shine back to your smile.

Types of Teeth Whitening
There are several options on the market today to whiten your smile. Each has varying levels of effectiveness and safety.

Essentially, the options for whitening your teeth can be split into three categories:

  • A professional tooth whitening, performed by a dentist.
  • A product or set of products prescribed by your dentist to perform teeth whitening at home.
  • Products obtained over the counter for use at home.

Each procedure type has unique pros and cons.

Professional Teeth Whitening
A professional whitening administered by a dentist is typically the most effective and safest way to whiten your teeth. Whitening procedures administered by a professional usually work more quickly, because the whitening formulas dentists are permitted to use are much stronger than the ones sold for at-home use.

Plus, dentists understand your unique dental history, such as a history of receding gums, which requires special care when it comes to applying a whitening solution. However, professional teeth whitening can be pricey. This type of procedure is not typically covered by dental or medical insurance, either.

At-Home Whitening Provided by Your Dentist
Another alternative, your dentist can provide you with high-quality home whitening trays for your use. This allows you to perform your whitening in the comfort of your own home. Typically, you’ll receive custom-fit mouth trays with a whitening solution which need to be applied consecutively for several days or weeks. This is a nice option because it’s typically less expensive than in-office treatments but still provides quality materials directly from your dentist.

Over The Counter Whitening Treatments
This option is affordable and accessible but presents some concerns. Over the counter whiteners are not as potent as those your dentist can provide. This means if you have deep staining on your teeth, it is less likely to provide the results you desire.

Some teeth staining is intrinsic, meaning it occupies a very deep layer of the enamel and needs professional treatment to show better coloration. This method also leaves lots of room for human error. However, for those with a healthy mouth and teeth, at-home whitening is a feasible option.

Conclusion
When it comes to teeth whitening, there are several options. Always consult your dentist before doing any teeth whitening, whether it will be through a dental professional or at home. In most, teeth whitening is a safe and effective way to give your smile new life!