If you're looking for a way to brighten your smile and improve your self-confidence, you may be interested in professional teeth whitening. When performed in a dental office, teeth whitening is simple, safe, and effective.
This blog explains how professional teeth whitening can boost your smile and support your quality of life. It details how the process works and shares the steps you can take to help your results last longer.
How Professional Tooth Whitening Impacts Your Daily Life
Many patients believe that teeth whitening and other cosmetic procedures are unnecessary expenses. However, investing in yourself and your happiness is always worthwhile. Here are the top ways in which professional teeth whitening can change your life:
Improve Confidence
When you want to share your smile with everyone you meet, you'll feel ready to take on the world. Your bright smile will lead the way.
Create a Positive First Impression
People who feel unhappy with their smiles often avoid showing them in public. When people avoid smiling, others may form a mistaken impression about their character. If you feel good about your smile, you'll be more likely to share it.
Encourage Personal and Professional Opportunities
Smiling more often can also project positive personal qualities that may open doors for you in a personal and professional sense. Job interviews and meeting new people may feel less intimidating.
About Professional Teeth Whitening
Professional whitening is a quick way to improve your smile without lengthy appointments and costly appliances. Professional whitening systems work by applying a strong carbamide peroxide solution to the tooth enamel and activating it with a specialized light. Aided by the light, the peroxide gel physically breaks up stains inside the enamel.
The Process of Whitening Teeth
The whitening process usually takes only one appointment, lasting about 90 minutes. If you have severe staining or discoloration, you may require two visits.
The first step involves protecting the lips and oral tissues from the peroxide gel. While these products are safe under dental supervision, they can cause irritation and excess sensitivity if not handled carefully.
Next, your practitioner will carefully apply the gel and use the light to increase its effects. They will rinse the gel away before repeating the process two to three more times.
Many dentists recommend receiving a special fluoride treatment after whitening to help seal the pores in the enamel and soothe sensitivity.
Keeping Your Whitened Teeth Looking Their Best
Professional whitening results can last for months or even years when you take proper care of your teeth. Steps you should consider taking include:
- Following your dentist's post-whitening instructions with care, avoiding staining and acidic foods for a time after the procedure
- Cutting back on staining foods and beverages like red wine, coffee, berries, and dark chocolate, or drinking beverages through a straw if possible
- Maintaining excellent oral hygiene with regular visits to the dentist
- Quitting smoking since tobacco produces yellow staining
Why Investing in Professional Teeth Whitening Makes Sense
Less Upfront Cost
Teeth whitening is considerably less expensive than other means of improving your smile. Veneers and aesthetic crowns cost much more per tooth, though they have other benefits as well.
Professional Opportunities May Improve Your Career
If your confident smile helps you succeed at work, you could open up new possibilities in your life.
Quality of Life Matters
Taking care of yourself includes promoting emotional health. Patients who feel unhappy about their teeth may feel shy and withdrawn. With more confidence, they can participate more fully in life.
Frequently Asked Questions About Professional Teeth Whitening
Why is professional whitening more effective than over-the-counter solutions?
Over-the-counter products sold by major retailers are safe when used as directed, but have a much lower peroxide concentration than professional products. They take longer to work and show much more subtle results.
Products bought online can be dangerous to your teeth and gums, causing severe sensitivity and chemical burns on the gums.
How often can I repeat professional whitening?
Dentists typically recommend waiting at least a year before receiving another treatment since whitening too soon can lead to sensitivity and enamel damage.
Contact the Center for Aesthetic & Comprehensive Dentistry
If you've always felt uncertain about your smile due to discolored teeth, professional teeth whitening can make you feel great about your appearance and boost your confidence.
Get in touch with us today to schedule your teeth whitening consultation in our Fairfield, CT, office. We look forward to helping your smile shine!