Teeth whitening is great for reviving a fresh, sparkling smile. Over time, our teeth will yellow or brown naturally simply due to aging, however, coffee, tea, alcohol, and smoking will all speed the discoloration process up. Anyone who’s ever felt self-conscious about the color of their teeth knows the impact it can have on your day-to-day life, it can even prevent you from smiling when you want to! Put a stop to feeling less-than by investing in yourself and your happiness. When you start researching the whitening process, you’ll find a world of options, facts, and information that can get pretty confusing. Consult these 7 facts that absolutely everyone should know about teeth whitening to steer yourself in the right direction…
1. Your teeth have pores
Your teeth have pores, just like your skin! Whitening opens these pores up, allowing the gel to work its magic and alter the pigmentation within your teeth. Your teeth’ pores are also the reason that they discolor over time, so this change is perfectly normal and natural.
2. Over the counter, products can only do so much
There is a tonne of whitening toothpaste, strips, and at-home treatments to choose from out there but do keep in mind that these can only go so far. The grade of whitening gel or formula in these products is diluted, meaning you most likely will not see any drastic differences by using them. Relying on drugstore items can be a waste of time and money, so you should definitely consider a trip to the dentist in order to do it right.
3. Your teeth will be sensitive
Sufferers of teeth sensitivity listen up! Your teeth are going to get a hell of a lot more sensitive, so keep this in mind if this is already a daily struggle for you. Your sensitivity will be trigged by hot and cold, and during the winter a strong gust of chill can cause some tingling as well.
4. Whitening has to be habitual
Your teeth whitening process will not be a one-time thing, you’ll need to commit to using professional whitening gel, or any other method you’ve chosen, every day for one to two weeks. This accumulative nature will give you the bright, shining results that you’re looking for. Don’t hesitate any longer, get beautiful smiles with the Dentist in Raleigh.
Learn More
- Teeth Whitening and Polishing: Know The Difference
- Oral Remedies: 3 Essential Things to Do When You Have Teeth Sensitivity
- 4 Most Effective Best Water Flossers For Your Teeth
- Invisible Aligner for Your Perfect Teeth and Smile
5. Veneers cannot be whitened
Veneers or caps will often be used to alter the appearance and function of teeth however if you have a veneer fitted be aware that it cannot be whitened. Due to their non-porous material, they will not absorb any whitening product and therefore cannot change color. Veneers are also matched to the color of your teeth, so if you alter them you might find that your smile looks slightly mismatched.
6. It doesn’t last forever
Whitening is not a permanent fix, however, by using a dental-grade whitening gel and a customized tray in a take-home teeth whitening kit, you’ll be investing in longer-term results. You’ll find that you will need to top up your smile every six to twelve months in order to maintain a whiter smile, so don’t lose those trays! Over-the-counter products are even less permanent, so be sure to keep this in mind.
7. Whitening is completely safe
Many people have hesitations regarding the safety and health risks of teeth whitening, however, there’s really nothing to worry about. Whitening is an entirely safe practice, so proceed without fear!
8. You’ll need to avoid a few things
Unfortunately, when you are using teeth whitening products that open up your teeth’ pores, you have to avoid beverages and foods that will stain your teeth. This includes black coffee, strong tea, and red wine.