As more people seek to enhance their appearance, cosmetic procedures are becoming very popular. Tooth whitening is one of the main reasons that people are visiting the dentist today. The desire to enhance the smile with pearly white teeth is growing and people are constantly looking for the best bleaching or whitening solutions. Before you get the procedure done, it is a good idea to learn all the facts that will help you to determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure.

As teeth whitening or bleaching continues to grow in demand, dental clinics and other establishments are offering treatments at competitive prices. Tooth bleaching is even included as part of the spa package in many areas. Before you book an appointment to get your dazzling smile, you need to get information that will help you to make an informed decision. It is important to consider some important factors.

1. Teeth whitening is not for everyone 

It is important to note that not everyone should get teeth whitening. Some people are not good candidates for the procedure and it is important to get dental consultation before you book that spa package.

People with dental conditions like gum problems and sensitive teeth or those with medical conditions like diabetes, melanoma or heart problems, are not good candidates for laser tooth whitening. The procedure is also not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women and individuals who are light sensitive.

2. The results of the procedure vary

The results of the teeth whitening procedure vary from one individual to the next depending on the dental condition. There are different causes of teeth staining and the cause of the discoloration will often determine the results. Consultation will often help the dentist to obtain a diagnosis that will help in the treatment. Teeth discolored due to external factors like certain foods or drinks are often easier to deal with than those stained by intrinsic factors like fluorosis or some medication. While the first case will often respond well to the whitening, in the later, the person may require crowns or veneers.

3. There might be issues with teeth sensitivity

While teeth whitening is usually painless or causes minimal discomfort, there are people who experience slight sensitivity during the treatment or after treatment. The sensitivity is generally considered normal and it usually disappears on its own.

In many cases, a desensitizing gel can be provided to take home and it can be used to deal with post treatment sensitivity or as a preventive measure. People who are more susceptible to the sensitivity and may even experience discomfort are those with open cavities, cracked teeth, receding gums, leaking fillings and existing sensitivity.

4. You need to form realistic expectations

Like with other cosmetic procedures, it is important to be realistic about the expectations or the final result. The success of the treatment will not just depend on the skills of the dentist, it also depends on the patients expectations.

It helps to have realistic expectations of what can be achieved with the treatment, as well as what it cannot achieve. You can have the teeth whitened by several shades but you need to know that if you want much whiter teeth, you will have to go through more sessions of exposure to the light, which can result in sensitivity.

5. Bleaching is not permanent

When you get the tooth whitening, you need to know that the bleaching process does not produce permanent results. While laser treatment is long lasting and can last for a couple of years, it is natural for the effects to start wearing off after a while. To ensure best results, you should go home with a whitening kit that you can use for subsequent touch-ups.

Your eating habits and your general lifestyle will determine how long the results last. If you are a smoker who loves red wine or coffee, your teeth will soon relapse to the original shade and you will need a return visit to the dentist sooner.

It is very important to get consultation and listen to the dentist before you get the procedure done. The more information you have, the better for you. Most people think that they want the whitest look possible, but this can end up looking unnatural. It is important to determine the look that is best for you instead of going for bright gleaming teeth that simply look weird!

About Author : Lisa Taylor, is a sincere employee at Cosmetic Dentistry in Perth by Advanced Dental Artistry, providers of advanced and sophisticated dental care treatments. In her free time, she enjoys catching up on the latest sitcoms and movies. Click here to know more about her company.
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