Making an appointment with a dentist for teeth whitening can be a big step in improving a smile. Considered a non-invasive smile makeover or type of cosmetic dentistry, whitening can remove stains, decrease discoloration and rid a smile of yellowing that occurs naturally over time.
When going into the dentist's office, it is important to understand how whitening affects teeth, if there are any negative impacts and how a smile will turn out after the procedure. Here are the top questions and answers about whitening that can help determine if it is the right treatment for your smile.
Teeth whitening is simply a procedure to rejuvenate teeth back to their original white, sparkly color. It is normal for teeth to gradually lose the perfect white aesthetic as they age, as enamel gradually wears away and allows for dirt and other debris to stick to teeth. This creates a discolored smile that many people do not desire or find unattractive. Whitening can be done in a dentist's office over the course of one appointment where whitening materials are applied to teeth in 15-20 minute intervals. Another appointment may be necessary if stains persist.
Teeth whitening is not a permanent procedure and may require continued treatment after the last treatment has worn off. On average, the bright, white look can last from six months to two years, but it can be less depending on the oral hygiene and diet of each person. Someone who smokes or drinks stain-causing beverages, such as red wine and coffee, is more likely to need an appointment sooner than someone who does not.
Enamel is safe from whitening and shows no ill effects from the treatment, though teeth may be slightly sensitive immediately following the process. It also does not affect any restorations, such as crowns or veneers. However, since these restorations never change color, they may not match the natural tooth color as it begins to alter.
Following a whitening, one should wait 24-48 hours before eating anything that is known to stain teeth. Teeth are especially susceptible to staining during this delicate stage as the treatment sets in, and eating anything of the following list can impact their progress:
Eating these can increase chances of the whitening being ineffective and staining to occur.
Teeth whitening usually falls under the category of cosmetic dentistry, meaning it is not a necessary procedure. Therefore, insurance likely will not cover it. Some insurances have different policies than others, however, and it may be worth checking out a specific policy to see if some of the treatment can be covered. If, after consulting with a dentist, the process is still too expensive, their office may offer financing options to help with the bill.
Teeth whitening can help improve your smile and confidence during everyday life. Discussing options with a dentist may prove that it is a potential option for a smile makeover.
Are you considering teeth whitening in the Hemet area? Get more information at https://hemetdentalcenter.com.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
If you have a gap in your teeth, you may want to consider a partial denture for one missing tooth. The gap may be affecting your appearance and lowering your self-confidence. Even if the missing tooth is in the back and is not very noticeable, it is important to replace it because there are long-term…
Millions of Americans have a partial denture for one missing tooth. Partial dentures are similar to natural teeth in that sometimes they do not fit well or crack, fracture, or chip. When any of these situations occur, be sure to seek out a dentist to fix the issue quickly. Repairing broken dentures is important for…
A regular dental checkup is one of the most important aspects of a good oral healthcare routine. However, many people skip these appointments or go less frequently than they should. If you are in this situation, whether due to time constraints, financial concerns, a fear of the dentist, or any other reason, you should consider…
While it might not seem that common, receiving a partial denture for one missing tooth is a solution that is well-known among dental professionals. According to the American Dental Association, the average person between 20 and 64 years of age has three or more missing teeth. This can happen for reasons such as serious decay,…
If you have a gap in your teeth, you may want to consider a partial denture for one missing tooth. The gap may be affecting your appearance and lowering your self-confidence. Even if the missing tooth is in the back and is not very noticeable, it is important to replace it because there are long-term…
Millions of Americans have a partial denture for one missing tooth. Partial dentures are similar to natural teeth in that sometimes they do not fit well or crack, fracture, or chip. When any of these situations occur, be sure to seek out a dentist to fix the issue quickly. Repairing broken dentures is important for…