One of the features that makes a smile beautiful is the color of its teeth. A white, bright smile will always stand out. Therefore, if you want the whitest smile in the room, you cannot be afraid to try out teeth whitening procedures. Still, the question remains, is it safe to whiten teeth?
What Is Teeth Whitening?
It is a dental procedure in general and cosmetic dentistry that helps remove stains on teeth leaving them brighter and whiter. Teeth whitening in Morristown can take different approaches depending on the types of stains and the individual preferences that patients typically have. The most common approach for whitening teeth is known as professional teeth whitening. It is a procedure that occurs in a dental clinic, performed by a dentist.
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
Professional teeth whitening near you typically entails bleaching teeth enamel. The process begins when the dentist cleans your teeth to remove plaque and food residue. Afterward, the dentist will apply the whitening products on your teeth as pastes, gels, or varnishes.
The bleaching process begins when your teeth are in contact with the whitening agents. Dentists usually use lasers to speed up the bleaching process, reducing the need for exposing your teeth to the products for a long time. It is crucial since the whitening products that dentists use are highly concentrated.
How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last?
Teeth whitening treatment in a dental clinic should not take more than an hour. Typically, it takes about 45 minutes to complete the treatment. The even better news is that the results of the procedure can last between 6 and 12 months. It is much longer than can be achieved with other at-home whitening approaches. You can even lengthen the longevity of your whitening results by taking better care of your teeth.
How to Make Teeth Remain White Longer
If you are ready to begin teeth whitening near you, be ready to heed the instructions your dentist in Morristown, NJ, provides. These instructions will help you maintain white teeth for a long time. They include the following:
- Keep your mouth clean – there should never be a time to slack in your oral hygiene, but the stakes are higher once you get your teeth whitened. Daily routines for brushing and flossing are paramount for maintaining a white smile.
- Eat healthily – substitute some of your favorite foods with healthy ones. For example, instead of taking soda, you should drink water.
- Avoid highly pigmented foods – while at it, stay away from heavily pigmented foods. Examples include red wine, coffee, tomato paste, and pasta sauces.
- Do not skip dental appointments – visit your dentist every three or six months for routine checkups and cleanings.
- Use an at-home whitening kit – at Dental Care of Morristown, we recommend continuing the whitening process at home using our whitening kits. It can help you maintain the initial results of your teeth whitening treatment in the dental clinic.
- Quit smoking and taking alcohol – other than staining your teeth, they are harmful to your oral and general health.
Is it Safe To Whiten Your Teeth?
Teeth whitening procedures can feel unsafe, especially when they cause tooth sensitivity. Besides, the elements present indeed whitening products, like hydrogen peroxide, can be harmful to your oral health. It is particularly why you must ensure your teeth whitening procedure is done in a dental clinic by an experienced and trained dentist. Some of the reasons why professional teeth whitening is safe for your oral health are:
- Quick bleaching process – dentists do not allow the whitening products to stay on your teeth for too long. The incorporation of lasers in the whitening procedure further speeds up the bleaching process.
- Gum protection – dentists will not begin the bleaching process without protecting your gums. This way, there is little to no risk of irritation to your gums after the teeth whitening procedure.
- Regulated concentration – dentists speak their whitening products carefully to ensure that the concentration of the bleaching chemicals is within an acceptable range.