Prior to treatment options such as porcelain dental veneers, Dr. Yost sometimes recommends teeth whitening to people with mildly discolored teeth who want to improve their smile because it is the least invasive cosmetic dentistry procedure.
Teeth undergo a substantial amount of use and become exposed to a wide range of things that can stain them. It’s no wonder that teeth become discolored or are just not as white as
they could be. Because your smile helps to make a good first impression, you owe it to yourself to explore how you can make your teeth be healthy and bright.
It is good to understand the pros and cons. Dr. Yost always schedules a consultation with patients interested in the procedure to discuss these elements and any alternative options, based on each patient’s unique situation.
Teeth Whitening Basics: How It Works and What to Expect
Whitening teeth is straight forward and available to most people. Many try one of the at-home options, but professional whitening usually provides impressive results that last longer as well. The most commonly performed treatment uses a bleaching agent (usually carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide) to remove stains and discoloration. ADA provides several professional whitening treatment options so we can customize it to the patient’s needs.
Teeth Whitening Pros: Key Benefits for a Brighter Smile
- Professional teeth whitening only takes about an hour to see great results.
- Additional treatments are also available to achieve a whiter shade or for very discolored teeth.
- Whitening treatments are less invasive than other options.
- The cost tends to be lower than other cosmetic dentistry treatments.
Teeth Whitening Cons: Risks, Sensitivity, and Limitations
- The bleaching agent of whitening can cause irritation or sensitivity and precautions are taken to protect the gums.
- Teeth whitening is especially effective for yellowing teeth but can be difficult to achieve desired results for teeth that are gray or brown.
- Whitening only works well on natural teeth and can’t be used on bonding materials, such as crowns or fillings
- These procedures can address the color of teeth, not any structural or teeth shaping that may be needed.
Please contact us for a consultation on our teeth whitening treatment options.
