Your smile is the most important facial feature. If you have stained or discolored teeth, you should consider cosmetic dentistry options like teeth whitening and dental veneers. Each procedure has a few pros and cons, but teeth whitening remains one of the most popular and affordable treatments for most patients. If you are visiting a Fort Walton Beach dentist for discussing treatments for your discolored/stained teeth, you should certainly discuss teeth whitening. Below are some key aspects of the procedure.
The basics
Today, you have varied ways to whiten your teeth. The first and most common choice is in-office teeth whitening, where the dentist will rely on bleaching agents and tools to remove stubborn stains from your teeth. The second option is a take-home teeth-whitening system, where your dentist will give you custom trays to fit your mouth and a bleaching solution. Most home teeth whitening systems require the patient to wear the trays with bleaching solution for at least 30 minutes twice a day for at least a week or more to see desired results. Whether you should choose a chair-side or take-home teeth-whitening system depends on the extent of staining and other concerns.
Why consider professional teeth whitening procedures?
Regardless of what the dentist has recommended, there are a few benefits of professional teeth whitening procedures. Firstly, it is fast and convenient, and you can expect to get whiter and brighter within a week or two. Even when your teeth are stained extensively, you can see a significant difference in their appearance within a few weeks. The results of teeth whitening can last for months or even years, depending on how you care for your teeth. Unlike dental veneers, you don’t need to remove a part of the tooth enamel for teeth whitening, which means there are limited side effects.
Is teeth whitening right for me?
The answer depends on the condition of your teeth. If you have extremely stained teeth with chips and cracks, there are dental veneers and crowns that your dentist may consider as an added option. Also, those with too many crowns or bridges in their mouth have to consider the impact of teeth whitening on these appliances; therefore, a dentist is the best person to answer your questions.
Final word
Don’t let stained teeth take away your confidence and self-esteem. Ask your dentist about the best ways to whiten your teeth without additional concerns.