Teeth Whitening: Why It’s Best To Visit a Cosmetic Dentist
According to the American Association of Orthodontists, about 90% of their patients requested teeth whitening services. Though many fear the dentist, professional teeth whitening services are the top five dental procedures performed in the United States.
Patients with stained or discolored teeth seek to brighten their smiles through DIY projects. However, nothing beats going to a cosmetic dentist who knows how to get the job done right.
Are you looking for one of the best ways to whiten your teeth? Then keep reading to learn everything you need to know about teeth whitening and why it’s best to visit a cosmetic dentist.
Professional Teeth Whitening VS DIY
Did you know that 36% of the U.S. population reports experiencing some form of dental anxiety? Due to this common fear, many people avoid the dentist altogether, even when they have a dental emergency such as a cracked tooth.
That also means patients look for any other way to whiten their teeth, usually through dental DIY kits and projects. There are countless items on the market that boasts whiter teeth like tooth whitening paste and charcoal powder. However, these DIY kits can potentially do more damage than they do good.
Common side effects from hydrogen peroxide-based teeth whitening kits are:
- Tooth sensitivity
- Wearing down of enamel
- Sensitive gums
- Bleeding gums
- Irritated gums
Fact is, if you don’t know what you are doing, then you could harm your teeth while still never achieving the intended result. That is why visiting a cosmetic dentist is the best way to go.
The term cosmetic dentist can be a bit confusing. While these professionals do not provide orthodontic care, they do help in restoring your smile.
There are several benefits to visiting a cosmetic dentist like:
- Improved dental health
- Better self-confidence
- Better quality of life
- Cleaner looking smile/appearance
Not to mention that cosmetic dentistry adds to an improved financial future. If you keep up with your cosmetic oral health, it means fewer trips to the dentist.
Keep in mind that cosmetic dentists have extensive training. While grabbing a tube of whitening toothpaste may seem like a quick-fix, it won’t do the job like a trained professional.
Who Needs Teeth Whitening?
So, the question remains as to who needs tooth whitening services. In essence, everyone is subject to teeth whitening. Chances are, as we go through our daily lives, we are doing or eating something that discolors our teeth. However, some people should consider getting whitening services more than others.
These people include:
- People with yellow teeth
- Coffee drinkers
- Smokers
Anybody with yellowed teeth will probably respond best to these treatments. However, there are a few instances where tooth whitening may not be the best option.
These are:
- Those who are pregnant
- Children under 16 years of age
- Those who are allergic to the teeth whitening ingredients
- If you have a dead tooth
- People with fillings
- Patients with implants or dental bridges
- Those with genetically sensitive teeth
You should also bear in mind that your smile will likely not be a blinding flash of white. Set realistic expectations for yourself so that you are not disappointed with the outcome.
Why Choose Our Take-Home Teeth Whitening Kit?
One of the most popular options these days is the take-home whitening kit. With the pandemic going on, we now realize how comforting it can be to do things from home.
Whitening your teeth is now one of those tasks that you can bring home with you after visiting your cosmetic dentist. That way, you limit your time in the dentist’s chair while receiving professional-grade results.
How Does It Work?
Dr. Rinaldi customizes teeth whitening trays for all of his patients. He will send these trays home with you, along with a detailed description of how to use them. That way, you will know how long to keep the trays in your mouth and how much whitening gel you need to apply.
What Are The Benefits of This Procedure?
These teeth whitening kits are not the typical at-home DIY project you can pick up from your local drug store. These materials are dental-grade, with ingredients prescribed by a cosmetic dentist.
Some of the many benefits of a take-home kit are:
- You can do it from the comfort of your own home
- Natural-looking results
- Fully customizable procedure
- You can work it around your schedule
According to Dr. Rinaldi, after a few days of use, you should notice your teeth becoming whiter.
How Long Does Professional Teeth Whitening Last?
Nothing lasts forever, and that includes teeth whitening. However, DIY whitening products will only last a few days, maybe even a few months. That is all the more reason to visit a cosmetic dentist.
By seeking professional services, you can extend hat time to up to 2-3 years. You should also do your best to avoid foods and lifestyle habits that will stain your teeth faster.
Does It Damage Your Teeth?
A big question is whether or not whitening services damage our enamel. However, since our tooth enamel is the toughest human tissue on our bodies, it is unlikely that your teeth will experience permanent damage. Still, the worry exists over tooth sensitivity.
In reality, those who experience this side-effect are already pre-disposed to sensitivity. That said, your teeth may feel more tender for a few days. But this is condition will not last for long.
Visit a Cosmetic Dentist
As you can tell, there are many components to consider when it comes to teeth whitening. While toothpaste and other products may help, nothing beats going to a cosmetic dentist who can help professionals restore your smile. Dr. Rinaldi is one such dentist with experience in customizing teeth whitening plans per patient.
If you have discolored teeth that you want to fix, do not hesitate to contact Rinaldi Dental Arts and schedule your appointment today! No doubt, Dr. Rinaldi will set you on the path to a better, brighter smile.
