A lot of people have success with at-home and professional teeth whitening kits. However, it is still necessary to understand what such treatments involve before you make a decision. You need to consult with a provider of Maryville, TN dental services before you use teeth whitening products. If you are considering any form of teeth whitening, below are questions you must ask your dentist to decide on the right option for you.
Causes of Tooth Discoloration
Your dentist can help you understand why you have discolored teeth and whether this problem can be addressed with whitening treatment. For instance, teeth whitening is not ideal for all kinds of discoloration and stains. Often, whitening treatments can brighten yellow teeth better than grey, black, or brown teeth. If staining food and beverages have discolored your teeth, your dentist may recommend avoiding such things to maintain the outcomes of your whitening treatment. Also, if an underlying dental problem caused the discoloration, this must be addressed first.
Safety of Teeth Whitening Treatments
Teeth whitening is non-invasive; however, it still comes with risks if you fail to follow instructions and regulations. Over-the-counter teeth whitening products may not have higher concentrations of whitening chemicals to avoid chemical burns. Products that are designed to have higher strengths may need to be used only by a dentist.
The Risks of Teeth Whitening Treatment
When not performed correctly, teeth whitening could put you at risk of uneven results or injury. If your gums come into contact with the bleaching agent, chemical burns can occur. This is the reason you should consult a dentist about a whitening product before you use it.
In some people, tooth and gum sensitivity develops following teeth whitening, particularly during in-chair treatment. A dentist can advise you on potential side effects and what you can expect. In general, pregnant women and new mothers must avoid teeth whitening because the treatment can have chemicals that can enter their placenta and breast milk.
What Results Can You Expect?
Before you undergo a whitening treatment, ensure you have realistic expectations. Your dentist can explain what you might expect from the treatment. Whitening treatments do not provide the same efficacy on people and teeth can whiten differently to one treatment. Teeth whitening can change the color of your teeth by several shades. Thus, seriously discolored or stained teeth will not whiten as much as originally whiter teeth. Knowing what to expect from the treatment can help you determine if it is right for you.