Spring is here! (OMG finally) and summer is not too far away. Even that should get you smiling! Yip, summer means weddings, graduation balls, lots of summer parties, and…..PHOTOGRAPHS.
So if you have been hiding your smile away, ask yourself why? Is it because of a broken tooth, yellowing teeth, missing teeth?
Whatever it is it can all be fixed in time.
You know 47% of people look at your smile first of all over any of your features?
In this 3 part blog on Cosmetic Dentistry, we will be helping you with ideas on how to get your smile… photo ready.
Teeth Whitening
Whitening your teeth is the easiest treatment you can have to instantly improve your smile without any work! Tea, coffee, wine, smoking, drugs, genetics, all compound and play a part in the colour of our teeth. Beigey, brown teeth are easier to whiten than the greyish teeth.
At Bayside Family Dentistry, we offer high-end Teeth Whitening procedures.
In Chair Teeth Whitening
Short of time? Aren’t we all? Well, sit back and relax as you have your teeth whitened professionally in the chair. Just like Kim Kardashian here.
This treatment offers the highest concentration up to 35% under the supervision by a dentist, not anyone else! These typically show results much quicker than the home treatments, even after your first go. Dentists are only legally allowed to dispense these products over a certain percentage.
Dentist supervised treatment have an advantage versus over the counter products. The main one is the dentist can determine if whitening should be performed at all!
Patients who have decayed teeth, or infected gums, have crowns, white fillings should not have whitening. This is why a consult is strongly advised prior to the procedures. Some people have whitening treatments in beauty salons and shopping centres, without having a dental check, If there is undiagnosed decay, then putting an active whitening ingredient on a tooth with an exposed nerve is dangerous!
A combo of the in chair and at home whitening, can lift your teeth colour up to 10 shades whiter!
At Home Teeth Whitening
For those who wish to do it at home, this cost-effective treatment allows you to do it at your own pace and in the comfort of your own home. A lower concentration is safe to use without supervision. Studies show this method over a longer period of time, gives the best results.
The home kit includes your custom fitted trays that fit exactly over your teeth. Good fitting trays means the whitening gel is contacting the teeth ONLY, and not gums or soft tissues. So no nasty irritations are expected. Home kits from the dentist are much safer than the over-the-counter whitening kits, as these are unregulated.
So how does Teeth Whitening work?
Here comes the science bit. The hydrogen peroxide is the active ingredient in whitening products (H2O2) which is delivered as itself or in a stable form called carbamide peroxide. This breaks down into H2O2 in contact with water, so basically the chemical reaction is exactly the same as hydrogen peroxide itself.
Is Teeth Whitening safe?
Yes. Studies show it is safe and effective. Lower concentrations have been shown not to cause any damage to the enamel. Higher concentrations are offset by using fluoride gels that are applied by the dentist
During all teeth whitening procedures, you will experience some degree of sensitivity which is short-lived ( no pain no gain right?). This is perfectly normal and there is no risk to the nerve. If you experience severe pain, stop treatment right away and inform your dentist.
Results will vary from individual to individual.
Your smile is your best accessory for the summer season!
This article is part two of a three part series on cosmetic dentistry.
- Click here to see Part 2: Cosmetic dental bonding
- Click here to see Part 3: Porcelain Veneers And Crowns
