If your natural teeth are stained and discolored, you may want to consider cosmetic dentistry options to enhance your smile. There are numerous treatments available, including teeth whitening and porcelain veneers. In this post, we are discussing teeth whitening in detail before you see a dentist in Tukwila, WA.
Options for teeth whitening
No matter the process, teeth whitening usually involves bleaching the teeth to get a whiter smile. The most popular choice is a home teeth-whitening kit, which will come with custom trays. You are required to use the trays with a special bleaching agent for a few hours or as recommended by the dentist. Note that teeth whitening only works on natural teeth enamel. If you have old fillings, crowns, and bridges, your dentist will check if there is a need for replacements. New restorations will be done after teeth whitening to ensure they match the color of your newly-bleached teeth.
The second option is in-office teeth whitening, which is more effective for extremely stained teeth. The procedure can be completed in one appointment, and there is no downtime. Note that teeth whitening, regardless of how it is done, is not permanent. You will need to see your dentist, depending on how quickly your teeth get stained.
Reasons to consider teeth whitening
Besides normal staining due to food habits, you may also consider teeth whitening for fluorosis. Enamel is prone to staining, and if you smoke, consume dark-colored foods and beverages, and take certain medications, you are more likely to suffer from discoloration and staining.
Do teeth whitening kits hurt?
No, teeth whitening is not a painful procedure. Your dentist will adjust your custom trays to ensure a proper fit. It is common to experience some sensitivity after teeth whitening, but these are minor side effects, which should subside in a few days.
Other things to know
Not everyone is a good candidate for teeth whitening. If you have gum disease, too many restorations, or extremely stained teeth, teeth whitening may not work for you. Veneers are a better choice for discolored teeth, and you can expect to get whiter teeth that can last for as long as 15 years. Veneers are also a good option if you have gapped teeth. Note that, unlike teeth whitening, veneers are permanent as a part of the enamel must be filed to make room for the thin shells.
Call your dentist today for teeth whitening.
