One of the first things people notice about you is the quality of your smile, and it’s only natural to want to make a good impression. Unfortunately, if your enamel looks more yellow or brown than pearly white, you might worry about being judged for your appearance.
You might feel tempted to lighten your enamel with over-the-counter products, but they could hurt your smile if you’re not careful. Continue reading to learn why it’s better to contact your dentist first!
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
Although product quality and pricing can vary, most teeth whitening options utilize bleaches, like hydrogen peroxide of carbamide peroxide, to brighten your smile. These ingredients expand the microscopic pores of your teeth to penetrate the surface.
Then, they undergo a chemical oxidation process that breaks down pigmented particles, reducing their size and concentration. This minimizes surface stains to give you a smile that sparkles.
How Does Teeth Whitening Affect Cavities?
Teeth whitening can trigger sensitivity because the expanded pores in your enamel carry sensations through tubules in the lower layer of dentin and into the roots of your teeth. That means if you accidentally place it on top of cavities, it can cause a painful reaction that might require an emergency dental appointment to address.
You might not feel overly worried about running into this issue if you don’t see any obvious areas of tooth decay. However, it’s possible to have the oral problems, like cavities or gum disease, and not know it. For example, cavities can develop in areas that are difficult to see without professional examination, such as between your teeth or behind your molars. That means you could have a problem you might not notice until you place bleach on top of it.
Why Should I See My Dentist to Lighten My Smile?
Thankfully, you can avoid potential aches by visiting your dentist for professional teeth whitening services. They’re happy to enhance your looks, but their primary concern is to maintain your dental condition. That means they’ll examine your mouth before administering elective cosmetics to ensure no pre-existing issues interfere with the results.
Then, they utilize ultra-concentrated solutions designed to mitigate potential discomfort. Whether you opt for the instant results of an in-office procedure or prefer a take-home kit with professional-grade gels and custom-fitted applicator trays, they can help you safely achieve your ideal shade.
Although you may have some limited success improving your appearance with store-bought options, the most effective way to brighten your smile is by consulting your dentist!
About the Practice
Patients at BridgeMill Dental Care benefit from three dentists with decades of combined experience helping people build and maintain happy, healthy smiles. Dr. Candon, Dr. Carver, and Dr. Squatrito collaborate to provide a comprehensive menu of services at one convenient location, including cosmetics like teeth whitening. They take the time to learn about your unique goals and concerns, then utilize state-of-the-art equipment to deliver accurate treatment results tailored to your needs. If you want to upgrade your grin, you can request a consultation on the website or by calling (803) 650-3925.