Pros and Cons of Teeth Whitening Treatments

Teeth whitening is a way to improve the appearance of your smile by removing stains on highly visible teeth. Professional teeth whitening is performed either in the office or through at-home kits prescribed by the dentist. This review highlights the pros and cons of teeth whitening treatments.

Teeth whitening treatment benefits and disadvantages

The benefits you receive from teeth whitening depend on the purpose of treatment and your specific goals. Similarly, the potential disadvantages are unique to your situation as well. However, there are some commonalities to become familiar with so you know what to expect before you begin treatment.

Professional teeth whitening defined

Professional teeth whitening is a common cosmetic dental procedure that improves the color shade of teeth that have mild to moderate stains. There are different types of professional teeth whitening, including store-bought kits, in-office whitening, and professional at-home whitening kits. The best way to ensure optimal safety and effectiveness of treatment is to visit a dentist to discuss all options.

The benefits of professional teeth whitening

The most notable benefit of professional teeth whitening is a more attractive smile. When teeth stains form, many patients lose confidence in their appearance. A bright smile through professional teeth whitening often restores lost confidence and allows patients to feel better while around others. Also, an improved smile through professional whitening often encourages the patient to take good care of their oral health in order to continue showing off a beautiful and bright smile.

The disadvantages to professional teeth whitening

There are some potential side effects of teeth whitening. Some patients report mild teeth sensitivity or gum irritation. However, this is relatively rare when teeth whitening is performed in-office by a licensed dentist. Some patients may not achieve the desired results if their stains are more severe, so discussing treatment options with a dentist ahead of time is encouraged. Professional teeth whitening is affordable, but it is not always covered with dental insurance policies.

How to determine if teeth whitening is right for you

Teeth whitening is recommended to any patient that is not happy with the appearance of their smile due to minor extrinsic teeth stains. Stains that are more severe may require more extensive treatment than teeth whitening. The best way to determine if teeth whitening is appropriate is to visit a dentist for a consultation.

Caring for your smile after teeth whitening treatment

The dentist may provide aftercare instructions to help patients keep their smiles bright. This may include limiting consumption of foods and drinks that can cause stains, such as dark beverages, foods and drinks high in sugar, citrus fruits, and sauce-based foods.