Tooth whitening is one of the most popular dental procedures currently being requested of dental professionals, with some research suggesting that it is being driven by our celebrity-obsessed culture. Most magazine photographs show the glitterati with dazzling, white smiles but we have no way of knowing if that whiteness is natural, or was produced by an air brushing artist. If the average person is expecting a similar dramatic result from their dentist, they are bound to be disappointed. There are benefits to be had from tooth whitening, but there are also possible drawbacks, and only a dental professional can provide an accurate assessment on an individual basis.
It must first be understood that not everyone’s teeth are suitable for whitening. If the teeth and gums are not in a clean and healthy condition beforehand, the procedure could cause further damage, and even if this is not the case, the teeth may still be unsuitable for whitening. Only a dentist Bundaberg is qualified to make this assessment.
To make an accurate assessment, a dentist will check the hardness of the enamel, look for existing sensitivity or decay, receding gums or other evidence of gum disease, and existing fillings, crowns or veneers. The cause of the discoloration will also be assessed e.g. diet and age are factors, and also whether it is surface discoloration or coming from inside the teeth. Only then will a dentist recommend a specific tooth whitening product or process.
If done correctly after a professional assessment, most people experience no problems with tooth whitening. However, do-it-yourself kits used or applied incorrectly can cause damaged, inflamed or blistered gums, softening of the enamel and severe sensitivity. Also, existing crowns, veneers and fillings will not change color, so there is a danger of having teeth in a number of different shades.
If applying the treatment at home, instructions must be strictly followed. A common way of thinking is that if the recommended amount is good, then more must be better. This is not a good idea because some products, if used for long periods of time in excessive doses, can cause irreparable damage to teeth. In fact, products containing more than a 6% concentration of whitening agent should only be used by a qualified dentist.
The most difficult issue for a dentist to manage is the unrealistic expectations of the patient. As long as people understand that their smile won’t change from a yellowish-grey to a movie-star white, the improvement is noticeable and appreciated. A realistic result from a tooth whitening Bundaberg treatment is a one or two shade difference.
This change is subtle enough for people to notice that something is different but they can’t quite put their finger on it. The smile is more attractive, the contrast against the skin tone makes the person look younger and because they look better they feel more confident. Tooth whitening may not be for everyone, but it does make a difference for many people.
It must first be understood that not everyone’s teeth are suitable for whitening. If the teeth and gums are not in a clean and healthy condition beforehand, the procedure could cause further damage, and even if this is not the case, the teeth may still be unsuitable for whitening. Only a dentist Bundaberg is qualified to make this assessment.
To make an accurate assessment, a dentist will check the hardness of the enamel, look for existing sensitivity or decay, receding gums or other evidence of gum disease, and existing fillings, crowns or veneers. The cause of the discoloration will also be assessed e.g. diet and age are factors, and also whether it is surface discoloration or coming from inside the teeth. Only then will a dentist recommend a specific tooth whitening product or process.
If done correctly after a professional assessment, most people experience no problems with tooth whitening. However, do-it-yourself kits used or applied incorrectly can cause damaged, inflamed or blistered gums, softening of the enamel and severe sensitivity. Also, existing crowns, veneers and fillings will not change color, so there is a danger of having teeth in a number of different shades.
If applying the treatment at home, instructions must be strictly followed. A common way of thinking is that if the recommended amount is good, then more must be better. This is not a good idea because some products, if used for long periods of time in excessive doses, can cause irreparable damage to teeth. In fact, products containing more than a 6% concentration of whitening agent should only be used by a qualified dentist.
The most difficult issue for a dentist to manage is the unrealistic expectations of the patient. As long as people understand that their smile won’t change from a yellowish-grey to a movie-star white, the improvement is noticeable and appreciated. A realistic result from a tooth whitening Bundaberg treatment is a one or two shade difference.
This change is subtle enough for people to notice that something is different but they can’t quite put their finger on it. The smile is more attractive, the contrast against the skin tone makes the person look younger and because they look better they feel more confident. Tooth whitening may not be for everyone, but it does make a difference for many people.
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