Teeth whitening gives you brighter teeth and a killer smile worth showing off. Apart from that, it’s an essential part of good grooming. However, we still don’t know much about this dental procedure. Is it painful? How much does it cost? Can you do it at home? These are some of the questions that come to mind when you think of teeth whitening. Before booking an appointment with your dentist, here are some things to know about teeth whitening.
- Discolouration
Your teeth absorb anything you consume. This is why people who drink black coffee or tea are more likely to suffer from discolouration than those who don’t. Additionally, these stains won’t come off unless you actively remove them.
- Suitability
This treatment works for the vast majority of people. In fact, 95% of people notice an improvement in their teeth’s appearance. However, there are some factors that disqualify you from going through the treatment. Therefore, it’s important to receive an assessment before booking a whitening appointment.
- Sensitivity
Your teeth are likely to feel sensitive after the procedure. However, the intensity varies depending on the person. Some people have more sensitive teeth thus feeling irritated. The response is individual so you shouldn’t base your decision on someone else’s experience.
- Home Treatments
While a visit to the dentist works perfectly, you’ll need to maintain those pearly whites with home treatments. There are a number of what to have a teeth whitening session at home. You can purchase a whitening kit or use natural remedies such as activated charcoal, baking soda or turmeric mixtures. The Benefits Of Oil Pulling Your Teeth
- Safety
One of the biggest concerns is whether it damages your tooth or might be harmful to your health. Most whitening products are made from hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide which gently penetrate the tooth and breaks down the discoloured molecules. It doesn’t affect the tooth structure and is safe for use.
- Cost
Though teeth whitening is fairly expensive, it’s cheaper than what you’d expect. A dentist session costs between Ksh 8,000 to Ksh 12,000 per jaw depending on the discolouration. Some medical insurance covers dental care but it’s important to check whether it includes such treatments. You can also get teeth whitening products in the market for Ksh 2,000 to Ksh 8,000.
- After-Care
Once you’re done with the teeth whitening process, you’re advised not to eat or drink anything that stains for 4 days. You shouldn’t go for another session until after 6 months and depending on your diet, the treatment should last up to 18 months.
- Different Results
All teeth are made different so you shouldn’t expect similar results to someone else. Additionally, other factors determine your results such as age, products and previous dental work. Teeth whitening doesn’t work on fillings, crowns and veneers.
- Maintain Hygiene
Teeth whitening isn’t a substitute for brushing your teeth. In fact, for longer lasting effects, its necessary to maintain good dental hygiene. Brush your teeth daily and floss after meals to avoid buildup and staining.
- Smile
Teeth whitening gives you the confidence to turn that frown into a smile. Since you’ve invested a lot of time, effort and money into it, make sure you wear your smile proudly.
Check out 15 Practices For Healthy Teeth And DIY Home Whitening Remedies
