Your smile is often the first impression you make on the world. Age and other factors can cause the color of your teeth to change over time, keeping your smile from being its brightest. If you are considering either in-home or professional teeth whitening to brighten your smile, the following are questions you might have before your teeth whitening treatment:
Am I a candidate for teeth whitening? Most people are candidates for teeth whitening, but every patient is unique. It is always best to consult a dental professional to determine if teeth whitening will help you achieve the results you desire.
How long will teeth whitening last? Teeth whitening is not permanent, but typically can last six months to two years with proper care. Avoiding foods and drinks that are known to stain teeth can help preserve your results for a longer period.
Do teeth whitening treatments damage tooth enamel or existing dental restorations? When used correctly, products that contain 10% carbamide peroxide show no effect on enamel or damage to dental restorations. However, existing restorations will not lighten with whitening treatment and may need to be replaced to match the new tooth shade.
Will teeth whitening cause permanent tooth sensitivity? Sensitivity from teeth whitening usually goes away within two days of treatment. There is no evidence that teeth whitening treatment has a harmful effect on the health of the tooth’s nerve, which would cause extended sensitivity.
There are many options today for effective teeth whitening. Consult with your dentist about any additional questions you may have about teeth whitening treatments and ways to refresh your smile.
