Want to make a good first impression in job interviews, client meetings, first dates and other social settings? Or do you simply want to boost or restore your confidence when talking or interacting with other people? There’s one thing you can do: improve your smile! But how can you exactly achieve it? Today, we’ll talk about one of the most popular aspects of cosmetic dentistry: professional teeth whitening.
Why You Should Consider It
You may have your teeth whitened with the most affordable whitening toothpaste on the shelf, but here’s exactly why should consider the professional route:
- Confidence Booster: With cosmetic teeth whitening, you can get your teeth between eight to 15 shades whiter. Beyond looking good, having a bright smile makes you feel good. When you feel confident talking and flashing your smile, it shows in your day-to-day interactions. It can even open doors in your personal & professional lives.
- Enhanced Appearance: Are your teeth yellow? Whether it’s the effect of your smoking habits or other causes, you can rely on professional whitening treatment to help remove your stubborn stains and address your teeth discolouration effectively. You can expect a cleaner, healthier-looking smile.
- Safe and Effective: Since it’s under the care of cosmetic dental professionals, professional teeth whitening is deemed to be safer and more effective than other options. Dental practitioners use approved bleaching agents and modern techniques, like LED teeth whitening, to ensure effective results while minimising any potential risks. They often provide after-care instructions, too.
More Benefits of Professional Teeth Whitening
Need more convincing? Here are more advantages of professional teeth whitening:
- Immediate and Noticeable Results
Especially with in-office treatments, the change is visible right after the teeth whitening procedure. Say you have a wedding coming up or only have an hour to spare during a workday to get treatment. You can rely on an in-office whitening session, which can take only about an hour and offer instantly noticeable results.
- Customised Treatments
Professional whitening considers your unique dental needs, ensuring the best outcome while taking care of your oral health. Usually, it starts with a consultation. Dental professionals will assess your initial shade & your desired shade while keeping your lifestyle habits in mind to get your teeth whitened effectively. They are also often willing to discuss any questions you might have, like how much teeth whitening costs or what you can do to make your incredible oral whitening results last longer.
- Long-Lasting Effects
With proper care—like avoiding staining foods & beverages and sticking to good oral hygiene practices— the results of professional whitening can last for years. That makes it a worthwhile investment in your smile—and your appearance and self-confidence. As mentioned, in-office teeth whitening often comes with specific after-care instructions to help ensure you can enjoy your bright smile for a long time. Regular dental check-ups will also help prolong the good effects.
Understanding the Professional Teeth Whitening Options
To help you decide, here are two professional teeth whitening options for you:
- In-Office Whitening
This is by far the quickest method to achieve a brighter smile. Performed by dental professionals, in-office teeth whitening often involves applying a high-concentration bleaching gel (within safe limits) to the teeth. The gel is often activated with a special LED light or laser for efficient application. The entire process can take about an hour, making it ideal for on-the-go individuals or those looking for quick results.
- Take-Home Whitening Kits
These kits are custom-made, dentist-provided trays filled with a whitening gel. Your cosmetic dentist will likely instruct you to wear these trays for a specified period each day. When you do it consistently, you’ll likely achieve good results over a few weeks. This option offers the convenience of whitening your teeth at home while still under professional guidance.
What about over-the-counter oral whitening products?
It’s easy to purchase teeth whitening strips, toothpaste and gels, but they are generally less potent than professional treatments. It’s better to use them for maintenance. Ask your dentist whether they’re ideal after-care products for you.
Is Cosmetic Teeth Whitening Right for You?
Even after reading all the options and benefits of professional teeth whitening, you might still wonder whether it’s right for you. It is suitable for most people but is not recommended for children under 16, pregnant women or individuals with sensitive teeth, gum disease or worn enamel. It is best to consult with your dentist to determine if professional teeth whitening is appropriate for you or whether you need to explore other cosmetic dental options to achieve a healthy and bright smile.
Embrace a More Confident & Vibrant You
Teeth whitening is a step towards embracing a more confident and vibrant you. And with professional guidance, you can achieve that dream smile safely and effectively. Consult with a cosmetic dental practitioner today to get started.
