10 Reasons to Get Your Teeth Whitened Part I

Are you looking for an easy way to improve the look of your smile? Do you want to avoid more involved methods like veneers or dental crowns? Have you been considered teeth whitening? As one of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments, teeth whitening has been successful for a variety of patients. 

Professional teeth whitening is performed in a dental office or through the use of take-home trays. Both methods will have different results, so you will need to consult with your dentist to determine which is the best teeth whitening method for you. In some cases, professional teeth whitening may be performed in the office and take-home trays may also be given for later use. 

At this point, you may be wondering why bother having your teeth whitened. However, if you are looking for an easy way to improve the look of your smile, teeth whitening may just be the perfect cosmetic dental treatment for you. Here are ten reasons why you should get your teeth whitened: 

It Can Remove the Toughest of Stains

Professional teeth whitening procedures use a whitening agent that is absorbed by the enamel and dentin layers of the teeth. After being absorbed, the chemical compound of the whitening agent reacts with the discolored molecules and causes them to break apart. This process is what removes stains and discolorations from your teeth. Professional teeth whitening can remove the tough stains from diet, poor hygiene, medications, age, and smoking. 

It’s Affordable

Teeth whitening is priced much lower than other cosmetic dental treatments. This is one main reason why it tends to be so popular. The actual cost will depend on the type of whitening treatment you opt for, but overall teeth whitening procedures are one of the most affordable cosmetic dental procedures. 

The Procedure is Easy

Having your teeth professionally whitened takes very minimal effort on your part. Simply, lay down and relax while your teeth get whiter. Prior to placing the whitening agent, your teeth will need to be cleaned so that any plaque can be removed and the surface will be smooth. Your gums will also need to be isolated from your teeth to prevent them from being irritated by the whitening agent. The whitening agent will be brushed over the surface of your teeth and left in place while you relax. Once the procedure is over, your mouth will be rinsed. 

The Procedure is Fast

In addition to being easy, the teeth whitening procedure is also fast. Most teeth whitening agents only need to sit on the teeth’s surface for 30-60 minutes to be effective. Even after the whitening agents are rinsed off the teeth, they will continue the whitening process for the next 24 hours. Only 30-60 minutes in the dental chair buys you 24 hours of teeth whitening. 

The Procedure is Safe

The active ingredient in professional teeth whitening agents are either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. Both these compounds are broken down into water while the whitening agent breaks the discolored molecular bonds. Since they become water after the whitening reaction has taken place, they can simply be absorbed into the body. 

For more information on teeth whitening, see “Teeth Whitening” or Part II of “10 Reasons to Get Your Teeth Whitened”.

Dr. Anthony Mancino is Monmouth and Ocean County New Jersey’s General and Cosmetic Dentist and has been practicing for over 25 years focusing on cosmetic and overall dental health. Dr. Mancino is a graduate of Villanova University and University of Pennsylvania. He is also a member of the American Dental Association, New Jersey Dental Association, Monmouth & Ocean County Dental Association, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and the Academy of General Dentistry.