A bright, shiny smile has become a familiar aspect of beauty standards today. Flawless white teeth can be seen everywhere from actors in movies to models or influencers. The growing popularity of this aesthetic has pushed many people to try to get the same results with at-home teeth whitening products. Your dentist knows, though, that whiter teeth don’t necessarily mean healthier ones. Keep reading to learn 3 reasons why!
Reason #1: Naturally Healthy Teeth Are Tinged
Did you know that adult teeth in good condition are not actually white? It’s true that the outermost layer, the enamel, is a clean blue-white color. The thick middle layer (dentin), however, has a slightly yellow tint. Because the enamel is somewhat translucent, the yellow tone can be seen through it. That means perfectly healthy adult teeth naturally have an off-white appearance.
Reason #2: Teeth Sensitivity to Whitening Products
With so many toothpastes, rinses, gels, strips, and more all boasting that they can lighten your teeth, it seems like a beautiful clean smile would be easy to achieve! Many people, however, run into challenges with sensitivity. The bleach in many commercially available products can cause discomfort, especially if you consume something either very hot or cold. This can be exacerbated if you use the treatment frequently or don’t leave enough time in between sessions.
Reason #3: Hidden Cavities
It’s entirely possible to have a crack or cavity in your tooth and be completely unaware. You’ll quickly realize something’s wrong, though, if you try to whiten it! The chemicals can seep into any vulnerable spaces and reach deeper than intended, which can cause some seriously unpleasant sensations. Then your teeth might look prettier, but they’ll hurt more and require a dentist’s attention.
It’s also worth noting that some whitening agents are known to gradually wear down the enamel of your teeth. This is problematic because it can’t grow back and leaves them more susceptible to harm. With less defense, bacteria are more likely to cause decay or disease.
The best course of action is to call your dentist and let them know you’d like to brighten your grin. Many practices offer whitening services either onsite or as take-home kits, but the real benefit is your oral well-being. Your dentist will look for signs of damage or deterioration prior to whitening. That means soon you can have the results you want without the risk!
About the Practice
Our dentists at Advanced Dental Concepts provide patients of all ages with a complete array of dental services including cosmetic dentistry. We offer on-site teeth whitening services for safe, effective treatment. We also are happy to put together a take-home kit with custom-fitted trays. If you’d like to make an appointment, you are welcome to contact us on our website or by calling (219) 926-7595.