Many of us look at other people’s smiles admiringly. Usually, this happens because we observe straight, radiant white teeth. Who doesn’t want this for themselves? According to surveys, we see that about 80% of American adults say they wish they had whiter teeth. Furthermore, we see evidence of this wish in the prevalence of teeth whitening treatments. With professional teeth whitening being one of the easiest ways to makeover the smile, it’s hard to think of a reason not to schedule treatment.
Patients of New Smiles Dental in Sherwood, OR can discover their most radiant smile in a quick in-office treatment or by using a home whitening kit customized to their teeth. The process is simple, affordable, and convenient. Still, professional teeth whitening does ask you to answer a few questions before you take that leap.
Will Teeth Whitening Work?
Of course, teeth whitening works. If it didn’t, treatment wouldn’t still be performed after all these years. The question isn’t necessarily about the teeth whitening process in general, but about whether the stains that you have can be whitened. Most of the discoloration that occurs is resultant of food products. Tiny particles of debris from products like coffee and red wine penetrate through the uppermost layer of enamel. Teeth whitening follows these particles into the pores of teeth and breaks them apart.
If stains are internal, such as those caused by tetracycline or dental injury, discoloration may not resolve with a bleaching process. People with naturally thin enamel, as well, may not achieve their desired brightness with whitening.
Your dentist can help you answer this question about the merit of teeth whitening for your situation. Fret not, though. If whitening is not the answer, there is a good chance that porcelain veneers will be.
Will Whitening Achieve the Desired Outcome?
If the outcome you desire is to have whiter teeth, then it makes sense to have your teeth whitened. If you have imperfections aside from discoloration, such as a chipped or turned tooth, teeth whitening may achieve only part of your desired outcome. For patients who have multiple frustrating concerns, porcelain veneers may offer the most benefit. Because porcelain veneers cover the front surface of teeth, we are not limited to a single improvement at once.
Are you wondering what you would look like with a radiant smile? Let’s find out! Contact our Sherwood office at (503) 925-9595 to schedule your teeth whitening treatment.
