Improve Your Smile With Cosmetic Dentistry

What You Should Know Before Getting Your Teeth Whitened

27 April 2015 by Christy Long

Getting your teeth whitened is a primarily cosmetic procedure that can help improve the appearance of your teeth, but there are certain factors you should take into consideration before electing to get the procedure done or to try it yourself. There are many different ways to whiten your teeth—some use over-the-counter products while others are done in a dentist's office—and some, if not many, may not be available to you. Before you try to whiten your teeth you'll need to think about your current oral health and past dental work, as well as the costs associated with it.

Insurance May Not Cover It

If you want your dentist to whiten your teeth, expect to pay for the entire thing out of pocket. Most dental insurances don't pay for purely cosmetic procedures. You can ask your dentist or insurance company to find out for certain, and if insurance won't cover it, your dentist may be able to offer you a payment plan.

Certain Dental Problems May Disqualify You

Depending on what type of whitening procedure you opt for, your current dental health may prevent you from being able to do it. If you have cavities, gum disease, gum recession and extremely sensitive teeth, your dentist may not be able to do the procedure. This is because the dental procedure is very strong so it can be completed in about an hour. If you have sensitive teeth you may be able to still get your teeth whitened, but no matter what, all problems like cavities and gum disease must be taken care of first.

Past Dental Work Won't Dye

If you have any bondings, veneers, fillings or crowns, they will not be dyed with the rest of your teeth. This may not pose a big problem if these artificial attachments are near the back of your mouth or hidden from view, but if you have any on the front of your teeth, getting your teeth dyed will make them stand out.

Over-The-Counter Products Are Cheaper, But Have More Risks

If you're familiar with your dental health, you may be pretty comfortable with what you can safely do to your teeth. However, there are certain risks that come with using a do-it-yourself product. The primary issue is that you won't have any supervision from your dentist, so he won't be able to tell you if you're using the right product or using it correctly.

The reason dental input is important is because the mix of chemicals necessary to whiten your teeth effectively can differ from person to person. Some people may need a stronger mix to get the results they want, while for others, a strong mix could result in burns to your gums.

Whitening Can Weaken Your Teeth

The chemicals used in whitening are abrasive, and can wear away at the enamel on your teeth. This makes them more susceptible to cavities and acid damage. This is partly why having healthy teeth is so important for the procedure, and is important whether you have it completed by your dentist or on your own.

Whitening Needs To Be Done Repeatedly

On average, a whitening will last about two years, so if you want to keep the look you have achieved, you'll have to pay for it more than once. How you choose to do this is up to you, but you can get the process completely redone every few years or have touchups done every few months.

For further assistance, contact a dentist, such as one from Willowdaile Family Dentistry.

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