5 Things to Remember If You Plan to Whiten Your Teeth for the First Time

If your teeth have some discolouration, whitening can help. The hydrogen peroxide in the various teeth whitening methods breaks down surface stains. If you smoke or drink coffee, for instance, whitening will be an effective way to remove the stains those habits cause. But don't jump straight into teeth whitening without learning about the treatment first.

By educating yourself on teeth whitening first, you can ensure that you choose the right whitening approach. You'll even be able to understand if teeth whitening is the right treatment for you or not.

1. Teeth whitening won't remove stains caused by ageing

Many people don't realize that the ageing process causes tooth discolouration. For instance, as you age, the second layer of your teeth, called dentin, darkens. And at the same time, the first layer, called enamel, thins. Ultimately, this means your teeth appear discoloured. Unfortunately, you can't whiten teeth that have darkened due to ageing. Consider veneers or composite bonding instead.

2. Teeth whitening doesn't whiten dental work

If you have dental work like crowns, veneers or a dental bridge, which includes crowns, you won't be able to whiten them. But with the help of a professional dentist, you can whiten your teeth in a dental office and try to match their shade with the shade of your dental work.

3. Over the counter whitening kits are a poor fit

If you are considering over the counter whitening kits to whiten your teeth at home, be aware that these whitening trays don't fit very well. This is important because the poor fit could cause the whitening gel to spill over the edges of the tray and onto your gum tissue. For your first time, consider using a professional dentist. Otherwise, you risk damaging your gums.

4. Whitening can be painful if you have untreated cavities

Even if you think you don't have any cavities, consider having a dental checkup before you whiten your teeth. If you do have a hidden cavity, the whitening bleach will penetrate that cavity and cause you extreme pain. Whitening gel can also damage the nerves inside teeth if penetrates deeply enough.

5. In-office whitening is the safest and most effective whitening method

If this is your first time, consider going to a dentist for your whitening treatment. Not only is this the safest and most effective approach, but you'll come away from your treatment session with the knowledge and experience that only a professional can give you. As such, you'll know what works and what doesn't, and have a better chance of whitening your teeth yourself in future.

For more information, reach out to a teeth whitening service.

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