Whether you’re celebrating, getting ready for a big event, or just taking selfies with your friends, everyone wants a bright and stunning smile. That’s why teeth whitening is one of the most sought-after cosmetic dentistry solutions. However, not all options are the same. Here’s what you should know before trying to brighten your smile.

1. Not all whitening products work the same.

You’ll find countless products on store shelves claiming to deliver brighter smiles. However, they can’t compete with professional whitening. Talking with your dentist about both in-office and at-home whitening options is your best bet to get stunning results sooner rather than later.

Most whitening treatments rely on the same basic principle. Products ranging from professional treatment gel to off-the-shelf whitening strips contain various concentrations of hydrogen peroxide. This compound penetrates tooth surfaces and breaks down stains to achieve whitening.

However, most products you’ll find in stores have very low hydrogen peroxide concentrations. This means that they deliver moderate results that take a long time to notice. Your dentist can safely use much higher concentrations to deliver faster results, whether through immediate in-office treatment or custom take-home kits.

This increased strength means stunning teeth whitening results. However, these should only be used under the guidance of your dentist. In-office application is done carefully to avoid irritation, and the custom trays used in take-home kits from your dentist prevent whitening gel from touching your gums.

2. Sensitivity is common, but manageable.

One of the primary concerns people have about cosmetic dentistry in general is increased sensitivity. They’re worried that whitening will leave their teeth susceptible to discomfort from hot, cold, sugary, and acidic foods. However, the extent of this issue has been greatly exaggerated.

Some patients do experience increased sensitivity after professional whitening. The strong whitening agent can sometimes irritate dentin and underlying pulp tissue, especially in patients with particularly thin enamel. However, even in cases where sensitivity increases, it typically lasts only a day or two.

If you’ve experienced sensitivity in the past, you can bring that up with your dentist at CinciSmiles. When planning whitening treatment, we take a variety of factors into account to plan the appropriate concentration and application times. We can adjust treatment to suit your specific needs and ensure lasting comfort.

Patients who experience mild sensitivity after whitening can also take a few simple steps to minimize the impact. Avoid particularly hot or cold food and drink. Make sure to be gentle when brushing your teeth. There are also types of toothpaste that can help address sensitivity in general.

3. Whitening only works on natural teeth.

It’s important to understand the limits of whitening treatment. The first thing to keep in mind is that the teeth whitening treatment your dentist uses will only work on natural teeth. It is effective because enamel is a permeable material. The porcelain, ceramics, or resin used in crowns, fillings, and veneers are not.

You can still get whitening treatment if you have dental restorations, but you’re only going to see results on your natural teeth. If your teeth and any crowns or veneers have become stained at the same rate, then whitening can make the restoration stand out afterward.

Whitening with hydrogen peroxide is also only effective when dealing with extrinsic stains. These affect the enamel, the outer layer of the tooth. This treatment won’t work on intrinsic stains, which affect the inner layers. Dental injury and certain medications can discolor the inside of the tooth, and you can see it through the translucent enamel.

4. Your daily habits matter.

If you’re thinking about professional whitening, you should take a moment to consider how your personal habits might affect your results. While whitening treatment can deliver stunning results, your teeth can become stained again due to a variety of factors.

Certain drinks can quickly stain your teeth. Coffee, tea, and red wine are among the top culprits. They contain pigments and tannins that cling to tooth enamel. Their high acidity further increases the risk of staining.

Keeping up with good oral hygiene and professional teeth cleaning is also essential in maintaining a bright and stunning smile. Plaque deposits can discolor your teeth, so daily brushing and flossing play a big role in keeping your smile white.

With the right daily habits, your whitening treatment can deliver lasting results. However, you can always get a touch-up treatment to revitalize your smile again if it becomes stained or discolored.

It’s time for a smile makeover from your dentist in Milford, OH.

Teeth whitening can be a great way to refresh your smile, but you need to know which option is right for you. The best way to find out is to schedule a consultation at CinciSmiles to find the perfect whitening option for your smile. Book an appointment today for whitening treatment that delivers results and safeguards your oral health.