Pros and Cons of Professional Teeth Whitening

A cosmetic procedure that has dramatically increased in popularity over the years is teeth whitening. Bright, white teeth can be visually appealing as well as a sign the teeth are healthy. For these and other reasons, many people try different methods to get rid of tooth stains. Here are some of the pros and cons to know before getting teeth professionally whitened.
Pros
While teeth whitening does have advantages, the procedure is mainly done for cosmetic rather than health reasons.
Appearance
About 96% of adults think people with attractive smiles are more physically appealing, according to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. This can be important for anyone interested in finding a new romantic relationship or wanting to be more physically desirable.
Confidence
People with white teeth are usually eager to show them off and therefore tend to smile much more frequently. This can result in an increased confidence level that can impact multiple areas of both your personal and professional life.
Professional success
The added confidence and attractiveness that comes with having white, healthy teeth can potentially lead to many benefits. Some professional advantages of having white teeth may include the following:
- Getting hired for a job
- Securing new clients
- Increasing sales
- Better relationships with co-workers
While getting professional teeth whitening does not guarantee these results, the AACD also reported that 74% of adults believe employment success can be hindered by the lack of an attractive smile.
Cons
Any medical procedure has potential negative consequences, even a cosmetic one like teeth whitening. Here are the most common side effects to be aware of.
Tooth sensitivity
Some people have teeth that are more sensitive to the chemicals used during the whitening process. Multiple kinds of peroxide are typically involved, which can be damaging if swallowed or applied to the skin. The teeth can start to ache as the procedure is taking place as well as when consuming hot or cold foods and beverages. The good news is this side effect typically only lasts a few days.
Gum irritation
Usually the result of ill-fitting trays, gum irritation and even gum burns can be caused by the strong whitening chemicals. Soft tissue burns can form in the throat and nausea may also occur. Like tooth sensitivity, this side effect is usually gone within three days after the whitening procedure.
Enamel damage
Research is still inconclusive as to whether teeth whitening can cause damage to the enamel and physical structure of teeth. Because each set of teeth varies in enamel depth and other features, the whitening process can affect each person differently. It is important to consult with a dentist before having any teeth whitening procedures done to make sure it is a good idea for your situation.
Conclusion
Most people want whiter teeth, and there are many cosmetic advantages to having teeth professionally whitened. Because there are also drawbacks, every patient should talk to a dentist about individual benefits and potential side effects.
Are you considering teeth whitening in the McKinney area? Get more information at https://www.yourdowntownmckinneydentist.com.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Related Posts
Having a solid handle on good oral hygiene basics will help preserve the integrity of your teeth and mouth health for a long time to come. Steering clear of cavities, receding gums, or decay ensures that your smile is bright and beautiful for as long as possible. If you think you already have an excellent…
An emergency dentist offers urgent and specialized care for unplanned dental issues, especially when severe pain or sudden trauma requires immediate attention. These situations can feel overwhelming and may raise many questions about what to expect and how to prepare. Therefore, it is good to have a list of questions to ask before arriving at…
A damaged tooth can cause significant pain and lead to more severe dental issues when not treated as soon as possible. An emergency dentist can preserve oral health when unexpected dental injuries occur. Whether the damage results from an accident, a fall, or biting onto something hard, immediate professional guidance and treatment can prevent further…
Oral health myths can often lead to misguided attempts to solve dental problems, potentially making things worse. Emergency and general dentists frequently treat patients who have attempted (and failed) to manage dental emergencies with these quick fixes. Debunking common myths about oral health can save patients time, money, and trouble. Along with that, debunking these…