How To Know if Teeth Whitening is Right for You

It is difficult to look anywhere without seeing someone with picture-perfect white teeth. What used to be reserved only for celebrities and superstars has become fast commonplace among the general public. Treatments to obtain this ‘Hollywood’ smile are easier and more affordable than ever.
That being said, what might be right for the goose is not always good for the gander, and certain factors should be discussed before you take a leap into any cosmetic dentistry.
This piece will take a look at some of the aspects of teeth whitening that need to be considered before you go ahead to make sure the choice is right for you.
Why Get Your Teeth Whitened?
There are many reasons why people opt for getting their teeth whitened. It could be to undo years of stain damage due to smoking, drinking coffee, or red wine, it might be that someone wants to elevate their look, improve their confidence in their smile, or simply because they have seen it done on others and thinks it looks great.
Before you get your teeth whitened, it is important to know that your teeth are not actually supposed to be the whitest of white, and the general natural healthy tooth color is more of an off white to pale yellow. So, if you are not sure about getting whitening or it turns out that you do not think it is suitable for you, there is a very good chance your teeth are still healthy as the color they are!
Deeper Discoloration from Surface
Surface discoloration is the easiest form of stains to get rid of, so teeth whitening might not be a helpful option for you if you find your stains are below that. For example, if you have dark brown stains, it could mean that your natural tooth is exposed rather than the enamel. This cannot be lifted as it is its natural color, and could cause damage to your tooth. You might find that a different treatment is more suitable, so chat to a professional and trusted dentist when enquiring to see what other options they have. It is also important to note that discoloration from antibiotics and caps and crowns cannot also not be lifted.
If your stains are based around one too many cups of coffee over the years, then a teeth whitening procedure could really help you out by removing and lifting that discoloration.
You Have Sensitive Teeth
If you have particularly sensitive teeth, you might find that whitening treatment could add to that problem. While having sensitive teeth does not mean a complete deal-breaker when it comes to teeth whitening, it is worth mentioning this to your dentist so they can advise you on the best course of action. If you still want to have your teeth whitened, then a professional dentist is the best person to do it, as you might be left with enhanced pain that can cause too much discomfort.