When to Consider Teeth Whitening for Yourself
Do you have a big event coming up or are you simply tired of dealing with discolored teeth day in and day out? Our Ann Arbor, MI, cosmetic dentists have just the thing: professional teeth whitening. It’s much more effective and longer-lasting than what you might find at the store.
Here are 3 forms of criteria that, if you identify with them, may mean you should give a go.
Am I Fit for Teeth Whitening?
While the is available to all interested adult patients, not everyone may be the best fit. For instance, if you are someone with highly sensitive teeth, our cosmetic dentists may advise you to refrain from whitening as it can cause some additional (temporary) sensitivity.
Teeth whitening may also not be the best for those with:
- Gum disease
- Oral cancer
- Worn tooth enamel
- Tooth decay (may receive whitening after treated)
If you’re free of any immediate oral health issues like those listed above, ask our dentists about getting started with teeth whitening. We’ll want to quickly examine your teeth to make sure everything looks healthy before moving on with the process itself.
It’s Worth Giving Teeth Whitening Another Thought If:
1) You Have Obvious Discoloration From Food & Drinks
It’s no surprise that beverages like coffee, tea, and red wine cause stains. After all, they do contain tannins that when built up on tooth enamel, result in a stained appearance. Other delicious culprits include berries, tomato-based sauces, candy, and sodas.
Because these are foods and drinks that we all love to enjoy, many of us share the same though not always to the same degree. Luckily, our cosmetic dentists are here to erase pesky discoloration and give you a set of pearly whites.
We’ll ask you questions about your health history and diet as well as conduct an oral examination to assess the severity of your tooth discoloration. It’s also important to let our dentists know if you have smoked in the past or currently smoke as that can contribute to how stained your teeth are.
2) Your Tooth Enamel Is Strong & Healthy
At Liberty Dental, we strongly recommend that all patients brush their teeth at least twice a day, floss daily, and receive teeth cleanings every 6 months. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste is also encouraged to reduce the risk of damaging your enamel.
Tooth enamel is what covers the outer portion of your teeth. It’s very tough which is great because it helps protect your teeth as they chew, bite, crunch, and grind. Despite its strength, however, enamel is not immune from chipping, cracking, or erosion.
If the worst thing wrong with your enamel is that it’s stained, you’re in luck. Healthy tooth enamel is what you want since after it’s gone, it won’t come back. This is something our dentists will pay close attention to and once your teeth are deemed in good shape, we’ll move forward with whitening trays and whitening gel.
3) You’re Dissatisfied With Darker Teeth As You Age
Unfortunately, as we get older our teeth have a tendency to darken in color due to enamel deterioration. This is typically not a cause for concern if your teeth are otherwise healthy, but it can lead to some feelings of embarrassment.
Our cosmetic dentists are no strangers to treating teeth with age-related spots. We can work with you to determine the right shade that will eliminate those areas of discoloration and get you smiling with confidence again. If the spots are severe enough, we may even discuss the possibility of porcelain veneers.
Make an Appointment
Come in and see our cosmetic dentists in Ann Arbor, MI, if you’re curious to know more about the teeth whitening services we offer. Call Liberty Dental at (734) 994-0909 to request an appointment.