Your smile is one of the first things people notice. What are they noticing about your smile?
Research shows that white smiles are more attractive. Scientists found that people perceive yellower, more uneven teeth as less attractive as pearly white teeth. This is because adult teeth show the signs of aging, health, and environmental and traumatic events; in other words, white teeth suggest youth and good health.
A number of factors can contribute to staining and discoloration of teeth, including aging, smoking, consuming stain-causing food and drinks, smoking, and the use of certain medications. Even genetics can play a role.
While tooth discoloration is usually only a cosmetic issue and not a dental health problem, stained or yellowed teeth can affect someone’s confidence. Embarrassed by off-white, yellowing, or stained teeth, many people try to hide their smile. In fact, research shows that about 80 percent of Americans aged 18 to 49 want whiter teeth.
No wonder teeth whitening is the #1 procedure performed by cosmetic dentists today – it is the safest, easiest, and most inexpensive way to get a great smile.
The Most Popular Procedure for Cosmetic Dentists: Teeth Whitening
Cosmetic dentistry focuses on treatments that improve the appearance, but not necessarily the function, of your teeth. In addition to teeth whitening, cosmetic dentists perform a number of procedures, such as dental veneers, dental bonding, dental crowns, dental implants, and other options that improve the cosmetic appeal of your teeth.
Teeth whitening, also known as cosmetic tooth bleaching, is the most popular of these because it helps with stained or discolored teeth. In fact, so many people are getting cosmetic tooth bleaching, cosmetic tooth bleaching is now a $3.2 billion global industry. While teeth whitening is big business, it is not just for Hollywood celebrities anymore.
A wide variety of teeth whitening treatments is now available. These products work when their active ingredient, which is usually hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, breaks down into oxygen and enters into the tooth enamel. Once there, the oxygen lightens discolorations in the enamel.
People can whiten their teeth at home or at their cosmetic dentist’s office; each approach has its benefits and drawbacks. At-home whitening products and treatments include whitening toothpastes, strips, kits, and even special whitening lights. These products and treatments are simple and convenient, but they may not be as safe or effective as in-office whitening, especially for those with severely discolored teeth or sensitive teeth. Teeth whitening can cause tooth sensitivity and even damage to the roots of the teeth – those who perform teeth whitening at home may not recognize the signs of root damage and continue whitening their teeth.
Professional tooth bleaching provides superior results to do-it-yourself methods. Results of in-office teeth whitening are quick and dramatic, making teeth up to 8 shades whiter in 45 to 90 minutes, depending on the procedure and the severity of discoloration. DIY methods require using a product for weeks to see gradual results.
In many cases, cosmetic dentists perform in-office teeth whitening to “jumpstart” the whitening process and then provide at-home teeth whitening systems so that their patients can continue whitening their teeth. The at-home systems may include custom bleach trays and whitening gels.
Professional teeth whitening is also safer than home whitening with over-the-counter products. This is particularly true for those with sensitive teeth, which may be a warning sign of a serious dental issue. Furthermore, cosmetic dentists can recognize the signs and symptoms of sensitive teeth and damage to tooth roots.
Trust Raleigh’s Top Cosmetic Dentist
Triangle Dentistry has provided dental care and cosmetic dentistry in Raleigh for more than 50 years. This trusted Raleigh cosmetic dentist has earned hundreds of 5-star reviews by offering exceptional care and restoring smiles.
Triangle Dentistry, located in Raleigh, NC, provides a state-of-the-art facility that offers exceptional general dental and specialty services guided by empathy of a patient’s needs and desires. Services range from dental crowns to veneers and whitening procedures. For further information, questions, or to schedule an appointment, contact the office at (919) 747-3608.