The Importance of Teeth Whitening

Have you been considering whitening your teeth but aren't sure if you want to deal with hassle of painting on a whitening solution for weeks or applying tiny strips to your teeth? Professional teeth whitening offers a better alternative. Gentle dentist, Dr. Lisa Baker of Bloomington, IN, discusses why whitening is so important and explains how the process works.

A dull smile has social implications

Like it or not, we're judged on the condition of our smiles. Dull, yellow teeth tend to be viewed unfavorably by many people and can even affect your social and business life. In fact, people with whiter smiles received higher scores for social competence and intellectual ability in a study published in the British Dental Journal in 2007. Luckily, it's easy to improve your appearance with teeth whitening treatment.

Teeth whitening is safe and effective

Whitening bleaches out stains that dull teeth. The treatment is very effective in treating stains that darken the enamel, the outermost layer of your teeth. Stains in enamel tend to occur if you use products that contain tobacco or regularly eat or drink darkly pigmented foods or beverages. Yellowing can also be a natural consequence of aging.

Teeth whitening gets rid of stains by bleaching them. Hydrogen peroxide, the whitening agent dentist's use, is highly concentrated, yet very safe and effective. When you visit our Bloomington office for professional whitening, you'll see an impressive transformation in an hour or less.

Over-the-counter whitening kits aren't always easy to use. The one-size-fits-all trays may not fit your mouth well, which may expose your gums to the hydrogen peroxide, causing tooth sensitivity. Before your professional whitening session begins, a protective gel will be applied to your gums to protect them. Your lips and cheeks will also be lifted off your teeth with retractors to avoid damage to these sensitive tissues.

You play an important role in the success of your treatment. Although you'll probably see a three to eight-shade difference in your teeth, your smile will become dull again if you continue to smoke or drink or eat darkly colored foods and beverages. If you avoid or limit these substances, your smile may stay white for two or three years or longer.

Keep your smile sparkling with professional teeth whitening. Call Dr. Baker of Bloomington, IN, at (812) 332-2000 to schedule an appointment.