Are you shy of smiling broadly in front of everyone? Don’t be. Bright smiles are a

mark of self-confidence. Teeth whitening can help you get sparkling teeth that will

let you smile more. It is an affordable option that is pretty easy to perform and bears

results in a short span of time. Know more about the in and out of the procedure

with these essential facts about teeth whitening.

Fact #1: Professional dentists can improve the health of your teeth. They can alter

the appearance of your smile and make you look decades younger.

Fact #2: Before the teeth whitening procedure begins it is important to determine

why they are discolored. So you will have to undergo a thorough dental check-up

first. The reasons for the discoloration can range from poor dental health, tooth

decay, to even gum diseases. Any such disease, if present, has to be cured before

proceeding to cosmetic treatment. Thankfully, in most cases, the culprits are tannin-

rich beverages like tea and coffee and also fizzy drinks.

Fact #3: Prior to teeth whitening, dentists recommend a thorough cleaning of the

teeth to ensure best results. The accumulation of tartar and plaque often hinder the

whitening process because they do not react to bleaching. So, even if the process is

performed, you will be left with unhealthy looking and discolored teeth.

Fact #4: You will have to visit the dentist twice before teeth whitening. On the

first day, the impressions of the teeth will be taken for creating the plastic trays to

be worn later on. These trays will be tried on during the second visit to ensure that it

fits properly. If any adjustment is necessary then it will also be done on the same

day.

Fact #5: These trays will be filled with a whitening solution. You will have to wear

them on your teeth overnight or for 30 minutes twice a day for two weeks or as long

as the dentist advises you.

Fact #6: The process increases teeth sensitivity in most patients. The bleaching

agent, also known as hydrogen peroxide, allows the pores in the dental enamel to

open. So you feel a twinge of pain every time the nerve-endings get exposed to hot

food and cold water. The sensitivity however, subsides after bleaching is stopped.

Fact #7: It is best to get your teeth whitening products prescribed by a qualified

dentist. They contain the legally permissible amount of bleaching agent which

makes it more effective than over-the-counter products.

Fact#8: It is best to stick to the recommended dosage and the specific treatment

time prescribed by your dentist. Bleaching agents contain harmful chemicals which

should not be used for very long.

Fact #9: Teeth whitening will not last forever. Discoloration will start once you

begin consuming tea, coffee, and other beverages that induce staining. Quit

smoking if you want sparkling white teeth.

Fact #10: You need to go for regular check-ups and touch-up sessions once a year,

at least, in order to maintain white teeth.