Having a white, bright smile is something that most people want. Although some people can consider this desire superficial, the truth is that a whiter smile can help you get ahead in life. From boosting your self-confidence, to making social interactions easier and even improving your chances of landing that dream job, teeth whitening near you could greatly impact your life. Nowadays there are countless options for brightening your teeth, from at-home kits to procedures you can undergo at a dental clinic in Calgary. In this article, you will find the reasons why it may be better to visit a dentist.
What happens during teeth whitening?
Teeth whitening is performed to remove stains from your teeth. There are two types of stains: external and internal. External stains appear on the enamel, which is the outer layer of your teeth, and are caused mainly by staining foods and drinks. Internal stains involve the entire tooth and are a reflection of a deeper problem. During the procedure, a solution with hydrogen or carbamide peroxide is responsible for achieving the brightening effect. On a microscopic level, when this solution is put in contact with your teeth, it introduces oxygen molecules into the stains. Depending on the concentration of the teeth whitening solution, your teeth will end up a couple of shades lighter.
Do at-home kits work?
In the last decades, teeth whitening has become very popular, with pearly white smiles becoming the ideal beauty standard for many. As a result of this, many different options have appeared on the market. Companies offer excellent results from kits you can use at home instead of going to a dental clinic near you. This can be appealing for many, who want to save money and stay in the comfort of their homes. However, there are many reasons to avoid these and instead have the procedure performed by a dentist in Calgary.
First of all, at-home kits are simply not as effective as the procedures performed by dentists. As previously stated, carbamide and hydrogen peroxide solutions are responsible for the brightening effect, and at-home kits have considerably lower concentrations of these chemicals (3-20%) than the ones available at a dental office in Calgary (43%). This means that the effect they have is very limited
Another thing to consider is that the chemicals in whitening solutions are abrasive and should be handled with care. This is why when you undergo teeth whitening in Calgary, at a dental clinic, your dentist will use a protective gel to avoid any harm to your gums. With at-home kits, you won’t be as careful, since you are not experienced.
What about estheticians?
Nowadays, some estheticians offer teeth whitening procedures at a lower price point than dentists. However, you should know that estheticians don’t receive the formal education and training that dentists do. You should keep in mind that your oral health is not something you should jeopardize by saving a little money. A dentist will examine your teeth and identify any issues that could require treatment. Also, remember that the chemicals used in teeth whitening are not safe enough to be handled by someone without the proper training.
Are there any side effects?
Like with many other procedures, teeth whitening does have some side effects. The most common one is tooth sensitivity. This happens because the whitening solution dehydrates your teeth and opens their pores, leaving the nerve exposed to any hot or cold foods and drinks. However, as your dentist will tell you, this sensitivity will disappear. Another possible side effect is a chemical burn on your gums, but undergoing the procedure at a dental office will avoid this.