There’s a lot that goes into taking care of your achromatic teeth. Brushing twice daily, flossing, and regular dental checkups alone won’t do the job. Pearly white teeth often reflect good oral hygiene and overall health, which consist of healthy food habits and lifestyle choices. Perfect teeth mean a beautiful smile you can show off in pictures and your social circle. On the other hand, yellowish teeth can be an embarrassment and make you feel awkward in front of others while laughing and talking. It’s a self-esteem issue, but that’s not all—yellowish teeth can also indicate that there might be an issue brewing inside your mouth, such as an infection, cavities, hormonal changes, or poor oral hygiene.

Having yellowish teeth can be a critical problem, which is why the teeth-whitening market is on the rise. On average, around 52 percent of people undergo this treatment to make their teeth appear whiter and clearer. If you decide to go forward with this procedure, in that case, you should consult a nearby dental professional or general dentist Aliso Viejo who has the knowledge, experience, and adequate training in this field.

Things to Consider Before Getting Your Teeth Whitened:

Before beginning your teeth-whitening journey, there are certain basics you must know. For instance, consider how long the results will last, whether the treatment is right for you, and what the procedure entails. This will help you assess the treatment without having any false expectations.

1. Teeth whitening isn’t for everyone: People with specific allergies who have dental cavities, damaged enamel, worn-out gums, broken teeth, exposed roots, sensitive teeth, or are pregnant should avoid this treatment. Furthermore, if you have more intrinsic stains on your teeth due to medications, hormonal changes, or trauma, teeth whitening might not be that effective. You should consider treatments like veneers. The teeth-whitening procedure involves cleaning and bleaching teeth with chemicals like hydrogen peroxide, followed by UV light and lasers to penetrate the superficial layer and break down the stains effectively. However, if your teeth have a grayish look, fluorosis, tetracycline staining, dental crowns, cavities, implants, or deeper stains, you might not see the expected results.

It’s better to get examined and consult a dental expert to determine whether your tooth sensitivity can handle the harshness of the bleaching agents.

• How Long It Can Last: Teeth-whitening procedures can make your teeth appear whiter, brighter, and clearer in an hour and are considered a relatively permanent solution. After this procedure, the effects last about a year or more if properly cared for and maintained. However, if you start indulging in stain-causing food items, your teeth may look dull and unpleasant again. If necessary, teeth whitening procedures can be performed once or twice a year. Don’t overdo the treatment, even if your teeth start to look gloomy, as it can cause tooth sensitivity and make your teeth look chalky.

• Before and After Care: Before undergoing teeth-whitening treatment, avoid consuming staining substances like coffee, tea, wine, etc. Do not smoke before the procedure. There might be some medication that your dentist may suggest beforehand. After the treatment, when you reach home, avoid food items that can stain your teeth. You might experience a little tooth sensitivity afterward, which is common. Use toothpaste and other products made for sensitive teeth to help with this. Avoid hot or cold drinks and water, and brush your teeth regularly, followed by flossing and using mouthwash to maintain proper oral hygiene. To keep the pearly white color of your teeth, go for regular dental checkups or dental cleanings every six months or after a year.