Have you been unhappy with your smile? Perhaps you've noticed it appears yellowish in photos. Or maybe you have an important event coming up and you'd like your smile to look brighter and more youthful. If so, you're not alone: A recent study by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry revealed that when asked "What would you like to improve most about your smile?" the most common answer was "whiter and brighter teeth."
Many dental patients would like to enjoy a whiter, brighter smile, but may hold back out of uncertainty. There are many teeth whitening options out there - but the question arises: Is teeth whitening safe? And if so, which option is best for your smile?
According to the American Dental Association, whitening is safe, but it's best to discuss with your dentist first. "The ADA recommends that if you choose to use a bleaching product, you should only do so after consultation with a dentist. This is especially important for patients with many fillings, crowns, and extremely dark stains. A thorough oral examination, performed by a licensed dentist, is essential to determine if bleaching is an appropriate course of treatment."
"What is the cause of my discoloration?" Often, tooth discoloration is the result of things such as smoking, aging, or drinking coffee. However, there may be underlying issues that could be to blame, including decay or other problems. If this is the case, the root issues need to be corrected so your smile is healthy for whitening.
"Will whitening be effective on my current dental work?" Bleaching solutions don't have an effect on composite materials, so if you've had crowns, bonding, or other restorations, whitening the surrounding natural teeth could result in a mismatched smile.
"Which whitening option is best for me?" Your dentist is in the best position to evaluate which form of whitening will be most successful for your unique situation, desires, and budget.
In conclusion, teeth whitening is a safe, effective solution for a more attractive and youthful smile! However, it's best to talk candidly with your dentist about the options available as well as your smile goals before choosing which whitening solution is best for you.
The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.
Re-posted with permission. Source: https://www.quickdentalanswers.com/
Langley dentist, Dr. J. Cameron Garrett, was born and raised in Kamloops, BC on a small hobby farm. He grew up playing lots of sports and volunteering with a number of organizations. Due to his interest in the outdoors and adventure, he became a forest firefighter in the summer for 11 years. In the winter, he worked in welding and carpentry.
Alongside his many careers, Dr. Garrett pursued a degree at Thompson Rivers University, and it was here that he discovered dentistry. He looked into it deeper and realized it had all the components of a career he desired. He loved working with his hands and enjoyed the idea of helping people. Although Dr. Garrett considered being a medical doctor, it was the ability to combine his unique skillsets that attracted him to dentistry.
He then attended dental school at UBC, and after graduating, he worked as an associate dentist in Tsawwassen, Surrey, and Langley, BC. He then found a mentor in Dr. Cameron Garrett and has enjoyed working at our practice ever since. Together, they continue to help patients make positive changes and highlight the connection between oral health and overall health.
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