If your teeth aren’t as white as you’d like, you may have considered getting a professional whitening treatment. During this procedure, a dentist applies a bleaching agent to the teeth to break down the stains. While teeth whitening has a lot of advantages, it also comes with some disadvantages that you should know about.

Pros

The biggest advantage of getting your teeth whitened by a dentist is a more attractive smile. Whiter and brighter teeth are associated with health and beauty in our society and will make a great impression among others. If your teeth are whiter, you will have more self-esteem and smile more often. Flashing a smile frequently will give you a friendlier appearance, helping you attract more friends.

A professional teeth whitening treatment can also improve your oral health. If you’ve spent the time and money to get your teeth whitened, you will be more likely to thoroughly brush and floss your teeth every day and avoid sticky and sugary foods.

Cons

Before you schedule a teeth whitening treatment, understand that you will likely feel some sensitivity afterward. The whitening gel can make your teeth more sensitive to cold and hot foods and drinks for about 24 hours. If the toothache is too much, you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen. 

Also, be aware that you can overdo it with teeth whitening treatments. If you put too much whitening gel on your teeth too fast, it can cause permanent damage. Ask your dentist how often you can safely whiten your teeth to avoid any issues. 

If you are interested in getting your teeth professionally whitened, make an appointment with a dentist. Laguna Bond Dental in Elk Grove, CA, offers a wide range of cosmetic dentistry procedures, including teeth whitening, veneers, and dental bonding. They stay up-to-date on changing trends in the industry and take the time to create customized treatment plans for all patients. To schedule an appointment, call (916) 686-8989 or visit their website for more information.