How White is Too White? A Deeper Look into Teeth Whitening
Most people believe their smile isn’t white enough, or that they have a crooked tooth or two that could be realigned. This desire to have the best smile possible drives people to look for ways to correct the problem. I am a perfect example. I’ve always had a decent set of teeth, but as a child growing up my teeth donned a beautiful shade of yellow and that was just not good enough for me. So when I was old enough I explored the best possible way to whiten my teeth. I ended up using Cosmetic Dentistry to correct the problem and today I am completely satisfied and happy with the smile I share with the world. Sometimes however, one procedure is just not satisfying enough.
In 2006 members of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry were surveyed and the results showed that 12.8% of patients were not happy with their natural born smiles, and looked for alternate ways to brighten their teeth. With the explosion of cosmetic procedures in the last few years, this number has undoubtedly increased and it bears the question; how much is too much?
Statistics show that teeth whitening is the number one requested cosmetic dental procedure today. It’s no wonder, because even outside of the dentist office, its popularity is flourishing. Americans spent over $1.4 billion on teeth whitening products in the last year alone. And in today’s society, which is driven by beautiful celebrities flashing their perfectly straight and white teeth on the covers of magazines everywhere, who wouldn’t want that? According to the American Dental Association, whitening products can either be administered by your dentist in the office, provided by your dentist to be used at home, or can be purchased over-the-counter. The two major groups of whitening products include peroxide-containing whiteners or bleaching agents and whitening toothpastes. Some products are more effective than others, and although certain side effects may occur such as tooth sensitivity, and tissue irritation, most are temporary and stop after treatment.
It is important to consult your dentist before excessively trying to achieve the perfect smile on your own, however, a beautiful smile can be a wonderful stepping stone towards an increased self-confidence.
For more information on comprehensive and cosmetic dentistry, contact Dr. Robert Williamson today!
