Pros and Cons of Professional Teeth Whitening

A cosmetic procedure that has dramatically increased in popularity over the years is teeth whitening. Bright, white teeth can be visually appealing as well as a sign the teeth are healthy. For these and other reasons, many people try different methods to get rid of tooth stains. Here are some of the pros and cons to know before getting teeth professionally whitened. 

Pros

While teeth whitening does have advantages, the procedure is mainly done for cosmetic rather than health reasons. 

Appearance

About 96% of adults think people with attractive smiles are more physically appealing, according to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. This can be important for anyone interested in finding a new romantic relationship or wanting to be more physically desirable. 

Confidence

People with white teeth are usually eager to show them off and therefore tend to smile much more frequently. This can result in an increased confidence level that can impact multiple areas of both your personal and professional life. 

Professional success

The added confidence and attractiveness that comes with having white, healthy teeth can potentially lead to many benefits. Some professional advantages of having white teeth may include the following:

• Getting hired for a job
• Securing new clients
• Increasing sales
• Better relationships with co-workers

While getting professional teeth whitening does not guarantee these results, the AACD also reported that 74% of adults believe employment success can be hindered by the lack of an attractive smile.

Cons

Any medical procedure has potential negative consequences, even a cosmetic one like teeth whitening. Here are the most common side effects to be aware of. 

Tooth sensitivity

Some people have teeth that are more sensitive to the chemicals used during the whitening process. Multiple kinds of peroxide are typically involved, which can be damaging if swallowed or applied to the skin. The teeth can start to ache as the procedure is taking place as well as when consuming hot or cold foods and beverages. The good news is this side effect typically only lasts a few days. 

Gum irritation

Usually the result of ill-fitting trays, gum irritation and even gum burns can be caused by the strong whitening chemicals. Soft tissue burns can form in the throat and nausea may also occur. Like tooth sensitivity, this side effect is usually gone within three days after the whitening procedure.

Enamel damage

Research is still inconclusive as to whether teeth whitening can cause damage to the enamel and physical structure of teeth. Because each set of teeth varies in enamel depth and other features, the whitening process can affect each person differently. It is important to consult with a dentist before having any teeth whitening procedures done to make sure it is a good idea for your situation. 

Conclusion

Most people want whiter teeth, and there are many cosmetic advantages to having teeth professionally whitened. Because there are also drawbacks, every patient should talk to a dentist about individual benefits and potential side effects. 

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