It’s natural to want a brighter smile. When tooth stains and discoloration cause you to feel self-conscious about your appearance, you may immediately begin looking for viable treatment options, especially those you can do at home. A DIY approach might seem like a reasonable method, but if you have cavities, you could damage your smile from the start. Read on to learn why visiting a dentist is a good idea when it comes to teeth whitening.
Why Do Cavities Need to Be Treated Before Teeth Whitening?
Most cosmetic dentists will require an initial consultation before agreeing to administer any method of treatment. The reason for this is that common oral health problems, like cavities, can create problems for your smile if you fail to address them first.
When combined with hydrogen peroxide – the main ingredient found in whitening agents – cavities can become irritated. This results in increased sensitivity, severe pain, and a potentially ruined tooth.
How Will the Dentist Treat the Cavity?
If your dentist discovers a cavity during your consultation, there’s a good chance they will recommend one of the following treatment options:
- Tooth-colored filling
- Dental crown
- Root canal treatment
It’s important to remember that any tooth that has a filling or crown will not be affected by teeth whitening. You’ll want to work with your dentist to establish the desired shade so that once the rest of your smile is treated for stains, all of your teeth will match.
Why Professional Teeth Whitening is Better Than DIY
While DIY teeth whitening may be cheaper than what you receive from a professional, the results are likely to be less than ideal.
Seeing your cosmetic dentist for treatment not only ensures your mouth is ready to undergo teeth whitening (safely) but also that your smile will appear even. Instead of using one-size-fits-all trays or strips, your dentist can brighten your teeth in-house in just one hour or with custom take-home kits that produce results in two weeks.
Don’t risk damaging your smile just to try to save a few dollars on teeth whitening. Let a trusted dentist perform an examination to ensure you are safe to move forward with treatment.
About the Author
Dr. Greg Riley completed his Master of Science at the University of Miami and earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree at the Temple University School of Dentistry. For more than 20 years, he has been providing state-of-the-art care and attention to those who desire a more visually appealing and healthier appearance. With cosmetic dentistry, he and his team at Juno Beach Smiles can brighten your smile using effective (and safe) solutions that produce long-lasting results. If you have tooth stains and want beautiful results, visit our website or call (561) 622-7243.