The Noticeable Benefits of Teeth Whitening

Your smile says a lot about you. A bright, pearly white smile shows you care about your teeth and the way you present yourself to the world, which is precisely why more and more dental patients are opting to invest in professional teeth whitening services. Their ultimate goal is a pristine and luminous smile they can wear with pride. But they also want to achieve this goal using the safest, most effective methods and technologies available to them. This is where we come in.

As dedicated dental professionals, we know the benefits of teeth whitening are significant, and we’re committed to ensuring every patient enjoys these benefits to the fullest. Have you been considering teeth whitening treatments to enhance your smile? Are you interested in learning more about the advantages of teeth whitening? If so, today’s blog is for you. We’ll be breaking down everything there is to know about the health benefits of whitening teeth. 

But first, let’s start with the basics.

What is the Teeth Whitening Process?

There are two forms of gel that can be used to reduce the appearance of stains on the teeth — carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide. These whitening products can be applied to your teeth by your dental clinic, or you can choose a take-home treatment that you apply yourself within the comfort of your own home.
It is important to note, however, that it may take longer to achieve your desired result with take-home treatments, with most patients achieving their ideal outcome within 2-6 weeks. One of the many benefits of in-office teeth whitening procedures is that they offer more immediate results with the full effect being visible within 24 hours of treatment.

What Are the Benefits of Teeth Whitening?

Patients experience a wide range of teeth whitening benefits both physically and mentally, the most common of which include:

Health Benefits of Teeth Whitening

Improved Dental Hygiene

When patients are happy with their smile they tend to be more motivated to maintain good dental hygiene at home, as they want to enjoy the appearance of their new, perfectly white teeth for as long as possible. And as we all know, regular flossing and brushing is the most effective way to prevent oral health issues like gum disease and cavities.

Remember, approximately 47.2 percent of American adults suffer from some form of gum disease. Why not invest in teeth whitening and give yourself an extra boost to maintain your oral hygiene?

Less Bacteria in the Mouth

Tooth discoloration caused by poor dental hygiene often leads to a buildup of plaque — one of the leading causes of gum disease. Plaque is essentially just a layer of bacteria that builds up over time and that, if left untreated, mineralizes and hardens into tartar that can only be removed by a dental professional.

If you book a teeth whitening treatment and your dentist notices a buildup of plaque, they’ll likely recommend having your teeth cleaned prior to whitening to ensure you get the absolute best results from your treatment — which means no plaque and no discoloration!

Mental Health Benefits of Teeth Whitening

Enhanced Self-Esteem

Did you know 29 percent of American adults say teeth are one of the first characteristics they notice in another person? This could be because our brains actually release neurotransmitters that uplift our mood when we see someone smile — a feeling that’s not easily forgotten. But it could also be because we perceive others as more approachable and attractive if they have nice teeth.

With this in mind, it makes sense that 57 percent of Americans cover their mouths when they laugh due to insecurity over their teeth. We know that other people notice our teeth, and if we aren’t fully satisfied with their appearance, it can be a major source of anxiety.

Thankfully, however, there are many solutions to this problem — including teeth whitening. And the best part? They are proven to work! 67 percent of people say they feel more confident when they are happy with the appearance of their smile!

Career Success

Studies have shown that people with whiter teeth are 58 percent more likely to be hired and 53 percent more likely to receive higher salaries than those with less-luminous smiles. So, not only do teeth whitening benefits improve your personal life, but they improve your professional life as well.

Feeling confident in the workplace is essential if you want to obtain more opportunities, advance within your chosen field, and earn a competitive salary — all of which improve your mental health and lead to greater overall satisfaction. Pretty amazing, right?

What Are the Benefits of Getting Professional Teeth Whitening?

Many people purchase over-the-counter teeth whitening kits hoping to achieve radiant results at a fraction of the cost of professional treatments, but are these alternatives truly as safe and effective as in-office procedures? 

Here’s what you need to know:

  1. Professional Whitening Treatments Are Safest

    The gel contained in at-home whitening kits has the potential to damage your teeth and gums if used improperly or in excessive amounts. This can lead to a host of problems, including tooth sensitivity, gum irritation, and enamel erosion.

    A dentist is able to provide protective gels and customized trays that prevent whitening treatments from causing unwanted damage. They can also adjust the amount of gel in your treatments to ensure you achieve your desired result in the safest possible manner.

  2. At-Home Treatments Can’t Be Customized to Your Needs

    Your dentist has a thorough and in-depth understanding of your oral health concerns and requirements. They can provide you with a customized solution that meets your personal sensitivity and whitening needs. They can also address any potential underlying conditions prior to the start of your whitening treatment to minimize the likelihood of irritation or damage to the teeth and gums.

  3. You’ll Get Optimal Results at Your Dental Office

    This is one of the most important benefits of professional teeth whitening. Not only will you enjoy a snow white smile faster than if you used an over-the-counter whitening kit, you’ll also enjoy a brighter finish, since professional-grade whiteners are stronger and more effective than those you can buy at retail stores.

    At Gentry Dental, we also offer laser teeth whitening in San Francisco, a treatment that further expedites the whitening process by requiring fewer sessions to achieve the same result as traditional bleaching.  There are other benefits of laser teeth whitening as well, such as near-immediate results and shorter session times. 

Conclusion

We’ve answered the question “What are the advantages of teeth whitening?” and we’ve discussed the benefits of teeth whitening by dentists, but you may still be wondering why you should trust Gentry Dentistry with your oral health needs. What makes us the right choice for you?

We have been providing premiere dental services to patients in the San Francisco Bay Area for nearly 20 years, and we have plenty of positive testimonials from people who are happy to promote our practice. We believe it’s our commitment to safety, excellence, and continuous learning that sets us apart, and we’d love to welcome you to our clinic so you can experience the Gentry Dentry difference for yourself. Why not book a consultation today?

Eric Hikade