A radiant smile makes other people happy
Have you ever felt the warmth, the inner happiness a person bestows on you when they flash a beaming smile at you?
I’m sure you have seen the powerful effects of a radiant smile to make other people happy.
But, do you know, smiling is also good for you?
Why Smiling is Good For You
Smiles don’t just light up your face, they release feel-good neurotransmitters like dopamine, endorphins and serotonin.
This not only relaxes your body, but it can also lower your heart rate and blood pressure.
So, yes, it’s a fact, the act of smiling activates neural messaging that benefits your health and happiness.
According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, 99.7% of the population perceives “smile” as an important social asset and those who have a good smile are believed to possess positive attributes that make them look more beautiful, successful, smarter, happier, interesting, wealthy, and more appealing.
The question is why don’t people smile more often? They know it feels good and they see it makes other people happy but what they show is the thin line of tightened lips where there should be a big broad smile.
Apart from reasons that are not treated by a dentist, such as depression, the main reason is unease about the look of their smile. And one of the most cited reasons for that, is teeth that look discoloured or stained. That’s why teeth whitening is one of the most searched for terms in Google.
Little Known Facts about Teeth Whitening
The truth is, teeth are not naturally perfectly white in most cases, yet it is common for people to feel that they could improve their smile with brighter, whiter teeth.
That’s why over the counter teeth whitening kits are so popular but there are issues that you need to consider when going down this route.
The Best DIY Teeth Whitening Kits
In Australia, only a dental practitioner may provide products that release more than 6% hydrogen peroxide, some in-chair whitening systems use 35% hydrogen peroxide. At this concentration, the hydrogen peroxide can effectively permeate deep into the enamel whereas weaker concentrations only act on the surface of the tooth enamel.
What’s the Difference Between In-
Chair Teeth Whitening and DIY At Home Kits?
Many people think they are the same because they both aim to bleach or whiten their teeth. To some degree they are but it really depends on which one suits your needs best. For this reason we offer potential clients a teeth whitening consult so we can offer you the best solution depending on your needs and the type of whitening you need.
Does Whitening Work on All Teeth?
Both in-chair and at home methods work by releasing hydrogen peroxide, but in-chair systems tend to use products that release higher levels of hydrogen peroxide which can only be applied by a dentist and effectively permeate deep into the enamel.
Researchers at the School of Dentistry, Showa University, suggest home systems should be used under the supervision of a dentist. Whitening products bought over the counter, when used excessively, could lead to damage to your teeth over time.
Another reason to do your teeth whitening under the supervision of a dentist, even if you are going to use an at home kit, is that dentists will take a mould of your teeth and use that to make a whitening tray. This ensures the treatment touches only your teeth and not your gums. It is important that hydrogen peroxide isn’t left in contact with gums for a long time as this can cause burns.
Why You Should See a Dentist Before You Start Teeth Whitening
Before you undergo any course of teeth whitening, it is a good idea to have a check-up to make sure your mouth is healthy. (See our article on General dental check-ups). Identifying any dental health issues beforehand will reduce the risk of experiencing any surprises.
Does Tooth Whitening Affect Dental Restorations such as Caps and Veneers?
One important issue you should be aware of with any type of whitening treatment, is that dental restorations, such as tooth-coloured fillings, veneers and crowns (caps), won’t change colour, as the whitening only takes effect on natural teeth.
This can result in a mismatch between the whitened natural teeth and any such restorations. It’s a factor to consider when buying over the counter teeth whitening products as you might not be able to predictably identify which teeth will not whiten. When we do a teeth whitening consult with you, we look into all these matters and discuss the best way to get the outcome you want.
At Garners Dental in Marrickville, we have a number ways, ranging from in-chair teeth whitening to at home kits you can use under our supervision to safely remove the surface stains and the internal discolouration, leaving you with a whiter, more radiant smile.
Getting a Bright white smile is as easy as visiting Garners Dental clinic
ADDRESS: 51 Garners Ave, Marrickville, NSW 2204, Australia