Five Frequently Asked Questions About Teeth Whitening
If there’s one thing that most people focus on more than any other when it comes to dental care, it’s the appearance of their teeth and gums. And when it comes to aesthetics, few things matter more than having a set of gorgeous pearly whites. Clean, white teeth are all the rage, and that makes teeth whitening a major point of emphasis for most people’s dental regimens. Despite the popularity of whitening, however, many people still seem to have quite a few questions related to the procedure. Here are five of the most common.
- Can everyone enjoy teeth whitening?
As a general rule, almost anyone can benefit from teeth whitening. In some instances, however, patients need to have other dental work done before whitening can be performed. This is often the case where just one tooth is discolored, as that often indicates some dental problem that needs to be addressed before any cosmetic work can be done.
- Will my insurance cover the cost of the procedure?
In all likelihood, no. Most insurance plans do not cover cosmetic procedures unless they are necessary for oral health. And while most of us can make a fairly sound argument that whitening should be covered, insurers typically don’t agree.
- Will the procedure damage my teeth in any way?
There has been plenty of research done on teeth whitening procedures, and the consensus is that whitening is safe when done by an experienced dentist. There can sometimes be some concerns with sensitivity, especially with solutions that are a little too acidic – but good dentists understand how to minimize these risks.
- Can it be done at any age?
Most dentists will tell you that the only real age restriction is that the patient be old enough to have all of his or her adult teeth. That’s usually accomplished by age ten or within a few years thereafter. In some instances, dentists have even been known to whiten baby teeth in cases where the parents were concerned about emotional harm a child with severely discolored teeth might experience.
- How long does whitening typically last?
Your whitening results can last for anywhere from one month to more than a year. Yes, that’s a pretty broad range of time, but it all depends on your lifestyle habits and oral health hygiene regimen. If you consume food and drinks that stain teeth, then you may start to notice discoloration in one or two months. If you avoid those things, then your whitening could last for at least a year.
At Ebenezer Dental, we know how important it is to get the right answers to all of your most important questions. When you rely on the best dentist in Midtown Manhattan, you can always be sure that you’re getting the answers you need to make the informed decisions your teeth and gums deserve. Contact us today to get your important questions answered and schedule your next teeth whitening appointment at our office.