Does Teeth Whitening Boost Self-Esteem?

Sep 8th, 2023
Easton Dentists Oct 5th, 2023

Gleaming white teeth used to be a sign of wealth, privilege, or celebrity.  Today, tooth whitening is a common practice for people in all walks of life.  Teeth whitening services at Easton Dental in Columbus are in high demand.

Another satisfied patient at The Dental Center located in Columbus Ohio
Another satisfied patient at The Dental Center located in Columbus Ohio

Does teeth whitening boost self-esteem?  Your physical appearance says a lot about you.  You know the saying, “You only have once to make a first impression.”  Whether you are applying for a job, speaking in public, or just meeting people in general, your teeth are on display.  White teeth communicate a message that you practice good hygiene, you care about yourself, and often help you convey a healthy, vibrant and more youthful appearance.

As you age, if left untreated, your teeth will start to darken and yellow.  If you drink coffee or tea, or you smoke, your teeth can stain more quickly.  Some of the staining can be controlled through regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups, gut some darkening is almost inevitable.

Inadequate dental care can result in various dental issues, such as tooth decay, halitosis, periodontal disease, and related oral health issues. Excessive plaque buildup is often characterized by a yellowish appearance. These issues collectively pose a risk of compromising tooth integrity, irritating the gums, and potentially resulting in premature tooth loss.

If your teeth are unsightly, most people try to hide them by not smiling, not looking directly at people, not talking, or in extreme cases, not going out in public at all.  You become self-conscious and withdrawn.  Other people will be turned off, not just because of your bad-looking teeth, but your efforts to hide them make you less engaging.

White teeth can make you look more credible and confident.  Especially if your job has to do with dealing and meeting with people, such as a salesperson, consultant, marriage counselor, executive officer in your company, financial adviser, or inspirational speaker.  In those types of roles, having yellow teeth can negatively affect your image and credibility. People see someone with dark, yellowing teeth and think, ”How can I rely on this person when he or she cannot even take care of his or her own teeth?”

It is true that inner beauty is more important than outer beauty, but this does not mean that we should neglect our physical appearance. It is also not an excuse to look shabby or practice poor hygiene. It is never all right to have that kind of attitude that as long as you are kind-hearted, it does not matter if you have the worse teeth in this world.  Like it or not, appearance matters.

Having white teeth can have an incredible effect on your confidence, and how you look and feel about yourself.  Having white teeth boosts your self-esteem.  Getting a bright white smile is not  difficult with all the different procedures available today. The Dental Center at Easton offers several different tooth whitening procedures at affordable prices.  We are here to help you have a set of nice and shiny white teeth that make you feel healthy and self-confident.

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Finding the Right Teeth Whitening System for You

Jul 12th, 2010
Easton Dentists Mar 1st, 2017

What are you looking for when it comes to teeth whitening? Do you want the popular laser teeth whitening? Or do you want whiter teeth in one hour?  Over the past couple of years, we have seen a boom in the teeth whitening market.  In fact, teeth whitening is so popular that people commonly refer to well-known teeth whitening systems like Zoom or Britesmile as laser teeth whitening. 

 

This is actually inaccurate – both systems actually fall into a category called light activated tooth whitening as there is no actual laser that whitens the teeth. Both systems work very well, so why is one system better than another? 

 

Britesmile was the biggest player in the market when they first hit the market and they spent millions of marketing dollars to build audience recognition through many sources of media.  Many dentists jumped on board and were certified to offer this incredible whitening system. Soon after a company called Discus Dental started to become well known with their competitive system called Zoom, which became very popular due to its exposure on hit TV shows like “Extreme Makeover” and “the Swan.” 

 

Because Britesmile and Zoom both work well, how do you determine which to use for your whitening session?  Individual dentists set the price they charge for teeth whitening sessions. What determines the difference in pricing are whether or not they include take home whitening kits for touch ups, whether they require a paid first visit to assess your teeth, and how many uses of carbamide peroxide gel are included with the take home kits. 

 

Teeth whitening is a relatively simple procedure that is performed by the practice’s hygienist, who is certified in administering the system.  Whether you’re seeking laser teeth whitening or  light activated tooth whitening, your dentist can help determine the best system to give you a dazzling smile.

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Sensitivity and Tooth Whitening

May 4th, 2010
Easton Dentists Mar 1st, 2017

Tooth whitening is becoming one of the more common procedures we perform routinely. Even though we pride ourselves at being prepared to be your emergency dentist in Columbus, Ohio, we enjoy the different aspects of our dental practice.

One of the most common concerns patients have when considering tooth whitening is the issue of sensitivity. While using over-the-counter products at home, many patients have experienced discomfort or increased sensitivity when trying to whiten or bleach their teeth.

Sensitivity that arises as part of a tooth whitening procedure is usually caused when gas is released by the bleaching process. If a bleaching solution is left in contact directly with the gums, especially if a person has receding gums or periodontal disease, the bleaching solution can actually chemically burn the gums. Ouch! Sometimes the bleaching solutions are absorbed into the tooth surface itself. This can inflame the tooth root, causing sensitivity.

Before beginning any tooth whitening process, you should have a thorough dental check-up. Different tooth whitening procedures are available. The common bleaching solution with a custom-fit tray is not recommended for persons who have receding gums, periodontal gum disease, leaky fillings, or other dental concerns. Laser-whitening may be better tolerated.

One of your best courses of action to avoid sensitivity issues is to have your tooth whitening procedure administered at your dentist’s office. Although the solutions used at the office are often stronger than what you take home, the dental staff can better control where it is applied and for how longer, lessening the chance for irritation and sensitivity. They have access to several desensitizing agents such as sodium nitrate, amorphous calcium phosphate, or a neutral fluoride, which can often be incorporated or alternated with some professional bleaching solutions. Your dental professionals can better advise you on your options.

Most tooth whitening processes take a few days to a few weeks to complete. If having it done at the dental office is not practical, ask your dentist about applying the solution for less time but over a longer period of time at home. It will be a slower whitening process, but it may save you from some pain and irritation.

The good news is that most sensitivity will fade in a few days after the whitening process is over. For most people, the pain is slight and the reward of having a bright, white smile is worth it. But if you have any doubts or concerns, consult with your dentist prior to beginning any tooth whitening process. We don’t want you looking for an emergency dentist in Columbus Ohio because you were too aggressive with the do-it-yourself bleaching solution.

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Is Tooth Whitening for You?

Nov 9th, 2009
Easton Dentists Mar 1st, 2017

The hot topic in the dental world these days is tooth whitening. The long and the short of it is that teeth whitening works. Virtually everyone who opts for this cosmetic treatment will see moderate to substantial improvement in the brightness and whiteness of their smile.

Typically, age, eating habits, smoking, tooth grinding, and trauma are associated with tooth discoloration. The majority of patients say that tooth whitening not only improves their appearance, but also their outlook – they say they feel like they look younger and more polished.

Bleaching versus Whitening

According to the FDA, the term “bleaching” is used only when the teeth can be whitened beyond their natural color. This applies strictly to products that contain bleach – typically hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide.

Meanwhile, “whitening,” restores a tooth’s surface color by removing dirt and debris. So any product that cleans (like a toothpaste) is considered a whitener. Of course, the term whitening sounds better than bleaching, so it is more frequently used – even when describing products that contain bleach.

Significant color change in a short period of time is the major benefit of in-office whitening. This involves the carefully controlled use of a relatively high-concentration peroxide gel, applied to the teeth by the dentist or trained technician after the gums have been protected with a paint-on rubber dam. Generally, the peroxide remains on the teeth for several 15 to 20 minute intervals that add up to an hour (at most).

Those with particularly stubborn staining may be advised to return for one or more additional bleaching sessions, or may be asked to continue with a home-use whitening system.

In-office teeth whitening cost: $650 per visit is the national average.

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