A feature on the Dental Economics website discusses the topic of tooth whitening, and how whitening teeth alone won’t be enough. While there’s no doubting the efficacy of several whitening procedures, these treatments should never take precedence over more serious oral problems, like periodontal diseases. The article stresses that a capable dentist will first address more pressing gum problems before performing any cosmetic procedure:
“When patients have their soft and hard tissue diseases addressed, tooth whitening can be undertaken with the knowledge and confidence that the patient is being properly managed. It is important to address the patient’s esthetic desires. It is at least of the same importance to communicate that disease conditions have to be addressed prior to whitening or veneering, among others.
When undertaken in an ethical manner, tooth whitening is an excellent, conservative procedure that can make patients very happy with their new appearance as well as improving their satisfaction with the dental practice. It can boost self-esteem, enhance the likelihood of being hired or promoted in certain situations, and further careers in which appearance is important.”
There is little point in whitening teeth that have been damaged by disease. Indeed, there are many products that folks can purchase over the counter in Wilkes Barre, PA and elsewhere, that can whiten their smiles. However, such items fail to address pressing dental concerns that can only badly ruin a patient’s smile in the long run. Thus, it’s recommended that patients seek a skilled cosmetic dentist in Wilkes Barre that is also experienced in general dentistry, such as Dr. James DeFinnis of the Back Mountain Dental Office.
Not only will trained dentists ensure that patients have healthier teeth to go with the whitening, they’ll also carefully supervise the whitening process. Not all over-the-counter teeth whitening products are equally effective, and results could vary greatly according to the individual condition of the users’ teeth. For best results, it is advisable to go to a capable cosmetic dentist from Wilkes-Barre, who can safely administer the right whitening treatment while avoiding side effects such as teeth sensitivity.
