Here are some tips from our Delta dentists, if you're considering having your teeth professionally whitened.
The degree of teeth whiteness that is most attractive is highly subjective however, there are a number of ways you can go about deciding if you’d benefit from teeth whitening. Just be sure to keep in mind that the only opinion on the subject matters is yours.
Here are a few points to consider to help you decide:
Are you smiling openly and confidently at people, or in pictures?
If you believe that your teeth look dingy or discoloured, you might find yourself trying to hide them, or perhaps not smiling as openly as you’d really like to.
Teeth whitening might help you feel a little more confident if that sounds like you!
Look yourself in the eye: how well do your teeth measure up?
One really helpful way of determining how white your teeth should be is to compare them to the shade of the whites of your eyes. Your teeth should be a similar shade of white to the whites of your eyes. If your teeth are close in colour then you probably don’t want to make them any whiter, as it could start to look artificial.
On the other hand, if you find that your teeth are significantly darker, whitening may be a good choice for you.
Have you undergone dental restorations or orthodontic treatment?
For those who have have undergone dental restorations, or plan to, teeth whitening may be a good idea. Ideally, the shade of your natural teeth should match that of your restorations as closely as possible. A close colour match helps you to achieve a natural looking and even smile. Teeth whitening can help with get that match just right.
People who have had braces in the past, may find that the spots where the brackets were attached to their teeth are somewhat lighter than the rest of the teeth. This can give teeth uneven or patchy appearance. Teeth whitening can help to significantly reduce this effect.
What does your dentist think?
It's a good idea to ask your dentist for their opinion about whether teeth whitening would be beneficial for you. Your dentist can help you decide with a colour chart, and provide you with all the details you need to make an informed decision.