Did you know that a great smile can have a significant impact on your career success? Indeed, it can help you close a sale, land a dream job, and even motivate other people to perform better. Regarding your personal life, a great smile makes you more beautiful and gives you a younger look. 

For these reasons, you should maintain the quality of your smile by seeking teeth whitening treatment as soon as you notice any form of discoloration on your teeth. If you're considering teeth whitening, here are answers to some questions you might have.  

Is Teeth Whitening Painful?

Teeth whitening isn't painful unless you have other pre-existing conditions that cause the pain. You may experience some discomfort or teeth sensitivity after the treatment, but this shouldn't last long. 

If you already have sensitive teeth, you can manage the situation by using rinses or desensitizing toothpaste a few days before the procedure. Your dentist can also recommend a desensitizing gel or cream to handle the post-whitening sensitivity.  

Can Teeth Whitening Damage Your Teeth?

You may be afraid to seek teeth whitening treatment because you're afraid it will damage your teeth. Luckily, modern professional whitening methods don't cause any damage to your enamel or your teeth structures.

That said, the American Dental Association (ADA) advises patients to have a dental consultation before undergoing any form of teeth whitening. Also, the procedure should be done by a professional dentist to avoid any potential problems that may occur.

Is In-Office Teeth Whitening Better Than Using Store-Bought Whitening Kits?

Yes. In-office teeth whitening is more effective and safer than store-bought whitening kits. For a start, one procedure or application by a certified dentist may be enough to give you the pearl-white teeth you're looking for. But with home whitening kits, it may take weeks or even months before you start to see results. And there is no certainty the results will be as good as those you get from in-office treatment. 

Additionally, the professional consultation that is done before in-house teeth whitening is essential for determining the best teeth whitening technique for you. If you're using a store-bought whitening kit on weak enamel, you risk causing other severe tooth complications. 

How Long Will Your Teeth Remain White?

How long the teeth remain white will vary from person to person depending on various factors like oral maintenance and lifestyle habits. To ensure the results last for a long time, you should avoid smoking and excessive red wine or coffee consumption. Then maintain proper oral care through daily brushing and flossing. Also, follow the specific oral care tips given to you by your dentist after the procedure.