If you’re wondering if you should invest in teeth whitening, here are some tips from our Surrey dentists on how to tell if it would be right for you.
While the degree of whiteness that is most attractive is highly subjective, there are a few ways you can go about deciding if you’d benefit from teeth whitening. Ultimately, the only person whose opinion on the subject matters is you.
To help you decide, here are a few points to consider:
Do you smile openly and confidently at people, or in pictures?
If you suspect your teeth look dingy or discoloured, you may find yourself trying to hide them, or not smiling as openly as you’d really like to.
If that sounds like you, teeth whitening might help you feel a little more confident!
Look yourself in the eye: how well do your teeth measure up?
A good rule of thumb for determining how white your teeth should be is comparing them to the shade of the whites of your eyes. If your teeth are a similar shade of white to the whites of your eyes, then you probably don’t want to make them any whiter, as it could start to look artificial.
However, 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?
If you have undergone dental restorations, or if you plan to, teeth whitening may be a good idea for you. Ideally, the shade of your natural teeth should match that of your restorations as closely as possible to achieve an even smile, and teeth whitening can help with this.
If you have had braces in the past, you may find that the spots where the brackets were attached to your teeth are somewhat lighter than the rest of the teeth. This can make your teeth appear uneven or patchy. Teeth whitening can help reduce this effect significantly.
What does your dentist think?
Ask your dentist for his or her 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.