Are you wondering if you should whiten your teeth? Here are a few tips on how to tell if teeth whitening might be right for you.
There are a number of ways that you can go about deciding if you’d benefit from teeth whitening. Just remember that the degree of whiteness people find most attractive is highly subjective, and ultimately, the only person whose opinion on the subject matters is you.
In pictures, or when meeting people, do you smile openly and confidently?
You may find that you aren't smiling as openly as you'd like to, if you suspect your teeth look dingy or discoloured. You might even find that you're trying to hide your teeth.
If you're holding back your smile, teeth whitening could help you feel confident once again.
How well do your teeth and your eyes measure up?
Another easy way of determining how white your teeth should be is by comparing the whites of your eyes to the colour of your teeth. You probably won’t want to make your teeth any whiter if your teeth are similar in colour to the whites of your eyes. Over-whitening your teeth could start to make your smile look artificial.
On the other hand, if you find that your teeth are significantly darker in colour, then whitening may be a good choice for you.
Have you undergone orthodontic treatment or dental restorations?
Having your teeth whitened may be a good idea if you've recently undergone dental restorations, or if you're planning to. To achieve a natural looking smile, the shade of your natural teeth should match that of your restorations as closely as possible. Teeth whitening can play a role in achieving a natural looking smile.
If you've just had traditional metal braces removed you may find that the spots where the brackets were attached to your teeth are lighter than the rest of the teeth. Teeth whitening can significantly reduce the patchy uneven effect caused by the light spots.
What does your dentist think?
Ask your dentist if they think teeth whitening could be beneficial for your smile. Your dentist can provide you with all the details you need to make an informed decision, and help you decide by using a colour chart.