Not everyone has the good fortune to have naturally perfect white teeth, but there are ways to put the dazzle in your smile. The process of lightening the colour of human teeth is known as whitening or tooth bleaching.
Teeth whitening is frequently desired when teeth yellow over time for a variety of reasons, and it can be accomplished by changing the intrinsic or extrinsic colour of the tooth enamel.
According to Letty Memani (30) of Sterkspruit in the Eastern Cape, a smile is one of the first things people notice about you, and tooth whitening essentially improves your appearance.
“I would also whiten mine to boost my confidence and self-esteem while also concealing my imperfections. Having a great smile is a flex bro, and tooth colouring can literally ruin it.”
Anam Sango (21), a human rights activist from Khayelitsha Cape Town, agrees with Memani that a bright white smile is essential.
“Whiter teeth are associated with attractiveness and that people with whiter teeth are perceived to be more sociable, friendly, and intelligent, and it also boosts your confidence. There’s no doubt that tooth colour is a key factor in the way you relate to people.”
Health For Mzansi reader, Anam Sango
Sango goes on to say that given a chance to bleach his teeth, he would because whitening the teeth can greatly increase the quality of life by allowing people to feel more comfortable with their smile and improve their self-confidence.
“I think people are whitening their teeth because it improves their appearance. Whiter teeth immediately enhance your appearance and change the way others interact with you,” explains Sango.
Perfectly imperfect
“I understand that some people think that fixing certain defects in the body is related to a lack of confidence and body negativity,” says Siphesihle Dyonta (31) from Mthatha in the Eastern Cape.
“I believe that anyone at some point has the desire to change something about their bodies and appearance. And that is where teeth whitening fits in, to boost our smiles, and enhance our beauty.”
Dyonta adds that if she had a set of teeth that needed enhancing, she would definitely do it without thinking twice.
“Did you know that the first thing people look at, is a person’s face, and the smile that goes along with it? You should always consider having your teeth whitened, particularly if you are unhappy with the colour of your teeth.”
Health For Mzansi reader, Siphesihle Dyonta
What you should know before having your teeth whitened
Dr Mohammed Ismail Mayet, a dentist based in Athlone in Cape Town, says seeing a professional tooth whitening dentist is a good idea for a variety of reasons. Mayet adds that efficiency and the patient’s safety are the main reasons.
“I recommend that whitening be carried out via dental surgery so that you are exposed to products that are tried and tested.”
He says that it is essential to visit a dentist for a clinical assessment so that treatment is based on a diagnosis.
“Because of this, it is important to carefully plan the treatment and provide a comprehensive explanation of the various options for whitening as well as any necessary treatment that must be completed before whitening can take place. When evaluating the mouth for whitening, the fundamental objectives of improving health and maintaining healthy living should come first.”
Mayet adds that there are many things to consider when planning to whiten a patient’s teeth, and it’s important to think of everything, since some patients choose to get more cosmetic or restorative dentistry after the procedure.
“People whiten their teeth for various reasons, some do it for their wedding day or some want to have long lasting white teeth for example.”
Mayet points out that people need to go to the dentist regularly to maintain their teeth and keep them healthy and strong. He refers to regular oral hygiene practices such as the correct brushing of your teeth and gingival tissue.
