Many people desire a pearly white smile that they can feel proud to show off. But your teeth can grow yellow or develop dark stains over time, disrupting the appearance of your smile. In order to improve your tooth color quickly, you may feel tempted to purchase a teeth whitening kit from your local shop.
These over-the-counter whitening products promise to brighten your tooth color, and these products can accomplish that in some cases. But for optimal benefits, you should seek professional teeth whitening.
Schedule a cosmetic dental consultation to learn the best treatment to achieve your smile aesthetic goals. You can feel more encouraged to do this when you read on and learn details about how you can see better results when you pursue teeth whitening treatment from your dentist rather than a store-bought kit.
Does Over-the-Counter Whitening Work?
A teeth whitening kit from your local store features a tray or film that you wear over your teeth as instructed. These products contain bleaching agents which permeate the enamel, the outer layer of the teeth. They reach deeper than your toothbrush can reach and lift these stains to the surface where they can more easily wash away.
As a result, whitening products like these can make your smile several shades brighter. However, they employ a one-size-fits-all approach that may mean you do not get the precise results that you desire. You could see an uneven finish or notice that your specific discoloration does not respond to treatment.
Why Does Professional Teeth Whitening Yield Better Results?
Teeth whitening treatment from your dentist will begin with a consultation in which they evaluate your unique smile. They examine your dental discoloration and oral structure in line with your smile aesthetic goals to find the best treatment for your needs.
In-office teeth whitening involves a dentist applying bleaching gel to your teeth. Then they use concentrated light to activate the ingredients and brighten your smile. The bleach lifts stains that will then scrub away easily. This professional application ensures even coverage that will look both beautiful and natural in the end.
If you worry about the length of this process, know that you can achieve the bright smile of your dreams in one session with your dentist. And you can worry less about potential side effects because your dentist will make efforts to minimize all risks of gum irritation or tooth sensitivity following this treatment.
Your dentist will also realize that not all types of tooth stains will respond to bleaching agents. Deep dental discoloration may need alternative solutions, and your dentist can provide them.
Some patients may benefit from porcelain veneers to make their smiles brighter. Custom-made caps will attach to the front of the teeth to cover stains. This leaves you with a white, gorgeous smile according to your unique preferences. Give your dentist a call today to start the process of brightening your teeth in a safe, effective, efficient way.