Are you frustrated with stubborn stains in your teeth that you can’t seem to brush away? Years of consuming darkly tinted foods and drinks can leave them looking more yellow or brown than white. Many over-the-counter products claim to lighten your grin, but many patients who try them unfortunately come to regret it.
Continue reading to learn more about the differences between professional and commercial teeth whitening and why it’s wiser to start with your dentist!
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
When you eat or drink certain foods, like coffee, tea, or berries, the intensely pigmented particles cling to plaque on your teeth. Repeated or frequent exposure can leave your pearly whites looking worse for wear.
Topical whiteners can remove surface stains to give you back your sparkling smile. These products contain a bleaching agent, usually hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, that releases oxygen when it comes into contact with your enamel. This reacts with stains by breaking down the molecules into smaller, less colorful pieces.
In-office treatments utilize a special ultraviolet light to speed up this process to lift your teeth by up to eight shades. However, your dentist can also provide a take-home kit with everything you need to achieve the perfect shade from home.
What’s Wrong with Store-Bought Teeth Whitening?
Most professional teeth-whitening services cost more than the products you can find at a store or pharmacy, and it’s natural to wonder why you should invest in pricier options. After all, both methods claim to produce the same outcome, so why bother with your dentist?
The truth is that commercially available whiteners typically contain more diluted ingredients that don’t always yield the desired results. Then, you might overapply bleach to your teeth in an attempt to make them brighter, only to develop sensitivity. To make matters worse, you might accidentally apply these harsh chemicals over areas of tooth decay or gum disease that you were unaware of, which can be incredibly painful.
Why Should I Choose Professional Teeth Whitening?
Meanwhile, your dentist can give you a take-home kit that includes everything you need for optimal results at home. First, they’ll examine your mouth to ensure that no cavities or periodontal problems interfere. If they find any areas of concern, they’ll treat them before proceeding, giving you peace of mind that your teeth are as healthy as they are beautiful.
Then, they’ll provide all the necessary supplies you need to enhance your appearance from your living room, like professional-grade gels designed to minimize potential adverse effects. They’ll also include custom-fitted application trays to reduce the chance of error.
As you can see, the best way to safely upgrade your grin is by consulting your dentist!
About the Practice
At Distinguished Dental, you and your family benefit from two compassionate dentists with decades of combined experience. Dr. McIntosh and Dr. Reynolds provide a comprehensive array of services to people of all ages conveniently under one roof, including teeth whitening. They believe in providing care with integrity so you can trust that your smile is in good hands. They are members of several prestigious organizations, including the American Dental Association, so you know that you’re receiving the most up-to-date treatments. If you want to improve your appearance, you can request a cosmetic consultation on the website or call (817) 337-8300.