Over time, teeth might develop dark stains, start to turn yellow, or otherwise diminish in color. If your teeth stray from your desired pearly white color, you might feel self-conscious about your smile’s appearance. And you might be looking for a way to brighten your smile.
Your local shop might offer a kit that promises to make your teeth whiter, and these products can accomplish this goal. But not in all cases.
Therefore, you should talk to your dentist to find a more personalized approach when it comes to smile enhancement. Read on to learn details about why you should visit your cosmetic dentist to whiten your tooth color rather than seek an over-the-counter option.
Do Over-the-Counter Teeth Whitening Products Work?
A store-bought teeth whitening kit features a pre-filled tray or strip that contains bleaching ingredients. When worn as the package instructs, the bleaching agents will absorb into the enamel, or outer layer, of your teeth and lift stains closer to the surface. Then they can easily wash away, leaving your teeth several shades brighter.
So yes, these over-the-counter products will work in theory. But the one-size-fits-all approach with these kits will not always guarantee your desired results.
Use these store-bought kits with caution. Ideally, you should talk to your dentist about your smile aesthetic goals before pursuing smile enhancement solutions.
Why Will Professional Teeth Whitening Yield Better Results?
You can see more improved results when you whiten your teeth with help from your dentist. Your dentist approaches cosmetic dental solutions with your unique smile in mind. During a consultation, they evaluate the types of stains on your teeth and your aesthetic goals to find the best treatment for your needs.
Their in-office teeth whitening treatment involves your dentist applying special bleaching gel to your teeth and activating the agents using concentrated light. Then you can see a brighter smile within one one-hour session at your dentist’s office. Full results usually show within 24 hours of this procedure.
With this attention from your dentist, you can see a more even application of gel for more even and natural-looking results that suit your specific smile. And you can lower your risk of side effects like gum irritation or tooth sensitivity thanks to your dentist’s training and experience.
If you worry about convenience, your dentist also offers a take-home option for teeth whitening. They build custom trays filled with bleaching gel that you can wear at home as directed to gradually brighten your tooth color. You can appreciate the flexibility of home treatment without compromising on the quality of your results.
Not all dental discoloration will respond to bleaching agents with teeth whitening treatment. Your dentist can determine if this treatment is right for you during your consultation. Then, you do not have to waste your time with ill-fitting whitening solutions.
Find alternative cosmetic treatments that can brighten your smile by calling your dentist today. You may benefit more from porcelain veneers or tooth bonding.
