One of the first things people notice about you is the quality of your smile, and if yours is tinted more yellow or brown, you’re less likely to make a positive impression. Then, self-consciousness or fear of being judged for your appearance might tempt you to try over-the-counter teeth whiteners to lighten your enamel.
However, it’s generally recommended that you visit your dentist to enhance your appearance, instead. If you’re wondering what makes professional teeth whitening worth the investment, continue reading to learn more!
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
Although the quality of the results can vary greatly depending on the type of treatment you choose, most teeth whiteners are intended to function similarly. These products typically contain a bleaching agent, like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, that undergoes a chemical reaction to break down stain molecules clinging to your enamel. This reduces the size and concentration of pigmented particles to remove stains from your grin.
Why Should I Whiten My Teeth With My Dentist?
Many stores and pharmacies offer various options that can supposedly help you achieve the perfect shade, although you may be disappointed by the lack of results. Commercial-grade kits often contain diluted bleaches that are less effective, which may not yield the desired hue or consistent results. Unfortunately, plenty of people have also developed sensitivity by accidentally using too much bleach while trying to achieve the desired outcome.
Meanwhile, your dentist can provide a take-home kit with everything you need to achieve the desired tone from the comfort of your own home. These provisions typically include ultra-concentrated gels designed to mitigate potential discomfort and custom-fitted trays for optimal application, as well as evenly tinted teeth. Not only that, but they’ll examine your mouth and treat any cavities or gum disease so they don’t interfere.
How Can I Maintain My Brighter Smile?
Once you finally achieve the ideal color, it’s only natural to want to maintain it for as long as possible. You can usually expect professional teeth whitening to last anywhere from about six months to three years, though you may require occasional touch-ups to maintain your grin.
You can also preserve your recent upgrade by avoiding darkly tinted foods known to cause stains, like berries, coffee, tea, or wine. Finally, implementing a consistent twice-daily dental hygiene routine and visiting your provider for a checkup and cleaning every six months strengthens your teeth so they can better resist discoloration.
If you’re feeling self-conscious about the state of your teeth, your dentist can help you safely lighten your smile to boost your confidence!
Meet the Author
Dr. Thomas Gromling has about 40 years of experience helping families in Stephens City build and maintain happy, healthy teeth and gums. He earned his dental doctorate from the Medical College of Virginia at Virginia Commonwealth University and is committed to continuing education, so he can offer the most current treatment options. He provides a complete array of services under one roof, including cosmetics, and can provide a professional-grade take-home kit to whiten your teeth. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (540) 869-4377.