Healthy human teeth are usually a slightly yellowish shade of off-white, but your pearly whites can develop unsightly stains and discoloration for reasons like age, enamel erosion, and frequent exposure to pigments and dyes. While over-the-counter teeth whitening products may sound like a good deal, they often fail to deliver the results users are looking for. Here’s a quick look at why professional teeth whitening treatments are the best way to achieve a gorgeous and shiny smile.
What’s the Problem with Over-the-Counter Teeth Whitening Treatments?
While over-the-counter teeth whitening treatments may seem like a cheaper alternative to professional treatments, they are rarely able to deliver stunning results. These products usually include one-size-fits-all dental trays that can fail to completely cover larger teeth, which can leave them with an uneven coloration, or extend over the gum tissue if the user has smaller teeth, which can cause soft tissue irritation. The retail-grade whitening agents that come with these products are also rather weak, which means they may not significantly brighten your smile even after repeated uses.
How Can Professional Teeth Whitening Treatments Deliver Amazing Results?
Thankfully, many dentists offer professional-grade teeth whitening treatments that can noninvasively lift stubborn stains and discoloration, and they are so comfortable that they usually do not require anesthesia. Each treatment includes customized whitening trays to ensure the teeth are completely covered while protecting the gums from injury, and the concentrated whitening gel can brighten a smile by up to eight shades.
Professional teeth whitening can take the form of a take-home kit that can be completed in about two weeks or an in-office procedure that takes about an hour, so these treatments can be excellent for virtually anyone regardless of their scheduling needs. In some cases, a patient will need to receive appropriate restorative treatments to clear up oral infections before they can receive teeth whitening. Your dentist will be happy to help you understand which option is best for you when they see you at their office.
Don’t let frustrating dental stains make you anxious about showing off your grin. Consulting with your dentist can help you understand how to achieve your ideal smile.
About the Author
Perfect Smiles Dental Care offers the finest oral health services in Lenexa. Led by Drs. Bridenstine and Boldry, the staff treats each patient with compassion, courtesy, and exemplary customer care. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, emergency, and cosmetic dentistry such as teeth whitening treatment. To schedule your consultation for teeth whitening, contact the office online or dial (913) 308-3650.