Teeth whitening is a dentistry treatment that involves cleaning discolored teeth by removing unwanted stains. Most teeth whitening procedures use hydrogen or carbamide peroxide solutions to break down stain molecules and make them easier to remove. Essentially, the goal is to make your teeth several shades whiter for a more attractive smile. Teeth whitening can usually be done professionally by an upland teeth whitening cosmetic dentist or through over-the-counter (OTC) products. Below, we review five reasons you should always pick the former.
Better, Guaranteed Results
Most – if not all – OTC teeth whitening products claim to contain natural ingredients like coconut oil and charcoal. And while they might, studies have shown that these substances are only effective at eliminating superficial stains. They can get rid of surface stains and debris but cannot clean the intrinsic (deep) discoloration within your teeth. This can result in partial, uneven, or temporary results. On the flip side, professional teeth whitening treatments are effective and long-lasting. Your dentist uses sufficient levels of peroxide solution to clean the deep stains in your teeth and give you a visibly whiter smile. They can also recommend after-care tips to help you maintain these results.
Safer Treatments
OTC teeth whitening treatments are not prescribed by a dentist, which means they carry some risk. Many users report experiencing uncomfortable side effects such as increased tooth sensitivity and gum pain after using these products. Usually, the sensitivity can be so extreme as to prevent you from consuming anything hot or cold. A trained dentist will be unwilling to use harmful products on your teeth to give you a brighter smile. During your treatment, they will take precautions such as using guards and gauze to protect your gums, cheeks, and tongue from exposure to the chemical.
Customized Approach
OTC whitening products are often sold as a one-size-fits-all approach to teeth whitening. And, as any dentist will tell you, this is rarely the case. Every patient has a different dental formula, preferred results, tolerance level, medical history, and lifestyle. Dentists are trained to take all these factors into consideration and create a customized teeth whitening plan for you. This might mean that you get more sessions than the next person or that your treatment only focuses on your front teeth. Either way, your dentist will work with you to create an approach that works for your teeth.
Brighter Teeth
It goes without saying that the goal of teeth whitening is to get brighter teeth, and professional teeth whitening delivers that. This is especially important if you have deeper, more severe stains than a home whitening kit can handle. Your dentist can schedule several appointments spaced out over a few weeks to get your teeth to the shade you prefer. With OTC treatments, this repetition can be detrimental to your teeth and overall oral health.
More Affordable Treatment
OTC whitening products can be cheaper initially, but their side effects can cost you more in the long run. Gum damage, for instance, can be expensive to treat and may even require surgery. Tooth sensitivity, on the other hand, can force you to change your entire diet to cope with the pain. By getting your teeth whitened by a certified dentist, you can avoid all these future costs.
Brighten Your Smile Professionally Today
Harvard Health explains that factors like aging, food staining and corrosion from metal fillings can cause your teeth to discolor over time. Getting a professional teeth whitening treatment is the best way to deal with this problem. When you contact a dentist, they will examine your teeth and discuss your expectations with you. They will then tailor a whitening plan to your specific needs. This is way more targeted care than you will get from a teeth-whitening box set. To learn more, contact a cosmetic dentist today and schedule an appointment.