If you notice yellowing or stains on your teeth, you might seek a quick fix to make your teeth appear brighter. You may notice that your local shop offers over-the-counter kits that promise to whiten your teeth. While they can do so, you will not always get the results you desire.
A dentist can offer you expert teeth whitening that can give you the bright smile of your dreams. They can explain how their treatment works when you book a cosmetic dental consultation today. You can also read on to learn details about how you can achieve the best results when you whiten your teeth with your dentist rather than a store-bought whitening kit.
Do Over-the-Counter Teeth Whitening Products Work?
You might look forward to the convenience of buying an over-the-counter teeth whitening kit from a store near you. These products feature pre-filled trays containing bleaching gel.
When used as directed, bleaching agents can lift dental stains to the surface of your teeth. Then you can wash away the stains and leave your smile looking brighter.
While you can see some benefits from these products, the kits employ a one-size-fits-all approach. This means the product cannot address all types of dental discoloration, nor can you guarantee an even and natural-looking finish that suits your unique goals. The convenience of buying this kit might not be worth the unsatisfactory results.
Why Does Professional Teeth Whitening Provide Better Results?
Your dentist can provide you with an in-office teeth-whitening treatment that will work with your specific smile aesthetic goals and existing dental structure. They use an individualized approach to cosmetic dentistry, meaning the dentist will adjust their treatment to suit your unique smile in order to achieve optimal results. A store-bought whitening kit cannot do this.
Within a one-hour appointment at your dentist’s office, a dentist will apply professional-grade bleaching gel to your teeth. The bleaching product will lift stubborn stains that your dentist can then easily remove to make your smile several shades brighter.
The skilled application of this material by your dentist ensures an even finish that minimizes potential side effects. You can worry less about tooth sensitivity and gum irritation thanks to supervision from your dental professional through this process.
Seeking teeth whitening from your dentist means that they can also offer alternative smile enhancement treatments for stains that do not respond to bleaching agents. The dentist might also suggest dental bonding or porcelain veneers for deeper stains on your smile.
This way, you can avoid wasting time with treatments that will not accomplish your goals. In the end, this will result in less hassle than trying over-the-counter products that will not work for you.
Can badly stained teeth be whitened?
Yes, badly stained teeth can often be whitened. Professional dental treatments like in-office bleaching or custom take-home kits can significantly lighten stains. Moreover, veneers or bonding can improve your smile if whitening isn’t enough. It’s best to talk with your dentist to find the right solution.
Is in-office teeth whitening painful or uncomfortable?
Most people don’t find in-office teeth whitening painful. However, you might experience some sensitivity during or after the treatment. The whitening agents can cause temporary discomfort, especially if you already have sensitive teeth. Your dentist can take steps to minimize this. We can use desensitizing products or adjust the treatment strength. Any discomfort is usually mild and goes away shortly after the procedure.
Can teeth whitening damage my enamel?
Teeth whitening, when done properly, usually doesn’t damage your enamel. Professional treatments are designed to lighten stains without harming the tooth’s protective outer layer. However, overusing whitening products can lead to enamel erosion. Overusing whitening can also increase sensitivity.
How often can I undergo in-office teeth whitening?
You can generally undergo in-office teeth whitening every six months to a year. Whitening, too, can lead to tooth sensitivity or damage to your enamel. So, it’s important not to overdo it. Your dentist will assess your teeth and recommend the best timing for your treatments. They’ll help you keep a bright smile without risking your dental health.
What can you eat after teeth whitening?
After teeth whitening, it’s best to stick to foods that won’t stain your teeth. You can enjoy light-colored foods like chicken, fish, rice, and pasta. Avoid dark or colorful foods and drinks like coffee, tea, and red wine for at least 48 hours. This helps keep your smile bright and prevents new stains from forming.
Does teeth whitening work on fillings?
No, teeth whitening doesn’t work on fillings. Whitening treatments only lighten natural tooth enamel. They don’t work on restorations like fillings, crowns, or veneers. So, if you whiten your teeth, your fillings will stay the same color while your teeth become brighter. This can make the fillings more noticeable, so it’s a good idea to talk with your dentist about options like replacing them to match your new tooth shade.
To determine the best way to get the pearly white smile of your dreams, give your dentist a call today. Their evaluation can ensure you pursue the right teeth-whitening solution for your medical history, dental needs, and desired results. Get a bright, natural-looking smile with help from your cosmetic dentist.