Almost everyone wishes that their grin was a little whiter, and many people have distracting dental stains due to bad habits like smoking or excessive exposure to pigments and dyes. Thankfully, professional teeth whitening treatments from your dentist can lift stubborn stains and discoloration, but many people may be tempted to resort to store-bought methods that deliver inferior results and may even lead to injuries. Here’s a brief guide to why professional teeth whitening treatment is the best way to achieve a brighter grin.
Why Are Store-Bought Teeth Whitening Products Inadequate?
There are a variety of store-bought teeth whitening products available. A few common types include:
- Whitening kits: These products include one-size-fits-all dental trays and tubes of retail-grade whitening gel. The user may experience uneven whitening results if their teeth are too big for their trays or soft tissue injuries if the gums are exposed to the bleaching agents due to their teeth being too small.
- Whitening strips: These are usually sold in two-week supplies, and they are designed to be applied directly to the enamel. Many use these products for months without noticing significant results.
- Whitening toothpastes: Some toothpastes include stain-fighting ingredients like baking soda. These products can be effective at preventing stains and addressing minor discoloration.
Why Are Professional Teeth Whitening Kits Superior?
Your dentist can provide you with a personalized teeth whitening kit that includes a tube of professional-grade whitening gel and a set of customized dental trays designed to fit your teeth. To achieve remarkable results, you’ll only need to apply the gel to the trays and wear them over your dental arches for about an hour daily for two weeks. These kits can reliably lift stains and discoloration and brighten the smile by up to eight shades in a brief time, which makes them especially great for patients who have a special event coming up.
There’s no point to whitening your smile if it means damaging your teeth. Consulting with your dentist will allow you to find a safe, convenient, and effective way to achieve your ideal grin.
About the Author
Dr. Cedric Chenet earned his dental degree at Howard University and served as a dental officer in the United States Air Force. He has taken extensive postgraduate training covering topics like periodontics, endodontics, and prosthodontics. His office in Melbourne offers general, restorative, emergency, and cosmetic dentistry such as teeth whitening treatments. To schedule your consultation for teeth whitening, contact his office online or dial (321) 253-3136.