With the New Year only a few days away,
there’s no better time than the present to consider giving your mouth a
fresh start as well. If you’ve explored over-the-counter (OTC) options
to enhance your smile or whiten your teeth, you should seriously
consider opting for a professional whitening treatment. Professional
whitening is a quick, effective and – most importantly – safe way to
significantly improve your smile for months or even years to come.
Perhaps you have considered professional whitening in the past, but did
not follow through because you just weren’t sure what to expect. Don’t
worry, you’re not alone – many people reach for OTC whitening products
because they assume two things: they work and they are easy. What these
individuals don’t realize is that professional whitening treatments are
much more effective solutions that provide many benefits that you simply
can’t get from products at your local drugstore.
Here are my top five reasons why professional whitening treatments outshine the at-home options:
- The active ingredients are stronger. Your dentist has access to stronger bleaching agents than you are able to purchase OTC. Furthermore, your dentist has been extensively trained to apply these agents in a safe and effective manner. To protect your teeth from whitening agents – typically hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide – practitioners will apply a protective gel or rubber shield to your gums to ensure a comfortable and pain-free experience. Only a small number of patients experience minor tooth sensitivity after treatment.
- You’ll see results faster. You will see dramatic results from a professional whitening treatment even after only one treatment, which typically takes 30 – 90 minutes. For even faster results, you can choose to whiten your teeth through a laser treatment. During this process, laser energy increases the effectiveness of the bleach applied professionally to your teeth. Many patients report that this is their favorite way to whiten their teeth!
- Your smile will stay bright longer. The reality is, as soon as you drink another cup of coffee or glass of red wine, your teeth begin to accumulate stains again. Thankfully, your dentist can design custom-fitted bleaching trays that you can take home with you and use for maintenance treatments. These trays also do a wonderful job protecting your gums from irritation, as they keep the bleaching agents from leaking.
- Professional treatments are safer. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that any whitening treatment be supervised by your dentist to ensure safety. When you visit your dentist, he or she will examine your teeth closely and recommend the best option that will help you achieve your whitening goals. In some cases, alternative methods may be required to treat traumatized teeth (e.g., those discolored by root canals).
- Professional whitening is the best option for sensitive teeth. At-home whitening treatments are often abrasive and painful for those with sensitive teeth. When you visit the dentist for a whitening treatment, he or she can advise you on a variety of options to ensure your whitening experience is as comfortable as possible. For example, your dentist may use a less highly-concentrated bleaching agent on your teeth, and apply desensitizers like potassium nitrate or fluoride. Your dentist can also advise you on duration of treatment and frequency of application to minimize any potential side effects.
For these reasons and many others, I hope you will consider visiting one of our StoneCreek Dental Care locations for a consultation about the best professional whitening treatment option for you. Our expertly trained team will help you achieve optimal results, and ensure a safe and comfortable experience. Give us a call, and we’ll help you kick off the New Year by putting your best smile forward!