Want Whiter Teeth? Here's Why Your Dentist Is Better Than Home Bleaching Kits
Posted on: 10 April 2015
If you want whiter teeth in a hurry, then you want to avoid home bleaching products and go straight to your dentist. The products you buy at the store usually take a long time to get results because they are not as strong as the bleaching solutions provided by your dentist. Here's why it's usually best to see your dentist for teeth whitening.
More Effective Bleaching Gel
Your dentist can give you prescription strength bleaching gel that is able to whiten your teeth much faster. Plus, when the gel is combined with a laser light, it is even more effective. You can leave your dentist's office with noticeably visible results the same day. If you want whiter teeth for an upcoming special occasion, a single treatment from your dentist may be all you need to get a prettier smile.
Gentle on Gums
Even though the dentist offers stronger bleaching products, they are actually more gentle on your gums because of the way they are applied. When you undergo teeth bleaching in your dentist's office, your gums are covered to prevent contact with the solution. If you are sent home with whitening trays instead, the trays are molded for a custom fit to your mouth. This keeps the trays from slipping around, and it keeps the gel on your teeth and off your gums.
Less Risk of Side Effects
There are other possible side effects of using home bleaching kits besides sore gums. One of those is tooth discoloration. It's difficult to control the level of whitening you achieve. If you use whiteners too often, your teeth can actually take on a gray appearance, and look even worse. Plus, if you have crowns, your natural teeth may become so white, they no longer match your crowns. If you have a dentist supervising the process, you can greatly reduce the risk of tooth discoloration problems.
Another problem that can arise is tooth sensitivity. If bleach exposure causes your teeth to become more sensitive, your dentist can help you correct the problem before it becomes an issue that interferes with your ability to eat or drink.
Another reason it's a good idea to consult your dentist before you begin bleaching your teeth is your dentist makes sure the bleaching is the appropriate treatment. It works best on stains caused from smoking, tea, or coffee. If you have stains on your teeth caused by a mouth injury or as a side effect of medications, then bleach won't help much at all. In that case, if you want whiter teeth, you'll need to talk to your dentist, one like George S Cochran DDS, about getting veneers or crowns to cover the stains.
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