A bright, radiant smile can boost your confidence and make a memorable impression. However, over time, teeth can become stained or discoloured due to factors like aging, certain foods and drinks, smoking, and more. While there are many over-the-counter whitening products available, professional in-office whitening treatments offer superior results safely and effectively. Our smiles inevitably dull as the years go by, with the underlying dentin darkening and the enamel becoming thinner and more translucent. Trying to reverse this tarnishing on your own with one-size-fits-all whitening strips often yields disappointing, uneven results. In contrast, dentist-supervised whitening utilizes medical-grade bleaching gels and customized application trays for consistent, dramatic whitening. With professional oversight and techniques, you can achieve a rejuvenated, brilliant smile in a controlled setting while protecting your enamel and gum health.
- A custom approach
One size does not fit all when it comes to whitening smiles. Store-bought whitening strips or trays often result in uneven shading or sensitivity because they fail to account for your unique dental anatomy. At the dentist, your teeth are carefully evaluated to create customized whitening trays designed specifically for your mouth. This tailored approach ensures even coverage and your desired level of brightness.
- Safety
Over-the-counter whitening kits use lower concentrations of bleaching agents that may not be effective on stubborn stains. Dentists use professional-grade whitening gels with higher concentrations of hydrogen peroxide or carbamate peroxide under controlled conditions. Proper gum protection and monitoring ensure the powerful whitening compounds only contact your tooth surfaces for maximum safety.
- Better whitening products
Dentists have access to medical-grade whitening products utilizing advanced formulas and application techniques for optimal results. These professional whitening systems contain active ingredients, such as potassium nitrate or fluoride, to strengthen enamel and reduce sensitivity during and after treatment. Over-the-counter options simply can’t compete with the quality and effectiveness of dentist-dispensed whitening.
- Faster results
With chairside whitening, you can walk out of the dentist’s office with a dazzlingly brighter smile in about an hour. The dentist applies a highly concentrated hydrogen peroxide whitening gel while protecting your gums, then activates it with a special curing light for faster, more dramatic whitening. This accelerated process can whiten teeth up to eight shades in a single visit!
- Professional supervision
Teeth discoloration can sometimes be a symptom of an underlying condition like decay, enamel thinning, or infection. A dentist can evaluate your oral health first to determine if whitening is appropriate or if another treatment is needed first. Their professional guidance ensures whitening is safe and effective for your situation.
Conclusion
While convenient, over-the-counter whitening options simply cannot match the customized level of brightness, safety, and dramatic results achieved through professional in-office whitening treatments. For a radiant smile tailored just for you, look no further than the experienced team at Carrum Downs Dental Group. Their dentists use the latest whitening technologies and techniques to whiten smiles by several shades in a single visit. You’ll leave with a rejuvenated, confident smile!