The brilliant smile that you get with pearly white teeth can really transform your appearance. Not only does it look amazing, but the confidence that it adds will make you want to smile more, helping you feel good about yourself and project a positive image to others.
Whether your teeth are slightly discolored or they need more substantial work, there is likely a perfect option that can give you your dream smile.
Whilst just about anyone can benefit from teeth whitening, there are some things that you should consider before you start to make sure you maximize the benefits of the procedure. You’ll want to ensure that you’ve addressed any other outstanding dental issues, or at least have discussed them with your dentist and have a plan in place, and that you have a good oral hygiene routine.
This is important as taking care of your teeth will ensure they stay as white as possible for as long as possible. If you have any doubts regarding this or whether you should make any changes following your teeth whitening, it’s best to ask your dentist or the other professional carrying out the procedure.
As the name would suggest, these whitening procedures are carried out by a dentist or other dental professional in their office. Typically, a strong whitening gel will be applied to the teeth for a period of 15 to 30 minutes in order to whiten the teeth by removing stains at the molecular level. In many cases, treatment will be applied over several appointments in order to allow you to achieve your desired level of whiteness.
In some cases, your dentist will combine the use of the gel with a high-intensity light. This combination isn’t strictly necessary but there is some evidence that it can help your teeth stay whiter for longer.
This option may be used alone or in combination with in-office whitening. Your dentist will take an impression of your teeth and use this to make a whitening tray that is perfectly tailored to your mouth. You’ll be provided with a whitening gel, which you put into the tray before wearing it.
The results aren’t quite as fast as with in-office treatments, but it can work well as a follow-up and still deliver some great results in its own right. If you are given a take-home whitening kit, it’s essential that you follow your dentist’s advice to ensure that you stay safe and get the best results possible.
The most common over-the-counter product that purports to whiten teeth are whitening toothpastes. These primarily work by scrubbing away surface-level stains as the teeth are being brushed. This can be beneficial for those who are prone to staining but doesn’t replace the deep stain removal that comes with professional whitening.
Some stores may also offer dedicated whitening products. These are safer than the DIY options we’ll discuss later, but aren’t as powerful or effective as professional treatments, and so won’t deliver the same results. The products that do deliver results are in many cases just substantially weaker variations of professional take-home treatments that aren’t tailored to you.
There are a number of alleged DIY teeth whitening options that spread through word of mouth and social media. Whilst these are often presented as safe and natural alternatives, they are ineffective and, in many cases, can actually damage your teeth and gums. Following professional guidance is the only way to ensure you end up with white and healthy teeth.
Now that you understand the benefits of turning to a professional for your teeth whitening needs and know the risks associated with the less effective alternatives, all that’s left is to make an appointment.Â
Contact Wedgewood Dental, your dentist in Rolla, and we’ll be happy to advise you which of the professional options would be best given your individual circumstances and give you a clearer idea of exactly what results you can expect from it.
MON 7:30 am - 3:30 pm
TUE Closed
WED - THU 7:30 am - 3:30 pm
FRI - SUN Closed
MON Closed
TUE 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
WED - THU Closed
FRI 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
SAT - SUN Closed
0 comments