Cosmetic Dentistry Directory Blog

Tooth whitening is no longer a luxury for the Hollywood elite. Today, you have many options to choose from if you would like a dazzling white smile. You can choose to have your teeth whitened professionally at your cosmetic dentist’s office or using a take-home kit provided by your dentist. You can also choose one of the many over-the-counter tooth whitening products available at your local drug store. But with so many options, which one should you choose?

While over-the-counter tooth whitening products will be a little less expensive, you certainly get what you pay for. The bleaching gel in over-the-counter whitening systems is not nearly as potent as the bleaching gel used in professional-grade tooth whitening products found at your cosmetic dentist’s office. This means that your smile will not be able to achieve the same levels of brightness with over-the-counter products.

Over-the-counter tooth whitening systems also use a generic tray to deliver the bleaching gel. Since these trays are not custom-fit to your teeth, they will not fit very well. This can lead to two issues. The bleaching gel may not be applied evenly to all your teeth, resulting in some spots that are brighter than others. The poor fit of these trays may also cause some of the bleaching gel to get on your gums, causing sensitivity and irritation.

When you use professional-grade tooth whitening systems provided by your cosmetic dentist, you eliminate all of these issues. Depending on the whitening system used by your dentist, you can generally expect your teeth to become eight to ten shades brighter following your treatment. Your dentist will deliver the bleaching gel using custom-made trays which ensure that it will be applied evenly and not irritate your gums. You can also complete your treatment in one short office visit.

If you prefer to whiten your teeth in the comfort of your own home, you can ask your cosmetic dentist to provide you with a professional-grade take-home tooth whitening kit. These offer all of the same benefits as in-office tooth whitening treatments, but you will be able to accomplish your whitening goals gradually over several weeks.

If cost is a concern, ask your cosmetic dentist about financing options that can help make your tooth whitening procedure fit into your budget. The improved results from using professional-grade products monitored by your cosmetic dentist are worth the investment.

Please contact an experienced dentist in your area today to find out if tooth whitening is right for you.