The Benefits of Dentist-Supervised Teeth Whitening Treatments

19 June 2023

The Benefits of Dentist-Supervised Teeth Whitening Treatments

How would you rate the appearance of your smile on a scale of one to ten? Are you entirely pleased or might there be slight room for improvement?

The appearance of your teeth can have a profound impact on your confidence. This is why teeth whitening has become an extremely popular option.

Most people have two options. They either consult with a professional dentist or they try at-home whitening kits. Which is the most effective solution? Are there any specific benefits from an in-office treatment?

Let’s take a look at why experts always recommend seeking a dentist’s help as well as the benefits you can expect.

What Does the Whitening Process Involve?

To be clear, whitening your teeth will not treat other oral health conditions such as cavities or gum disease. This is a purely superficial procedure primarily concerned with aesthetics. The good news is that it is also a non-invasive option, a nice advantage.

A hydrogen peroxide gel or paste is first applied to the surface of the teeth. It is then either left on for a certain amount of time – or in some cases, a laser will be used to activate specific ingredients (often increasing the overall effect).

Note that home-based treatments contain hydrogen peroxide concentrations ranging between three and 20 percent. Dentists generally use formulations between 15 and 43 percent – providing a more powerful solution.

In either case, the appearance of whitened teeth can last for between six and eight months before another treatment is warranted. This will also depend on your oral care habits as well as your diet (we will examine these a bit later on).

At-Home Teeth Whitening Methods

One of the most appealing aspects of whitening your smile at home involves convenience. Most techniques do not require any type of technical experience.

However, there are several negatives which need to be highlighted:

• Failing to remove the gel can dehydrate the teeth
• Some kits may lead to increased tooth sensitivity
• The mouthguard provided might not fit properly
• Accidentally applying whitening agents to your gums can lead to blistering and irritation
• In some cases, you might actually harm the natural enamel of your teeth

While at-home kits could initially appear to represent the most practical solution, the risks outlined above cannot be overstated.

Teeth Whitening Sessions Performed by a Professional

So, why is it always best to consult with a dentist or a cosmetic specialist if you wish to improve the appearance of your smile?

One perfectly logical argument involves the fact that professional teeth whitening products contain more active ingredients (hydrogen peroxide). Results can therefore be achieved within a quicker time frame.

Let us also point out that dentists will take aesthetic concerns into account. For example, he or she can recommend how white your teeth should appear in order to avoid a “manufactured” or “false” result.

They may likewise only choose to whiten specific teeth (such as the most prominent teeth along the top and bottom of your smile).

If laser teeth whitening is recommended, this option will provide results that penetrate slightly deeper into the enamel. Therefore, you might not require an additional treatment for a longer period of time when compared to at-home solutions.

We should finally mention that teeth whitening sessions can also be used as an opportunity for your dentist to check for other potential issues (such as cavities or gum disease). These are great ways to detect small concerns before the evolve into more profound problems.

How to Maintain Your Pearly Whites on a Daily Basis

We can now begin to understand why it is always better to speak with a professional if you wish to effectively whiten your teeth. Still, let’s remember that maintaining the effects of any treatment will require a bit of effort.

One important point to highlight involves avoiding specific foods and drinks that are known to stain the enamel of your teeth. Some common examples include:

• Coffee and tea.
• Red wine.
• Sports drinks (due to high sugar content).
• Carbonated beverages such as soda (high concentrations of carbonic acid).
• Darkly coloured fruits such as blackberries, raspberries and cranberries.

Of course, smoking cigarettes, cigars and using pipe tobacco will also have a negative impact upon the whiteness of your teeth (as well as your health in general).

It is just as pivotal to practice the proper oral care habits immediately after a teeth whitening procedure. Be sure to brush after every meal and floss at least once each day. If you suffer from sensitive teeth, choose a brush with softer bristles. This can also prevent you from accidentally eroding the existing enamel.

Lastly, it is wise to schedule a check-up appointment with your dentist at least once every six months. This can be used to repeat a whitening procedure as well as to determine if any other oral health problems exist.

Professional Teeth Whitening for a Breathtaking Smile

Hollywood smiles are rarely natural occurrences. On the contrary, they represent the result of professional whitening services.

While most whitening procedures are not covered by medical insurance (these are considered optional cosmetic treatments), they could still be worth the one-off investment – if it gives you more confidence.