While it’s possible to buy teeth whitening products from the store and apply them yourself, professional tooth whitening treatment from your dentist offers benefits that store-bought products simply can’t provide. Read on as the cosmetic dentistry team at Turnagain Dental explains the benefits of professional tooth whitening as well as who can benefit.
The Main Benefits of In-Office Teeth Whitening
One of the main benefits of professional teeth whitening is that it can be performed in a single visit lasting as little as one hour, versus weeks or even months for home treatments.
Another benefit is the fact that your dentist can produce more dramatic results that may not be achievable with store-bought products. You can lighten the color of the teeth by up to 10 shades in a single appointment without doing damage to your teeth, like some whitening toothpastes often do.
A third benefit is the fact that your dentist can apply a fluoride treatment after the whitening process to strengthen the enamel. Fluoride is a natural mineral, and is a common ingredient in toothpastes recommended by dentists.
Who Can Benefit from Professional Teeth Whitening?
Whether or not you can benefit from professional teeth whitening depends in part on what types of stains you have. There are two basic types of tooth stains: extrinsic and intrinsic. Extrinsic stains are located on the exterior, or outside, of the tooth and are caused by food and beverages; these stains usually respond very well to whitening treatments. Intrinsic stains are deeper stains that are located inside the tooth itself. Intrinsic stains are much more difficult to treat, and in some cases may not even respond to treatments performed by a dentist.
Another factor is whether you have had extensive dental work involving dental crowns, bridges and tooth implants. If you have, it is highly advisable to consult with your dentist prior to having your teeth whitened. While most people who have all or nearly all of their permanent teeth can benefit from getting a whitening treatment from their dentist, sometimes it is not advisable.
Stay on top of your oral health and be sure to consult with a dentist before making decisions that can affect the health of your teeth and gums. Contact our Anchorage dental office for a tooth whitening consultation and to learn about other treatments we offer to improve the appearance of your smile.