As you walk down the hygiene aisle at your local pharmacy or supermarket, you might see more teeth whitening products than your eyes can immediately register. Toothpaste that can erase stains, whitening strips that brighten your teeth, or other products that make similar claims of eradicating and/or preventing teeth stains. The truth, however, is that most of these products can do little more than slightly improve the most minor surface stains, and you may not be satisfied with the results. To ensure your treatment works so you can once again flash your pearly-whites with confidence, your Southlake cosmetic dentists, Dr. Wright and Dr. Heron, explain why you should seek professional attention when considering a teeth whitening procedure.
The Dangers of OTC Teeth Whitening
Unsatisfactory results aren’t necessarily “dangerous,” but your reaction to them may be. Although over-the-counter (OTC) teeth whitening products contain a weaker concentration of chemicals than professional formulas, they can still cause damage when applied excessively to your teeth. If the first time doesn’t work, you may be tempted to buy another and try again, placing your teeth at a greater risk of erosion, sensitivity, and tooth decay. When you visit our office for a whitening procedure, Dr. Wright or Dr. Heron will thoroughly explain the process, and whether or not teeth whitening is appropriate for your teeth stains. If the color of your teeth is changing from the inside (intrinsic staining) rather than on the outer layer of enamel, then you may need a more involved cosmetic enhancement, such as dental bonding or porcelain veneers.
The Benefits of Professional Teeth Whitening
Besides our professional opinion and wealth of cosmetic alternatives, the benefits of professional teeth whitening can be seen most notably in results. Many patients choose OTC whitening because of the convenience of taking their product home and applying it themselves, or because a product promises instantaneous results. With a choice of professional teeth whitening techniques, we can design a plan that combines the superior results of professional treatment with the convenience of OTC products.
In our office, Dr. Wright and Dr. Heron utilize Zoom! teeth whitening, which can brighten your smile up to 10 shades in just a single, hour-long visit. If you prefer a more leisurely pace, the doctors can also custom-design a set of whitening trays that fit over your teeth, so you can apply the gel evenly from the comfort of your own home. When used as-directed (worn for the recommended hours every day), take-home teeth whitening produces the same amazing results as Zoom! whitening in about 10-14 days.
ABOUT YOUR SOUTHLAKE COSMETIC DENTISTS:
As a native Texan, Dr. Gregory Wright opened his private practice in Southlake, TX in 1992. He and Dr. Victoria Heron are happily accepting new patients from Southlake, Grapevine, Keller, Trophy Club, Colleyville, and all surrounding communities. To learn more, call our office today at (817) 481-7999.
