Although beauty is in the eye of the beholder, there are certain smile qualities that most people consider to be more attractive. For instance, most people view brighter grins as more visually appealing than ones that are tinted more yellow or brown than pearly white.
There are several potential ways to lighten your enamel and enhance your appearance, including over-the-counter solutions and professional whitening services provided by your dentist. If you’re considering store-bought options, continue reading to learn why you might want to schedule a consultation with your oral healthcare provider instead!
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
There are different types of dental discoloration, but it’s often the result of prolonged or repeated exposure to darkly tinted foods. Although your enamel seems completely smooth on the surface, it’s covered in microscopic pores. Pigmented particles, commonly found in substances like coffee, tea, berries, or wine, can accumulate in these tubules to stain your teeth.
Most teeth whitening products utilize a bleaching agent, such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, to reduce the impact of discoloration. These ingredients penetrate your enamel and then undergo a chemical oxidation reaction that breaks down the darkly toned molecules, reducing their size and concentration.
How Do Professional Services Differ from Store-Bought Options?
Many patients attempt over-the-counter products, thinking they can save money by purchasing cheaper options to brighten their smile. However, these options often contain diluted bleaching agents that are less effective. They also rely on one-size-fits-all applicators that leave plenty of room for error. That means you might not achieve consistent, reliable results.
Not only that, but many people have inadvertently overapplied or misused these bleaches, resulting in sensitivity. You might also have cavities or periodontal disease that you’re unaware of, which can become painfully triggered if you place harsh chemicals on your teeth or gums.
Meanwhile, your dentist will examine your mouth and treat any pre-existing problems to ensure they don’t cause discomfort or interfere with your results. They have access to ultra-concentrated gels designed to mitigate potential sensitivity and create custom-fitted trays for more accurate applications.
How Can I Maintain My Brighter Smile?
Once you finally achieve the perfect shade, it’s natural to want to maintain the results for as long as possible. Practicing proper preventive care is an easy and effective way to strengthen your enamel, making it more resistant to discoloration. For instance, brushing and flossing twice daily removes plaque that pigmented particles can cling to, and seeing your dentist every six months for a cleaning allows them to polish away more recent surface stains.
Also, avoiding foods known to stain teeth can help you maintain your recently enhanced smile!
About the Practice
Patients at White Clay Dental Associates benefit from two accomplished dentists with decades of experience. Dr. Bond and Dr. Ganfield collaborate to provide a comprehensive menu of services to meet all your family’s needs at one convenient location. Whether you need a checkup or want to improve your appearance with cosmetics, they can help! They take the time to learn your unique goals and concerns, then use state-of-the-art equipment to provide accurate treatment results to address them. If you are ready to schedule a cosmetic consultation, you can contact the office on the website or call (302) 731-4225.