If you’re searching for a dentist near you who can provide premier teeth whitening services, you’ve got the right idea – when administered by a professional, these services have the potential to brighten your smile by up to several shades! That said, you might also be tempted to simply opt for over-the-counter whitening solutions; after all, social media these days seems to be flooded with ads for whitening products that are accessible, affordable, and effective. How are you supposed to separate fact from fiction and know which option is best, as well as the safest, for your smile? It’s time to set the record straight; here’s what you need to know about over-the-counter whitening products and why they fall short of what your dentist can do for you.
Quicker Doesn’t Mean Better
Some people are falsely under the impression that if you want quick whitening results, you need to minimize the duration of the treatment by using stronger agents. However, when used at higher intensities, the chemicals found in many store-bought whiteners can cause sensitivity or harm the enamel layer of the teeth. Each tooth responds and reacts differently when in contact with a whitening agent; there’s not even a guarantee that using “more” of these products, or using them in quicker succession, makes a difference.
Supervision Ensures Safety
Perhaps one of the biggest benefits of trusting your dentist to whiten your teeth is the very fact that you’re visiting their office to get the process started. This means that they’ll thoroughly inspect your smile and confirm your oral health before kicking off your treatment. It’s unwise to whiten your teeth if there are present issues such as cavities or gum disease, since these can worsen without treatment and detract from your aesthetic results. The treatments might also exacerbate certain issues! Having your dentist supervise everything is the only way to ensure that everything is done properly and no harm comes to your smile.
Teeth Whitening Sadly Isn’t Permanent
Don’t fall for the advertisement propaganda that many retailers push – despite what any packaging may claim, store-bought teeth whitening products are not permanent, and very rarely do the results they provide last for long. In fact, some users even report worsened results after turning to these products! It’s true that professional teeth whitening isn’t considered permanent, either; however, it has been proven to last for several months or years longer on average than over-the-counter whitening. Combine this with diligent oral hygiene practices, and you’ll truly get the most longevity out of your results.
Your smile is an important social asset, but if you want to whiten your teeth, it’s crucial that you take the proper approach. Your dentist can gladly help with this and ensure results that are both long-lived and confidence-inspiring!
About the Practice
Our team here at Coombs, Ross, & Sourlis Family Dentistry of Rock Hill has served the dental needs of patients in Rock Hill and the surrounding area for several years. We proudly offer a wide variety of preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry treatments, including both in-office and at-home teeth whitening solutions. If you have any questions about the article or you’d like to get in touch with our team to schedule an appointment for yourself or a loved one, please reach out online or give us a call to learn more! Telephone: (803) 223-7551.