Every time you eat or drink something, the molecules that give your food or beverage its color (known as chromogens) can accumulate on your teeth’s surfaces. Good hygiene and preventive dentistry can prevent these and other molecules from remaining too long on your teeth. But over the years, chromogens can eventually cause noticeable stains or a dulling of your teeth’s vibrant appearance. Because of their convenience, over-the-counter (OTC) teeth whitening products have grown in popularity. However, there are still several reasons why you should leave teeth whitening to the professionals rather than applying chemicals to your teeth without any guidance.
1. Be sure it’s the right option.
When you visit your dentist for a professional teeth whitening treatment, the first step will be a careful dental examination to diagnose your teeth stains and ensure that whitening is the right option. For instance, certain types of stains develop underneath your teeth’s semi-translucent enamel, rather than on top of it. Known as intrinsic stains, these blemishes cannot be erased with teeth whitening, and may require a more effective cosmetic solution.
2. Be sure not to misuse the product.
If you don’t know that your teeth stains are intrinsic, then an OTC product’s failure to brighten your smile can cause you to overuse it in an attempt to make it work. The bleaching solution in most OTC products are significantly diluted (hence their less potent effects), but it is still dangerous to your teeth in excessive doses. Not only will the product leave you dissatisfied; it can also lead to more serious dental health problems than just stains.
3. Learn about other options in case whitening doesn’t work.
If your dentist’s examination reveals that the nature or severity of your stains are too much for teeth whitening, then he can recommend another conservative option for improving your smile. Cosmetic tooth bonding, porcelain veneers, and more can help you achieve the bright, youthful, and blemish-free smile you deserve without placing the health, beauty, and integrity of your teeth at risk.
If your teeth are dull or stained, then don’t settle for a less-than-satisfactory OTC product. Enjoy a brighter smile by entrusting your treatment to the professionals. To learn more, schedule a consultation by calling Keelan Dental in Butler, PA, today at (724) 285-4153.