Are you feeling self-conscious about stubborn stains in your teeth you can’t seem to brush away? One of the first things others notice about you is the quality of your smile, and it’s only natural to want to make a good impression. But if yours looks dark or dirty due to dental stains, you might remain tight-lipped or avoid spending time with others.
You might feel tempted to try to lighten your enamel with over-the-counter strips or gels, only to regret the decision later on. Continue reading to learn 3 excellent reasons to consider consulting your dentist for teeth whitening instead!
Reason #1: Treat Any Pre-Existing Concerns
Many people assume their mouths must be perfectly healthy if they haven’t noticed any visible issues, but that’s not always the case. For instance, you might have hidden cavities in hard-to-see places, like between two teeth or behind your molars. You might also have developed gingivitis, the earliest form of gum disease, which doesn’t always exhibit symptoms until it progresses.
Unfortunately, applying store-bought whitener on top of these types of concerns can cause sensitivity or pain that requires your dentist’s help to address. Meanwhile, consulting your provider first allows them to examine your mouth to identify and treat common concerns that might otherwise interfere with your results.
Reason #2: Identify the Type of Discoloration
Would you be surprised to learn that there are different types of dental discoloration? Extrinsic stains are usually caused by prolonged or repeated exposure to darkly tinted foods and drinks, such as coffee, tea, wine, berries, and tomatoes. These blemishes often respond well to topical bleaches intended to brighten your smile.
However, it’s possible for stains to originate or seep into the lower layers of dentin, which might not be affected by whitening products. In such instances, alternative services, such as porcelain veneers or dental bonding, may be recommended.
Reason #3: Achieve More Reliable Results
Many over-the-counter whiteners claim to be able to produce consistent coloration across your enamel, but the truth is that they often contain diluted bleaches that aren’t as effective. They also rely on one-size-fits-all strips or applicator trays that leave plenty of room for error. That means you’re more likely to develop sensitivity or achieve an uneven outcome.
Meanwhile, your dentist offers professional-grade solutions, such as ultra-concentrated gels designed to mitigate potential discomfort, and custom-fitted trays that deliver beautiful results you can be proud of.
As you can see, scheduling a cosmetic consultation with your dentist is typically a much safer and more effective way to brighten your smile!
About the Practice
At Richland Dental, patients benefit from a team eager to help families in Richardson improve their lives by enhancing their dental health. They share decades of combined experience and, today, they offer a comprehensive menu of services to people of all ages, including in-office teeth whitening procedures and customized take-home kits. If you’re interested in boosting your confidence by brightening your grin, you can request an appointment on the website or call (972) 200-8006.