Teeth whitening is one of the most common reasons that patients initially consult with a cosmetic dentistry practice. Those patients who work with a dentist rather than picking a product off of the shelf at their local drug store tend to be more satisfied with their results.
It’s important to recognize that teeth whitening is not a one-and-done treatment, however. You should work with your cosmetic dentistry provider to plan for any follow-up treatments that you may need to keep your smile looking its best.
Professional Teeth Whitening Vs. Over-the-counter Options
Teeth whitening works because bleaching agents are applied to the teeth in order to release stains from the outermost layers of enamel. Although patients do have over-the-counter options for teeth whitening, the treatments provided by a dentist tend to have stronger bleaching agents.
The quality of teeth whitening treatments provided in a cosmetic dentistry practice produces outcomes that are:
- More noticeable
- More consistent
- More effective on challenging stains
Furthermore, while it may seem to be more convenient to buy an over-the-counter teeth whitening treatment, you can get the same level of convenience from a treatment provided by your dentist. Be sure to explore all of your options if you are considering teeth whitening treatment.
Maintaining Your Teeth Whitening Results
Teeth whitening treatments are not intended to be permanent, and the same things that stained your teeth to begin with can accelerate your need for touch-ups. In order to maximize your results, we recommend that you limit:
- Drinking dark beverages, like coffee and wine
- Eating dark foods, such as berries
- Smoking (it’s best to cut this one out entirely!)
When getting your first teeth whitening treatment, you should work with your dentist to develop a plan for follow-up treatments.
To learn more about your teeth whitening options, schedule a consultation at Tate Family Dentistry. We can deliver the beautiful smile of your dreams!