Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental services intended to improve your appearance more than your dental health. As a result, most insurance policies don’t cover the cost, meaning patients pay more out-of-pocket expenses than for preventive care.
If you’re concerned about your budget, you might turn to over-the-counter solutions to lighten your smile rather than start with your dentist, but you might come to regret your decision! Continue reading to learn 3 reasons to opt for professional whitening services!
Consideration #1: Lack of Results
Store-bought whitening products tend to contain more diluted bleaching agents that aren’t known to providing stellar results. Furthermore, they contain pre-administered strips or one-size-fits-all trays that lead to errors in the application.
Meanwhile, your dentist offers multiple methods you can pick from to brighten your grin. An hour-long procedure can lift the hue by up to eight shades in a single in-office visit. Or, if you prefer, they can provide custom-fitted trays and ultra-concentrated bleaches so you can obtain top-quality results from the comfort of your living room.
Consideration #2: Developing Sensitivity
In addition to increased room for error, choosing over-the-counter whiteners can also lead to dental sensitivity. Enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, but it’s not invincible. If you’re struggling to see any changes with store-bought products, you might overapply or misuse them in your attempt to obtain results.
Unfortunately, this has the potential to wear down your enamel and cause sensitivity. The safest way to upgrade your appearance is by starting with your dentist. They have access to ultra-concentrated bleaches that are designed to mitigate potentially adverse effects. Plus, they know how much product to apply to achieve an ideal outcome without causing harm.
Consideration #3: Pre-Existing Problems
If you’re applying commercial-grade whiteners to your teeth without having an examination first, you might end up hurting your dental health and causing discomfort. It’s easy to assume your teeth and gums must surely be healthy if you haven’t noticed visible signs of cavities or infection, but it’s possible to have oral issues and be unaware.
For instance, you might develop decay where it’s hard to see, like between two teeth or behind your molars. You might even have early-stage periodontal problems that are difficult catch. Then, if you apply bleach over these concerns, the ensuing aches can result in an emergency dental appointment. Thankfully, your dentist will examine your mouth before proceeding with any cosmetic procedure to ensure no pre-existing issues interfere.
If you want to safely lighten your smile for results you can’t wait to show off, you can start by scheduling a cosmetic consultation with your dentist!
Meet the Author
Dr. Kara Arnold is dedicated to providing a complete array of world-class services that can enhance your life by improving your dental health. She earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago, where she received the General Assembly Scholarship and the American College of Prosthodontics Award. Today, she combines artistic vision with state-of-the-art technology to help you meet all your smile goals conveniently under one roof, including teeth whitening. She’s happy to help brighten your grin, whether you prefer and in-office procedure or customized take-home kit. You can request a consultation on the website or call (303) 797- 6453.