Why It May Be Best To Leave Your Teeth Whitening To A Professional
Cosmetic dental applications can be performed by a dentist to transform your smile. One common professional cosmetic service is tooth-whitening.
Still, many people choose to whiten their teeth on their own. Here are a few reasons why it may be best to leave the whitening of your teeth to a professional, like those at Pinon Hills Dental.
Dental Sensitivity
Dentists use professional whitening products that may be less likely to make your teeth more sensitive. Additionally, their product application and removal are precise.
With over-the-counter products, consumers must be sure to adhere to the specific instructions provided by the product's manufacturer. If the product is left on the teeth too long or is used too frequently, dental sensitivity may develop.
The sensitivity may subside after the consumer stops using the product. However, in some cases, the nerves that the product has inflamed are damaged beyond repair. The resulting chronic sensitivity can only be resolved through a root canal procedure or an extraction.
Gum Protection
Before applying a whitening product, the dentist protects the gums and other soft tissues to ensure that they do not become irritated by the chemicals in the whitener. Gingival inflammation can be painful, making it difficult to eat.
Over-the-counter products may not provide any protection for your gums. In addition, it can be difficult to self-apply a product without inadvertently applying some of it to the gums.
Effectiveness of the Product
Whitening products that are purchased by a consumer may provide a degree of whiteness over the course of the treatment. However, the professional products that are used by a dentist are often more effective, allowing you to achieve significantly whiter teeth.
Both over-the-counter and professional whiteners usually include peroxide as an active ingredient. However, the concentration of active ingredients may vary among products, with professional solutions containing the highest level.
Intensified Results
Professional applications may include the use of a bright, ultraviolet light. After the whitening product is applied to the teeth, the teeth may be subjected to a bright light that intensifies the results of the treatment. In some cases, a professional application can whiten the teeth by several shades after a single use.
Over-the-counter products typically do not include a light. In addition, to achieve the desired results, the use of the product may have to be continued for a month or more.
If you would like to have your teeth professionally whitened, schedule a consultation with a dentist in your local area.
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