If you’re looking for a fast, effective way to boost your self-esteem and improve the appearance of your smile, teeth whitening is the way to go. Removing the discoloration caused by age, certain lifestyle choices, and consuming stain-causing foods can instantly help you feel more confident and look years younger. With so many teeth whitening options available, however, choosing the right one for you can be an overwhelming endeavor. Here’s what you need to know about teeth whitening at home vs. at the dentist before scheduling your appointment with Dr. Overton at Mayfaire Family Dentistry.
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What is Teeth Whitening?
When your teeth are bright and white, it’s easy to look and feel your best. It’s no wonder, then, why teeth whitening has grown in popularity among all types of patients. Teeth whitening is a dental treatment used to lift stains from the enamel of your teeth and make dull teeth appear brighter.
Understanding Teeth Discoloration
Even with good oral health habits, teeth discoloration can happen to anyone. Tooth stains can be separated into two categories: intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic stains occur on the inside of the tooth and often indicate an underlying problem, while extrinsic are cosmetic stains that affect the surface of the tooth’s enamel. In most cases, teeth whitening is used to address extrinsic stains. Some of the most common causes of tooth discoloration include:
- Age
- Eating and drinking stain-causing foods, such as black coffee or red wine
- Taking certain medications
- Smoking
What Are the Main Differences Between Teeth Whitening at Home and the Dentist?
Before beginning your teeth whitening journey, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of both at-home teeth whitening treatments and having your teeth professionally whitened at the dentist. Taking the time to do your research is the best way to ensure that you get the results you have in mind quickly and safely.
At-Home Teeth Whitening:
If you’ve been to any retail store or pharmacy, you’ve probably seen the large selection of at-home teeth whitening products today. Common at-home teeth whitening options include:
- Whitening toothpaste and mouthwashes
- Whitening strips and trays
- Paint-on gels and pens
Whitening your teeth at home has grown popular thanks to its convenience and affordability. While this is true, at-home teeth whitening does have some disadvantages. Along with not being as effective as the professional bleaching products used at the dentist, there’s no guarantee that a particular at-home teeth whitening treatment is safe.
In-Office Teeth Whitening:
Along with several cosmetic dentistry options offered at Mayfaire Family Dentistry, the dentist will choose the best technique for your needs. This could entail using a laser whitening treatment or a high-concentration whitening agent in the form of a gel, foam, or tray. While in-office teeth whitening treatments may not be as convenient as whitening your teeth at home, it does offer many advantages, including:
- Immediate, noticeable results
- Being monitored by an experienced dental team
- Professional strength whitening products
- Safety
Mayfaire Family Dentistry: The Best Choice for Teeth Whitening
Every person should be able to smile with confidence. If you want to enhance the appearance of your dull, stained, or discolored teeth, Dr. Overton and the trusted team at Mayfaire Family Dentistry are here to help. With a professional teeth whitening treatment, you can achieve a noticeably whiter smile in as little as one convenient visit to the dentist. Contact us today to schedule your consultation to learn how teeth whitening can boost your self-esteem and give you the radiant smile you’ve always wanted.