Many patients are interested in improving the appearance of their smiles, and one of the most popular options is a professional whitening treatment. At Atlanta Dentistry By Design, teeth whitening lightens the shade of a patient’s smile by removing the buildup of stains from foods and drinks. Professional teeth whitening is generally more effective than over-the-counter products because it is more potent yet safer. The whitening gel can be applied by our dentist in higher concentrations to optimize a smile.
Some patients have teeth darkened by extrinsic stains caused by dark-colored foods and beverages, such as coffee, tea, wine, and more. Meanwhile, other patients have intrinsic staining that medications or certain genetic traits can cause. In either case, a professional whitening procedure can provide patients with bright, younger-looking smiles by removing extrinsic and intrinsic stains. It can also help patients feel more confident in their appearance.
Types of Teeth Whitening Procedures
There are various ways to whiten teeth, ranging from professional teeth whitening to over-the-counter, at-home whitening kits and strips. At-home treatments usually involve wearing trays filled with gel or strips that adhere to your teeth for some time each day. Professional whitening, on the other hand, is typically an in-office procedure using concentrated bleaching agents to brighten your smile with several shades in a visit. You can discuss your aesthetic goals and determine the best treatment option during your consultation at the dentist's office.
Professional Teeth Whitening vs. Over-the-Counter Whitening Kits
While professional teeth whitening is more expensive than an over-the-counter kit, it is more effective and safer for your teeth. The bleaching agent used in professional whitening products is far more concentrated than those found in at-home whitening kits, making them more effective at removing stains from your teeth. In contrast, over-the-counter kits typically contain a lower concentration of active bleaching agent, so while they may remove some surface stains, they won’t produce dramatic results, especially with intrinsic stains. Professional whitening is also much safer for oral health because the process relies on a custom-fit tray molded to your mouth and filled with dentist-regulated amounts of gel to cover your staining teeth. With store-bought trays, you’re more likely to overuse the bleaching agent or apply too much, which can lead to tooth sensitivity and irritation.
When you get professional teeth whitening from our dentist's office, our staff can also help you determine the cause of your tooth discoloration so that you can take steps to prevent it in the future! You may be recommended to change your diet to eliminate certain foods that cause stains, like coffee, tea, berries, tomato sauce, soy sauce, and wine. You may also be prescribed a special toothpaste or mouthwash designed to fight stains on contact.
If you’re looking for fast, safe teeth whitening, contact Atlanta Dentistry By Design at 1800 Peachtree St NW Suite 200, Atlanta GA 30309, or call (404) 355-2001. Your teeth will look and feel brighter when you leave our office and show off your new smile to the world!
