The Advantages Of Teeth Whitening With Your Dentist

Toothpaste with whitening agents can break up stains on the outer surface of your teeth, but these agents cannot penetrate stains as deeply as procedures that bleach your teeth. Your dentist can whiten your teeth by applying whitening treatments in the office, or provide at-home treatments, that attack stains that your toothpaste is unable to reach. If your teeth are less responsive to bleaching treatments, your dentist can determine the cause, and find a different treatment to yield the results you seek.  

Whitening Your Teeth At The Dentist’s Office

You can have your teeth whitened at the dentist’s office, with noticeable results that can come from a single visit. Typically, a special whitening material is applied to your teeth, and activated with special lighting. There are multiple in-office treatments available to patients. Some treatments are preferable because they can be performed faster than typical in-office procedures, while others minimize the potential for tooth sensitivity, which can occur after a tooth whitening procedure.

At-Home Treatments

For graduated whitening treatments, your dentist can provide special trays and bleaching gel, which allows you to apply whitening treatments from the comfort of your own home. While the at-home treatments can take several weeks, the end results are comparable to treatment received at the dentist’s office.

Alternatives To Bleaching

Some types of tooth discoloration are not as susceptible to bleaching as others. If your dentist determines that you may not benefit from bleaching solutions, other treatments can be recommended. Many people use porcelain veneers to attain a bright, white smile that fills them with confidence. Cosmetic dental bonds can also be an alternative approach to remedying discolored teeth.