Whiter teeth can boost your self-esteem, improve your chances for a career promotion and even take years off of your appearance. It is no surprise that teeth whitening continues to top the list of most sought-after cosmetic dental procedures each year.

We all want white teeth, but it’s not so easy to achieve. That morning cup of coffee, nightly glass of red wine or other dark colored foods on your plate can quickly sabotage your quest for a white and brilliant smile. Furthermore, certain medications, tobacco use and other lifestyle habits can also discolor your teeth over time. This is why so many patients seek teeth whitening treatment. The question immediately becomes, “do you whiten with your dentist or do-it-yourself?”

There is no doubt that pharmacies and grocery stores are filled with products that claim to whiten your teeth. Consumers can choose between whitening strips, special toothpastes and even whitening gum. While store-bought products are certainly easier on your wallet compared to professional teeth whitening at your dental office, there are some drawbacks you should be aware of.

First and foremost, store-bought whitening products are typically not as fast or effective. They are not approved for medical-grade whitening agents, so they don’t offer as much power in terms of removing stains. This causes patients to use more product to achieve their results, which translates to more time and money spent.

Second, over-the-counter whitening kits aren’t customized to your unique smile. Every person has a distinct set of teeth, including certain grooves, sizes and alignments within their teeth. When whitening your teeth with a store-bought product, you’re getting a one-size-fits all approach. This can cause you to get uneven bleaching results across your smile.

Third, whitening treatments not offered by your dentist are not safely overseen by a dental professional. Any cosmetic dental treatment should not be at the sacrifice of your oral health. When choosing professional teeth whitening, a dentist will ensure your dental health is in check before providing cosmetic improvement. A dentist can also distinguish between intrinsic and extrinsic staining to ensure you have realistic expectations about your teeth whitening results. Lastly, having a dentist perform your treatment minimizes irritation and other side effects to your smile, such as teeth sensitivity that commonly occurs from store-bought products.

At Manhattan Dental Design, we proudly offer two highly preferred whitening options, Opalascence and ZOOM Whitening. Patients may choose to whiten in the comfort of their home using professional-grade gel and customized trays or they may elect a faster (one hour) treatment in our office using ZOOM technology. Call us today to learn more about the benefits of professional teeth whitening!

Posted on behalf of Manhattan Dental Design