Are you frustrated by stubborn stains on your teeth that you can’t seem to brush away? Dental discoloration can make you feel self-conscious about how you look or anxious about being judged by others.
You might feel tempted to try to brighten your grin with over-the-counter products, but many patients who have tried have been disappointed by the lack of results. Continue reading to learn 3 reasons to consult your dentist before whitening your teeth instead!
Consideration #1: Identify the Type of Discoloration
Did you know that there’s more than one type of tooth stain? Topical treatments can often address extrinsic stains on your enamel from frequent or repeated exposure to darkly pigmented foods and drinks like berries, coffee, tea, and wine. Teeth whitening generally is an effective way to reduce this type of discoloration to lighten your smile.
However, some blemishes originate or seep into the lower layer of dentin. These types of stains aren’t always responsive to surface solutions and might require a different cosmetic service, like dental bonding or veneers, to perfect your appearance.
Consideration #2: Avoid Hidden Cavities
Most teeth whiteners contain bleaching agents like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. These chemicals undergo a chemical reaction in your mouth that releases oxygen, which penetrates your pearly whites. It breaks down the darkly pigmented particles clinging to your enamel to shrink their size and saturation for a brighter grin.
Unfortunately, applying an over-the-counter gel over hidden cavities can cause a painful reaction that will likely have you reaching for the phone to call your dentist. Although most over-the-counter products contain diluted bleaches, the harsh chemicals can still seep into sections of decay in difficult-to-see places like between your teeth or behind your molars. Meanwhile, your dentist will examine your mouth before proceeding to ensure no pre-existing issues interfere with your results.
Consideration #3: Prevent Potential Sensitivity
Another common problem with store-bought whiteners is that they come with one-size-fits-all supplies that can lead to errors in the application. For instance, too much gel in your applicator tray can cause sensitivity if it gets on your gums or if you use too much. However, if you don’t use enough, you’re not likely to achieve your desired outcome.
Thankfully, your dentist uses ultra-concentrated gels that are designed to prevent discomfort. Plus, whether you opt for an in-office treatment or a customized take-home kit with professional-grade supplies, they provide custom-fitted trays for accurate results.
Consulting your dentist before whitening your teeth leads to more accurate, long-lasting results that won’t harm your dental health!
About the Practice
Patients at Turning Leaf Dental benefit from a team of professionals eager to help them build and maintain their most beautiful, healthiest smiles. With general dentists and a board-certified periodontist, they can help with everything from basic preventative care to more complex treatments. They prioritize patient comfort and take the time to get to know you so they can tailor services to meet your unique needs, including cosmetic dentistry. Then, they use state-of-the-art technology to deliver accurate, long-lasting results. You can request an appointment on the website or call (617) 536-5182.