Is Getting Your Teeth Whitened at the Dentist Worth It?

No one can smile with confidence when their teeth are less than white. If you love coffee or wine, it’s inevitable that your pearly whites will turn yellow over time.

Fortunately, the teeth whitening industry offers a slew of over-the-counter kits along with professional whitening options in the dentist’s office. And while home kits are convenient, they often produce disappointing results. 

Read on as a Miami Beach, FL dentist discusses the benefits of professional teeth whitening over do-it-yourself products.   

Why Professional Teeth Whitening is Worth It

There are three main ways to whiten or brighten your teeth: over-the-counter products, at-home treatments prescribed by a dentist and in office procedures. Your individual needs will dictate which option is best for you. That being so, professional teeth whitening in the dentist’s office is most likely to produce the quality of results you expect.

Here are a few good reasons why professional whitening is worth it:

Even Whitening

People who use do-it-yourself whitening kits often complain of white spots and uneven hues. With professional teeth whitening, the dentist will assess your teeth to identify areas that may whiten at different rates—and then employ a variety of techniques to ensure uniform results.

Longer Lasting Results

Dentists use a variety of treatments to whiten teeth. Some involve applying bleaching pastes directly onto each tooth while others employ LED lights to ensure an even effect. As a result, professional teeth-whitening results can last one years or longer.

Immediate Results

One of the biggest drawbacks to at-home treatment is that it often takes multiple sessions before you see any results. Treatments administered by a dentist can lighten your smile more quickly and effectively, making them better for those who want immediate results.

Latest Teeth Whitening Technologies

Many at-home treatments have been around for years, and often employ outdated or ineffective methods for teeth whitening. On the other hand, a dentist has access to the latest teeth whitening technologies, which are based on the latest knowledge about what works best.  

Safe Procedure

Not all over-the-counter teeth whitening kits are created equal, and some can even damage your teeth. Whitening products should only remove stains from the outermost layer of your teeth, which is the enamel. But some at-home gel and strip kits contain ingredients that can damage the enamel on your teeth or harm the inner layers of your gums, making this kind of treatment dangerous.

If you have more questions or wish to schedule an appointment to get your teeth whitened, please feel free to call our Miami Beach, FL dentist’s office.