There are many ways teeth can become stained or discoloured over time, whether it’s through having too much red wine, black tea, berries or soft drinks or another factor.
Luckily, there are also a variety of options available for brightening your teeth’s natural lustre. However, not all of them will be able to produce the results you hope for.
If you’re tired of using over-the-counter products, whitening toothpastes and rinses to no visible effect, it may be time to consult your cosmetic dentist about getting a professional teeth whitening procedure done.
The advantages of professional whitening
There are many reasons why a professional tooth whitening experience offers better results. Firstly, the results of a professional appointment can see your teeth go up to 12 shades lighter after just one quick visit.
Even if you choose the take home option that is also provided by many dentists, the results are still likely to be more effective than a typical whitening product sold over the counter or in the supermarket toiletries aisle.
By seeing a dentist, you can also benefit from professional advice and guidance tailored to your specific needs and requirements, so you can seek the option that best suits you.
Different types of teeth whitening
There are two different types of teeth whitening treatments available from your cosmetic dentist. The first involves a visit to the practice, where the entire procedure will typically take under an hour to complete and many patients see results right away.
For in-office whitening, your dentist will apply a prescription formula whitening gel to the teeth that is activated by a special UV light. This process takes about 15 minutes and can be repeated several times, depending on the results.
Your dentist can also offer a take-home whitening kit that is still effective at lifting stains and brightening teeth, although it usually takes more time to produce the same results.
Each kit contains a custom-fitted mouth tray that will help to guide the precise application of whitening gel, so patients can carry out the treatment from the comfort of their own home.