In-office Whitening vs. Professional At-home Treatments
If you want to have the best possible smile, it’s important that your smile be its whitest. That’s not always possible. In fact, as you get older, it may become more and more likely that your smile looks dingier and discolored. If that’s the case, then it’s important that you stop by our Kansas City cosmetic dentistry center so you can undergo a much needed dental bleaching treatment.
Causes of Tooth Discoloration
There are a number of common causes of tooth discoloration. Various foods and beverages will cause it to happen, such as coffee, tea, red wine, cola, curries, beets, and blueberries. Some medications can cause tooth discoloration over time as well. And, of course, smoking cigarettes and cigars and using chewing tobacco will also stain the teeth.
Treatment Options for Dental Stains
There are many ways to address teeth whitening, though the two most common and popular options are professional teeth whitening and store bought at-home teeth whitening. Let’s look at both of these briefly and then assess which is more effective.
At-Home Teeth Whitening Treatments
There are plenty of teeth-whitening products that you can get over the counter at your local store. This includes whitening strips, whitening trays, whitening toothpastes and rinses, and even chewing gum with bleaching properties. These can range from barely effective (chewing gum) to rather effective (tray systems).
Professional Teeth Whitening Treatments
A professional teeth whitening treatment at our cosmetic dentistry practice in Kansas City can make a major difference to the appearance of your smile. In just a single visit, your teeth can be several shades brighter and whiter.
Why Professional Teeth Whitening is Better
Professional teeth whitening offers patients the best and most effective smile makeover results. There’s no doubt about it. For one, professional teeth whitening is much stronger than over-the-counter whitening products. Professional Whitening takes much less time and allows your results to be more personalized. At our office, our customized whitening system provides enough product to last you over a year. Some professional Whitening treatments can be achieved in less than an hour at the dentist. No store-bought product is as effective as a visit to your dentist for a professional treatment.
Alternatives to Teeth Whitening to Consider
Sometimes teeth will be so stained that another treatment will be required to achieve proper results. One alternative to teeth whitening that may be considered are Kansas City porcelain veneers. A porcelain veneer will cover the front portion of your tooth from view, masking imperfections such as stains. We can discuss this option as well as others at our practice during a consultation.
Learn More About Your Options for Advanced Cosmetic Dentistry
For more information about teeth whitening and the many ways that it can benefit you, be sure to contact our Kansas City cosmetic and restorative dentistry practice today. The entire team here looks forward to your visit and discussing your aesthetic and dental health goals in more detail.
