Posted: April 30, 2024
When it comes to keeping your pearly whites brilliant, there are plenty of at-home options. But they're not all as beneficial — or safe — as professional teeth whitening.
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure meant to accomplish exactly what the name implies. It makes your teeth brighter, removing stains and dark spots.
It's natural for people's teeth to become yellow due to factors like aging, genetics, medication, smoking, or drinking soda. Unfortunately, not everyone is equally accepting of these processes. Those who pursue whitening may do so for aesthetic reasons and to build self-confidence.
DIY vs. Professional Teeth Whitening
There are many over-the-counter products designed to whiten your teeth. Many use low concentrations of peroxide chemicals that act as whitening agents. Some also include baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) or charcoals that scrape away stains.
Professional whitening formulas may incorporate similar ingredients but there's a key difference. Your dentist uses these substances with extreme precision, potentially lowering at-home whitening risks like:
- Removing too much enamel and increasing your risk of cavities
- Softening the surface of your teeth
- Damaging the hard tissue layer that supports healthy tooth enamel
- Burning or irritating your gums by improperly applying peroxides
Any teeth whitening procedure can cause side effects. For instance, many people notice that their teeth temporarily become more sensitive. One benefit of going the professional route is that an experienced dentist can take measures to minimize side effects. For instance, they'll use guards to protect your gum tissues from irritation. Clinicians also tend to be more precise about how long they apply whitening agents, which can help prevent permanent enamel damage.
Some teeth whitening treatments, such as laser therapy, are only available from a dental professional. Even if you choose a more conventional option, treatment time is also worth considering — your dentist can safely use stronger whiteners, so you might get the intended results faster.
Schedule a Professional Teeth Whitening Consultation With Scott Greenhalgh, DDS
Having your teeth whitened professionally can be a huge confidence booster — especially since it's often safer than doing it yourself. You deserve a great smile, and Dr. Scott Greenhalgh and our experienced team are here to help. Our Denver teeth whitening services are available in-office and as take-home treatments.
Please call our Lakewood, CO office at 303-988-9060 or schedule an appointment online.
For additional information, check out our Teeth Whitening FAQs page.
