If you ask people which feature of their smile they would change if they could, a large number of them will mention the color of their teeth. White teeth help make your smile look more vibrant, healthy, and attractive, but drinking coffee or soft drinks can dull or yellow your teeth over time. Improving the color of your teeth may seem easier than before thanks to the many teeth whitening products available over the counter in pharmacies and drug stores. However, many of these products do not hold up against professional whitenings.

Kimberling City Dental Center, a dentist’s office Stone County, MO, explains why you should trust a professional teeth whitening over at-home products:

• Speed: The most popular at-home teeth whitening products are whitening strips. These strips promise to lighten your teeth several shades, but this is only after several weeks of use. With a professional laser whitening procedure performed by your dentist, you will see visible improvement in the color and brightness of your teeth in just one 60 to 90 minute visit.
• Comfort:  Patients who need teeth whitening services but do not want a laser procedure have the option of requesting custom-made whitening trays from their dentist. These are similar to over-the-counter whitening trays. However, the tray that is created for you by your dentist is custom-made for maximum comfort. An over-the-counter whitening tray will not be a custom fit and can result in irritated and sensitive gums.
• Effectiveness: Over-the-counter whitening products simply do not have the same potency as teeth whitening products used by your dentist. Because of this, they will not yield the same results as a professional whitening, and it may take much longer to see any at all.

If you are interested in getting a professional teeth whitening, call (417) 739-4965 today to schedule a consultation. For more information on other cosmetic dentistry procedures, including crowns and veneers, visit the Kimberling City Dental Center’s website.