Your smile is one of the most prominent features of your face. It is the first thing people notice when they meet you and something they will remember for many years to come. If your teeth are yellowed or stained, it can make you insecure about your smile. There are a number of dental products and procedures that can help to improve the whiteness of your smile, but they are not all equally effective. To enhance the appearance of your smile, a professional teeth whitening is the best option. Below, staff from Legacy Dental Arts in Eagle River, AK, explain why a professional whitening is more effective than over-the-counter whitening products.

1. Less Irritating

During in-office whitenings with your dentist, a hydrogen peroxide gel is used to brighten the color of your teeth. Before the gel is applied, a retractor is placed in your mouth to protect your lips and gums from the hydrogen peroxide gel, minimizing the risk of irritation. Many at-home bleaching kits do not include these retractors, allowing the chemicals in these whitening products to cause redness, irritation, or inflammation of the gums. 

2. Faster Results

Over-the-counter whitening strips and toothpastes can take 8-12 weeks for full results, and those results are often only a few shades lighter than your current color. On the other hand, professional teeth whitening delivers noticeable results almost instantly. Many patients see a dramatic improvement in the shade and brightness of their teeth in just a one-hour session.

3. Professional Supervision

Even if you purchase a professional whitening kit for your home, you do not have the same experience using these products as your dentist does. As a result, you might have uneven patches or stains that are left behind. You may also experience chemical burns from incorrectly applying the whitening gel. An in-office whitening procedure ensures that your progress is being monitored by a professional dentist who has the knowledge and experience needed to deliver safe and effective results.

If you are interested in getting a professional teeth whitening in the Eagle River area, contact Legacy Dental Arts at (907) 622­-7874 to schedule your appointment. For more information on other cosmetic dentistry procedures including dental implants and veneers, visit them online.