Many people desire a brighter, more dazzling smile. If you’re one of them, you may have switched to a brand of toothpaste that claims to possess special teeth whitening agents. These products often contain baking soda or another abrasive substance that lightens enamel gradually over time. While you may notice results after several weeks of consistent use, toothpaste alone will not be enough to attain a drastically brighter smile. If you are interested in whitening your teeth, visit a qualified cosmetic dentist for a professional treatment.

Teeth Whitening 101: Toothpastes vs. In-Office Treatments

Whitening Toothpaste

According to the experts, whitening toothpastes are only slightly more effective than regular ones at making teeth appear brighter. Unlike professional treatments, these do not contain peroxide, which is fundamental to removing deeply ingrained stains. Instead, they have abrasives that merely remove the surface stains commonly caused by substances like coffee, wine, and tobacco.

Furthermore, some toothpastes contain blue covarine, which only makes the teeth appear whiter due to its cool hue, which mutes yellow tones. Essentially, a whitening toothpaste can scrub away stains you’ve accrued in recent weeks or disguise the appearance of others, but it cannot actually bleach your teeth.

Professional Whitening

If you want to attain drastic results, you need to visit a professional cosmetic dentist. In-office laser whitening involves coating the teeth with a highly concentrated peroxide agent and then exposing them to an LED light for 10 to 30 minutes. While the bleaching agent works to remove deep stains, the light accelerates the results. Afterward, the teeth will appear several shades brighter. Before the procedure, the dentist will discuss your goals with you to ensure satisfaction. 

If you’re interested in attaining a drastically brighter smile, consult Gulf Shores, Alabama’s trusted cosmetic dentistry. Wayne T. Martin, DDS, P.C. and the rest of the dental team provide the advanced teeth whitening services you need for a megawatt grin. To learn more about how the practice will serve your needs, visit the website. If you would like to schedule an appointment, call a friendly professional today at (251) 968-4446.