A bright smile can be one of your best assets. A set of pearly whites gives you more self-confidence and makes a good first impression on others. If you find that your smile is having the opposite effect in your life, it might be time to try teeth whitening. But with several options available, it can be challenging to choose the safest alternative. Here’s how it works and why it’s better to schedule a visit with your dentist.

How Teeth Whitening Works

As the name implies, teeth whitening is a procedure that lightens the color of your teeth by using bleaching products or dental treatments. It has to be done periodically since whitening isn’t a permanent solution and will wear off over time with the consumption of food, drink, and other staining substances.

There are two types of teeth discoloration: extrinsic and intrinsic. Extrinsic discoloration happens when the enamel, or outer layer of the tooth, gets stained by smoking and pigmented beverages like red wine, coffee, and tea. Intrinsic discoloration, on the other hand, can be traced to aging, dental trauma, medications, infection, childhood illness, and poor nutrition that affect the dentin, which is the softer layer underneath the enamel.

Why Choose Professional Teeth Whitening

There are many over-the-counter whitening products on the market, such as strips and toothpaste. However, some are not considered safe for prolonged use because they can result in gum and tooth damage, higher sensitivity to hot and cold foods, and yellow spots in certain areas. Their whitening effects also won’t be as long-lasting as professional treatments.

With professional bleaching, a dentist will assess first whether you’re suitable for the procedure and discuss a few things like the extent of discoloration and treatment method. They may suggest at-home or in-office whitening, wherein the latter delivers faster, longer-lasting results. Also called chairside bleaching, in-office whitening requires only one 90-minute visit to the dentist’s office. A gel will be applied on the gums as cover and protection while whitening agents, which contain hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, are placed on the teeth’s surface. Some chemicals can be activated by shining a laser light for a faster whitening procedure.

The New Year is almost here, make a resolution to improve your appearance with teeth whitening procedures at South Baldwin Dental Associates, P.C. With over 25 years of experience in general and cosmetic dentistry, Dr. Samuel Townsley provides a wide range of services, from tooth extractions to root canals, to patients throughout Baldwin County, AL. For a beautiful and confident smile, call (251) 943-1521 to schedule a visit today.