281 Cambridge St. Burlington, MA 01803
(781) 272-5890
One of the first things others notice about you is the quality of your smile, but if your teeth are tinted more yellow or brown than pearly white, you might not make a good impression. It’s natural to want to lighten your grin, and you might feel tempted to try over-the-counter products to achieve your goals, only to come to regret it.
Many commercial-grade whiteners claim to be able to help brighten your teeth, but they can also harm your oral health if you’re not careful. Continue reading to learn why it’s better to consult your dentist first, instead!
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
Although the quality of the product, and therefore the outcome, can vary significantly based on the type of teeth whitening you use, they usually function very similarly. For example, most solutions contain a bleaching agent, like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, that undergoes a chemical oxidation reaction in your mouth. During this process, it breaks down stain molecules, reducing their size and concentration. This is what lightens your enamel to boost your confidence.
How Do Store-Bought Products Differ from Professional Services?
It usually costs more to upgrade your grin with your dentist than to pick up a box of whitening strips from the local corner store, leading many patients to question why they should invest in a treatment with their provider. However, store-bought products often contain more diluted bleaches that are less effective or don’t produce consistent results. Plus, they rely on one-size-fits-all applicators that leave plenty of room to accidentally apply too much product or get some on your gums, which can cause sensitivity.
Not only that, but you might have hidden cavities or gum disease you don’t know about. If you put the harsh chemicals on top of already inflamed tissues, it can cause intense discomfort. As a result, plenty of patients have had to schedule dental visits to address their concerns, ease the ache, and provide professional whitening services for more reliable results.
Why Should I See My Dentist Before Whitening My Teeth?
Your dentist is happy to provide services to improve your appearance, like teeth whitening, but your dental health is their primary concern. They will want to ensure that your grin is just as healthy as it will be beautiful when your elected procedure is complete.
For instance, they’ll examine your teeth and gums before approving your treatment to ensure that no pre-existing concerns, like tooth decay or periodontal disease, interfere. Then, they utilize ultra-concentrated gels that are designed to mitigate potential sensitivity for an optimal outcome. They even provide custom-fitted trays for a more accurate application.
Only your dentist has the unique experience required to identify hidden oral issues and help you safely brighten your smile!
About the Practice
Patients at Derek Song, DMD, benefit from a team of dentists with decades of combined experience. Dr. Song, Dr. Dempsey, and Dr. Tang collaborate to provide a comprehensive menu of services to meet all your family’s oral healthcare needs under one roof, including teeth whitening. Whether you prefer the instant results of an in-office visit, or prefer a customized take-home kit with professional-strength gels, they are happy to help! You can request an appointment on the website or call (781) 272-5890.