Candidate for Professional Teeth Whitening

Yellow teeth can be annoying, and can really affect a person’s confidence. If you have yellow or discolored teeth that are bothering you and affect your self-esteem, mood or confidence, you should consider different whitening options—including professional teeth whitening.

Over-the-Counter Whitening

While professional teeth whitening is excellent for some patients, not everyone needs professional level teeth whitening. For people with only moderate yellowing or discoloration, over-the-counter solutions may be enough. Some of these over-the-counter options include:

• Whitening Gum
• Whitening Toothpaste
• Whitening Strips
• Whitening Mouthwash

All of these options can whiten the teeth moderately, and may be enough for some people suffering from discoloration. When these options aren’t enough, though, professional teeth whitening may be the best option.

The Advantages of Professional Whitening

Professional whitening is an excellent option for patients that need a more advanced level of whitening. With the help of a cosmetic dentist, a patient can put together the right plan for their whitening needs. They are also able to have their teeth whitened under the supervision—or with the direct help—of a trained professional.

In-Office vs At-Home Professional Teeth Whitening

Before professional teeth whitening can begin, a patient must visit a cosmetic dentist for a consultation. The dentist will then look at the teeth of the patient and see if they are a good candidate for teeth whitening. Because of the chemicals used during the whitening process, a cosmetic dentist needs to ensure that the teeth of the patient are strong enough to handle the whitening solution without being damaged. Once the dentist has decided that the patient is able to undergo the whitening procedure, the patient and the dentist can discuss which professional teeth whitening option is right for the patient’s needs and budget.

There are two main professional teeth whitening options—in-office whitening and at-home whitening. In-office whitening is done with a laser and a special solution that allows the cosmetic dentist to significantly whiten the teeth of the patient in as little as one visit. At-home treatment is also an excellent solution, and can help to significantly whiten the teeth of a patient. At-home treatment involves the use of a tray and whitening gel that the patient administers themselves at home. While this option takes longer, it is also significantly less expensive than in-office treatment.

Aftercare

While professional teeth whitening can produce amazing results, it is not a permanent solution. Over time, the whiteness will fade, and the patient will need to have their teeth professionally whitened again. Still, a patient can significantly increase the longevity of the whiteness of their teeth by brushing, flossing and rinsing twice a day, every day.

Set an Appointment Today

To see if you are a candidate for professional teeth whitening, set an appointment with a cosmetic dentist today. They will take a look at your teeth and decide whether they are strong enough to handle the whitening solution. From there, you can decide whether at-home or in-office professional whitening is the best choice for you.

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