You’ve decided to get your teeth whitened, which is exciting! Many individuals would love to have a brighter smile, and you’ve made a big step towards getting it done. The next step, though, can also be a doozy. How should you go about doing that, exactly?
Over-the-counter whitening products might have you thinking the process is fairly simple, but there are several reasons to consult a qualified dentist before you do anything else! Keep reading to learn what they are.
It’s Hard to Check Yourself for Oral Conditions
Being able to go straight to the store and start lifting the stains from your smile right away is an enticing thought. However, it ignores one really important factor: making sure you have healthy teeth. Oral conditions like cavities and gum disease will not only complicate your treatment, but also make the process quite uncomfortable.
Since the mouth is such a small area, it can be hard to tell what’s going in there by just looking in the mirror. Dentists have gone through years of schooling to be able to diagnose oral health issues accurately, so why not take advantage of their skills? Schedule a consultation, and they’ll gladly take a closer look at your not-so-pearly whites.
Whitening Products Can Be Harsh
In this context, “harsh” means pretty damaging to your gums and enamel – when used incorrectly. When used too frequently, the abrasive texture can wear down your enamel, increasing instances of dental sensitivity. If you purchase a mass-produced take-home tray that isn’t designed for your unique smile, then the whitening gel can get too close to your gumline for comfort.
During a consultation with your dentist, they’ll be sure to take into account the size and shape of your dental lineup to ensure your treatment is administered safely. They can also give you detailed instructions for correctly applying touch-ups and taking care of your new aesthetics – which is definitely something you won’t get from a store-bought product!
Customize Your Whitening Journey
Essentially, consulting with your dentist before diving into teeth whitening allows you to have a completely customized treatment journey. Your dentist is much better equipped to evaluate and address your unique oral needs, which is why professional whitening is often more effective. After about an hour of an in-office treatment, you’ll notice a dramatic change in the shade of your smile right away!
About the Practice
At Waterford Dental Group, we have several dentists on staff, all of whom are ready to meet with patients and help them build their best-fit treatment plan! We keep a comfortable atmosphere at our state-of-the-art dental practice, and stay up to date with the latest dental technologies. If you’d like to see what your smile might look like after teeth whitening, we can show you with Virtual Smile Design software. Truly, we can provide a completely customizable teeth whitening experience. To contact our office, call 925-803-5888.