Thinking of getting your teeth whitened? If so, your decision will net you many benefits. For instance, a brighter smile will boost your self-image and raise your confidence. It will also make you look more attractive which will increase your social and professional prospects. While everyone wants a brighter smile, not everyone knows the best way to go about getting one.
Many people choose to whiten their teeth at home using do-it-yourself kits because they’re relatively cheap and easy to use. Unfortunately, a lot of them end up with dental problems such as tooth and gum sensitivity and other complications from these kits.
To avoid unnecessary risks it’s best to have your teeth whitening done by professional dentists. Here are 5 reasons why.
1. Guaranteed Safety
Store-bought bleaching products may contain chemicals and other substances that may cause your gums to swell abnormally, or damage your gum tissues leading to tooth loss or other health complications. A professional dentist will consider your medical history and determine the best bleaching agents to use that won’t pose any side effects.
They will also take any necessary precautions before the procedure to ensure maximum safety and even offer after-care tips that you wouldn’t have received from a store-bought kit.
2. Treatments Are Customized to Your Specific Needs
The quality of the procedure at a dentist’s office is much higher than when using DIY bleaching treatments. Unlike whitening kits which come with standard instructions for all users, a dentist will customize a treatment plan specific to your dental needs. If some of your teeth are severely affected with stains or discoloration they will receive personalized care to help you achieve the best possible smile.
3. More Effective and Offers Longer-Lasting Results
Dentists often use professional-grade whitening agents that are superior to the bleaching agents found in over-the-counter kits. They can make your teeth several shades whiter in just one sitting which, in contrast, would require several at-home whitening treatments. The superior quality of the bleaching agents also guarantees longer-lasting results.
4. Affordable
Most patients who choose home teeth whitening are often motivated by cost. The home treatments are very cheap and easily accessible. However, in the grand scheme of things, the treatments may not be cost-effective. Depending on the extent of discoloration on your teeth you may have to buy several kits over a certain period to have decent results.
Even then, when you factor in the low-quality results, and the costs you’ll incur fixing potential damage to your gums and enamel, the expenses can be quite substantial. In contrast, when you use a professional dentist you may foot a slightly higher bill but it’s a one-time payment that guarantees your safety and quality results.
5. Faster
Do you need your teeth whitened on short notice before a major event such as a wedding or an important presentation? Visiting a professional is the best way to go. In most cases, you’ll only require one session which takes less than an hour. This is more efficient than relying on drugstore kits which can require application over several days or weeks to achieve desirable results.