Naturally, if you are interested in whitening your smile, you can choose to visit your dentist or to buy an over-the-counter kit. But, if you are going to invest in a brighter smile, wouldn’t you rather enjoy the best possible result? In fact, did you know that certain issues with your smile could ruin your teeth whitening, especially if you use an over-the-counter kit? Conversely, a dentist can recognize these problems and adjust your whitening accordingly.
For instance, your oral health should be a factor you consider before you decide on teeth whitening. Typically, teeth whitening is a process that will only result in some mild irritation in your gums, but if you aren’t careful, your experience may be very painful–especially if the bleach solution used to whiten your teeth comes in contact with your nerve ends or with a cracked tooth, broken filling, or a cavity.
For example, if you whiten over a plaque buildup your teeth may be colored unevenly. While you may think that the best way to prevent this problem is simply brushing your teeth thoroughly before you whiten, a toothbrush and floss can’t remove all of your plaque. However, with specialized tools, a dentist or dental hygienist can. Similarly, teeth with fillings or bonded teeth won’t change color, which can ultimately leave you with different colored teeth.
Are you interested in learning more or scheduling an appointment with our team? If so, please feel free to contact us today.