If you want whiter teeth, there’s no shortage of whitening products to choose from. Strips, trays, rinses, toothpaste—there are almost too many choices! It can be confusing to know which works best but, more importantly, which works best for you.
Over-the-counter teeth whitening products are so tempting because they’re affordable and widely available. There’s nothing inherently wrong with these products, and many people swear by them. Still, there are some considerations that could make professional teeth whitening with a dentist more effective and more affordable in the long term.
What Causes Teeth to Stain in the First Place?
Teeth can become stained due to a variety of factors, ranging from dietary habits to lifestyle choices and even natural aging. Common culprits include consumption of dark-colored beverages such as coffee, tea, red wine, and sodas, which contain chromogens that adhere to tooth enamel. Additionally, tobacco use, whether smoking or chewing, introduces tar and nicotine into the mouth, leading to significant discoloration over time.
Poor dental hygiene can also contribute to staining, as plaque buildup harbors pigments that stain teeth. Even the natural aging process can result in enamel thinning, revealing the yellow dentin beneath. Lastly, certain medications, particularly antibiotics like tetracycline, can cause intrinsic stains.
Professional Strength of the Bleaching Agent
Drugstore and supermarket teeth whitening products must be mild enough for the broadest number of people to use them safely. Professional teeth whitening done under the direct supervision of a dentist is controlled, and therefore a higher concentration of whitening agent can be used.
Customized Whitening Trays for Your Smile
When you buy an over-the-counter kit, you’ll receive “one-size-fits-all” whitening trays that may or may not cover all tooth surfaces evenly. With a professional kit, your dentist will take impressions of your teeth to make customized whitening trays.
Customized trays ensure that all of your tooth surfaces contact the whitening gel and that the gel won’t leak out and irritate sensitive gum tissue.
Professional Dental Supervision with Dr. Franquemont
With store-bought kits, there is no supervision. At most, you’ll have an 800 number you can call, but otherwise, you’re on your own.
When you choose a cosmetic dentist for your teeth whitening treatment, you always have somewhere to turn. If you’re experiencing irritation or not seeing the results you hoped for, your dentist can adjust the concentration of the whitening gel accordingly.
Which Foods and Drinks Should I Avoid After Teeth Whitening?
After undergoing teeth whitening in Centennial, especially with Opalescence take-home whitening kits offered by Dr. Michael Franquemont, it's helpful to avoid certain foods and drinks to maintain your brighter smile.
Steer clear of:
- Dark-colored beverages such as coffee, tea, red wine, and colas
- Foods like berries, tomato sauces, and soy sauce
- Acidic foods and drinks, such as citrus fruits and vinegar-based items
Trust Your Whitening to a Cosmetic Dentist in Centennial, CO
If you want to see the brightest, safest results in the shortest amount of time, it’s a good idea to turn to a professional for your teeth whitening treatment. At the dental office of Michael J. Franquemont in Centennial, CO, we offer both in-office and take-home whitening procedures.
Please call us to schedule an appointment so we can see which is right for you.