There are many reasons people might choose to whiten their teeth—to make them look whiter, feel more confident, or simply because it’s the newest beauty trend. Whatever your reason, there are also many other options out there you can choose from.

If you’re looking to get your smile whiter and brighter, here are 10 reasons you should consider having your teeth professionally whitened.

1. Brighter Teeth Make You More Attractive

There’s no escaping it—your smile is one of your most important assets. Because we spend so much time talking and smiling, people base a lot of their first impressions on our pearly whites. People are more likely to find you attractive if your teeth are bright and white. So, if you want to look your best in front of that special someone or a future employer, getting professionally whitened teeth is definitely worth considering.

2. They Improve Your Overall Health

The whiter your teeth, the better you look and feel. It can boost your confidence and help you carry yourself with more poise. When you look good, you feel good! That healthy glow can have a positive impact on your well-being. Researchers at Northwestern University found that people who had whiter teeth were less likely to experience depression than those with stained or yellowed teeth. Another study from researchers at Columbia University found that people who had white teeth were more likely to be outgoing and friendly than those who didn’t—and even perceived as being smarter!

3. They Can Boost Confidence

Did you know your smile is one of your most potent tools for instantly boosting self-confidence? And it’s not just a feel-good illusion. Research shows that improving your smile can alter perception, influence how others perceive you and even change behavior. In one study, participants were shown images of individuals with either crooked or straight teeth. They judged individuals with crooked or stained teeth as less trustworthy than those whose pearly whites were in tip-top shape, which led them to make more selfish decisions.

4. Professional Whitening is Safer Than Bleaching at Home

While both techniques can dramatically whiten your teeth, they are key differences. Professional whitening is safer than bleaching at home. Additionally, you can consult with a dental professional before deciding whether or not to go through with it. It’s also more cost-effective: A professional whitening treatment will cost less than several sessions of bleaching at home.

5. The Results Last Longer

The American Dental Association reports that your results will start to fade about two to four weeks after treatment with at-home teeth whitening. In contrast, professional teeth whitening lasts up to three years—that’s a long time before you consider getting them re-whitened. Professional teeth whitening is also more effective than over-the-counter options: according to a study in General Dentistry, professionally applied bleaching trays produced an average of 3.5 shades of whiter teeth; over-the-counter products produced an average of 1.7 shades of whiter teeth.

6. There are Newer Techniques Available Today

The most noticeable difference between professional teeth whitening and at-home techniques is that in-office teeth whitening typically use a higher concentration of hydrogen peroxide (up to 12%) than at-home products, which tend to use lower concentrations (3%–8%). It makes a big difference in results—professional whitening can produce noticeably whiter teeth after just one visit. With newer techniques and state-of-the-art practices, professional teeth whitening has become a must in your dental procedure essentials.

7. It isn’t as Expensive as You Think

When dentists recommend professional whitening, the first thing people say is how much will that cost? Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to spend much money to get whiter teeth. Some dentists may offer a free consultation before deciding if it’s worth paying for professional whitening. Also, be sure to check out your dental insurance benefits—you may be able to save some cash on an at-home system with your regular cleanings.

8. It’s Totally Painless!

Many people shy away from professional teeth whitening because they think it will be painful or embarrassing, but rest assured that you won’t feel any pain during treatment. You’ll only need to wear your custom trays while you sleep. Plus, with some offices offering whitening parties where several patients can sit together in one room at once, you can make it fun! The ingredients used in professionally administered teeth-whitening treatments have been thoroughly tested for safety by the FDA. The ingredients used by dentists on patients are no different than those available over-the-counter—they just come with a higher concentration of active ingredients, which makes them more effective.

9. Everyone Will Notice (in a Good Way!)

Having a dazzling smile is never bad, especially when people stop to look at it. A professionally whitened smile can go a long way in your personal and professional life. The more confident you feel about your teeth, the more confident you’ll be about everything else. And that’s always a good thing! In contrast, having a dirty or stained set of teeth can drive people away from you, and can also cause damage to your reputation. Moreover, it can keep people from coming closer to you and start engaging in a conversation. Whitening teeth will make it seem as if your teeth are spotless and get rid of that yellow shade, giving off the impression that your mouth is always clean.

10. Painlessly Brighten up Your Smile Today.

Dental-whitening products are designed to lighten your teeth, but not all products are made equally. Many of these products contain harsh chemicals that can damage tooth enamel and cause gum irritation. The solution? Hire a dental professional for professional teeth whitening services. These treatments use custom trays containing bleaching gel (powdered peroxide) applied directly to your teeth at a dentist’s office. This process is fast—lasting about an hour—and it doesn’t require you to be in pain or even leave your home. And best of all, you get results that last up to 12 months!

Final Words

When you hear of whiter teeth, you may think it’s something only celebrities and models can afford. However, suppose your smile is stained or discolored by tobacco, wine, coffee, or tea. In that case, there are plenty of great reasons to get a professional tooth whitening treatment done at a cosmetic dentistry office.

If you have questions about dental hygiene practices for yourself or your family, head over to gatewayfamilydentist.com to get more information about dental hygiene, or contact them today to chat with one of their experts!