Professional Teeth Whitening
TEETH WHITENING
Stained or discolored teeth can negatively affect your self-confidence and your social and professional interactions.
If you have stubborn tooth staining, you might feel like nothing can improve your smile. Fortunately, you have options. Professional teeth whitening is an effective way to brighten your smile–even if you have deep, persistent tooth staining.
Why is Professional Teeth Whitening So Effective?
The main difference between over-the-counter whitening treatments and professional whitening is the application process.
- Professional teeth whitening is administered in a dental office or clinic, and the ingredients are mixed and administered by a trained professional. This ensures that the amount and placement of the whitening ingredients is carefully controlled.
- The specialized whitening trays used in professional teeth whitening are created so that the whitening ingredients doesn’t make contact with the gums. This prevents the problematic sensitivity and irritation that can occur with over-the-counter whitening strips or pastes.
- Over-the-counter whiteners can easily be applied incorrectly. The whitening materials mix with saliva and can be moved around by the tongue or other teeth. This can move the whitening materials under the gum line, into the throat or onto the roof of the mouth. Contact with these sensitive tissues can lead to burns or sensitivity that lasts for weeks or even months.
Additionally, many over-the-counter whiteners are dangerous to ingest. For people applying the whiteners themselves, the margin of error is fairly slim.
There are also differences in effectiveness between professional and over-the-counter whiteners.
Professional whitening offers a more potent ingredient mix than over-the-counter options. This means it will be more effective on stubborn or deep tooth stains.
Who Should Seek Professional Teeth Whitening?
Like any dental procedure, teeth whitening isn’t for everyone. Because whitening materials can be abrasive, the procedure isn’t recommended for individuals with tooth decay, thinning enamel or periodontal disease.
However, professional whitening can be very effective for individuals who have healthy teeth.
Professional whitening can be effective on deep stains related to age, food staining and other common sources of staining. It can even help reverse staining caused by medication usage.
How Much Does Professional Teeth Whitening Cost?
The average cost of professional teeth whitening nationwide is $650. However, costs can vary based on location and your dentist’s fee structure.
Consult with your dentist to find out if professional teeth whitening could restore your smile–and if it’s in your budget.
If you’re interested in professional teeth whitening in Murfreesboro, TN, Gateway Family Dentistry is here to help you.
We are a trusted family dental practice with years of experience helping Middle Tennesseans achieve better smiles.
Contact us today to learn more or to schedule your first appointment.
