Is It Worth It To Get Your Teeth Professionally Whitened?
You can buy over-the-counter teeth whitening agents and apply them by yourself. However, the results might not be as visible and noticeable compared to what’s done by dentists.
Is professional teeth whitening worth it?
If you want your teeth to be several shades brighter and you want to ensure oral safety, you should ask a dentist to do the teeth whitening for you. For example, here at Sky Dental, we can make your teeth up to 8 shades brighter. That’s because we use professional-grade methods and technologies in carrying out this procedure. In addition, we provide special after-care instructions to make the results last longer.
In contrast, the results from DIY teeth whitening might not be as effective because the over-the-counter product’s chemistry is weak or it didn’t act long enough for optimal results to show. Or, the product might be too strong and dangerous, which can damage your teeth and gums.
But if a dentist performed the procedure, you can be sure of safe and long-lasting results. Although this costs extra, it will be totally worth it because of the highly noticeable results and the peace of mind you will gain. In addition, you can get more uniform results (e.g. consistent shade for your teeth) because the procedure was done properly and professionally.
Other options aside from teeth whitening
Right now you might also be considering other options to improve your smile:
- Professional dental cleaning (remove some of the stains and yellowing)
- Bonding or veneers (your front teeth will have a brighter shade and better alignment and appearance)
About professional cleaning, this might not be enough to make your smile brighter. That’s because often, professional cleaning only removes plaque build-up. Often, it’s a physical process where dirt and plaque are scraped off. In contrast, teeth whitening is often a chemical reaction (bleaching to remove the stain).
When it comes to bonding and veneers, these are surface aesthetic corrections that can improve your teeth’s shade and shape (including filling the gaps). In bonded restoration, a tooth-coloured material is placed on the tooth and then shaped and hardened (for strong bonding). In veneers, thin shells are placed in the front of your teeth after the dentist removes a thin layer of your enamel (so there’s room for the veneers).
Before committing to a certain procedure, you should first ask your dentist about the pros and cons, as well as the total costs and how long the results will last. This way, the outcome will match your expectations and that the results will last long enough for your requirements.