Aesthetic Intentions: Why Consult Your Dentist for Teeth Whitening?

It’s natural to feel self-conscious about stains in your smile. After all, your grin is one of the first things people notice about you, and if yours is tinted more yellow or brown than pearly white, you might not make a good impression.

Your dentist offers professional-grade teeth whitening services to improve your appearance, but many patients feel tempted to turn to over-the-counter products that are easier on their budget. Continue reading to learn 3 convincing reasons it’s usually better to start with your provider, instead!

Reason #1: Identify the Type of Stains

Would you be surprised to learn that there’s more than one type of dental discoloration? Extrinsic stains in the enamel often develop after prolonged or repeated exposure to darkly tinted foods and drinks, like berries, coffee, tea, or wine, or from smoking cigarettes, vapes, or chewing tobacco. Meanwhile, intrinsic blemishes originate or seep into the lower layers of dentin and can be due to genetics or other factors.

Surface stains respond better to topical bleach treatments, though you might need to consider alternative treatments to mask deeper flaws. For example, porcelain veneers and dental bonding can be applied to mask discoloration. You can’t provide those services to yourself at home, and will require your dentist’s assessment to decide an appropriate solution.

Reason #2: Ensure Your Smile Stays Healthy

Another pitfall of choosing commercial-grade whiteners is that you miss out on a professional dental examination. Although your dentist is happy to enhance your looks to boost your confidence, their primary concern is your oral condition. That means before proceeding with any elective service, like teeth whitening, they’ll examine your mouth to ensure no issues, like cavities or gum disease, can interfere.

If they find any areas of concern, they’ll address them before moving forward with your cosmetics. That way, you enjoy peace of mind knowing that your recently upgraded smile is as healthy as it is stunning.

Reason #3: Avoid Potential Discomfort

Have you ever accidentally gotten salt in a cut you didn’t know was there? If this ingredient works its way into a wound, the ensuing pain is sure to let you know you had an injury you weren’t previously aware of.

Unfortunately, if you apply teeth whitening agents over cavities, you could experience a similar reaction in your mouth. You might think that if you don’t see any issues it’s safe to apply store-bought strips or gels over your enamel. However, decay can hide in difficult-to-see spaces like between your teeth or behind your molars. Putting harsh bleaches on them can cause a painful reaction that might require an emergency appointment to address.

As you can see, consulting your dentist first is the best way to achieve a brighter grin without causing any harm!

About the Practice

Patients at West Hartford Dental Group benefit from a team of providers dedicated to helping them improve their lives by enhancing their dental condition. They collaborate to offer a comprehensive menu of services from two convenient locations, including cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening. They take the time to learn your smile goals and concerns, then utilize state-of-the-art equipment to deliver treatments tailored to your unique needs. If you want to update your appearance without hurting your grin, you can request a consultation on the website or call the West Hartford location at (860) 236-4249.