A winning smile is key to making a positive first impression, whether you’re video-chatting with a prospective date or interviewing for your dream job. If you’ve been thinking about enhancing the appearance of your smile with teeth whitening, you may have considered the dozens of products available at the local grocery store. The promises printed on their labels may sound fantastic, but the reality is that a dentist can whiten teeth far more efficiently in a single visit. Here’s why you should turn to a professional for this procedure.

Why a Dentist Is Your Best Bet for Teeth Whitening

1. Safety

The chemicals in an over-the-counter whitener may irritate your gums and cause them to bleed, which could aggravate underlying dental conditions or even lead to an infection. If you have sensitive teeth, you may not be able to tolerate a store-bought whitener because of discomfort.

Damage to tooth enamel should always be a concern when you try a new product on your teeth. At a dentist’s office, the product is much safer and handled with experience and skill. The procedure will begin and end with an assessment of your dental health to ensure everything is perfectly fine.

2. Better Outcome

Store-bought whitening kits may not give you the results you desire—even after more than a dozen applications. Your teeth may not appear noticeably whiter or may look spotty. Over-the-counter products don’t have the stain-lifting power of gels used by a dentist. 

Whitening gels available to dentists are professional-grade and only need to be applied once for an effect that can last as long as a year. In addition, dentist-supplied whitening trays are custom-made to conform to your teeth. This ensures better contact and even distribution. Also, a professional can offer you post-treatment care instructions to help you retain the best possible results.

3. Professional Standards of Care

When a dentist is admitted to the medical profession, they’ve had extensive clinical experiences, treated a diverse array of clients, and passed rigorous national and state examinations. Many stay up to date with technological advancements as well.

For example, if your dentist is accredited as a Master of the Academy of General Dentistry, you know they adhere to the best practices and highest standards in dentistry. Avoid the trial and error of whitening your teeth with a kit by relying on your dentist’s years of experience.

William U. Britton, DDS, MAGD, strives to deliver excellence in dental care to patients of all ages in a comfortable environment. From cosmetic services like teeth whitening and veneers to preventive measures like regular cleanings and pediatric care, residents in Chillicothe and Jackson, OH, depend on this MAGD-accredited dentist for all their oral health needs. Visit them online to learn more about their cosmetic dental offerings or call (740) 772-2225 to schedule an appointment today.