Over time, the foods you eat and habits you have may make your teeth look yellow or old, which could cause you to stop smiling. If you are thinking of whitening your teeth, you should consider talking with your Woodbury NY dentist first because he or she may have some options and will be able to provide guidance and information about the proper way to whiten your teeth.
Initial Visit
Schedule a visit with your dentist and speak with him about whitening procedures. You can choose to schedule a routine checkup visit and speak then, or ask about coming in for specific questions. He or she may have questions for you, which should be answered honestly. These questions can include why you want tooth-whitening options and whether you want something permanent or temporary.
Many times, people don’t realize that the over-the-counter options are usually temporary because then you must continuously buy them, providing extra money to the company and more work for you. If you just want a few shades whiter for a special photograph, such as at a wedding, this may be fine. However, many people want a permanently whiter smile and your dentist may actually have treatments available to help.
Problems with OTC Products
Whitening products that are found in drugstores and other shops may not be a good match for your specific mouth. Many times, the products use trays to hold the solution, which you place over your teeth. The solutions used are harsh and could harm your teeth or gums. Other products may not be a professional grade, meaning they won’t work as well as you want.
In some cases, the whitening product is meant only for the front of the teeth or only the front teeth. Again, this may work for a temporary fix for a special party, but it won’t actually help have healthier, whiter teeth.
Dental Options
Many dentists in Woodbury NY offer a teeth-whitening program that is of high quality and safe to use. They may sometimes offer their own at-home kits, or have you come in for a whitening visit, usually just one or two treatments.
A dental option from a dentist will also help protect the tooth enamel and can whiten your teeth up to eight shades lighter than you currently have. Even if you use OTC products every day for an extended period, you likely won’t find this type of whitening.
