Everybody desires a perfect healthy smile. Teeth whitening is one cosmetic dentistry area that many people prefer, or are more comfortable with when it comes to perfect-smile restoration. There are many teeth whitening strips and gels sold over the counter that can be used for teeth whitening. The ease of acquiring these products, coupled with many people's fears of the dentist's office, has led to a majority of people opting for over the counter teeth whitening options.

It is obvious that dentist supervised teeth whitening is the better option. Teeth whitening should be performed under the supervision of a qualified dentist at a place like Collins Dental Image or certified orthodontist professionals. Here are more compelling reasons why you should have these individuals perform teeth whitening for you, as opposed to self-whitening.

Strength of bleaching agent in products used

Over the counter teeth whitening gels and strips usually have a lower percentage of the bleaching agent peroxide. This is to minimize the products' abuse and resultant complications in the people who may over-use these gels and strips. The lower strength in peroxide means over the counter whitening gels and strips take longer to achieve teeth whitening. Dentist monitored teeth whitening can take only a couple of days to become visible and lasts longer.

Determining appropriateness of the whitening procedure

Many people, who decide to undertake teeth whitening by themselves, fail to consider several factors about their teeth that may be crucial. For starters, people with gum disease or cavities should not undergo teeth whitening. The whitening agent may further aggravate their gum disease or increase sensitivity in cavities. Cavities should be treated before teeth whitening. Many people also hardly know if they are allergic to the peroxide components used to make these over the counter gels and strips. Dentists can fully identify such concerns before recommending the appropriate whitening agents and doses.

Protective measures when teeth whitening

Did you know that continuous successive application of teeth whitening agents can damage your gums? Dentists advise people whitening their teeth to minimize gum exposure. In dentist offices, rubber protective equipment is used to shield your gums from the bleaching agent. With self-executed teeth whitening, no such protective measure is taken. You are constantly degrading your gum strength and properties with the repetitive application of these agents to your gums. The one-size-fits-all mouthpiece trays sometimes bought with teeth whitening gels hardly offers the correct protection.

Restorations

Finally, for people with resin composite restorations such as crowns, veneers, and bridges, teeth whitening will not occur uniformly. These materials are not bleached while the teeth are. The result is uneven whitening that may further reduce the appeal of your smile. Whitening should be done before these restorations are installed.