It’s normal for teeth to get stained over time. Fortunately, you can restore them to their natural beauty with a simple teeth whitening procedure. While teeth whitening kits are available over the counter, they are a little different than the procedure your dentist performs, both regarding results and side effects.

DIY Teeth Whitening

With a DIY kit, you’ll use a tray to apply the solution or gel to your teeth over several days. While these kits can brighten your teeth by several shades, they don’t always work as intended. Many people notice uneven results, which can cause you to feel self-conscious about your smile. Unfortunately, possible side effects also include increased sensitivity for a prolonged time after the treatment. The sensitivity is caused by the exposure of the gums to the whitening gel, because the trays in the over-the-counter whitening kit aren’t custom-fitted for your mouth.

Professional Teeth Whitening

The teeth whitening procedure at the dentist follows the same process as the over-the-counter solutions. However, the dentist creates a custom appliance from impressions taken from your upper and lower teeth to ensure the best possible results. The custom-fitted tray prevents your gums from coming into contact with the bleaching solution to avoid sensitivity issues later on.

While over-the-counter and professional teeth whitening gels or solutions both include hydrogen peroxide, the dentist has access to a product with a higher concentration of that ingredient. Therefore, your teeth can lighten up more with a kit from the dentist than they would with the over-the-counter options. Additionally, your dentist will help you make sure that the solution is applied evenly to your teeth to promote a beautiful smile.

If you’re interested in teeth whitening, it’s best to discuss it with your dentist. At the office of William U. Britton DDS, MAGD, the entire dental team is trained in the latest technologies. Whether you need a root canal or want lighter teeth, they can help you smile brightly again. They also take your oral health very seriously. That’s why they provide a free teeth whitening session for every regular dental hygiene appointment at their office in Chillicothe, OH. Go online for more information about this ongoing special, or call (740) 772-2225 to schedule an appointment.