After a year of mask wearing, there is light at the end of the pandemic tunnel. Teeth are visible in public once more, and people really have something to smile about as normal life resumes. Dr. Lance Porter of Porter Dental Clinic in Hot Springs explains options for whitening your smile.
Professional Tooth Whitening Advantages
While it is possible to purchase tooth whitening products over the counter, you will not receive the same results as when you turn to professional tooth whitening.
Over-the-counter products are often harsh on sensitive teeth. It also takes a lot longer to achieve noticeable whitening. By using the services of a dental professional and in-office treatment, you can lighten your teeth by up to 14 shades in an hour.
Professional At-Home Treatment
Professional tooth whitening is not limited to in-office procedures. The at-home professional treatments your dentist provides are far more effective than at-home whitening kits you buy in a store.
A mouthpiece enabled by Bluetooth uses light and heat to activate the whitening gel after it is brushed on. Three applications daily present you with whiter teeth after one week.
Other Ways to Brighten Your Smile
Tooth whitening procedures are not the only way to brighten your smile, although they are the least costly. Whitening only works on teeth with natural enamel.
Dental bonding can repair chipped or broken teeth. This cosmetic procedure can improve discoloration and correct gaps between teeth. Have your teeth whitened prior to the bonding. The dentist will then choose a bonding color that matches the whitened teeth. If you whiten your teeth after bonding, the bonded area ends up a different shade.
Porcelain dental veneers are another way to improve tooth color. These delicate shells cover the front of a tooth and also enhance your smile.
If you lost the bulk of a tooth, a dental implant replaces the entire tooth with a porcelain crown in a matching shade. The same advice regarding tooth whitening applies to the porcelain crown.
Dental Cleanings
Do not forget the importance of regular dental cleanings for the health of your teeth and the beauty of your smile. The pandemic closed dental practices temporarily, and standard dental cleanings were unavailable. Getting back in the swing of things means arranging a dental cleaning.
Contact Porter Dental Clinic
It is time to put your best smile forward once more! If you would like to learn more about tooth whitening procedures, schedule a personal consultation with a team member at Porter Dental Clinic. Contact our Hot Springs practice to arrange an appointment today.
