According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, 99.7 percent of adults view a smile as the most important feature. In fact, of those, 74 percent believe that an unattractive smile can inhibit you professionally. One of the smile traits people frequently want corrected is the color of their teeth. As teeth yellow and lose their sparkle, they can negatively affect your smile, self-confidence, and overall appearance.
Whiter teeth symbolize health, vitality, beauty, and confidence. When you feel great about the appearance of your smile, you are more likely to display it every chance you get. Because of this, teeth whitening continues to be the most popular cosmetic dentistry to date. If you frequently hide your smile in photos or when you laugh due to the color of your teeth – there is a quick and easy way to reverse these effects and get you back to enjoying your smile. With professional teeth whitening at our Duncan, OK practice, Dr. Bridges can deliver results in just one office visit. If you are wondering whether it’s really worth, below are seven reasons why professional teeth whitening is better than over-the-counter products. To schedule your teeth whitening consultation, please contact our practice online or give us a call at (580) 255-4880.
Immediate Results
Zoom!® in-office teeth whitening delivers dramatic results up to eight shades whiter in less than an hour. Over-the-counter rinses and strips can take several weeks before results are noticeable, and in most cases, will only whiten a smile by just one to two shades. Immediate results are beneficial if you have a special event, such as a wedding, prom, or family photo session to prepare for. During treatment, the dentist will clean and dry your teeth and apply a special whitening agent. To speed up results, an LED light will be used to activate the gel.
Comfortable Treatment
The key ingredient in most whitening agents is hydrogen peroxide. However, the store bought options generally have a higher concentration. When used in high doses, it can cause gum irritation and prolonged tooth sensitivity. With Zoom!® whitening gel, it not only has a lower concentration of hydrogen peroxide, but also contains a special ingredient designed to counteract sensitivity, making treatment safer and more comfortable.
Effective Techniques
While over-the counter whitening options only focus on the outer layer of the tooth, Zoom!® teeth whitening penetrates both the enamel and dentin layer of teeth to target stubborn dental stains and deliver more effective results. Although professional teeth whitening is not permanent, results are longer-lasting and can be easily maintained with in-office touch-ups. Or, we can provide take-home whitening trays that can be used at your convenience. The frequency of touch-ups will depend on the foods and beverages you consume and how well you care for your teeth.
To help improve the longevity of your results, there are few lifestyle adjustments that can be made, including:
- Drink dark liquids out of a straw
- Avoid darker pigmented foods, or rinse your mouth with water after consuming them
- Avoid smoking or tobacco products
- Abide by a good at-home oral hygiene routine
- Visit the dentist every six months for routine cleanings to remove plaque buildup
Whiten Your Smile
If you are frustrated with your over-the-counter whitening results and looking for something new to try – we recommend undergoing professional teeth whitening. In just one office visit you can achieve a stunningly brighter smile. To schedule your teeth whitening consultation at our Duncan, OK practice, contact us online or give us call at (580) 255-4880.