Ask Your Dentist Before Using a Whitening Kit

Over time, teeth can form stains or become dull or yellow in color. If you are unhappy with the color of your teeth, you may be tempted to purchase a whitening kit from your local store.

But you can experience customized and optimal cosmetic enhancement when you schedule a consultation with your dentist about teeth whitening. They can help you come up with a treatment plan that will get you the smile of your dreams. Dr. Ben Ahlbrecht, a dentist practicing in Indianapolis, IN, describes why you can receive better results if you choose teeth whitening treatment from your dental professional.

professional teeth whitening Indianapolis Indiana

Do Store-Bought Whitening Kits Work?

A store-bought tooth whitening kit features trays that you fill with specialized gel and then wear over your teeth. The gel contains bleaching agents that will brighten the color of your teeth.

However, these kits are one-size-fits-all, meaning the trays are not built to fit and treat your unique smile. This could mean that you will not receive an even coating of gel to get the best cosmetic results.

You might be at risk of uncomfortable side effects, including gum irritation if you use trays that do not fit well. Though the convenience of purchasing materials from your local store might be appealing, you might not be able to achieve your smile aesthetic goals with these kits.

What Are the Advantages of Whitening Teeth with Your Dentist?

Your dentist will also use a bleaching gel to whiten your teeth. But their tailored process can help you get the best results for your specific smile. They can apply the gel to your teeth in their office and use a laser to activate the ingredients to brighten your tooth color.

With a dental professional’s supervision, you can minimize potential risks like gum irritation or tooth sensitivity. If you prefer to complete your whitening treatment at home, your dentist can provide you with the tools to brighten your smile outside of their office.

Your dental professional can create trays based on impressions of your teeth so that they fit perfectly. This will give you a more precise cosmetic treatment. At home, you will wear these trays with prescription whitening gel over the course of two weeks.

Your dentist can consult your medical history to help you find the best option to get the smile of your dreams. They may suggest alternative treatments to whiten your smile as well, including tooth bonding or porcelain veneers. Schedule a consultation to discuss a strategy to enhance the appearance of your smile with your dentist.

Professional Teeth Whitening in Indianapolis, IN

North Meridian Dental Excellence offers professional teeth whitening services and other cosmetic dental treatments to patients in the greater Indianapolis area. Dr. Ahlbrecht also specializes in general and restorative dentistry, including periodontal care, for patients of all ages. To schedule a consultation with our practice, contact our staff online or reach us by phone at 317.204.7134