So many over-the-counter teeth whitening product exist that you cannot possibly try all of them, and you shouldn't even if you could. Although some of these bleaching products are effective, the process can still harm your teeth and gums. To get a white smile safely, you should go to your dentist, like those at Fresh Wave Dental Care PC, for the procedure or for pre-treatment.

Office Whitening

A dentist may use a laser procedure to quickly and effectively whiten your teeth. First, a dentist will check and thoroughly clean your teeth and then do any restorative work that needs to be done.  When it's time to whiten, the dentist will apply a layer of bleach to your teeth, put a protective cap over your gums to protect them, and then train a laser on your teeth.

For many people, only one treatment will suffice to remove stains and give them a gorgeous white smile. If you have serious stains from tobacco or other substances, you may need a series of treatments. Having a dentist perform the sessions means that your gums and enamel will be monitored for signs of trouble while you are in the office. 

DIY

Even if you do decide to whiten your teeth at home, it should be done under the guidance of a professional. Teeth whitening bleach should only be applied to healthy teeth, and your gums also need to in good shape. Also, you may find that a thorough cleaning by your dentist is enough to make your smile bright and shiny again.

If you do decide to whiten at home, your dentist can recommend the best product for you. Many of these items will contain carbamide peroxide. If you get a product with too high of a peroxide level, it can hurt your gums and cause tooth sensitivity. In some extreme situations, the process can hurt the roots of your teeth. Having your dentist monitor the at-home process can keep you from having permanent damage.

Whether you choose to have your teeth whitened at the dentist's office or at home, your dental health professional should be involved. They can either complete the entire process or do the preliminary work for you. They can also advise you on the right product to use at home so that you will not experience any problems. Your dentist will check your teeth after whitening to see if your experience increased sensitivity or caused gum soreness. Having a white smile is something most people yearn for, but teeth whitening needs to be done safely and under professional supervision.

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