Professional teeth whitening is one of the cosmetic services Dr. Ashley Lloyd's offers. Supervised by your dentist in her Raleigh, NC, office or done at home with custom-made trays, professional whitening does the job with none of the worries of DIY whitening products.
A noticeable smile
Most Americans see your smile before they observe your eye color, hairstyle, height or any other physical characteristic, states the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). If your teeth are stained from cigarettes, tea or dark foods, that impresses people, too--in the wrong way.
To improve tooth color, you must remove staining organic substances from your enamel. Professional cleanings and at-home brushing and flossing help, of course. However, many surface, or extrinsic, stains are stubborn. That's where teeth whitening comes in.
Professional teeth whitening vs. DIY
Drugstores, online ads, TV commercials and more feature many do-it-yourself whitening products. Many are fine as far as they go, but typically, toothpastes, rinses and strips cannot brighten smiles as well, or as safely, as Dr. Lloyd's treatments.
Here are the reasons to prefer professional whitening:
1. It's more effective, lightening tooth color by many shades--eight to 10 in many cases.
2. Over the counter products are not as concentrated. Even so, they still can cause painful dental and gum sensitivity.
3. Dr. Lloyd does a thorough oral exam before you undergo whitening. She'll make sure you have no active decay or periodontal problems. Also, she can tell you if your dental stains will respond to professional treatments. Deep brown or grey stains do not whiten. Veneers may be your better choice.
4. The American Dental Association (ADA) says hydrogen peroxide in professional whitening gels won't degrade your tooth enamel. Poorly vetted retail products cannot make that claim.
5. Your dentist can tell you if you need a touch-up. If you restrict dark dietary choices, quit tobacco, brush and floss well and drink adequate amounts of water, your bright smile will stay that way. Re-applying consumer whitening products may not be necessary. In other words, don't waste your money on supplemental retail whitening.
A fabulous smile
Dr. Ashley Lloyd wants you to have one. So, why not come to her Raleigh, NC, office to discuss teeth whitening and other cosmetic dentistry options? Call today for a consultation: (919) 828-1001.