by GERALD V. CERDAN, DMD
If the tint of your teeth has you hesitating to show off your beautiful smile, you might be looking for solutions. And, in your search for solutions, you may have come across a myriad of products in the grocery store.
The creators and marketers of these products would like you to think that they are easy (and inexpensive) solutions to achieving your whitest smile. But, before you dive in with an at-home tooth-whitening kit, there are some very important facts you should know!
Facts to Consider Before Whitening Your Teeth at Home
- FACT: Before buying any kits at the store, make sure to consult with your dentist. Individuals who have tooth-sensitivity issues will be at risk of even more tooth sensitivity issues if the tooth whitening process is not handled with care.
- FACT: Depending on the severity of your tooth stains, you may not achieve the desired results with at-home whitening kits. Do you drink black coffee every day? Is your favorite wine a dark red? Do you use tobacco products, or did you just recently kick the habit? All of this can contribute to deep set-in tooth stains that might need professional help.
- FACT: If used incorrectly, at-home whitening kits can also lead to gums that are burned, or even worse, temporarily bleached. This is another good reason to consult with your dentist before you whiten at home.
- FACT: At-home whitening kits only work on natural teeth. So, if you have crowns, implants, or veneers, you should definitely speak with your dentist before proceeding.
Keeping these facts in mind, professional whitening through your dentist and/or veneers are the best way to ensure your smile is as white as possible. At our office, we specialize in one-hour whitening, the latest technology in veneers, and even composite tooth-colored restorations.
At Winter Haven Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we will help you find the best whitening solution for your smile. Call us today to schedule your next checkup: 863-293-1108.
This column is sponsored by Winter Haven Family & Cosmetic Dentistry and the opinions expressed herein may not reflect those of CFHN or of its advertisers.
Dr. Gerald V. Cerdan has been practicing dentistry in Winter Haven since 2007. He is a member of the Academy of General Dentistry, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the Florida Dental Association, the American Dental Association, and the Polk County Dental Association. The team at Winter Haven Family & Cosmetic Dentistry is committed to providing high-quality care for all their patients, and Dr. Cerdan is skilled in using cutting-edge technologies to give patients beautiful smiles they can be proud of. To schedule an appointment, visit WinterHavenFamilyDentistry.com or call 863-293-1108.