Teeth whitening can make your teeth appear much more attractive, but appearances aren’t everything. It’s absolutely possible that your teeth might look perfect but hide an unpleasant problem. For this reason, it’s always best to seek professional teeth whitening in Shrewsbury, MA from your dentist rather than from a medical spa or other non-dental practitioner, says Dr. Todd Pizzi.
Why Can’t Someone Else Whiten My Teeth?
Several businesses have started offering teeth whitening, some in kiosks at malls, others at day spas. And while bleaching your teeth is generally considered safe, only your dentist can ensure optimal results. This is because your teeth are much more than just the outer layer of enamel. Beneath the enamel is a layer of naturally yellow dentin. If your tooth enamel wears away due to teeth grinding or acidity, the dentin may begin to show through. This is often mistaken for staining, which leads to aggressive whitening efforts that actually harm the tooth enamel.
Your dentist also knows how to identify oral health concerns that might not be picked up by a non-dental professional. For example, some types of staining and discoloration do not respond to whitening treatment. We can determine this beforehand, whereas another person might only discover this after the treatment fails to deliver the desired results—and after you’ve already paid.
What About Teeth Whitening Kits From the Drugstore?
If you have very superficial surface stains on your teeth, you can probably get away with a home whitening kit from the supermarket. However, says Dr. Luciana Messina, these kits usually come with a one-size-fits-all set of bleaching trays. If there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s that patients’ teeth are dramatically different. Trays that do not fit properly can rub against the gum and mouth, causing blisters or sores—and you can imagine what it would feel like to get bleaching solution on an open wound.
Your dentist, on the other hand, combines two powerful treatment phases to brighten your tooth enamel by several shades. We create trays especially to fit your teeth, and you can receive the first part of your treatment in our office. The second phase involves wearing your bleaching trays at home.
Thinking about teeth whitening in Shrewsbury, MA? To learn more about cosmetic dentistry, or to schedule an appointment with one of our dentists, contact us at (508) 842-8838. We welcome patients living in and around Shrewsbury, Worcester, North and South Grafton, Hopkinton, and the nearby communities.