Who wouldn’t like a brighter smile? Years of coffee drinking and berry eating, tea breaks and chocolate can take a toll on your teeth. But there is hope. Professional teeth whitening can help transform your smile, giving you the confidence that comes with pearly whites you’re proud to show the world. Though there are over-the-counter options available to help address minor staining, if you’d like to lighten your teeth by more than a few shades, professional teeth whitening can help.

What Can a Dentist Do?

One of the many benefits that comes with professional whitening is the expertise of the dentist. He or she can let you know if over-the-counter products might be strong enough to address your discoloration, or if your desired results will require professional whitening. If so, you can choose between in-office treatment, at-home treatment, or even a combination of the two. The dentist can also help you determine just how long to use whitening products each day, in order to achieve the best results, with little tooth sensitivity.

Maintaining Your Results

Any whitening routine should be done following the directions given, both to minimize discomfort and to avoid damaging the enamel of your teeth. Most patients are able to enjoy the results of whitening for many months, or even years, with proper daily hygiene. That includes daily brushing, flossing, and twice annual professional cleanings.