Let the Professionals Whiten Your Teeth

Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Hampton, Portsmouth - VA

With all the over-the counter tooth whitening products out there, you’d think tooth whitening would be a snap at home. But there are several reasons to have your teeth whitened in a dentist’s office.

• Over-the-counter tooth whitening products whiten teeth over a period of days or a week.
• Taking your chance at home with over-the-counter tooth whiteners can result in blotchy, uneven whitening.
• Whitening strips are over-the-counter tooth whitening products that seem convenient but rarely produce good results. Though they can brighten your front surfaces of teeth, they’re not good for whitening the tooth enamel between teeth.
• Over-the-counter tooth whitening products that contain glycerin may dry out your tooth enamel and increase tooth sensitivity
• Over-the-counter products may or may not be approved by the American Dental Association (ADA)
• Whitening toothpastes may contain harsh abrasives that can remove enamel from your teeth, eventually allowing the yellowish dentin inside to show through

The advantages of in-office teeth whitening

An experienced cosmetic dentist can offer superior treatment with in-office tooth whitening.

• A cosmetic dentist has the skill to use concentrated solutions and specialized equipment such as special activating lights to whiten your teeth in a single visit.
• A cosmetic dentist may use a customized mouthpiece tray that precisely fits your mouth to uniformly apply a tooth whitening solution.
• A cosmetic dentist will have the training and experience to protect your gums from bleaching agents by using a gel or a protective shield not provided in over-the-counter products.
• A cosmetic dentist will be able to identify the best treatment for you. Tooth whitening is not for everyone. Some may get better results from porcelain veneers.
• A tooth whitening product used by an experienced cosmetic dentist will be approved by the ADA.

In summary, professional tooth whitening in a dentist’s office is generally faster, safer, more effective, and is adapted to your individual needs.

Over-the-counter tooth whitening products you can use

If you are thinking of whitening your teeth at home, your dentist can provide you with the highest quality products and advise on how to use these. For example, you can obtain a professional tooth whitening kit. These kits are specially formulated to help you get a whiter, brighter smile in the comfort of your home. You’ll also get a custom dental tray that you can use to bleach your teeth while you sleep or during the day.

To learn more about in-office and out-over-the counter treatments for whitening teeth, please contact our Virginia Beach office today. We'll schedule a complete, comprehensive dental examination and consultation with Dr. Folck, at no obligation to you.