In a study by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, adults in the United States spend nearly $1.5 billion on over-the-counter whitening products. That’s a staggering amount when considering that most of these products are too weak to produce satisfying results. At the office of Chase Patton, DDS, in Columbia, Missouri, we understand that patients want the convenience of whitening their teeth to their desired shade in the comfort of their home. We offer professional-grade at-home whitening that gives you the results you desire under the supervision of a trained dental team.
Nearly everyone has seen the advertisements for over-the-counter whitening products showing spectacular before and after results, but are they real? The answer is probably not. Over-the-counter pastes and strips use much lower peroxide levels, meaning they cannot brighten your teeth nearly as well as professional-grade bleaching gels. Furthermore, many of these products are ineffective at reaching areas between the teeth, leading to uneven results.
Using at-home whitening kits from a dental professional is the best way to ensure you safely receive excellent results, and here’s why.
Following your at-home whitening treatment, you can do a few things to maintain your vibrant smile. The first thing you can do is avoid or limit dark-colored foods and beverages. If you can’t, brushing or rinsing immediately afterward will help minimize surface stains. If you are a smoker, consider quitting. Beyond turning teeth yellow, smoking can put you at risk for other health conditions. You can also practice good oral hygiene at home and maintain twice-yearly visits to the dentist for routine cleanings.
If you are in the Colombia, MO area and are interested in learning more about professional teeth whitening, call Dr. Chase Patton today at (573) 875-7040 to schedule a consultation. We can determine if you are a suitable candidate for this treatment and get you started right away during this appointment.