As this is the usually the time of year to turn over a new leaf, why not make one of you resolutions to improve your smile?  Time and again, the first thing many people notice, either consciously or subconsciously, is another person’s smile.  That is part of the reason that each year, Americans spend $1.4 billion on over-the-counter (OTC) whitening products.

There are primarily two different ways that an OTC product can make your teeth look whiter; by oxidizing the stains (usually with some type of peroxide) to remove them, or by covering them up with a whiter opaqueing agent (which is typically temporary).  I have had many patients over the years try OTC products and the primary complaint that I hear of is the lack of consistency.  One product works well for one person, while the same product on the next person yields little or no improvement.  You may spend your money on a product that has hit or miss results.

That is why having you teeth whitened under the care of a dental professional will typically yield better results.  A dental professional can diagnose the most effective way to whiten your smile, and, can also help you avoid the pitfalls of what treatment may be ineffective.  In my office, we will evaluate your teeth and give you options on treatment that you can choose from.  Another thing that you won’t get from an OTC product is my Whitening for Life program.  We all know that just because you whiten your teeth once, they don’t stay that way forever. If you decide to choose our in-office or our home whitening, not only will you receive treatment that is typically more effective than an OTC product, you will also receive custom-fitted whitening trays.  In addition, each time you keep your regular, 6 month checkup appointment, you receive a free syringe of whitening gel.  That way, you don’t have to keep buying whitening kit after whitening kit from the store.

If you are concerned about sensitivity while whitening and brightening your smile, we have different products and protocols to eliminate or minimize sensitivity either during whitening or after you have completed treatment.  Remember, the motto in our office is that dentistry does not have to hurt!

So, if you would like to improve your appearance without having to take up a new exercise program or new fad diet, try something a little easier and get that better looking smile that you have been considering.