Your smile is your trademark; therefore it shouldn’t come as a surprise that a common dental concern of many Americans is the discoloration and staining of their teeth. Many people seek whitening options but are not sure whether to tackle the task at home or if professional whitening is worth it. Here are a few qualities that distinguish professional whitening from store-bought options.
There are a few different options when it comes to store-bought whitening: rinses, toothpastes, gel strips and whitening trays. No matter which selection you make, however, you are going to be buying a product less effective than the whitening products used by a professional dentist: bottom line. While most of the store-bought products are relatively easy to use and inexpensive, they will simply not produce the same desired results that will come from a professional whitening.Out of the at-home products, whitening trays are of the most effective when it comes to potency of the whitener, but are not made to custom fit your mouth, so if you have specific dental parameters regarding the shape of your bite, this option might not be for you. Not all teeth are created equal, and without the proper fitting from a dentist, the trays will not sit right in your mouth properly and can irritate your teeth and gums in the process.Gel strips are one of the most popular at-home methods. While they provide noticeable results, it is a cumulative practice that requires multiple applications over the course of anywhere from 10 to 20 days. This fact causes more people to abandon the daily ritual and their dreams of whiter teeth.
The most common whitening practice you will find in a dentist’s office is a custom-made tray that is filled with a whitening solution that will fit snugly, and securely over your teeth. This solution is able to be made stronger than what is found in at-home options since it is used under the supervision of a licensed professional.Choosing to have your teeth whitened by a dentist instead of trying it yourself at home will better customize your experience. The age of your teeth, the specific dental work you have had in the past and your overall dental health will affect the options needed to whiten your teeth. A dentist will evaluate your dental history and health status and make the best, most informed decision for you.
In conclusion, store-bought whitening products can be a cost-effective way to achieve relatively positive results, but in the grand scheme of things, time is money, therefore a professional whitening could prove to be worth more dollar for dollar. The results are much more impressive with a professional whitening and you will feel like you really accomplished your goal of improving your smile when you walk out of the door. Give our office a call at 757-941-5290 and we would be happy to schedule you an appointment to get you one step closer to a brilliant white smile!
Summer brings plenty of opportunities to enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables, whether you are shopping at a local farmers market, grilling with family, or spending the day outdoors. While most people know that brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits are important, many do not realize that certain foods can also support good oral health.At Norge Dental Center, we believe healthy habits start with everyday choices. Adding nutrient rich fruits and vegetables to your diet can help support healthy teeth and gums while giving your body the vitamins and minerals it needs.
Read MoreFor a long time, dental health was treated like it lived on an island, completely separate from the rest of our physical health. We used to think that what happened in the mouth stayed in the mouth, but modern medicine has completely flipped that script.Today, we know that your oral health is actually a major window into your overall well-being. When you take care of your teeth and gums, you are doing so much more than just keeping your breath fresh and your smile bright for photos. You are actively protecting your heart, your brain, and your immune system.The connection between your mouth and the rest of your body comes down to a single, powerful concept: systemic inflammation.
Read MoreLet’s be completely honest for a second. Around here, coffee isn’t just a morning beverage—it’s a lifestyle. If you’ve walked into Norge Dental Center early in the morning, you’ve probably smelled it brewing, and you’ve definitely seen our team clutching our favorite mugs like they hold the secrets to the universe.We love coffee. We need coffee.But as much as we worship the bean, we also worship a healthy smile. And unfortunately, some of the most common daily coffee habits are secretly wrecking your teeth.
Read MoreWhether you’re new to the Williamsburg area, or new to the Norge Dental family… we welcome you to a new dental experience. We are so thankful you are here.
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