Teeth Whitening

 Beautiful white teeth matter more than ever. It seems like everyone who is anyone has them — or at least those who are most visible. Actors on television, in the movies, and even in commercials flash their pearly whites — even the "real people" on reality TV. The only exception seems to be the "bad guy." Whether it is supposed to matter or not, white teeth can up the chances that someone will get a job, a promotion, or a second date.

WHITE TEETH DON'T JUST HAPPEN

 But having shiny, pearly white teeth isn't something most people experience without a little help. That's why teeth whitening has become such an important part of that beautiful smile. Not only are the teeth white, but they are straight, and not everyone manages to take care of that withtraditional braces in childhood. But with clear braces and Invisalign products, many older teens and adults are able to let their white smiles shine through, even as they are fixing their imperfections. Some do experience a bit of irritation when whitening their teeth, but these instances are far fewer when the whitening experience is overseen by a dental professional rather than being handled with over-the-counter products.

PROFESSIONAL WHITENING IS SAFER AND MORE EFFECTIVE

 Many people try over-the-counter whiteners in order to get their smiles a little brighter, but these methods do not work as well as a trip to the dentist's office. The whitening done by a dentist can whiten teeth three to eight shades in a two-hour treatment. The dentist also takes special precautions to protect the gums before beginning the treatment, and the effects can last as long as two years, depending on the patient's diet and dental hygiene practices. The dentist can also send patients home with  special trays that are a mold of their own teeth and the bleaching agent, allowing them to apply the bleaching agent and wear the tray for one hour a day or overnight, so they can wake up to a brighter smile.

BEYOND TEETH WHITENING

 While teeth whitening is one of the cornerstones of a great smile, there is a lot more that cosmetic dentistry can do to help people maintain the health and appearance of their teeth, including providing braces, veneers, crowns and overall orthodontics.

 If you've been considering an upgrade for your smile, we invite you to contact us at Great Lakes Dental Arts in Mentor, Ohio. Our three dentists, Dr. Ronald Beech, Dr. Leah Divito, and Dr. Amanda Brewer, take a serious yet gentle approach to all cosmetic dentistry procedures, serving patients not only from Mentor, but from nearby communities such as Cleveland, Akron, Willoughby, and Concord. With our simple online forms, you can take the first steps to improving your smile without even leaving your home. Contact us today, and give your smile the care it deserves.