Is Professional Teeth Whitening Worth It? What Dentists Want You to Know

No one denies the important benefits of having a beautiful, healthy-looking smile, and most would agree that teeth whitening treatments can help you achieve those benefits. 

For many people, the question isn’t about the advantages of having a whiter, brighter smile — it’s whether to opt for professional whitening or choose over-the-counter products, instead.

At Morris Dental Associates, Amy Morris, DDS, and our team offer both in-office and at-home professional teeth whitening treatments featuring the most advanced products for optimal results. Here’s why professional treatments are a better choice than store-bought kits when it comes to improving your smile and your confidence.

How teeth whitening works

Everyday, your teeth are exposed to a variety of pigments in the foods and drinks you consume. Many of these foods and beverages contain pigments that leave behind residues that gradually penetrate the tooth surface, leaving your teeth looking dull, gray, or discolored over time.

Other foods and drinks contain acids that weaken the outer layer of tooth enamel. When enamel is softened, it makes it easier for stains to penetrate and leave behind yellow or gray tones. While brushing and flossing may help remove the most superficial stains, penetrating stains need another approach. That’s where tooth whitening treatments can help.

Teeth whitening uses special solutions to safely penetrate the surface of teeth, targeting the layer of material where stains reside. These solutions lift away staining pigments while gently whitening your enamel for naturally beautiful results.

Why professional whitening is a better choice

Professional and over-the-counter products both whiten teeth. But professional whitening offers several important advantages over the products you can buy in store or online.

Better penetration

Professional whitening treatments use clinical-grade solutions that are stronger than those found in over-the-counter products, like strips, trays, and pastes. Better penetration means these products are more effective at removing stains compared with store-bought products.

More consistent stain removal

In-office treatments also use professional application techniques. With these products, we can treat hard-to-reach places that are usually missed by over-the-counter products, including areas between your teeth where many stains are deepest. Our take-home kits use a custom tray system for consistent whitening, too.

Faster results

Because they use stronger solutions, professional whitening achieves far faster results. In fact, with the Zoom!® whitening treatments we offer at Morris Dental Associates, you can achieve a dramatically whiter, brighter smile in just one hour.

Less sensitivity

In-office application uses professional techniques to avoid sensitive gum tissue and reduce tooth sensitivity. Our take-home kits use custom-made trays for better penetration without irritating sensitive teeth and gums. 

Longer-lasting results

Again, thanks to better penetration and stronger solutions, our professional whitening treatments offer longer-lasting results compared with over-the-counter products, meaning you can enjoy your results for far longer.

Professional guidance and supervision

At our practice, every whitening treatment begins with an exam and evaluation, allowing us to provide personalized guidance for truly custom results based on your goals and preferences. And of course, a pre-treatment exam provides an opportunity to fix tiny issues, like cracks and fissures, that could otherwise cause sensitivity issues.

A smart investment in a more beautiful smile

Professional teeth whitening offers more than just whiter teeth. It provides customized care, predictable results, and expert supervision that helps protect your oral health while enhancing your smile — and it gives you a big boost in confidence, too.

Conveniently located in Abilene, Texas, Morris Dental Associates is proud to serve patients in Abilene, Sweetwater, Brownwood, Eastland, and the surrounding areas. To schedule a whitening evaluation with our team, request an appointment online or over the phone today.