At North Tampa Dentistry, we understand how frustrating it can seem to still have yellowish teeth even after excellent daily brushing and flossing. We can also understand how tempting over-the-counter store brands look, especially when they promise Hollywood smiles for less than it would cost professionally.
While teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental treatment that can vastly enhance your smile, not all whitening options are created equal.
The Problem With Over-the-Counter Teeth Whitening
If you are interested in teeth whitening in Tampa, FL, you're not alone. A look through your local grocery store or pharmacy will reveal countless products that claim to create dazzling smiles.
The active ingredient, hydrogen peroxide, is a bleaching gel that removes stains, but results aren't always guaranteed. Consider this: bleaching your hair can be done at home but results can vary wildly depending on how skilled you are. The only real way of getting reliable and uniform results is by going to the hair salon. Professional teeth whitening is the same: while you can do it yourself at home, you may not get the results you want.
Since consumer brands have a much lower percentage of hydrogen peroxide than professional-grade, you would have to use over-the-counter products more frequently to see any improvement. The danger with this is that some products can destroy your precious enamel, revealing the yellow layer of dentin underneath, making your teeth appear even more yellow than before you started.
The good news is that professional teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic treatment we offer at North Tampa Dentistry. While professional treatment may be more costly than over-the-counter, it's much safer, and the results last longer.
Dental Cleanings Keep Your Teeth Healthy
Only in-office professional strength teeth whitening can offer Hollywood-caliber results that you can't buy in a box. We always recommend dental cleanings before proceeding with cosmetic dentistry in Tampa, FL, for several reasons. During your teeth whitening, we check for underlying oral health issues like tooth decay, gum disease, or infections so we can treat them immediately.
When teeth are cleaned of plaque and tartar, the whitening process appears more uniform and distributed evenly. Dental cleanings in Tampa are the best way to maintain your oral health while enhancing your smile.
We proudly treat patients and families in Tampa, Hamlet, Carrollwood, Lake Magdalene, and all nearby and outlying communities. You can schedule a dental appointment online.