If you take very good care of your teeth yet still struggle with troublesome stains you will want to consider professional teeth whitening from your Hartford, CT, dentist. Although good dental hygiene is key to maintaining a healthy smile certain stains will still prevail. Over-the-counter whitening treatments can be helpful but in many ways, they do not compare to the benefits of whitening in your dentist's office. Learn more about all the teeth whitening options available with Dr. Gregory Haroian of Capitol Dental Associates.

What Causes Stains

Good dental hygiene encompasses daily brushing and flossing as well as regular visits with your dentist for in-office cleanings and checkups. It's a well-rounded approach to making sure your smile remains a healthy one and if it's something you've been neglecting you will also notice an improvement to the appearance of your teeth.

But the more stubborn stains are typically brought on by some of your favorite foods and drinks and regular brushing is not enough to remove them.

At-Home Whitening

Many of the more popular over-the-counter whitening treatments use bleaching agents that can break down these stains. With repeated use, they can whiten your teeth.

Another option is whitening toothpaste, which contains special abrasives and a lower concentration of the bleaching agents used in other treatments because too much of them can damage your gums. So it may take longer to achieve noticeable results but it's a way to incorporate whitening into your everyday routine.

Professional Whitening

For in-office professional teeth whitening your Hartford, CT, dentist also uses these same bleaching agents, namely peroxide. But they can use these in a distinctly higher concentration because the entirety of the procedure is performed in the safety of a dental office. Your gums are protected throughout the treatment and after the peroxide is applied a UV light is used to cure it, to speed up its effect.

After the visit, you may notice up to eight shades of difference, a more noticeable change and a faster one that can be achieved with over-the-counter treatments. These are results that can last many months.

If you still prefer the convenience of at-home treatment but with a treatment supervised and given to you by a professional, your dentist also offers take-home whitening. Employing custom-crafted mouth trays you can apply the solution prescribed by your doctor at home.

Schedule a Visit

Improve the appearance of your smile today with professional teeth whitening from your dentist, schedule a visit today in Hartford, CT, with Dr. Haroian of Capitol Dental Associates by dialing (860) 247-5130.