There is just something about a bright, white smile that makes you feel happier and gives you a confidence boost. It can even make some people feel healthier. If you are tired of having stained, discolored, or yellow teeth and want a dazzling smile, there are a number of teeth whitening systems that can give you beautiful, eye-catching pearly whites.

Choosing a tooth whitening system is a very personal choice. What works for one person may not work for another. We will explore two teeth whitening systems that are available – over-the-counter whitening systems and personalized teeth whitening systems created by your personal dentist. Learning about both of these tooth whitening systems can help you determine which one is the right one for you.

Teeth Whitening Systems Available for Sale at Any Drug or Retail Store

Walk into any drug store or retail store and head to the oral care aisle. Once there you will find entire shelves filled with teeth whitening systems that are available for sale. These systems include everything from trays that you fill with whitening gels to whitening toothpaste and strips you apply to your teeth. Each of these systems promises to do one thing – get you brighter, whiter teeth.

While these over-the-counter teeth whitening systems promise to help you with your stained or discolored teeth, they may not work. The gels and whitening agents that are used in these over-the-counter teeth whitening systems are often a diluted version to what you would get from your dentist. This means while your teeth may appear whiter and brighter, they aren’t as white and bright as they could be.

In some cases, people who use the over-the-counter teeth whitening systems often experience uneven whitening of the teeth. After using the systems for a while, people may notice that some parts of their teeth look brighter or white while other parts are still stained. This gives off a very distorted appearance.

Another concern about over-the-counter teeth whitening systems is the damage they may cause to your teeth and gums. The whitening agents and gels are made with harsh chemicals. If these chemicals are left on your teeth for too long, it can cause a number of problems ranging from increased tooth sensitivity to weakened enamel.

Some people like over-the-counter teeth whitening systems because they are affordable and easy to purchase. They are available at almost any store and range in price from $3 to $50.

Personalized Teeth Whitening Systems Created by Dentists

If you want the brightest, whitest smile possible, you should use a personalized teeth whitening system created by your dentist. These teeth whitening systems are preferred because they use whitening agents that are more powerful and therefore can remove difficult stains on your teeth.

Even though the whitening agents are more powerful, they aren’t damaging to your teeth. The professional teeth whitening gel given to you by your dentist can be safely used without making your teeth feel sensitive to hot and cold or weakening the enamel.

When you use a professional teeth whitening system, you don’t have to worry about damaging your gums. The entire teeth whitening system is specially created just for you. The trays used as part of the system are uniquely molded so they fit snuggly against your teeth without touching your gums. This allows the whitening gel to cover the entire surface of your teeth without damaging your gums.

Talk to Dr. Shields about Improving Your Smile with Professional Teeth Whitening

Want brighter, whiter teeth? Schedule an appointment with Dr. Shields at Smiles by Shields in Jacksonville, Florida to discuss your options for teeth whitening. Dr. Shields will help you explore your options for over-the-counter and professional teeth whitening. She will answer any questions you may have and even provide you with recommendations for systems that will help you get the brightest, whitest smile possible.

Dr. Shields is a holistic dentist. All treatment recommendations provided by her will help you improve your smile without putting your health and wellbeing at risk.

Call our office today to schedule an appointment to discuss teeth whitening with Dr. Shields. We look forward to seeing you.