Are you yearning for a whiter and brighter smile? There are three major ways you can whiten your teeth: over time through whitening toothpastes, in stages through at-home kits, and through a professional cosmetic dentist. Whitening toothpastes are often too subtle and take too long to be a viable option, leaving most to choose between DIY and a professional. Here are a few of the advantages to working with a cosmetic dentist rather than attempting it on your own. 

1. A More Consistent Appearance

Tooth whitening through at-home products generally consists of a bleaching agent applied directly to your teeth. Often, however, this bleaching agent won't bleach your teeth equally; instead it will whiten areas with plaque more and it won't affect areas that have porcelain fillings. A dentist will know this and be able to compensate, ensuring uniform coloration across your teeth.

2. Oral Health and Pain Management

The bleaching agents in at-home kits can be extremely harsh and abrasive, ultimately leading to painful and sensitive teeth in many people who use it. A professional will be able to make sure that you're in comfort throughout the process and can numb you if you begin experiencing discomfort. If you begin to experience significant pain, your dentist can also look for any existing issues or send you home with the applicable pain killers.

3. Faster Visible Results

Bleaching through an at-home kit may take up to four weeks or more for your preferred results. Comparatively, professional tooth whitening will usually only take a few sessions or a single session, as more staining can be removed at one time. You may not always have the time for your teeth to be lightened slowly shade by shade; a professional can offer an immediate change in your smile. 

4. Natural Looking Teeth

One of the most common pitfalls when bleaching your teeth is going too light. Most teeth aren't a brilliant, sterile white, but instead closer to an ivory. Going too white often looks unnatural or distracting, and it could draw negative attention to your smile. A DIY kit can make it harder to pinpoint exact colors and may make it easier to overshoot for a bleached white smile -- and it can take some time for teeth to return to a more ordinary color. Professionals know what looks natural and healthy on their clients and are consequently able to suggest the lightest shades that will still look clean and healthy. 

If you're interested in getting a professional teeth whitening done, you can contact a cosmetic dentist, such as David Jackson, DDS.  Many modern dentists have equipment that they can use to show you what you'll look like with a brighter, whiter smile.