The best teeth whitening in Lawrence: Why see a cosmetic dentist

By Dr. Miller

Although there are endless options for improving your smile, whitening is known as the most conservative and economical. It is a safe, simple, non-invasive technique, which causes no permanent alteration to the tooth structure. It simply removes stains from the enamel, leaving your smile bright and beautiful. It seems as if every mall kiosk, drugstore, and salon is offering products to whiten your smile. You might wonder why you need to see a dentist. There are actually many answers to that question.

Safety

As always, your safety is our priority, so that is the first issue we will address. Before recommending bleaching or any other procedure, we perform a comprehensive examination. Whitening is a great option for most patients, but there are exceptions. Pregnant women should wait until after childbirth. People with severe tooth damage may need restorations prior to whitening, so the gel does not contact sensitive nerves.

Comfort

Although whitening gel does not harm your oral health, it can irritate soft tissues, and in some individuals, it can cause tooth sensitivity. Prior to in-office whitening, we will implement a barrier to prevent the gel from contacting your gums and other sensitive tissues. If you choose at-home whitening, we will provide a custom-made tray, to prevent leakage. Additionally, the technique can be adjusted to minimize discomfort for individuals who are prone to tooth sensitivity.

Results

Many people find disappointment with over-the-counter products. Most whitening toothpastes contain mild abrasives, which scrape dark residue from the surface of teeth. Mouth rinses containing whiteners are unlikely to remain in contact with tooth enamel for long enough to achieve significant improvement. Even the best of the commercially available options does not compare with the fast, dramatic results that are possible with professional treatment. Retail products contain much lower concentrations of active ingredients than professional formulas, so improvement is much less dramatic.

We offer both in-office and at-home systems to meet the unique needs of each individual. Many people choose in-office treatment, for fast improvement and at-home treatments to maintain results. If you want your brightest smile, call us at 785.841.4840 and schedule a consultation.

Dr. Kelly Miller

Dr. Kelly Miller is a distinguished dentist with over a decade of experience dedicated to holistic and biological dental care. A Lawrence native, she earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Kansas and a master's in Biomedical Science from the National University of Ireland, Galway. Her research experience at KU's Department of Medicinal Chemistry enriches her scientific approach. Dr. Miller completed her doctorate in dentistry at the University of Missouri-Kansas City in 2009. At Lawrence Dental Solutions, she continues her father's legacy, emphasizing patient-centered care and overall well-being.

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