Teeth whitening is a standard dental procedure, but with all the terms out there, it may not be easy to figure out which category it falls under. Below, we’ll examine how the dental industry defines teeth whitening and what you need to know about the service.

How Teeth Whitening Works

The truth is that teeth whitening can fit under a couple of categories. While it’s usually classified as a purely cosmetic procedure, this is typically only the case if you have external staining. External stains, caused by coffee, wine, blueberries, etc., don’t actually weaken your teeth, so whitening them wouldn’t be considered preventive.

However, if you have internal staining due to infection or trauma, whitening them would mean addressing the underlying issue, which a dentist in St. Louis, MO, may consider either preventative or, more likely, restorative.

Why Get Teeth Whitening in St. Louis, MO?

The most common reason for teeth whitening in St. Louis, MO is for a brighter, more attractive smile. Most people hold a piece of paper up to their teeth for comparison, and they feel compelled to visit a professional for a service that can get their teeth up to eight shades whiter than common drugstore strips or kits. Getting your teeth whitened often comes with unforeseen benefits, though, usually in the form of more motivation to take better care of your smile.

If you’re interested in teeth whitening, Smile Now STL can help answer your questions about how the service works and what you can expect. As professional cosmetic and preventative dentists, we can help you address several concerns so you can enjoy better long-term oral health!