Of the cosmetic dental treatments available throughout the country, teeth whitening remains one of the most popular options. Available over the counter at most drugstores, online, and in most dental offices, teeth whitening is increasingly growing in popularity as a way of giving your smile an immediate boost. With the easy accessibility of whitening treatments, many of our patients at Pickwick Family Dental Care wonder what the difference is between store-bought and professional teeth whitening treatments.

The Difference
Most whitening treatments are similar in usage. Both use a whitening gel that is applied to the surface of the teeth, whitening the teeth and minimizing the appearance of discoloration and staining on the tooth’s enamel. The difference between these treatments is in the quality of materials used. Our dentists, Drs. Don Walley and Glenda Walley, and our team utilize a professional-grade material that is more powerful and effective at whitening the teeth than store-bought treatments. Additionally, professional teeth whitening treatments typically cause less tooth sensitivity than other options on the market. Overall, professional whitening treatment will give you faster, more effective results.

What Causes Tooth Discoloration?
Many of our patients seeking teeth whitening in Counce, Tennessee, and surrounding areas, including Savannah and Adamsville, Tennessee, and Corinth and Iuka, Mississippi, often wonder why their teeth become discolored. Through the natural aging process and other factors, the teeth can become discolored and stained. Some of the factors that affect tooth discoloration include:

  • Poor dental hygiene
  • Consuming tooth-staining foods
  • Consuming beverages that stain the teeth, like coffee, tea, wine or soda
  • Smoking or general tobacco use
  • Some illnesses
  • Some medications
  • Fluorosis


If you are ready to give your smile a cosmetic boost, schedule an appointment with Pickwick Family Dental Care at 731-689-3627.