Teeth Whitening Options: At-Home Teeth Whitening vs. Professional Teeth Whitening
A bright, white smile is a huge benefit of proper oral hygiene and really enhances overall appearance. How can you achieve this? We can help you determine the best whitening option for your teeth. Whether your teeth are stained or have a yellow tint, a big beautiful smile exudes confidence and a healthy glow.
Teeth Whitening Treatments
When it comes down to it, all whitening treatments are comprised of one or two bleaches – hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. They are applied directly to tooth enamel to make teeth brighter, reducing the concentration of stain color. There are many different ways to apply these whitening agents, including adhesive strips, gel-filled molds, or simply painting them with a small paintbrush. No matter the method, when the whitening agent comes into contact with the tooth, the chemical will dissolve the stain.
The main difference between whitening treatments, aside from the method of application, is the concentration of the bleach. DIY products labeled for home use, such as whitening strips, have a much lower concentration of bleach to ensure consumer safety. They are effective in whitening teeth; however, chemical agents can also damage gums and tooth enamel if not applied correctly and in the right amount. The best DIY methods available will take longer and typically require many applications to be effective. Overuse and incorrect application of readily available over-the-counter products can be harmful to gums and tooth enamel, potentially leading to tooth decay, nerve damage, and infection.
At Home: Whitening Toothpaste and Teeth Whitening Strips
You should always check with your dentist before undertaking any form of teeth whitening. Manufacturers are coming out with new whitening toothpaste products all the time. Teeth whitening kinds of toothpaste work to lift away stains without causing any damage to the tooth’s structure. Care must be taken to select the most effective and safest method since whitening toothpaste is harsher on your teeth than regular toothpaste.
Whitening toothpaste tends to take multiple applications for quite some time to lift stains from your teeth and help prevent new stains. Most home teeth whitening strips leave teeth one or two shades whiter, but heavy stains may not disappear.
There are no over-the-counter teeth whitening methods that will provide you with the same results as you would otherwise receive from a dentist. Proper dental hygiene is key.
Dental Visit: In-Office Professional Teeth Whitening
The safest way to whiten teeth is in the dentist’s office, while under the observation of a trained professional. It is also faster and more convenient to attain optimal results. Dentists are trained professionals who can use stronger whitening agents than those found in DIY kits. Therefore, a whiter smile is more immediate while in the dentist’s chair. It is also very convenient. The teeth whitening service often occurs right after a routine cleaning and exam, when you are already in the chair.
The dentist will advise the best method for you while ensuring your teeth are properly prepared to safely achieve the best possible results. Precautions are taken to protect your enamel and gums. Gingival tissues are usually protected before the agent is applied. Under dentist supervision, the risk of your teeth and gums getting damaged is extremely minimal.
Teeth Whitening Cost
While teeth whitening in a dentist setting will come at a higher price tag than over-the-counter teeth whitening products, the adage of “you get what you pay for” definitely applies. A professional teeth whitening service in the dentist’s office is safer and works faster than over-the-counter methods.
Your insurance plan may not cover a teeth whitening service. To ease the cost burden, we offer financing options to make it easier to pay for the bright white teeth that our patients want.
Dental Visit: Take-Home Teeth Whitening Maintenance
It is worth noting that both professional and DIY teeth whitening will need maintenance as neither lasts forever. The time between applications largely depends upon each individual’s dietary and oral hygiene habits. Regularly drinking coffee, tea, red wine, or using tobacco will impact how long the treatment lasts. Reduced intake of these staining agents and proper oral hygiene is the best way to lengthen the time between whitening treatments.
Maintaining treatment results also relies upon proper oral hygiene and routine dental care. A take-home whitening system is often recommended for periodic touch-ups following the initial teeth whitening procedure.
Determining the Best Option For You
Teeth whitening only works on natural teeth. Teeth whiteners do not affect the color of existing dental fillings, veneers, bonding, crowns, or bridges on the front teeth remains an important consideration when choosing the best cosmetic option in care.
At Evers Dental Center, we pride ourselves on offering a welcoming, compassionate and complete approach to dental care. Consider teeth whitening after your next routine cleaning appointment or call to schedule a consultation today. We will take a close look at your smile to advise you about the best teeth whitening procedure to achieve healthier and better results.
A bright, beautiful smile is possible and is easier than you may think.
