One of the most common cosmetic dental treatments, teeth whitening, is minimally invasive and reasonably priced. Although teeth whitening in NE Calgary does not provide a permanent fix for tooth discoloration, results are almost immediately visible and, with proper maintenance, can persist for several months.
While most people think of in-office dental services when they think about teeth whitening, a variety of at-home, DIY teeth whitening solutions are also available. To help you balance the benefits and drawbacks of each, we compare these two whitening options in this feature.
At-Home Whitening Methods
A DIY alternative to having your teeth whitened professionally is at-home whitening. In general, at-home whitening is less expensive than professional options and more convenient because it may be completed without a dentist visit. In spite of this, at-home whitening treatments may not provide the same level of color alteration as professional whiteners because they contain less hydrogen peroxide. You can acquire goods like brush-on whiteners, strips, or trays online, at pharmacies, grocery stores, etc. A dentist near you may sell you at-home whitening products with a higher concentration. You might be shocked to learn that some dentists think that these dentist-dispensed kits can be used at home to produce the same results as professional whitening.
The justification for this is that consistent, proper use aids in enhancing the bleaching action, meaning that repeated applications over time may produce a more significant shade shift.
Depending on the kind of product being used, the technique of application varies considerably. However, it is advised that starting a home whitening regimen is best done following a professional dental cleaning. You can get the best outcomes by doing this. Even with lesser concentration at-home treatments, there is a risk of overdosing on tooth whitening. To prevent doing more harm than good to yourself, carefully follow the directions.
There are additional items that include things like whitening toothpaste, mouthwash, floss, and even chewing gum in addition to the typical trays, strips, and brush-on applicators. Please use caution when relying on these products. The results are insignificant in comparison to the effects produced by more conventional whitening techniques, even though they might provide mild, transient whitening.
Professional Dental Cleaning
Dental professionals with training carry out in-office teeth whitening, ensuring safe and dependable bleaching outcomes. Since dentists employ higher-concentration bleaching gels, the outcomes of professionally delivered in-office whitening frequently outperform home treatments. There are several well-known in-office bleaching products. Although the in-office whitening process for each product is largely the same, their methods of application and costs differ. Prior to treatment, your dentist in NE Calgary will “prep” your teeth by removing plaque and other debris. A full dental examination will also be carried out to guarantee ideal tooth and gum health. You may be given before-and-after images of the therapy to compare.
A cheek retractor is utilized to expose the teeth to start the treatment. To protect the gum tissue, a liquid rubber dam or hardening resin is placed. The teeth are then covered in a hydrogen peroxide bleaching gel, which is left on for 15 to 30 minutes. The gel is then removed and administered once or more for another 15- to 30-minute period. High-intensity light is used in some whitening treatments (like Zoom) to help initiate or intensify the bleaching process. Though the full impact of teeth whitening near you won’t be felt for a few days, results will be apparent right away.
Your doctor will suggest avoiding specific foods that can tint your teeth in order to maximize the whitening impact. To help you maintain your whiter smile, you can also get a take-home whitening kit or pen.
Which Option is Right For You?
Overall, both methods come with advantages and disadvantages. People with sensitive teeth can benefit from at-home whitening methods because they are cheaper and provide a gentle treatment alternative.
Contact Sunridge Landing Dental for a stronger in-office whitening treatment if you’d like your teeth whiter quickly and the service to be tailored to your needs. Call or email today!