If you are looking for a simple and convenient way to brighten and whiten your smile, then you may benefit from teeth whitening near you. At Township Dental Wellness, we offer professional teeth whitening as an effective and safe way to enhance your smile.
However, with so many options for over-the-counter teeth whitening available, you may be wondering why you should opt for the more expensive choice of professional teeth whitening. Read on to learn the difference between professional and at-home teeth whitening.
What is Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening, also called bleaching, works to remove stains and discoloration from tooth enamel to help individuals achieve a brighter and whiter smile. While the natural color of teeth can range from yellow to light grey, most individuals desire a white smile, which is why teeth whitening products are so popular.
New teeth whitening methods are constantly being developed, and there are now many options ranging from easy at-home solutions to quick, professional whitening treatments performed by a dentist in Legacy. With so many options available, it can be difficult to figure out which one is best.
Here are the differences between at-home and professional teeth whitening:
At-Home Teeth Whitening
All kinds of toothpaste whiten teeth by using mild abrasives to remove debris and plaque from their surfaces. Whitening toothpaste uses extra chemicals to lighten the color of a tooth by up to one shade after daily use for about two weeks. This is a cheap whitening option but doesn’t offer dramatic results.
Whitening strips are another popular method of teeth whitening in Legacy and are thin pieces of plastic coated in peroxide and placed over the teeth for a short period each day. They are more effective than whitening toothpaste and are easy to use. You can place a whitening strip over your teeth at any time of the day or night. They can lighten your teeth by up to four shades in just two weeks, with results lasting for a couple of months. Whitening strips are a very popular way to brighten smiles but can only correct the front part of the tooth and cannot address stains between the teeth. It is also important to be careful when using this method of whitening, as it can cause tooth sensitivity and gum irritation if used incorrectly or too often.
The final type of at-home whitening method is whitening trays. These are essentially mouthguards filled with a whitening gel and worn for thirty minutes at a time. The gel contains peroxide and produces effective and quick results. Most people notice that their smile is brighter within three days of use. However, the over-the-counter version of these trays can be uncomfortable and can lead to gum irritation.
Professional Teeth Whitening
The quickest and most effective way to brighten your smile is through professional teeth whitening provided by a dentist near you. With professional teeth whitening, you can enjoy a smile up to eight shades lighter after only one hour in the dentist’s chair. This is achieved by applying a bleaching gel directly onto the teeth and then activating the gel with a special light to activate the molecules and effectively bleach the teeth. While this is by far the most efficient and safest method, it is also the most expensive. This method can also lead to increased tooth sensitivity, but an experienced and qualified dentist will be able to provide you with methods to counter this sensitivity and keep your teeth healthy and bright.
Another professional teeth whitening option is take-home whitening trays. This is a similar method to the whitening trays mentioned in the at-home whitening section, but instead of a one-size-fits-all tray, these trays are specially designed to fit over your teeth, ensuring that your results are smooth and effective. Additionally, this method comes with a lower risk of gum irritation and provides a better final result. It is helpful to get whitening trays from a dentist because they can monitor your progress and provide you with advice, so you get the best results possible.
Choosing the Right Method for You
Dentists are qualified professionals who are able to provide useful advice and assist patients in their quest for a brighter and whiter smile. Professional teeth whitening treatments offer the most effective and safest methods for brightening your smile. Professional whitening may be more expensive than over-the-counter methods, but the results are often better and achieved much quicker, making it well worth the investment. At-home teeth whitening may be more convenient for some, but individuals must have reasonable expectations for results when going down that route.
For all methods of teeth whitening, it is important to note that results are always temporary. The longevity of treatment depends on lifestyle choices such as smoking and drinking and the consumption of dark-colored foods and beverages such as coffee and berries. Some people have teeth that stain more easily than others as well. When you opt for professional teeth whitening, your dentist can take your individual situation into account to provide the best results possible.
At-home teeth whitening treatments offer convenient and simple solutions for many people of all ages and lifestyles. When choosing between at-home teeth whitening and professional teeth whitening, think about factors such as longevity, results, and budget.
Visit Township Dental Wellness
If you are interested in professional teeth whitening, please do not hesitate to contact our dedicated team of dental professionals at Township Dental Wellness. We are happy to provide professional teeth whitening as a safe, effective, and convenient way for patients to achieve whiter, brighter smiles. Please contact us to book your appointment today.
