At Home vs. Professional Whitening

When it comes to a fast, minimally invasive and relatively low cost cosmetic procedure, teeth whitening is a popular choice. Few things can boost your confidence like a bright, beautiful smile, and although the results are not permanent, they are immediate and can last for several months with proper care. 

With so many at-home options available, some might wonder why people choose a professional treatment performed in the office?

When a tooth whitening procedure is performed in a dental office, the results tend to be better for a number of different reasons. Highly trained dental professionals use high concentration bleaching gels. In-office whiteners such as Zoom, Britesmile, Opalescence and Lumibrite offer safe and reliable whitening results.   

Visiting your dentist for a tooth whitening treatment is a relatively simple procedure. During your initial consultation, your dentist will conduct a thorough oral health examination to determine if you are a good candidate for tooth whitening. If you have any issues such as gum disease or tooth decay, the concentrated bleaching gel used for whitening can be very painful. Therefore, any problematic oral health conditions must be addressed before your dentist will perform in-office whitening. In addition, your dentist can advise whether whitening will achieve your desired results. In some cases, deep stains will not respond to whitening, and if this is the situation your dentist might recommend veneers or lumineers. 

 Once you’ve been approved as a candidate, your dentist preps your teeth by clearing away any debris and plaque and takes pre-treatment photos so you can see the change.

Next the dentist will insert a cheek retractor to expose teeth and apply a liquid rubber dam or hardening resin to the gum tissue to protect gums from the bleaching gel. 

At this point the dental professional applies a hydrogen peroxide bleaching gel to the teeth where it will remain for 15 to 30 minutes. The gel is then cleaned off and this process is repeated one or a few more times. Some whitening treatments also incorporate a high-intensity light to expedite and enhance the whitening process. You will be able to notice results right away although it may take a few days to see the full effect.

Ready to see what a bright new smile can do for your spirits? Make an appointment today.