Teeth whitening solutions are very popular because they can brighten your teeth and improve your smile. This treatment will remove discolouration and stains from tooth enamel, and you will have whiter teeth as a result. There are a ton of whitening methods and products to choose from, and many people wonder if professional treatments performed at dental clinics are better than at-home solutions you can buy in store.
Knowing the differences between these two options will help you determine which option is best, and the following guide will provide you with more information:
At-Home Treatments
There are different at-home treatments you can consider, including whitening toothpastes and whitening strips. These toothpastes contain additional chemicals that can lighten tooth colour by up to one shade, and while this option is inexpensive, results are not guaranteed. Whitening strips are thin pieces of plastic that are coated in peroxide, and these must be attached to the teeth for a specific time period every day. These are convenient and easy to use and are generally more effective than whitening toothpastes. The problem is that these strips focus only on the front part of your tooth enamel and ignore stains that are located between the teeth. It’s also possible to experience gum irritation and tooth sensitivity, so you need to be aware of these aspects.
Whitening trays can also be used at-home and these are mouth guards that are filled with bleaching gel. The gel contains peroxide, and you will see results rather quickly if you follow the instructions. Standard-sized trays are used for the at-home version of this treatment, and some people find these to be very uncomfortable. They can also cause gum irritation as well.
Professional treatments
Dentists will provide you with teeth whitening treatments that are safe and effective. The treatments are fast, and you will notice a significant improvement when it comes to the colour of your teeth. Dentists are qualified professionals, so they will know exactly how to apply the treatment and will not harm your gums in the process. They will place a bleaching gel directly on your teeth and will activate it with heat or light, which will break apart the bonds between stained molecules. This method is expensive, but it’s the most effective. Dentists can also use whitening trays, and while this is similar to the version you can do at-home, the difference is that the mouth guard will be custom made, so it will fit your teeth perfectly. This will eliminate the possibility of irritation, and you will notice better results.
Professional treatments will provide you with quicker results, and you will notice a drastic change in your smile. If you’d like to proceed with this option, Forest Hill Family Dental can help, and our clinic would be happy to provide you with more information. If you’re ready for a brighter smile, contact us today!