In Office Vs. At-Home Teeth Whitening
Do you have a big date or important job interview coming up? Do you have perfectly straight teeth but find yourself wanting more to complete your smile? Are your teeth dampening your mood? If you answered yes to any of those questions, you have probably explored some sort of teeth whitening method or you may have even experimented with a couple. With so many types of treatments available and information coming at you from every angle, how are you supposed to know what type of treatment is right for you? Let’s explore the different types of in-office (professional) and at-home (do-it-yourself) teeth whitening treatments, how they work, whom they’re right for, and then which treatment might be best for you.
At-home treatments
Do-it-yourself teeth whitening treatments have become increasingly popular as more and more people have begun to understand the importance of white teeth and a more radiant smile. There are several types of treatments with varying results to choose from depending on your wants and needs.
Whitening rinses: These are probably the easiest treatment to use. All you have to do is swirl it around your mouth for a few seconds before spitting it out. The whitening agent is in contact with your teeth for just a short time, so results are typically quite gradual.
Whitening toothpaste: This kind of toothpaste contains ingredients that gradually brighten teeth with gentle brushing.
Gel strips: Usually, gel strips are worn for 2 hours a day for anywhere between 10-20 days.
Whitening trays: This treatment consists of trays containing gel that you fit over your teeth. This type of treatment whitens your teeth fast but the trays are not custom-made for you so you may begin to feel some gum or tooth irritation.
In-office treatments
Teeth whitening trays: Similar to the ones you would use at home, trays are filled with bleaching solution and then fitted firmly over your teeth. However, these trays are custom-made just to fit your mouth. Because you’re under your dentist’s supervision, a stronger bleaching solution can be used compared to any at-home treatments.
Laser: Advances in the dental industry have allowed dentists to use lasers to assist in the whitening process. The lasers speed up the bleaching process and can even make your teeth healthier.
How do you know which treatment is right for you?
Choosing a whitening treatment can be a difficult choice. Ultimately it comes down to whether or not you want to spend the money on professional teeth whitening and what your smile goals are. If you want the best results and the brightest smile possible, professional whitening is the way to go for you. However, if you just want a little pick-me-up or just need to go a shade or two lighter, at-home treatment might be right for you. Do you have a busy schedule? Not to worry, professional whitening treatments only take 20-30 minutes! If you can’t find time for a dental visit, just run into your local drug store and grab an at-home treatment. Whichever treatment you choose, you’re well on your way to achieving the smile you have always dreamed of!