Cosmetic dentistry encompasses various procedures aimed at enhancing the appearance of teeth and gums. A common cosmetic treatment is teeth whitening. This process is designed to lighten the teeth, addressing discoloration that can occur from diet, age, and lifestyle habits. Here’s more information on different whitening options and their benefits:
Professional Teeth Whitening
Professional teeth whitening refers to treatments administered by a dental professional, either in-office or through prescribed take-home kits. These methods use higher concentrations of whitening agents than over-the-counter products, providing a controlled and supervised approach to brightening your smile. In-office whitening involves the use of professional-grade bleaching agents, typically containing hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide.
How Are Professional Procedures Done?
In-office whitening is a procedure performed entirely at the dental clinic. A dentist will typically apply a protective barrier to the gums and soft tissues to prevent irritation. A high-concentration whitening gel is then carefully applied to the teeth, which is activated by a blue light to accelerate the process. This procedure typically takes 30 minutes to an hour to complete.
What Are the Benefits?
Opting for professional teeth whitening offers a significant and rapid change in tooth shade, commonly achieved in a single visit. The procedure is conducted under expert supervision for even, thorough gel application. Dentists can also customize the treatment to match the patient’s desired level of whiteness and inform them about the causes of stains.
Teeth stains can develop due to many factors, both internal and external, including:
- Staining Foods and Beverages
- Smoking Habits
- Plaque Buildup
- Natural Teeth Aging
- Certain Mediations
- Dental Trauma
At-home Whitening Gels
The at-home whitening gel option involves using gels with trays, which can be purchased from a dentist or over the counter. The over-the-counter versions include stock trays, while dentists offer custom-fitted trays for more even application of gel. Users place a small amount of the prescribed whitening gel into the trays and wear them for a recommended duration, often for a few hours daily or overnight. These gels are less potent than professional in-office whitening solutions, so they must be used consistently for longer to achieve results.
At-home Whitening Strips
For those who prefer a more gradual approach, over-the-counter products like whitening strips and toothpastes are widely available. Whitening toothpastes contain mild abrasives that help polish the teeth and remove surface stains. They do not change the intrinsic color of the teeth, but can make them appear brighter by removing surface stains.
Whitening strips are small pieces of flexible plastic coated with a low-concentration peroxide gel. These strips are applied directly to the teeth for a specified period each day over several weeks. They are an accessible option for addressing mild, superficial discoloration at your convenience.
Brighten Your Teeth Today
Selecting the right teeth whitening method depends on your goals, budget, and timeline. Professional in-office procedures deliver fast and dramatic results under dental supervision. At-home options like strips, toothpastes, and tray-based systems provide a convenient and gradual way to lighten your teeth. Consulting with a dental professional can help you evaluate your options and determine the most suitable path to achieving a brighter smile. Schedule a consultation today.
