Teeth whitening is the most popular cosmetic treatment for people who want to brighten their smile. Are you wondering which is better to whiten your teeth at home or at the dentist’s office? There are many benefits of choosing to have a dentist over using an at-home kit to do it yourself.
At-home teeth whitening costs less than whitening at the dentist’s office, however, results that can be achieved with professional teeth whitening are far superior.
Faster Results at a Dental Office When You Whiten Your Teeth
Both at-home and professional teeth whitening solutions have hydrogen peroxide, a bleaching agent in their products. When you choose Zoom in-office teeth whitening, the whitening ingredients used are stronger than at-home solutions. You will instantly have brighter teeth, with little to no sensitivity.
The at-home method typically takes weeks or months to see any results. According to Philips Zoom, with professional teeth whitening, you can achieve a brighter smile in just 45 minutes that could be up to 8 shades whiter, reversing stains from food and drinks, aging, and even discoloration from some types of medication.
Professional Whitening Penetrates Teeth from Within
Professional Whitening Penetrates Teeth from WithinA dental professional will examine your teeth to make sure you are a good candidate for teeth whitening. If you have any composite fillings, veneers, or crowns, they will not get bleached and may leave your teeth looking discolored or stained.
They will clean your teeth and remove any plaque or tartar prior to applying the bleaching agent to optimize results. A dental professional will monitor the whitening procedure to make sure there is minimal tooth sensitivity and gum irritation following treatment.
Most at-home whitening methods remove discoloration on the surface of the teeth, while professional whitening penetrates teeth from within, where discoloration occurs. In-office treatments are longer-lasting than at-home methods.
Less Risk of Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity and gum irritation are common side effects following teeth whitening. When the whitening gel is left on the teeth for too long, it dehydrates the teeth and causes sensitivity. If the peroxide agent gets on your gums, it can irritate them and cause pain when eating certain foods.
It is more likely that a patient will have less-than-desirable results and misuse the at-home whitening systems which will lead to sensitivity and pain. When you have your teeth whitened at the dentist, the dental professional will prepare your mouth, teeth, and gums before applying the bleaching agent to protect them from harm. They know how to avoid damaging the teeth and how to yield the best outcome.
Downers Grove Cosmetic Dentistry
If you are interested in professional teeth whitening, call Webster Dental in Downers Grove today at 630.663.0554. We are located at 1121 Warren Avenue, Suite 130, in Downers Grove, Illinois. Barbara Webster DDS, a Downers Grove dentist, specializes in cosmetic dentistry with proven results. She has worked with some of the country’s leading cosmetic dentists and views cosmetic dentistry as both an art form and a science. Her exacting technique combined with her eye for aesthetics truly sets her apart from other dentists. We hope to see you in soon!