Teeth whitening is a popular treatment, and if your teeth look discoloured or stained, teeth whitening is a great way to improve the appearance of your smile.
The foods and drinks we consume, tobacco use, our age, medication and trauma are all causes of discoloured teeth. If you are interested in teeth whitening treatments, you need to know the facts and what to expect to make informed decisions. Speaking to your dentist is the best place to start because they will provide you with honest information and tell you whether you are a suitable candidate for the process.
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening products contain one of two tooth bleaches; hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. These ingredients will break stains into smaller pieces and will reduce the concentration of colour, making your teeth brighter. It’s important to note that whitening does not work on all teeth, and you must check with your dentist to determine the correct procedure. Additionally, whitening will not work on dental appliances like caps, veneers, crowns or fillings.
You can choose to have your teeth professionally whitened or purchase at-home whitening kits and products. If you’re struggling with your decision, the following details will help:
At-Home Teeth Whitening
Kits can be purchased from your dentist or at drug stores, and there are different options, including whitening strips, trays, lights, toothpaste and brushes. These products usually contain peroxide, which works below the surface to lighten tooth enamel and must be used regularly over days or weeks.
Professional Teeth Whitening
This will be done in a dental office, and in-office whiteners are stronger because they have more peroxide in the solution. Professional whitening methods can change the colour of your teeth faster than at-home methods, and the process will generally take about an hour.
Which Option is best?
This answer will depend on the results you want to achieve and your overall oral health. It is best to consider the differences, including time, cost and longevity. At a dentist’s office, you will likely spend one to two hours but leave with teeth eight shades whiter, whereas, at home, you will have to spend one to two hours per day over a series of weeks for your teeth to become 3-6 shades whiter. Professional teeth whitening is much faster and more effective, which is why it is more expensive. You will pay more than the cost of at-home kits but will notice results immediately in a much shorter duration of time.
Finally, professional whitening done by a dentist will penetrate deeper below the surface of your teeth because of the concentration of the solution, which means your teeth will stay whiter longer compared to at-home teeth whitening methods.
If you require more information, Tavistock Family Dentistry can help! Whether you need an emergency dentist, dental implants or a dentist near me in Tavistock, we can help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
