Teeth Whitening at Home vs Teeth Whitening in Dentist Office
Although most people do not have a smile full of pearly whites, they do have the option of a teeth whitening treatment. This will allow many stains and discolorations to be easily removed from the teeth, returning them to a beautiful, bright shade of white.
Most patients find themselves confused about which type of treatment they should choose to get the best results. Teeth whitening at home? Teeth whitening in the dentist’s office?
Let’s take a look at both so you can opt for the one that is right for you.
What Causes Stained and Discolored Teeth?
No one is born with a stained tooth. Instead, these stains are caused by many factors that we may or may not be able to control. For instance, the most common reasons for stained or discolored teeth include:
- Poor dental hygiene
- Age
- Genetics
- Certain illnesses, including celiac disease, liver disease, eating disorders, etc.
- Certain medications, including chemo, radiation, blood pressure medications, antidepressants, antihistamines, and more.
- Foods such as those that are brightly colored like tomatoes, beets, cherries, raspberries, blueberries, etc.
- Beverages such as coffee, red wine, tea, soda, certain juices, etc.
- Tobacco use, both chewing and smoking
- Dental trauma
The Impact of Teeth Whitening
There are many advantages that you will enjoy when you invest in professional teeth whitening.
- Enhanced smile - and improved overall appearance
- A boost in confidence
- Better oral health
- Fast, reliable results
Simply put, when you feel good about your smile you are more willing to show it. And this may even increase your quality of life.
At-Home Teeth Whitening
An at-home teeth whitening treatment from your dentist will often require an office visit to set up your personalized mouth guard. See, these treatments use a strong whitening agent known as carbide peroxide and, to get the most effective and even results, you will need something to hold the gel in place against your teeth.
It should be noted that at-home teeth whitening is done under the care of a dental professional, but not in the presence of one. Therefore, they are not as strong as in-office treatments, requiring anywhere from hours to weeks to see the results you are looking for. This does not make this type of treatment less effective, but it does take longer.
Teeth Whitening in the Dentist’s Office
Teeth whitening in your dentist’s office is the ideal option for those who are looking for fast results they can count on. Under the supervision of a dental professional, a barrier is used to protect the gums while the whitening agent is applied to the teeth. Then, a special light is used to give the treatment a kickstart.
In-office teeth whitening is often completed in one visit - with remarkable results.
Best Option For Teeth Whitening?
Both in-office and at-home professional whitening treatments work well and give you a whiter smile. Deciding which is best for you is something to discuss with your dentist.
Teeth Whitening at Davis Gribble Hollowwa Dental
At Davis Gribble Hollowwa Dental, we prefer to give our patients options - even when it comes to teeth whitening treatments. Both at-home and in-office teeth whitening options are available and can be highly effective when used under the care and direction of our office. We do everything we can to ensure that you have a smile you feel good about.
To learn more or to get started, contact us today at 505-898-1976. Or, request an appointment online.