Teeth whitening is one of the most often requested treatments in dentistry. Whiter teeth simply look healthier, enhancing your smile and boosting your confidence. Professional teeth whitening, the kind provided by your dentist, is known to produce the best results. It contains a prescription strength whitening agent that is capable of removing stains and discoloration for dramatically whiter teeth.
There are two main types of professional teeth whitening treatments, in-office and take-home variations. Learn the difference between these options to help you choose the best one for you.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
You can have whiter teeth in a single appointment with in-office teeth whitening treatment. During in-office whitening a protective gel or rubber shield will be placed over your gums to prevent irritation. The whitening agent is carefully applied to your teeth by your dentist and activated using concentrated light energy.
Benefits of In-Office Treatment
- Dramatic results. In-office teeth whitening treatment provides the most noticeable results of all available options. You will instantly see the difference in the shade and brightness of your teeth.
- Controlled application. Your dentist carefully controls the application of the whitening agent to achieve the desired results and ensure a natural appearance.
- Safe on teeth. Professional teeth whitening treatment is safe for your teeth, causing no damage to the enamel.
- Take-Home Teeth Whitening
Take-home or at-home teeth whitening treatment gives you the option to whiten your teeth gradually on your own. Your dentist will create a custom tray to fit your teeth that is used to apply the whitening agent. You will be instructed to wear the trays daily for a specified time period to achieve your desired results. At-home teeth whitening can take anywhere from 2-4 weeks to reach your goal.
Benefits of Take-Home Treatment
- Effective. Take-home treatment is highly effective, providing results that far surpass over the counter teeth whitening products.
- Convenient. You can whiten your teeth from the comfort of your own home at a time that works for you. Wear your whitening trays at night or during the day, whatever works best for you.
- Safe on teeth. Take-home teeth whitening treatment contains the same active ingredient as in-office treatment, but in a lower concentration, making it even safer on your enamel.
Choosing the Best Option for You
To choose between these two teeth whitening options, there are some key factors to consider. If your top priority is getting the whitest teeth possible, in-office treatment would most likely be the best option for you. It is also ideal for those with limited time.
Take-home treatment whitens teeth more gradually and is less likely to cause sensitivity. If you have no particular time constraints or you prefer to whiten your teeth at home, this may be the better option for you.
Consult with the experts at Dental Associates in Farmington, CT to determine the best teeth whitening treatment for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Teeth Whitening
Does professional teeth whitening work better than over the counter whitening?
Professional teeth whitening treatments contain carbamide peroxide, a stronger whitening ingredient than hydrogen peroxide that is in most over the counter whitening products. This provides more dramatic and longer lasting results.
How long do the results last?
The results of in-office treatment can last anywhere from 1-3 years and take-home treatment results may last 9-12 months. You can prolong your results by avoiding common teeth staining foods and beverages, such as coffee, tea, red wine, and dark berries. Touch-up kits can be used at home between treatments to keep your teeth looking bright.
At Dental Associates we believe in creating and maintaining beautiful smiles that are as healthy as they look. We proudly provide comprehensive dental services in Farmington, CT and the surrounding communities. Contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.